Return of the Trocadero Dance Palace
When I told my Nan last year that Sirens was going to the house band for Sydney Festival's recreation of the famous Trocadero Dance Palace, she was beyond chuffed, and shared with me a slew of great memories of her time dancing there in the 1940s and 50s. The 2011 show was a great success, and enjoyed all the more because of my Nan's memories swirling around in my mind.
A similar thing happened this year when I told my Nan that we'd be doing the show again, but as a huge swinging street party on Elizabeth Street as part of Sydney Festival First Night. She instantly regaled me with stories of when WWII ended and recalled hundreds of people dancing through the city streets.
For those that missed the show at the last Sydney Festival in Sydney Town Hall, you can expect to relive the decadent glamour of the 1940s and 50s with a damn strong nod to the 21st Century. This is Sirens in big band swing mode – you'll hear some old favourites and some pop songs cleverly re-worked in a similar style.
Sirens have been working hard at rehearsals with a great cast of singers including Dan Barnett, the great MD Dave Theak, last year's dancers and this year's host, Trevor Ashley.
The show kicks off at 9:00pm and like all First Night shows it's FREE! For more info visit the Sydney Festival website.
This is the first of many word offerings from me, so please visit us again for more updates on what Sirens have planned for 2012! Thank you to everyone that came to our gigs, purchased a CD and offered support in any other way over the past year – we are very grateful.
-Jess
