Author: levi

Myall High – Harp Trio

Written by levi on October 30, 2017. Posted in Bands, Covers / Pop / Rock, Top 20, Uncategorized, Wedding.

Myall High
Harp Trio

At its core is a Solo harp which is live looped and blended with beats taking influences house music, afro-cuban and jazz. The result is this unique combination of classical harp creating rich harmonious layers, complemented with beats and floating vocals hinting at familiar melodies.

From there you can add bass, keys, percussion & more. One thing you notice with these musicians together is the inherent ability to improvise and adapt, contrasting moods and tempos. A sound which they’ve crafted over the course of a decade.

Indian Fusion and Bollywood Nupur Dancers

Written by levi on September 18, 2017. Posted in DANCERS & DRUMMERS.

Indian Fusion
and
Bollywood Nupur Dancers

Commitment to art is the motto of Nupur. Determined to instill in the new generation social awareness and a sense of community, Manjusha De was motivated to start the group over 14 years ago, naming it Nupur (anklets). Nupur’s dance styles encapsulate the grace and essence of classical Indian dance form as well as the enchanting rhythm of Bollywood. Backed by the expertise of two generations – Manjusha De and Jinnie De (Manjusha’s daughter), creative director, choreographer and teacher, scores of students have come up to a surreal level whereby they are in great demand all around Sydney and interstate for showcasing their talents.

Nupur has reached many milestones over the years. In year 2000, 18 Nupur girls took part in the Opening Ceremony of Sydney Olympics and for the next few years Nupur went from strength to strength. This included live performances in concerts with Bally Sagoo (famous UK DJ), Hard Kaur (famous UK Indian rapper and Bollywood actress), Jay Sean (internationally renowned UK singer), and most memorable AR Rahman concert (internationally acclaimed music maestro, music composer, singer-song writer) in front of an audience of 80,000 people.

Lily Guerrero and Andro Martinez Duo

Written by levi on September 3, 2017. Posted in Acoustic, Jazz Soul Latin, Romantic, Wedding.

Lily Guerrero and Andro Martinez Duo

Bringing their Chilean backgrounds and love of music together, this dynamic duo will have you grooving in your seats.

Lily Guerrero is a key player in the vibrant Sydney Latin scene. Born in Montreal, raised in Sydney on the South American folklore of her Chilean parents, Lily developed her interest in dance and song from a young age. She is now a versatile performer: she sings; she dances; she plays Cajon, Guitar and Charango. Lily brings her folklore touch to a range of cover material and original compositions.

Andro Martinez from the prestigious Martinez Family and Gang of Brothers. He plays percussion, bass, synths, samples all on the guitar. All brought together by his mastery of looping add the special Latin flavours from Lily and this duo is on fire.

Samba Dancers – Brazilian Drummers – Acrobatics

Written by levi on August 13, 2017. Posted in DANCERS & DRUMMERS, Uncategorized.

QCE Samba Dancers
Brazilian Drummers
&
Acrobatics

Australia’s leading Brazilian and Latin Entertainment performance company, bringing to you the energy, vibrant colours and the heat of Brazil. Our dynamic show featuring World class performers incorporates Samba dancers, Brazilian drummers, break-dancers, acrobatics, breath taking fire acts and more. From the glittering sights of the Rio Carnival to the electric sounds of Bahia, our shows are proud to represent Brazil and bring to you the best of their magic and vivid culture.

Our Brazilian and latin shows have been featured all over Australia and Internationally for major clients and worldwide and we are proud to have represented the RIO 2016 Australian Olympic teams for media appearances and sporting events. We specialise in stage shows, wedding entertainment, corporate events, casino and club entertainment, sporting events, festivals, product launches, and more and our major credits include:

National media appearances for the 2016 Australian Olympic Teams ‘Journey to Rio’ with major sponsors such as Gina Rinehart- Channel 7,9, 10, ABC and SBS media
SKYCITY Casino Darwin-‘Road To Rio’ Shows during the RIO 2016 Olympics
HEINEKEN City Shapers Festivals- Sydney, Brisbane, Perth ‘Rio De Janeiro’ Samba entertainment
V-LINE SAMBA- Leading and teaching at major Samba events held in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Changsha China for V-Line App for over 8 million online viewers
Major corporate shows for 2016 Olympic Sponsors on Hamilton Island and One & Only Resort Hayman Island, Whitsunday Islands Queensland
Scone Horse Festival- Annual Parade main featured Entertainment for ‘Horses Go to Rio’ 2016 parade

Black Diamond Hearts

Written by levi on March 17, 2017. Posted in Covers / Pop / Rock, Uncategorized.

Black Diamond Hearts
Covers Band

When BLACK DIAMOND HEARTS appear live they throw themselves into a musical blender and press high speed.

Their mix of non-stop layers of current hit songs with classic hit sound grabs played over a pounding beat sets the template from which BLACK DIAMOND HEARTS deliver to their audiences a relentless desire to dance.

Featuring band members that have been at the forefront of Sydney’s foremost Rock bands, Funk bands and Sound Systems they utilise their live music experiences to hone a changing set list that has one focus, for one night, for one purpose … to have a great time.

The band members utilise their exposure to DJ based Sound Systems and mix that into their love of rock, funk and pop to deliver what most crowds only experience from DJs. As a live band they deliver song after song into song after song into song. They whip it, lick it, grab it and kick it. It’s their lack of the predictable, which is infectious. Dance floor crowds love this band and they are loved right back.

Underpinning this band is a charisma set that is understated but unmistakable in its presence. Each member brings a core understanding of live stage performance from a myriad of support gigs, tours, backing performances and headline circuit work.

Credits include but are not limited to: The Potbelleez, Martini Club, Richard Clapton, Tommy Lee, Slash, Lionel Richie, Kate Cebrano, Go West, Spandau Ballet, The McClymonts, Sarah Blasko, Machine Gun Felatio, Ricki Lee-Coulter, Mel B, Scissor Sisters, Jimmy Barnes, Evermore, Richie Sambora (and, …it goes on).

BLACK DIAMOND HEARTS are ANDRE KAMAN, DAVID ANTHONY, JEFF DE ARAUJO, and MARC MALOUF.

Lisa Hunt Band

Written by levi on March 16, 2017. Posted in Covers / Pop / Rock.

Lisa Hunt Band

Lisa began singing in that great African American tradition, the gospel church, there was laid the foundation of her soulful singing style. She went on to study voice at The City College of New York where she recieved a BFA in music. Her debut album was ‘ A Little Piece Of Magic’ for Universal/Polydor. She has had songs on numerous compilations around the globe, both as singer and songwriter and has sold more than a million records. Strange for someone you’ve probably never heard of until now, but hey, that’s showbiz!

Lisa was on the international chart topper LOVESTATION’s ‘Soulsation’ CD. She released “Can You Feel it’ on Indie label “Nature Beat Music’. American sountracks compositions include HBO’s ‘Subway Stories’ (directed by Jonathan Demme), ‘Goodnight Moon’ with LAURYN HILL, NATALIE COLE, PATTI LABELLE, BILLY CRYSTAL & SUSAN SARANDON. Lisa’s studio credits include sessions with famed producers Jellybean Benitez (Madonna), Toni C (Whitney), Frank Farion (LaBouche, Milli Vanilli), The Berman Brothers (Amber, Ultra Nate), many more. Her voice can be heard on several top 10 dance tracks all over the world including being “the voice” of LOVESTATION (UK), CLUB X (Germany), and D1 (USA) In Italy she has been the featured vocalist on tour and recordings of ZUCCHERO Sugar Fornaciari for many years and has worked with a range of artist from PAVAROTTI to RAY CHARLES (check out her on Pavarotti and friends). She has also shared the stage with musical greats such as ERIC CLAPTON, JAMES BROWN, DIONNE WARWICK, BRIAN MAY, RANDY CRAWFORD, JOE COCKER, MILES DAVIS, and ANDREA BOCELLI

In Australia Lisa has toured and recorded with JIMMY BARNES, DEISEL, RADIO FREEDOM, and JOHNNY (B.Good) JOHNSON. Lisa recalls, “I had the honor of being invited onstage (in front of 50,000 people) to sing with MIDNIGHT OIL”. In 2004 Lisa once again hit the road with Zucchero and added a few pop stars to her resume including: RONAN KEATING, MACY GRAY, MOUSE T, DELORES O’RIORDAN (of the Cranberries) and TINA ARENA live at The Royal Albert Hall in London. There she explored new territory with world music star CHEB MUMI. She made new fans in Croatia with the duet Loredana with ALEN VITASOVIC and recorded with Sweden’s JO HANSSON.

Read More….

As an actress she’s has appeared in several Off-Broadway Musicals including ‘Dreamgirls’ , ‘Ballad for Bimshire’, and Medea directed by Robert Wilson in New York City. She produced starred in her own production of ‘The Roots Of My Soul’. a “Bluesical”. Byron Bay’s very first musical. For the last few years she has been touring the Rhythm and Blues Retrospective ‘Forever Soul’ in Australia and the Middle East. in

In 2008 Lisa was the winner of ‘Australian Idol’s’ ‘MY MOM ROCKS’ contest for NSW. Kyle Sandilands called her “A Knockout!” Paulini replied “They call us the young divas, but you are a TRUE DIVA!”. Marcia Hines called her performance “VERY Soulful” She also closed the 2008 BYRON BAY BLUESFEST with 1000’s of fans screaming for more! Lisa departed OZ for the Northern Summer with stops in New York, The Middle East and then on to Italy where she performed as a guest with the Zucchero Tribute Show ‘O.I.& B’ as well as her own shows.

2009 Lisa has started work on a new originals CD featuring and continues to tour the popular ‘Forever Soul’ . Lisa has a pet recording project called ‘The 12 Underwater Days of Christmas’ which she hopes will become a modern classic. Lisa heads overseas once again to tour Italy and The Middle East before returning to Australia to start the 10th anniversary tour of Forever Soul.

2010 Lisa single ‘Music Makes Me Free’ was released on Checktime Records and hit the top 20 on the Italian dance charts. The single appears on several compilations including ‘Live In Ibiza Vol. 2’ She returned to Australia after completing a 23 date Italian tour in July and August.

2011/12 season highlights include ‘The Gospel Show’ which debuted Oct 3rd in Byron Bay, the Caloundra Music Festival, Yatala Jazz, Tamworth Music Fest and the Titan’s Ball and New Years Eve at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast.

Lisa who? was a show stopper at the ‘Sound of Support’ QLD flood fund raiser concert at Jupiter’s theare with Daryl Braitwaite, Paulini, Christine Anu, Wendy Matthews and others.

2012/2013 Finds Lisa once on the global road; currently the girl to call for the most glamorous parties around Australia including Magic Millions, Collingwood Football, Linfox, R.M. Williams, The Crown Casino and more; sharing the spotlight with everyone from Delta Goodrem and John Stevens to Timomatic and Darren Percival. She’s headlined at the iconic TWIN TOWNS for NYE 2013.

2014 – Present Forever Soul is still going strong and is in fact following the most successful year in the tours history. The Soul Train will be stopping in all your favourite station on the upcoming Summer Of Soul. Get on board!!!
Song List

Ain’t No Mountian High Enough,
At Last,
Blame It On The Boogie,
Billy Jean,
Boogie Wonderland,
Celebrate,
Chain Of Fools,
Disco Inferno,
Don’t Leave Me This Way,
Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough,
Get Ready,
Gimme The Night,
Get Down On It,
Hallelujah,
Heatwave,
Higher And Higher,
Hips Don’t Lie,
Hot Stuff,
If You Could Read My Mind,
I Love You Baby,
I Say A Little Prayer,
I Want You Back,
I Wanna Dance With Somebody,
I Will Survive,
I Wish,
I’m Every Woman,
It’s Raining Men,
McAuthur Park,
Midnight Hour,
My Girl,
Natural Woman,
Never Can Say Goodbye,
Play That Funky Music,
Proud Mary,
Reach Out I’ll Be There,
Rescue Me,
Respect,
River Deep Mountain High,
Rock With You,
September,
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay,
Say A Little Prayer For You,
Son Of A Preacher Man,
Stop In The Name Of Love,
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,
Same Old Song,
Simply The Best,
Superstition,
Tears Of A Clown,
Thats The Way I Like It,
Think,
This Old Heart Of Mine,
Thriller,
Turn The Beat Around,
Under The Boardwalk,
We Are Family,
You Cant Hurry Love,
You Keep Me Hanging On,
Young Hearts Run Free

QCE · Lisa Hunt Band – Respect

Aykho Akhrif

Written by levi on March 14, 2017. Posted in Drums and Percussion.

Aykho Akhrif

Raised in Holland percussionist and drummer Aykho Akhrif has played alongside the likes of Bob Dylan and the Gypsy Kings in countries ranging from Cuba to America to most of Europe. Now an Australian resident he is one of the most in demand session drummers in the country playing regularly with James Morrison. Recently he’s been joining DJ Levi 5Star, adding a percussive element to his house sets, locking in a groove that lasts all night long.

He loves to combine his talents, working with different bands, jazz Latin, African, and Flamenco, or a combination of all the above. With a DJ he may use a stand with two congas and hand percussion such as tambourine, cowbell and shakers. He has played at most venues in the Sydney bar and club scene.

Together with Cameron Douglas on drum kit, Aykho form the most formidable rhythm section in the sound system scene with Sydney’s finest, La Fiesta Sound system.

Aykho has been playing percussion for 25 years, there is no one that can rock the conga’s quite like Aykho Akhrif in Australia!

Elle May Trio

Written by levi on March 14, 2017. Posted in Acoustic, Romantic, Top 20, Vocalists.

Elle May Trio

Images by Wayne Quilliam photography

Elle May is the cheeky pop songwriting sensation you’ve been waiting for! Her quirky lyrics, catchy melodies, velvety vocals and intoxicating stage presence will warm your heart and bring an uncontrollable smile to your face.

Originally hailing from New Zealand but now residing in Sydney, 25-year-old Elle May was born into an entertainment family and destined for a career in music. At the age of 15, her innate musical talents were revealed to the world after receiving a $10,000 grant from New Zealand on Air. The prestigious grant allowed her to release her debut single “So Typical” in 2007, which she co-wrote with Chartsong Productions’ Stuart Stuart. The single brought her great success at the MusicOz Awards, taking out the prize for Best Original Song in the International Category.

Aston

Written by levi on February 28, 2017. Posted in Acoustic, Romantic, Uncategorized.

Aston

Aston is one of the world’s leading emerging classical groups, turning popular music into symphonic masterpieces. After meeting at Australia’s premier music schools, The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the group of friends Eliza (violin), Michael (violin), Hanna (cello), Ella (piano), Dan (percussion, music arranger) and later Patrick (guitar) formed Aston as a way of opening classical music up to young people and audiences who may not have been exposed to classical music.

Early on in Aston’s career they were the house band on Australian TV show “The Matty Johns Show”, a Rugby League based program on Channel 7.

Aston’s first taste of international success came through YouTube where their cover of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” went viral thanks to the help of gossip blogger Perez Hilton who featured it on his infamous website. A string of other videos then went viral, Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” & “Only Girl (In The World)”, Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” as well as Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” gaining the group a legion of fans from all over the world.

Aston’s debut album released through Warner Music Australia reached No. 1 on Australian iTunes classical charts in 2010 and received glowing reviews from the media.

In 2011 Aston was invited by Perez Hilton to appear in his TV show All Access where the group met and played their famous cover of “Telephone” for Lady Gaga. After this meeting with the singing mega-star Aston went on to pay tribute to her by creating their most ambitious project, The Monster Symphony. The Monster Symphony is a 10 minute work created from just Lady Gaga songs. Together with film directors Nathan Hunt and Reece Farris, they married the music with an epic short film in which they also appeared.

Aston have also gone on to collaborate with other musicians including their videos with Youtube superstars, Karmin and Youtube’s most popular R’n’B group, Ahmir and have over 15 million views on all of their videos.

In 2012 ABC’s Dancing With The Stars featured Aston’s cover of David Guetta’s “Without You” which was specially recorded for the “Macy’s Stars of Dance” segment. The “So You Think You Can Dance” troupe Shaping Sounds performed to the track. The next week their arrangement of Bad Romance was also performed.

Aston look forward to touring their music to the far reaches of the globe and to inspire people all over the world with their exciting and symphonic sound.

Red London

Written by levi on January 18, 2017. Posted in Vocalists.

Red London

Red London has in her short time in the music industry achieved great heights in the Australian music industry. She commands the stage like no other, having the unique ability to mesmerize her audience into a trance of absolute fixation.

The Perth born songstress began singing in her early years, encouraged by those around her began to take on classical lessons at the age of 14. Progressing very quickly, she was soon accepted into Perth Modern School of the Arts, where she completed a music scholarship majoring in voice.

Over her career she has worked with the likes of Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, JR Rotem (Britney Spears, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, 50 Cent), Nate Dogg and production team Stargate (Rihanna, Beyonce, Chris Brown), as well as acclaimed Australian producers Rudy and Israel.

Having a huge song selection across the board from 60’s soul, 70s disco, 80s ballads and all the current radio smash hits, Red London has the amazing ability to free style rap and sing mashup vocals in Sydney’s much loved DJ band La Fiesta.

Now with the knowledge of the music industry, Red London finds herself in all aspects of music. Writing and releasing tracks through a number of record labels, as well as performing shows all over Australia. Having skills on guitar and piano, Red London is comfortable on any stage, whether a quiet cocktail bar, a pumping nightclub or a stadium of thousands.

Red London has quickly become one of Sydney’s most sought after singers

SEE RED LONDON PERFORM IN LA FIESTA – LIVE ON THE ROOFTOP VIDEO HERE!