After a sold out performance at the Mayfair in March this year, Doug Wright, Craig Reeves and Marcel Rodeka return to the classic theatre on Saturday the 13th of August with a new show featuring a cast drawn from Dunedins finest professional and amateur performers.
More than 200 musicians and singers can claim to have been an Oxo Cuban over the bands 18-year career, but the permanent core of the band is Reeves, who toured with, amongst others, The Bellamy Brothers while based in America, Rodeka, who went to Australia and found fame with Mother Goose, and seasoned local keyboardist / guitarist Wright.
With their fourth production of the Big Night Out the veteran musicians continue to mentor and develop ongoing opportunities for local artistes while promoting Dunedins exceptional and diverse musical talent.
On stage with us at the Mayfair are three of the Souths finest male vocalists, William Davidson, Dave Horizon and Greg McLeod plus the Oxo Big Band and we showcase four of our Citys outstanding young female singers said Rodeka.
Returning by popular demand is 18 year old Georgie Daniell. Her unique style, musical ability and sense of
humour was a big hit with the audience at the last Big Night Out he said. Georgie has a leading role in the
show and we are looking forward to playing a new set of great songs with her.
At 17, Kylie Price is another young Dunedin singer with the potential to gain national recognition. During her short career she has gathered numerous trophies and accolades including winning the 2010 Gold Guitar Awards. A talented songwriter and guitarist, Kylie is making her first appearance with the Oxos.
20 year old Bailey Wiley is a gifted blues singer and a student at the University of Otago Contemporary Music Course. With a repertoire ranging from traditional to modern, Baileys take on the blues adds an exciting dynamic to the show and brings another great performance to The Big Night Out.
New Oxo Cuban Katie Mason is a 17 year old student at Dunedins Kavanagh College and the overall winner of the Intermediate Section of the 2011 Gold Guitar Awards. She won the first of many awards in 2004 and since then has performed lead roles in a variety of productions including Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar and performances at the 2007 & 2009 Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park. Possessing a beautiful clear voice, Katie is a welcome addition to the Oxo musical family.
Returning to the show is the multi talented Greg McLeod who last appeared with the Oxos at the bands 2007 Octagon New Years Eve Concert in the Round.
Critically acclaimed as a singer, actor and dancer, Greg studied at the New Zealand School of Drama and is a versatile and engaging performer who has successfully undertaken leading roles in Dunedin & Wellington productions.
Rounding out the guest artist roster and bringing a wealth of international experience to the concert are two of the finest vocalists in this part of the world.
William Davidson is well known to Dunedin music lovers as an impeccable performer and the original voice of the Oxo Big Band. Over the years his smooth and silky tones have featured on numerous radio and television shows and a wide variety of advertising campaigns. He has toured and performed throughout Europe and returns to the Mayfair with a finely crafted set of classic songs.
A memorable feature of the March Big Night Out was the scintillating performance delivered by Dave Horizon with The Magic of Motown.
Widely known as a gifted vocalist and musician, Dave is a lecturer at the University of Otago Music Department and the current voice of the Oxo Big Band.
This Saturday Dave Horizon returns to the Mayfair and The Big Night Out with a sizzling set of Funk, Rhythm & Blues and Soul, guaranteed to get the audience out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.
Back with the show on various keyboards is one of New Zealands most respected film & television composers, the multi skilled Graeme Perkins from Natural History NZ.
He is joined by Oxo Big Band regulars, long time Oxo guitarist John Meddings and internationally acclaimed bassist Dr Rob Burns, Senior Lecturer at the University of Otagos Music Faculty.
With the distinctive sound of saxophonist Stevie Rice adding the sparkle to a wealth of great music, The Big Night Out will be delivered as usual under the watchful eyes and ears of Oxo production manager / sound engineer Gordy Duff & lighting director Errol Head.
Stage manager Mike Hoodie Hood is back for the event and joining the production team is respected sound engineer and record producer Tex Houston.
The Big Night Out has proven to be a showcase for many gifted Dunedin performers and technicians who make great music, says musical director Doug Wright.
These concerts continue to be a win-win-win. The wonderful Mayfair gets a whole new audience, young musicians are mentored and get vital playing experience and the Otago Community Hospice benefits from the sale of refreshments on the night. We plan to have an Oxo Mayfair concert about every six months.
Remaining tickets $30 available from:
The Rockshop, The Ra Bar, Beggs Musicworks & the Butterflies Hospice Shops (Dunedin & Mosgiel).
Theatre Green Room Bar open at 7pm pre-show, half-time & for the after concert party.
