Countdown is on to Ringwood Spiegeltent

Step back in time and recapture the magic of the Golden Age of Circus when the curtain calls on Ringwood’s spectacular Spiegeltent for nine days during April 2019.

Mayor Councillor Rob Steane said Maroondah audiences would be treated to a host of performances under the big top, from Friday 5 April to Saturday 13 April 2019.

“This year sees the return of the Ringwood Spiegeltent after a sell-out season in 2018.

“We’re thrilled to have appearances from some of Australia’s best-known talent, including Anthony Callea and Vika and Linda Bull.

“Tickets to their shows have already sold out, which is hardly surprising given last year’s sell-out season, which attracted almost 4,000 visitors.

“While some of the shows have already sold out, there are some limited tickets remaining; and others, such as Rouge – a decadent blend of acrobatics, operatic cabaret and burlesque – which have multiple performances, still have tickets available,” he said.

Returning from London’s West End, award-winning musical theatre star Michael Cormick reunites with his leading lady Rachel Beck in You and I, and there will be ‘fun, fun, fun’ and ‘good vibrations’ as we celebrate The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson in God Only Knows - Songs of Brian Wilson.

The musical tributes will continue with Sun Rising - The Songs that made Memphis Famous, a tribute to the record label that launched the careers of the likes of Elvis, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, plus a tribute to the undisputed ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin in Aretha - In Loving Memory.

“So, if you’re considering taking in the Spiegeltent experience this April, then I would strongly encourage the Maroondah and broader community to reserve their seats now to avoid missing out,” Cr Steane said.

To book, visit the Karralyka website, call 9879 2933 or visit the Karralyka Box Office, Mines Road, Ringwood East.

The 2019 Ringwood Spiegeltent will take place in Ringwood Town Square, next to Ringwood Station and Eastland.

Since their first show only six years ago, Melbourne’s very own Sun Rising Band have fast become Australia’s premier tribute to the timeless music of Sun Records, selling out across the country, headlining Rock ‘n’ Roll festivals, and even receiving an endorsement from the son of Sun Records founder, Sam Phillips!

In this musical tribute to the songs that made Memphis famous, Sun Rising revisits famed Sun Records, focusing on the early period of 1950-57 with music from artists such as BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and more.

Through excellent renditions of incredible music and an enjoyable historical narration, the story of this burgeoning music studio is told throughout this production.

The Songs that made Memphis takes famous tales and often hilarious anecdotes from Sun Records artists, and its creator, Sam Phillips. It’s an amalgamation of good humour, excellent musicality and great story-telling that makes for a world-class production and a wonderfully entertaining audience experience.

Relive the amazing music and classic tales of Sun’s early years. This show is not to be missed, so break out the brylcream, whack on the dancing shoes and book now to reserve your seat at this year’s Ringwood Spiegeltent.

Date: Friday 12 April 2018 Time: 9pm Tickets: $55

Aretha’s voice was truly the universal standard for excellence and a benchmark for vocalists everywhere. No genre was off limits – jazz, gospel, soul, rock, pop…even operatic arias were no match for this formidable singer and entertainer.

In this unforgettable tribute to the undisputed ‘Queen of Soul’, multi award-winning vocalist Nina Ferro celebrates the life of a woman who has influenced generations of singers and touched the lives of so many.

Over the course of her career, Aretha Franklin garnered 44 Grammy nominations, winning 18, and became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 1987.

Her powerful, distinctive gospel-honed vocal style has influenced countless singers across multiple generations, justifiably earning her Rolling Stone Magazine’s No.1 place on the list of the ‘Greatest Singers of All Time’.

Nina Ferro is a London-based singer-songwriter who is fast making her mark as one of the hottest stars on the international music scene. Nina’s powerful, evocative voice, stunning vocal range and captivating stage presence have earned her an enviable international reputation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Ferro as she belts out some of Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits, including Respect, Think, Say a Little Prayer, Natural Woman, Daydreaming, Spanish Harlem, You’re All I Need to Get By, Until You Come Back to Me, Baby I Love You, Angel and many more, as part of 2019 Ringwood Spiegeltent season.

Date: Wednesday 10 April 2019 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: $50

It was the sound of beach parties and summer romance. Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys created the soundtrack of a generation. But beyond the surf rock and iconic harmonies, Wilson’s songs also narrated his complicated life.

Celebrated as one of the most inspirational composers of all time, Wilson applied his genius to writing, arranging and producing works; including the revolutionary album, Pet Sounds. Incredibly, Wilson’s knowledge of music was predominantly self-taught.

Cabaret rock star Drew Downing is bringing this amazing sound to the 2019 Ringwood Spiegeltent, following two sell-out seasons of Let It Be: The Songs of Lennon & McCartney at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2017. Downing is also a Greenroom-nominated songwriter for REBEL (Midsumma and Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2015).

Downing’s charisma and explosive arrangements fuel his epic 14-piece backing ensemble, delivering all the hits in this must-see concert event as part of 2019 Ringwood Spiegeltent.

Downing sets out to explore the complexities of a man who gave a generation its soundtrack, with famous hits such as Surfer Girl, I Get Around, Surfin’ USA, Good Vibrations, In My Room, Help Me Rhonda, God Only Knows, When I Grow Up (to be a man).

Date: Sunday 7 April Time: 8pm Tickets: $55