Karralyka live-streamed event: Grab digital front-row seat to Crazy Arms – A Few Centuries of Piano

With absurd, improvised humour, musical wizardry and incredible stories about the piano and its players, acclaimed writer and pianist Damon Smith – from critically acclaimed shows, Sun Rising: The Songs That Made Memphis (as seen at Ringwood Spiegeltent) and Mental As Everything – will perform virtuosic piano tinkering in homage to some of the great musicians that have ‘tickled the ivories’ throughout the ages.

Documentary styled in nature, the show shares with audiences amazing stories and hilarious anecdotes from Liberace, Jerry Lee Lewis, Winifred Atwell, Scott Joplin, Dr John, Mozart, Beethoven, Harry Connick Jr, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Elton John and so many more, alongside finger-busting boogie-woogie music, delicate sonatas and huge rock and roll hits like Great Balls of Fire and Blueberry Hill.

Describing his show, Smith says: “Crazy Arms features music that has been shelved, largely unheard and music that is quite spectacular in its construction and spellbinding when performed.”

Councillor Paul Macdonald said that while nothing can beat the real-life theatre experience, Karralyka is doing its best to stay connected with residents and keep their spirits up during the coronavirus lockdown.

“During challenging times, many of us turn to music, books, art and theatre and other creative forms to soothe and distract us from everyday life. While our lives have changed in many ways during isolation, one thing hasn’t – the power of the arts to connect, comfort, transform and inspire us,” Cr Macdonald said.

And it seems Smith would agree.

“I’m not sure how everyone is dealing with the pain that 2020 has brought so far but I know for me, music helps,” Smith recently wrote to his Facebook followers.

The live-streamed performance is being featured as part of Karralyka’s Toe Tapping Tuesday series.