Tom, Carmel, Lloyd and Patrina admiring the Outback Tour Posters |
If the
looks on the faces of this quartet from the Esk Community Choir are any
indication, there is a slice of anticipation in the air. And the object of their excitement is one
of the many colourful posters, enabled
through the generous sponsorship of Deepcore Drilling, Caboolture, posters which depict on signposts, the towns of Outback Queensland where the
Choir will be performing workshops and Concerts as part of their " Our
Gift to the Outback" Tour, departing on 20th September. Mention must also be made of the generous
contributions towards expenses for this, given to the Choir by the Somerset
Council and their Regional Arts Development Fund and the Management and staff
of Shepherdson & Boyd, all of whom have always been so supportive of the
Esk Community Choir and their endeavours.
Touring has
become a regular item on this Choir's Calendar of Events, having already reaped
the benefits of three European Tours in the past six years. This year, with many places as far west as
Tambo, Emerald, Longreach and others
along the highway feeling the recent
effects of droughts and flooding rains, the Choir members decided to give the
gift of their talents to as many towns as they were able to squeeze into a ten
day bus tour of these relatively isolated Communities. Their nine performances will be as diverse as
the places at which they will be staged. From Retirement Villages, to Sheds, Halls,
Churches and one at Longreach’s QANTAS Museum, indications are that the
eagerness is apparent at both ends of the highway. With their own losses, this Choir has known of the importance of
"Community" and what it means to be able to know that people care and
to be able to give this gift of their music and talents is a once in a lifetime
opportunity.
Before
boarding the Bus, however, the Choir will be giving the Somerset Community a
taste of what they will be dishing out along the highway. One of the first gala occasions to be staged
at Esk's brand new Civic Centre will be on September 9th, commencing at 2.30pm
when the Esk Community Choir will be presenting an afternoon's entertainment
with a large slice of the Outback repertoire. Following the Concert and in
keeping with the Outback theme, a typical outback "smoko" style
spread will be served to tempt tasters.
More
details forthcoming but September 9th in Esk is a date to be set aside for the
whole family.
by Sue Walker Follow our tour Our Gift to the Outback Tour Shakin not Stirred