LOCAL Coolum singing powerhouse Janice Smithers is bringing her stage show ‘Janis’ to the Coolum Civic Centre for one night on Friday, June 7 and this ‘hometown’ gig is set to be something special as Janice literally embodies the 60s musical icon and the Advertiser has a double pass to give away.
Janice is a regular around the coast and in particular the local region with her solo shows, duo act and band ‘Janice and The Violets’ with shows at Marcoola Surf Club, Coolum Bowls Club and the Coolum Hotel with a recent Friday night gig at the ‘bowlo’ with the band one that was “rocking”.
The ‘Janis’ show is one not to be missed with Janice literally channelling the spirit of Janis Joplin with unparalleled authenticity. The songs are all there with soul-stirring renditions of Joplin’s classics such as ‘Bobby McGee,’ ‘Mercedes Benz,’ ‘Cry Baby,’ ‘Piece of My Heart,’ and ‘Get It While You Can,’ delivered by a powerhouse all-star band that also pays homage to The Doors and Jimi Hendrix.
Janice explained that Joplin’s songs are really good, “really good songs to sing.”
“It’s good to bring a spotlight back on her as she was such a trailblazer, and the stories are cool.. it’s a sad story but it’s really inspiring that she did what she did and stood up in the 60s and told everyone that she was going to do things her way.”
The show also features the lesser-known chapters of Joplin’s tumultuous life interwoven by a captivating narrator and a multimedia production that will have you laughing and shedding a tear.
It’s been more than 50 years since Joplin’s passing however, her songs, energy, style and passion is still influencing women in music and fashion across the globe, and the audience is encouraged to come along dressed in their best psychedelic and 60s clothes.
The ‘rockumentary’ is a now very polished theatre show with the songs being part of Janice’s repertoire for many years and the Joplin show for around ten years.
“Around ten years ago I was doing some of the songs and then I turned it into more of a production and then I turned it into a theatre show with lighting and graphics and the multi-media side of things,” Janice said.
The Coolum show is also serving as a warm-up for Janice as she gears up to play the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the show for two weeks in August – who knew there would be a little piece of Coolum wowing audiences in Scottland?
“Last year I went to see if it would be viable to take the show there and it is.
“The fringe has everything and it’s just over three weeks long and the whole city becomes the festival venue. There’s shows literally everywhere!”
To see the Coolum legend, Janice play the iconic Janis Joplin secure your tickets now via OZTIX at www.oztix.com.au/ and searching ‘Janis’. Tickets are from $35, and a full bar will be available with not-for-profit group Coolum HeARTs running the bar on the night and securing the profits for their charity art classes.
The advertiser has a double pass to give away to the Friday June 7 show and for your chance to win simply email in to michelle@coolumadvertiser.com.au with the subject heading ‘Janis’ and include your name, phone number and address and a winner will be randomly selected and notified by phone.