Top performers take a bow
By SHIRLEY BROUN
THE 37th Annual Australian Entertainment `MO' Awards, held at the Bankstown Sports Club on Tuesday, was a glittering night of star-studded performances, nostalgia and heartfelt tributes.
Peter Allen Performer of the Year Adam Scicluna
More than 500 industry members, family, friends and fans attended the gala evening at which celebrities were feasted, entertained and awarded in recognition of their achievements and contribution to the world of show business.
Adam Scicluna was named The Peter Allen Performer of the Year for the second successive year. Affectionately known as the big man with the big voice and the big laugh, Adam is a world class singer and first class comedian rolled into one outstanding package. He has previously won six Australian Entertainment MO Awards and Five Australian Club Entertainment Awards. During the last six years Adam has toured nationally and internationally in Europe and in 2008 was invited to sing in the presence of Crowned Prince and Princess of Denmark during their Australian visit.
This year's MO Award for Male Vocal Performer of the Year went to multi-award winner Tony Pantano whose outstanding vocal talents have seen him nominated in the Best Male Performer category every year since it's inception, scoring 10 record-breaking wins along the way. He has also won Entertainer of the Year twice. Tony's humour together with his own much renowned style and rich, warm deep Mario Lanza/Elvis/Tom Jones type voice continues to captivate audiences wherever he performs.
Male Vocal Performer of the Year Tony Pantano
Stunning young vocal performer, actress and model Alisa Gray is this year's Female Vocal Performer of the Year. Alisa has performed around the world and for many media personalities including the late Kerry Packer.
The coveted Hall of Fame Award was presented to the ever-charming Geoff Mack, who wrote the much-loved `I've Been Everywhere'. To the 90-year-old showbiz veteran's surprise and delight he was interrupted during his acceptance speech by none other than the man who scored a big hit with the song in Australia, Lucky Starr - a reunion that sparked a standing ovation from their industry peers.
Female Vocal Performer of the Year Alisa Gray
The entertainment-filled evening also gave attendees an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the lives of industry peers who had passed away during the last 12 months including a touching tribute, introduced by long time friend and manager Ken Laing, to Maestro Dr Tommy Tycho who died, aged 84, on April 4, 2013.
In the past 12 months the industry also lost Alan Heffernan, Darryl Cotton, Del Juliana, Edwin Duff, Ron Barry, Lyle Richardson, Allan Hirst, Tommy Spencer, Barry Stewart, Chris Bailey, Kathleen McCormack, John Bogie, Enzo Toppano, Patti Munro, Terry Wilkinson, Johnny Lockwood, Jon Doyle, Chrissy Amphlett and David Elliott.
The 2013 MO Award Winners are:
Best Solo Band Performer
- Chris Connolly
Best Dance Band
- Rikki Organ & the Organ Grinders
The Johnny O'Keefe Encouragement Award
- Liam Burrows
Best Versatile/Variety Act
- Danny Elliott
M.C. Compere of the Year
- Elizabeth Star
Best Duo
- Williams Bros
Best Variety Showband
- The Zips
Best Children's Show
- Franky Valentyn
- Davin Griffiths-Jones
International Theme Show/Performer
- Joey Fimmano
Best Accompanying Band
- Joe Macri Band
Best Harmony Vocal Group
- Robertson Bros
Best Tribute Show
- Desperado
- Strictly Bassey
Best Specialty Act
- Darren Carr
The Four Kinsmen Variety Production Show
- Back To The Tivoli
The Slim Dusty Country Act of the Year
- Wayne Horsburgh
Best Rock Act of the Year
- Jon English Band
Best Venue
- Twin Towns Services Club
Best Technical Support
- Twin Towns Services Club
The Rodney Rude Stand-up Comedian of the Year
- Ahn Do
The 'MO' Comedy Act of the Year
- Kenny Graham
The Female Vocal Performer of the Year
- Alisa Gray
The Ricky May Male Vocal Performer of the Year
- Tony Pantano
The Peter Allen Performer of the Year
- Adam Scicluna
Hall of Fame
- Geoff Mack
May 29, 2013
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