TOP TALENTS UNITE FOR ONE

BIG SHOWSTOPPERZ CONCERT

SEE SIR JOHN ROWLES, TONY PANTANO

PEARSON & HARVEY, LAURA DOOLAN

By On With the Show’s Shirley Broun

THERE is a great deal of excitement building around the next Show Stopperz concert to be held at Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads on November 10, 2018.

Gold Coast Queensland residents will probably have heard all about it on local community radio station 94.1FM who interviewed some of the performers recently.

Headliners include Sir John Rowles, Pearson & Harvey, Tony Pantano and the beautiful Laura Doolan, backed by the Greg Doolan Band and musical director Debbie Fitzsummons.

It will be a show like no other, according to Laura Doolan who said audience members can expect to experience everything from a good belly laugh and top songs and music to a good cry.

The line-up of talent will be led by the irrepressible John Rowles - now a `Sir'- who gave the world hits such as Cheryl Moana Marie, Tania, Hush … Not a Word to Mary and If I Only Had Time, among many other great songs.

Currently living in his homeland of New Zealand, John has returned to Australia to perform at Twin Towns where he has starred on many occasions throughout his long career which began during the 1960s. The charismatic singer also released his autobiography `If I Only Had Time’ in October, 2012.

This special Show Stopperz variety event will also feature Pearson & Harvey, the highly entertaining and funny duo that shot to fame initially as members of the highly successful group The Four Kinsmen.

When the group disbanded in 2002, Robert Pearson and George Harvey became a duo and have since toured extensively as well as become a much in-demand act on cruise ships.

Their exquisite talents and timing are something not to be missed.

Multi-award winning Tony Pantano will also join this illustrious list of top performers.

Often referred to as `The Man with the Golden Voice’, Tony has a charm and presence like no other as he delivers an amazing repertoire of songs ranging from Tom Jones and Elvis Presley to Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavarotti.

The diamond in the line-up will be Laura Doolan who will not only provide a powerful performance of her own unforgettable songs but will also pair up with Pantano to deliver an extra special rendition of Ed Shearan’s `Perfect’ in Italian. This will be one of many highlights on the night.

Laura Doolan

The Show Stopperz series of shows was the brainchild of the late Greg Doolan, who rose to fame as an original member of top Australian group Wickety Wak.

For the past 40 years, he had built up a great following for his live performances accompanied - in the past 20 years - by wife Laura Doolan who is today continuing to carry on his tradition of presenting top entertainment at venues across the country following his death, aged 63, on February 16, 2017 to cancer.

Many would agree the journey back to the stage without her beloved Greg by her side has not been without its challenges but Laura has remained strong in the face of adversity.

“It took me six months before I could get back on the stage but I actually found it to be very therapeutic in a way. It was what we both loved doing,” she said.

Laura said life with Greg Doolan was always interesting.

“I admired him for his strength in personality, humour, candidness, and no fear attitude to try anything both in his showbiz and personal lives. He was always so positive and it was infectious.”

She said Greg was the only one she knew who could turn a normal afternoon show at the Southport Yacht Club featuring all the popular dance and club music completely around by suddenly launching into Nessun Dorma and having patrons respond by jumping to their feet with a tumultuous standing ovation.

“He just knew how to win an audience over … it was one of his amazing talents,” said Laura.

She added that his appreciation of music was extremely diverse although he wasn’t greatly into heavy metal or hip hop.

“Songs that told a good story and powerful ballads like The Prayer were right up there for Greg and he would never do anything half-heartedly.

“I learned a lot from Greg including how to be a better person.

“You would never find a friendship or love affair like I had with Greg. I miss him every day,” said Laura who will include a heartfelt performance of `I Will Always Love you’ for audiences at the special November 10 Show Stopperz Concert at Twin Towns. See you there!

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