Etta Tribute: Jennine Bailey, Lisa Tui, Steph McEwin & Judi

Playing the songs, telling the story of Etta James. four divas follow their passion bringing you a night celebrating Miss James for a night of smooth jazz and soulful, gutsy blues featuring Christchurch's own!

Steph Mcewin
I was there during the iconic 80's music scene in Christchurch, belting out blues and jazz numbers at the old familiar clubs and bars. Our band Frenchette was known to put on a pretty energetic show.

As a child, I discovered Mahalia Jackson which lit a fire in me to make music. At 10 I found a guitar and taught myself, singing and writing songs seemed to come naturally. My sound is characterised by powerful soulful vocals and a rhythmic guitar style. I play a selection of my own originals and cover artists such as, James Brown, Leon Russell, Grace Slick, Nina Simone and Etta James, to name a few.

I also perform with a band Wendl Groover, performing "Summer of Love" music.

Jeninne Bailey
Jennine is a name synonymous with style and individuality in the New Zealand jazz and adult contemporary music worlds. Singer, performer and recording artist, Jennine puts her own soulful and unique stamp on every song she sings, and refuses to be defined or limited by one genre. Equally comfortable with performing to large crowds or to an intimate show of fifty Jennine has headlined sold-out shows for Tauranga, Christchurch, Nelson, Invercargill and Queenstown Jazz and Blues Festivals many times during her career, performing alongside such luminaries as Ray Wolf, Roger Fox, Midge Marsden, Whirimako Black, Hollie Smith, Stu Buchanan, Tom Rainey and Doug Caldwell.

Recently Jennine released her stunning album ‘In the mood for love’. Her debut album ‘You go to my head’ was voted one of the three winners in an international jazz competition voted for by over 30,000 people world-wide.

Jennine has a Master of Arts in Music and teaches contemporary vocals at the University of Canterbury. She also has a first-class Bachelor of Music with Honours, a post-graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, a BA in Psychology and is the proud recipient of the 2012 Malcom Tait Scholarship in Music Education.

Lisa Tui & ‘Toroa’
Living in Christchurch for near 30 years Lisa Tui is usually pumping out original tunes with her band Toroa these days. She has 3 albums including a live recording at Greendale, at Orange studios and an EP ‘Night falls into morning’.

As well as being a vocal coach, Lisa has developed a singing support programme called Sing Gym, for developing and improving swinging and performance skills.

One of Lisa’s favourite teenage cassettes of music included Etta James’s - Wallflower. ‘There’s nothing more fun than jumping in and back to the music and artists who inspire us to go crazy and sing like no-one can hear ya’.

The Toroa band are a highlight on Lisa’s recordings with Gary Easterbrook, keys, Matt Davis, Saxophone and Chris Searle, drums. Additional players include Pete Fleming, bass, Mike Ferrar guitar and Greig Bainbridge bass.

Judi Smitheram
Will bring you some of her favourite and much loved Etta tunes, sharing the gift that this music has brought to her heart and soul over many years. Exploring the warmth and the abundance of energy that the powerhouse vocals of Etta offer to sing with gusto about love and loss just as she did.

John Bevin will be supporting Judi and Jennine on keys.

Compere Anne Galloway is branching out her exuberant people skills to host this night of women power. Anne is the CCC Councillor for the Halswell Ward with a passion for community, working towards building a sense of connection and belonging.

Doors open 7.00pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm.

Door sales cash only: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos bar purchases only, no cash-out facility.