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Karen White, Singer Songwriter - MY SHOWS

The idea for Quintessential Quirk (QQ) was born as I sat in the audience at the Karnak Playhouse in May 2008, enjoying a fabulous performance of “Songs My Mother Taught Me” by Lorna Luft (for those who don’t know, her Mum was Judy Garland); watching and listening to Lorna having great fun singing her songs with a fabulous backing band I thought “I’d like to do that!”

That little germ of an idea took a long time to come to fruition but it was worth the wait.  Our debut show was in September 2009 at the Clink Theatre in Port Douglas, with all profits going to help with the up-keep of that beautiful little theatre.  The following year we took a new show to the Rondo Theatre in Cairns and then as a dinner cabaret show back in Port Douglas.  All shows have raised much needed funds for worthy local charities.

The general format of the first show morphed between various ideas before I finally settled on a plan, and that has formed the overall ‘template’ for Quintessential Quirk shows from then on: first off you get me solo (which may be singing a capella or with my guitar or keyboard as accompaniment); part way through the first set I bring on individual guests who perform with me and, in some instances, I leave them to it for their own number (chance for a frock change!!); the first set finishes with all the guests joining me in a ‘special’ number; after the break my instruments are set aside and I am accompanied by a 4-piece band and some backing singers, my lovely Quirkettes.  This second set is where I can live out my ‘Lorna Luft fantasy’ – and sing a load of songs that I particularly love but can’t play!!  The shows are rated as PG – some of the songs have adult themes!

So far, the last Quintessential Quirk show we did was in November 2010; there will be more in the future ...  keep an eye on this website for notification, you don’t want to miss out!

Here is some specific information
for each of my shows to date, together with some links ...

Quintessential Quirk 2009

Act 1 Special Guests (in order of appearance):
Frank Frikker;
Danny Ross (who, of course, has gone on to national fame through The Voice 2013);
David Green.

Act 2 Musicians:
Andree Baudet (sax and keyboard);
Warren Wheeler (guitar);
Will Kepa (bass guitar);
Ben Hakalitz (drums).

Act 2 Backing Singers – The Quirkettes:
Marilyn Davison (previously McDonald);
Tamzin Laredo (RIP);
Angela Zammataro (on 4 songs).

Quintessential Quirk 2010

Act 1 Special Guests (in order of appearance):
Upasana Papadopoulos;
Larry Cash;
Katya Radywyl Brandon;
Raymond James Molloy (RIP).

Act 2 Musicians:
Andree Baudet (sax and keyboard and backing vocals);
Peter Ella (guitar and backing vocals);
Larry Cash (bass guitar and backing vocals);
Lachi Smith (drums and backing vocals).

Act 2 Backing Singers – The Quirkettes:
Marilyn Davison (previously McDonald);
Tamzin Laredo (RIP).

Quintessential Quirk 201X

Watch this space!

Opening scene from QQ 2009


With the Quirkettes Marilyn & Tamzin


With Andree (keys) & Lachi (drums)


Me & bit of Marilyn


With Andree (sax) & Lachi (drums)