Voodoo Rocks Inverell’s Got Talent.

After a wonderful night of variety entertainment at Inverell Town Hall last Friday night the judges were unanimous in awarding the Voodoo rock band the winner’s prize. Jacob Dewberry has long been a great musical talent and this recognition is a fitting reward for all his hard work and dedication to music. He plays 5 or 6 different instruments, wrote the complicated musical score for the winning entry and sang the lyrics of the song he wrote, ‘Come Over My Way.’

He couldn’t have done this without the support of the other talented band members, Sam Flood and Brock Holder on electric guitar and drums. As well as the winner’s cheque, Voodoo won a recording contract with Armidale music studio, Beechwood.

The night was a showcase of impressive local talent. Starting with the Juniors from Year 5 to Year 8 there were some excellent performances. Encouragement awards went to Charly Thorpe and Jessica Constable and the junior winner was Clair Selig who sang “Imagine.”

The second half was a treasure trove of skill and talent.  Mind blowing performances from Maid to Scale, a local singing group with ‘Sway’, Ella Cheal’s Nocturne by Chopin, Kathryn Luxford’s original composition, ‘Miss Me’, Loni Moody on banjo, Johann Bazely on guitar and tap dance with their American medley. There was more to come. Glen Innes brother and sister’s two items were spectacular. Brendan Mackenzie played a brilliant Rackmaninov’s concerto and Jennifer May Mackenzie wowed the audience with her own composition, ‘You So Smooth.’ Chordiality, another great small choir sang ‘And So It Goes’ with great precision and flair. Jordie Cox sang her own excellent original song, ‘When I Go’ and the evening’s performances for judging concluded with a heart-rending rendition by Mikaela Bennion of ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’

Encouragement Awards were presented to Jordie Cox and Mikaela Bennion. The top four competitors winning money prizes were Kathryn Luxford, Brendan Mackenzie, Voodoo and Jennifer Mackenzie and then Voodoo the ultimate winner.

Inverell East Rotary club produced a smoothly run evening of outstanding local acts. Crucial help was provided by Chris Richter and Alan East with stage and sound skills.  Peter Caddey was a great Master of Ceremonies and the Judges, Melanie Dyer and Stuart Pavel, assisted by Rotarian Peter Champion had a difficult time

 Guest performances by Melanie, the Northern Chorale, Harry Frazier, Jasmin and Chris Richter as well as Peter Caddey were very professional and received enthusiastically.  

Junior winner, Claire Selig, with Tim Newberry and Ros Scoble.

Click on the first photo and move through the 20 shots.