With just a week until Justine Clarke arrives on the Sunshine Coast to headline Horizon Festival’s kids program, we chat with this iconic entertainer about the magic of live performances, karaoke, and shhh… yes, she does have a favourite Play School toy!
How does it feel to be preparing a live show once more, after several years of closures?
I feel like it’s only now that events are back on and people are meeting in the same spaces that I can really appreciate how much we missed out on in terms of human connection.
Why do you feel it’s important for kids to see live performances, now they have returned?
Preschoolers need every opportunity to see how music is made. A lot of them think it comes out of a screen. I’ll never forget the first time I heard a live band. It blew my mind. I want kids to see playing an instrument is active, it’s creative and it’s powerful.
What do you love most about performing live on stage?
The connection that is made between people, it’s unifying and yet everyone is allowed to have their own reaction. And with children, I love the idea that this might be the first time they’ve heard live music, or even been in a room with that many people.
Do you prefer to perform live on stage or do recorded TV?
I love working in the film and TV industry, I love the film making process and working with so many incredibly creative minds and extraordinary technicians. But nothing beats the immediacy of a live show and our ancient need for story telling and music to help us make sense of the world and not feel so alone.
What can kids and parents expect from your latest show ‘Everybody Roar! The Best of Justine Clarke’?
Audience participation! Lots of singing and dancing and encouragement to join in.
What is your favourite song from the show, and why?
Gee, that’s hard. I love the ones where I stop singing and I get to hear the audience like Watermelon or when I hear the dads sing. Women will join in easily to model for their kids and with a bit of encouragement the dads will too! It’s an excellent sound that, again, children may never have heard before.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Islands In The Stream. Karaoke duets are way more fun.
Who is your favourite playschool toy?
Don’t tell the others, Humpty.
You can see Justine Clarke at Horizon Festival, Sunshine Coast with her new show Everybody Roar! The Best of Justine Clarke
Tue 30 + Wed 31 Aug / 10am at the Wonderland Spiegeltent, Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore / Kabi Kabi Country
This show is recommended for children aged 10 years and under. Children 2 years and under are free.
HORIZON FESTIVAL TICKET DEAL
Buy tickets to three shows: ‘Everybody Roar! The best of Justine Clarke’, ‘Babushka Right to Party’ and ‘Holy Bin Amoley!’ and get 15 per cent off!
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