Music

“It’s all about the story. If you take a close look into any great song, there is always a great story both somewhere behind it and being conveyed within the lyric”. Singer/songwriter Craig Stewart should know. Known throughout the music industry as ‘The Storyteller’, his songs and shows bring to life the stories he has both gathered and sought out over a 20 year musical career. And has he got a story for you!

‘Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music’ tells the story of the man himself, from humble beginnings as the son of a shopkeeper through to being a genuine global superstar. The show features numerous interviews and behind the scenes stories of how some of Neil’s most loved songs actually came to be – all presented in Craig Stewart’s distinctly intimate style.

Featuring approximately 30 of Neil’s most loved hits – from Cracklin’ Rosie, I Am I Said & Sweet Caroline through to a special ‘Hot August Night’ tribute – audience members are left in no doubt as to why Craig Stewart is regarded throughout the music industry as a ‘master craftsman’. With more than 2000 shows to his credit, Craig was described in a national music magazine as ‘one of the most listenable singers to emerge this century.’ He has performed as a feature artist at numerous festivals throughout the country, been a two time ‘Toyota Starmaker’ grand finalist, released four original albums, is endorsed by Australia’s premier acoustic guitar manufacturer Maton Guitars and has been either a finalist or winner of multiple awards. The culmination of this experience is ‘Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music.’

There is one other major aspect of ‘Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music’, however, that cannot go unmentioned and is really the final ingredient that when combined with the quality of musicianship on offer has lead to venues almost universally declaring:

“that is the best show we’ve had!” That ingredient is the imagery. Quite simply, it is both extremely unique and breathtaking. The show’s massive backdrop combines multiple projections to display over 700 photographs that complement the music to perfection. When asked how he came up with the concept, Craig is a bit coy. “I’ve had a lot of other acts ask me how I did that, but my lips are sealed. Suffice to say I wanted an artistic element to weave its way through the music that would help lend meaning to the lyrics, and I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. The combination of live performance with multimedia results in a truly immersive experience for the audience. It is definitely the final ‘wow’ factor that leaves everyone wanting more.”

The term has almost become a cliché, but this really is one show that you must not miss. Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music will be appearing at le Salon Grand (located inside the Palais Royale Hotel), Katoomba on Saturday 25th May starting at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $40 for show-only, and Dinner / Show and Supper / Show packages are available too. To secure your ticket, go to the venue website www.salongrand.com.au, or phone 02 4784 6300.