The Roxy in Bingara has a real treat in store on Saturday 9 August – a performance by one of Australia’s greatest singer/songwriters Mike McLellan. It isn’t Mike’s first visit to Bingara – he performed many years ago at the RSL when John Williamson was his support act but this will be his first show at the Roxy. And what a venue for his unique brand of music.
When “Song and Danceman” was released in 1974 Mike was already an established performer on the acoustic music scene. That song topped the charts, bringing him national recognition and a following that has remained loyal to his highly personal brand of music for almost 40 years.
Mike began performing in the late 60s and released his first album “Mike McLellan” in 1972. It was regarded as one of the most auspicious debut albums from any writer/singer of his era. His second album “Ask Any Dancer” went gold and “Song and Danceman” was voted Song of the Year at the annual Music Industry Awards in February 1975. Mike hit the cover of every magazine and played concerts from Darwin to Tasmania. It hardly needs repeating that “Song and Danceman” has become an Australian classic, having been recorded many times both here and overseas.
Mike also appeared on national television compering his TV series “National Star Quest” in 1979; this led to him taking over the highly successful ABC program “Country Road”. Within a year it became “Mike McLellan’s Country Music”, and he continued to present the show for a further three years, touring extensively behind the national profile it sustained for him.
2011 saw the release of his first album of new songs in 20 years and he took to the road again in 2011 playing concerts across the country to standing ovations. As a performer he just seems to get better with time, and it is a tribute to his talent that many in his audiences have been coming to see him sing for over 40 years. And now, 40 years after “Song and Danceman” hit the charts he is releasing a new CD, “Dancing in the Rain”. If the initial reaction is any indication, this one is even better than the last.
Reviewing one of Mike’s Troubadour performances for the Melbourne Age some years ago, journalist Paul Speelman wrote…..”McLellan is a national asset.” His 2011 CD “If Only for a Moment” only added to his reputation as one of our finest singer/songwriters. The new one, “Dancing in the Rain”, will surely enhance what is already an exceptional body of work.
Tickets are available online or through the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on 02 6724 0066. Rake tier seating $20 (no concessions), Cabaret table seats $30 and Cabaret table concessions $25.
