Jail house to rock at music Kwiz

FOR more than a decade, new episodes of music quiz show RocKwiz tested and entertained Australian television viewers.

Presented by Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, the final series aired in 2016, but they’re literally getting the band back together, including scorer Dugald McAndrew and The RocKwiz OrKestra, for a regional tour.

“Judging by past RocKwiz tours, there’s a momentum that’s quickly established when we go on tour, liberated from domestic realities, and swept up in the excitement and the challenge of entertaining big crowds,” Nankervis said.

“There’s something special about being on the road, establishing and perfecting set routines, taking risks, finding new approaches, adapting to new environments and changing situations.

“We’re travelling with a rotating cast of musicians, household names and up-and-coming stars, and meeting fans who arrive as ordinary audience members but leave as heroes, answering questions alongside their idols or singing karaoke and receiving standing ovations.”

He recalls many memorable moments from past RocKwiz stagings, and the bus rides in between, including Joe Camilleri playing saxophone while Dugald McAndrew slow-danced with Deborah Conway, and Jim Moginie from Midnight Oil getting up for a jam with the OrKestra, having rocked up to see a show in Thirroul.

Nankervis was impressed by Steve Kilbey and Vika Bull taking an on-road jam session between central and north Queensland and shaping it into a live rendition of Under Pressure later that evening, and fondly remembers Isabella Manfredi, Gossling, and Zemiro singing Love is in the air together.

“We can’t wait to see what might happen,” he said.

RocKwiz LIVE! Back on the Road will be presented on stage at the Ulumbarra Theatre on Friday, 22 April, with rocking music, special guests old and new, and fun surprises. Visit bit.ly/379DMru for tickets.