FESTIVAL-GOERS ENCOURAGED TO “BRING THE SING” AT MASS KARAOKE EVENT

There are two exciting events in the Mackay Festival of Arts where you can sing and dance like no one is watching.
Massaoke OZ is a mind-blowing, high-energy live music experience that will have you singing your heart out to the biggest hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.
Acting Executive Manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said Massaoke was karaoke on a massive scale and the atmosphere that built at the shows was electrifying.
“Massaoke started life in a London pub basement as a live band sing-along called ‘Friday I’m in Love’,” Ms Carey said.
“They had printed song sheets for the audience, and it was really just a pub sing-along,” she said.
“Within a few years the team had added the big screen and restyled themselves as Massaoke.
“They then took the show global and became famous for their high-energy stage shows and extraordinary outfits.”
Massaoke OZ will be giving Mackay audiences the chance to bring the sing like never before and unleash their inner rock star at the MECC on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20.
Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan said there was a particular buzz around the Saturday show which opened an hour earlier than the Friday show.
“On Saturday night the foyer will open from 6.30pm and the show starts at 7pm, because Massaoke OZ is the official Wisely Wine and Food Day afterparty,” Cr Hassan said.
“After a day of relaxing on the Queens Park lawn, it’ll be the perfect way to take things up a notch,” she said.
“I’ve had a look at the set list and it’s full of hits that will have everyone singing along – lots of karaoke must-haves like Bohemian Rhapsody, Livin’ on a Prayer and even John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice.”
Cr Hassan said the appeal of Massaoke was it created a judgement free space where everyone could join in.
“And it’s not the only Festival of Arts event to tap into the appeal of being able to express yourself,” she said.
“No Lights No Lycra takes it to the next level – you can literally dance like no one is watching, because no one can see you.
“They crank up the music and make the room pitch black.”
Initially created by dancers in Melbourne, this kind of dance party is now a phenomenon throughout the world. So, if you love to dance, but don’t want anyone to see you do it, then head along to the Performing Arts Centre, Northern Beaches Mackay State High School on Wednesday, July 24, from 6.15pm.
No Light No Lycra tickets are just $10.
Also running over this coming week of the Mackay Festival of Arts is:
   • Annie Jnr, a musical theatre production based on the Broadway Musical, Annie. Proudly bought to you by Mackay Fame Talent School on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, at the CQU Conservatorium of Music.
   • Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub – four nights of free music at Bluewater Quay, running nightly until Sunday, July 14.
   • Neon Fireworks Paint and Sip Night – Saturday, July 13, from 6pm at the Creative Art Studio.
   • The Sarina Small Halls Concert, featuring Canadian duo Quote the Raven, Australian folk singer Hailey Calvert and local Tiffany Grace – Saturday, July 13, at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall.
   • Graeme Connors – My Lyrical Life 50 Years On will be at the MECC on Saturday, July 13.
   • The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race is at Kucom Theatre from July 18.
For more details on any Mackay Festival of Arts event, visit themecc.com.au/festivals

Massaoke OZ will be giving Mackay audiences the chance to bring the sing like never before.  Image credit: Luke Dyson Photography
Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub map
Graeme Connors – My Lyrical Life 50 Years On

‍