The opening of the Rotary/Lions Manning RiverStage was a huge success with 400 people attending in person, more than 5000 views online and raising more than $45,000 for the Manning Music Program of the Australian Children's Music Foundation.
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"From the outset it was awesome," said Maurie Stack on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of the Manning Valley.
"The sound of the didgeridoo from Biripi Elder, Russell Saunders, somehow echoed from the river through the audio production of Hamish McDonald at Paradyme Studios Taree.
"That was quickly followed by a drum rendition by 40 students of the Australian Children's Music Foundation from local schools - kept tightly in check by ACMF teacher Matt Zarb."
He said the concert had many highlights.
"The dulcet tones of Darren Jack - a winner of five Australian Blues Awards and two times representative of Australia in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee; the beautiful voice of emerging local vocalist Cass Alyson (Cassidy Donovan); the Goodfellas starring Matt Zarb, Scott Greenaway, Michael Eyb and Brad Bunyan. Kalin Woods and Cass Alyson joined them for a haunting rendition of Children of Australia.
"They were followed by Jake Davey who won the 2020 Travis Collins scholarship and who collaborates with many international artists."
The show then moved to a different tempo with dynamic local band Keanu Jai Live, headed by 15-year-old singer/songwriter Keanu Jai from Port Macquarie who is receiving regular play on Triple J.
"But it was our ACMF students who stole the show. Taree High students performing Sunday Song, then Chatham Primary School with their rendition of Don Spencer's Bob the Kelpie.
"They were followed by Don's anthem Hold onto Your Dream performed beautifully by Matt Zarb, Cass Alyson, Kalin Woods and Jake Davey.
"Then came the shows anchor, James Johnston, who has had a long history in the music industry including a third placing on Australian Idol, a finalist on the X Factor and who would be performing in Nashville were it not for COVID-19.
"James was only able to travel to Taree from his base in Queensland when the borders opened a few days before the show."
On behalf of the Rotary Clubs of the Manning Valley, Maurie expressed gratitude to all supporters.
"To our faithful sponsors, those who opened their wallets on the night, our amazing committee, our performers and in particular our MC and concert organiser Tanya Brown from Bass'n'Blues. What a legend, combining with Matt Zarb in putting together an absolutely memorable evening."
The concert was streamed live by Taree's Pluto Entertainment commencing with a 20 minute orchestral piece written by the esteemed Jonathon Billingham about the Manning Valley, where he grew up, accompanied by filming of our area.
The concert had been viewed by 5000 people within 36 hours of the concert and can still be viewed on Youtube under Manning RiverStage opening.
