After a regional tour starting in February 2009, Aria Award Nominee Kate Miller-Heidke and band had their final performance at the intimate venue, Governor Hindmarsh. Not that it showed as they displayed energy and enthusiasm as if this was their first show not their last. Also joining Kate and her band on tour was South Australian folk singer Vorn Doolette and popular Perth rock band End of Fashion.

Kicking off the night’s entertainment was the gentle sound of folk singer Vorn Doolette accompanied by his band consisting of two cellos, violin, keyboards and him on acoustic guitar. Relaxing and smooth folk music filled the air with Vorn displaying his tender vocals, but disappointed was I, not at this talented young performer, but at the myriad of people in the crowd who were determined to continue on with their chatter which droned out most of the music which struggled to spill forth. Frustrated was also that of this young performer who became quite annoyed at the rudeness displayed. He tried some crowd interaction with a song about a German Intern, which worked slightly and he managed to turn the crowd’s attention on him. I really enjoyed Vorn’s style and would’ve appreciated it more if I could actually hear it.

Next on the nights bill was popular Perth band, End of Fashion, consisting of Justin Burford (vocals/guitar), Rodney Aravena (guitar), Mike Hobbs (drums) and Simon Fasolo (bass). A completely different genre to that of the first entertainer, I was a bit surprised at the selection of artists combined on this tour. Producing a soft rock sound which moved into a slightly harder edge, performing single O Yeah and She’s Love which were well received. Warming up the ever growing crowd the main act wasn’t too far off.

I selected a spot in the crowd for a closer look, as the band set up their instruments. The gorgeous Kate Miller-Heidke walked on stage, tiny and petite in appearance but bold and strident in personality, charisma and charm. Dressed in her obligatory black sparkly head piece designed by herself, she looked as much the rising star that she has become today. The band consisted of Keir Nuttall (guitar), Nicole Brophy aka the fastest string changing chick in the world (acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Ben – œMuffin’ McCarthy (bass, backing vocals) and Steve Pope (drums). Positioned behind the keyboards Kate began her opening song with Out and In, from her first EP Circular Breathing, a sense of exhilaration could be felt all around. Hauntingly beautiful vocals filled the air as the crowd hushed. A collection of songs followed, many from both albums Little Eve and Curiouser including the charming Adam, the cheeky, I Like You Better When Your Not Around, gorgeous ballad The Space We Are, the opinionated Space Politics, followed by an old song written about a crush that Kate had many years ago, which displayed Kate’s incredible vocal range, high pitch and low hilarious growls which sent the crowd into a wave of laughter.

To continue on with Kate’s display of fun and frivolity was a song written while on tour which told the story of an ex-boyfriend adding her on facebook describing the website’s way of communication with a sarcastic edge much to the crowd’s amusement. The next big hit perhaps? After that was the boppy Motorscooter, followed with the audacious Gods Gift to Women, and Kate orchestrating the band with a slight movement of her hand showing the playful nature that this band has, ending with a show of her remarkable vocal talents from her trained Opera background.

The set continued on with popular and catchy tune Words which included a Rage Against The Machine _Killing in the Name Of _ mash up sung by Nicole, leading into a magnificent cover of John Farnham’s You’re the Voice including a twist with the Bohemian Rhapsody tune entangled within, ending with the award winning Caught in the Crowd had all the band members wearing identical black sparkly head bands as Kate, once again displaying their quirky and amusing character. In true Gov style the crowd shouted for one more song to be played after their departure, bringing the 5 piece band back to belt out the innovative Cant Shake It, which included a clumsy dance performed by Kate and Nicole.

Feeling heightened by the night’s performances which inevitably had come to an end, I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to see such talent in an intimate venue. The collection of songs performed offered a mix of quirky, fun, emotional, descriptive and relevant songs to which most can relate one way or another, reminding me yet again how extremely talented our home grown stars are.