FOJAM: Carole King – Hits & Rarities
Be prepared to come on a journey of surprise and nostalgia as we traverse this songwriting queen’s catalogue, with each singer performing a hit and a rarity that you may well know but may not know was written by one of the greatest Jewish songwriters of our time, Ms Carole King.
FOJAM’s first event for 2023 will be at Memo Music Hall on Wednesday, 22 and Wednesday, 23 March, followed by FOJAM’s first regional show in its history on Friday, 24 March at the magnificent Art-Deco Palais-Hepburn in the mountains of Hepburn Springs, a short 90-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
Freed
Featuring an all-star cast of incredible and dynamic performers including Harry James Angus (former frontman and founder of The Cat Empire), magnificent folk singer-songwriter Emily Lubitz from award-winning indie folk band Tinpan Orange, alongside Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung woman, Jem Cassar-Daley, daughter of famed indigenous country singer-songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley.
In true FOJAM style the line-up has some incredible emerging local indie artists to pop on your radar – and for this unique tribute show, Artistic Director Lior Albeck-Ripka has programmed acclaimed singer-songwriter Esther Edquist, lead singer of Chapter Music’s Sweet Whirl, formerly a member of much loved alt-rock band Scott and Charlene’s Wedding.
Lior Albeck-Ripka said: “The exciting thing for me is introducing incredible emerging local performers and artists to FOJAM audiences, who are critical in the best possible way and expect for us to bring them something or someone they may not have heard of before. For this show, we have some national legends, as well as unknown talent performing to really different audiences around the country.
Esther Edquist
In the Jewish community, there’s this sense that everyone knows everyone, and so when we discover amazing acts that are also Jewish but not necessarily known in the community – that’s fun. Get ready to be blown away by self-proclaimed mensch Freeds, with his ‘grandpa’ swagger and comical approach to storytelling.”
Originally hailing from Sydney and growing up in a Jewish household to a single mother, Freeds’ relatable blend of catchy pop with a lo-fi, bedroom flavour and a sprinkling of rap is pretty hard not to like.
Last but not least, FOJAM are thrilled to introduce rising star Jemma Cher, a highly accomplished 22-year-old R&B, gospel and soul singer whose voice you could easily mistake for Amy Winehouse. Jemma is currently working with her band The Bookends, who are set to release their debut single in 2023 with a series of live performances.
To accompany the lead singers, we have put together an incredible backing band, with bassist Jonathan Zion as Musical Director, pianist and contemporary composer Luke Howard on key, Andrew Sylvio on drums and Fran Swinn on guitar.
Tickets are selling fast for Carole King – Hits and Rarities on Wed 22 & Thu 23 at Memo Music Hall, St Kilda and Fri 24 March at Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs. Seated and Standing tickets are now on sale at www.fojam.com.
