MORNINGS IN THE ARENA FARWELL TO CHRIS

Venue: The Reef Hotel Casino

Artist: CHRIS LLOYDS

10:30am Friday 29th May 2015

MORNINGS IN THE ARENA AT THE REEF HOTEL CASINO SAY FAREWELL TO LONG TERM HOST CHRIS LLOYDS AND WELCOME A NEW ENTERTAINER TO BECOME THE FACE OF MORNINGS
CHRIS LLOYDS’ FAREWELL - FRIDAY 29 MAY 2015 | 10.30AM
After seven years of performing at The Reef Hotel Casino’s Mornings in the Arena, the evergreen Chris Lloyds is handing over the baton. Chris’ final resident Mornings in the Arena is set for Friday 29 May from 10:30am, and will be his chance to celebrate the music memories and mayhem of the past years. This special farewell event will feature a host of special guests, including the new host and face of Mornings, who will be announced at the show.
There is little in the music industry that Chris Lloyds hasn’t done, and few people he doesn’t know. Some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry today are his friends, and he’s likely to have performed with them throughout the duration of their careers – he is one of the most well-liked vocalists in the country and even other musicians have the upmost respect for his talent. From starting his early career in a school rock band to acting and singing in the school choir, this enigmatic performer was destined to be a stage stopper from an early age. His early rock band played covers of Sherbet, Joe Cocker, the Little River Band and more – interestingly, bands he would one day share the same stage with. His big break came as the front man of popular 1980s band ‘Big Red’, and he never looked back – spending time living in both Australia and LA as his music career progressed.
In the early 1990s Chris released his first solo album, which saw him perform tracks on Good Morning Australia and he even appeared on Neighbours and the rest is history. More albums followed and more massive performances, including one on Australia Day in 1996 in front of 40,000 people singing a jazz arrangement of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’. While music has always been a massive part of this performer’s life, he is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in Australian television hit shows such as ‘E-Street’ and ‘GP’. He also had a small role in the movie ‘South Pacific’ starring Glenn Close and Jack Thompson. Probably his most well-known role was in ‘Neighbours’ as Natalie Imbruglia’s fiancée. Then of course, there’s the music …Over the years Chris has worked with some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry – he was an integral part of the massive Long Way to the Top national tour and has also shared the stage with the likes of Birtles, Shorrock and Gobles (LRB) filling in for band members on national and international tours.
After seven years at the helm of Mornings in the Arena, Chris is taking time out to focus on other projects. The powerful performer who delivers drop-dead renditions from the classic songbook with ease and class, is not going too far though, remaining in the north to work and play and will remain as a regular at the Casino to host, MC, sing at special events as well as a special guest at Mornings on a regular basis.
“More farewells than Farnham,” says entertainment manager Bruce Stewart. “You’ll be seeing Chris all the time at the Casino with his multitasking talents. Mornings in the Arena will still be continuing every Friday with a new host. We are excited to announce the new host at Chris’ farewell show. We look forward to continuing the great tradition that Mornings has built and we are positive our new host will uphold the high standard audiences have come to expect.”
Mornings in the Arena traverses the best songs in history, from jazz standards made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Matt Munro, right up to Harry Connick Jnr and Michael Buble, and even works through some of the best pop songs. “Anyone who loves the original and best pop songs and jazz standards of the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s – all those young at heart – and those who appreciate meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies will love this,” Chris says. Some of the songs that appear on the diverse repertoire include ‘It Had to Be You’, ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’, and ‘Come Fly with Me’ to name a few.
The special Mornings in the Arena to farewell Chris Lloyds and welcome (and announce) the new host will be held on Friday 29 May at 10.30am. *** This is a free show at The Reef Hotel Casino.