‘Comeback kid’ Kerrigan LaBrooy blows an appreciative audience away at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.
We ventured into the hazily unknown when Pastor, Country singer and allround nice guy Kerrigan LaBrooy invited us to what he described was a ‘comeback’ musical concert at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. We left astounded by a discovery of the depth of talent he possesses.
Kerrigan showcased a musical evening with a difference. No orchestra, no live band but no problem, in a superbly synchronised vocal delivery that had a packed house enthralled by its professional projection, and highly energised quality.
What stood out with this musical was the pleasing and comprehensive planning that was incorporated into its production which differed from the norm.
A standing ovation at the end of two hours of enjoyment was an unquestionable testament to an enjoyable evening of entertainment.
The well travelled multi talented entertainer who has established himself to the world over the decades, still displays plenty of stage presence and unbridled energy making it hard to imagine the enthusiasm and love for music he projects for this long. He has accumulated accolades over the journey receiving, Gold, Platinum, and multi- Platinum status for airplay through a glittering career that sees no foreseeable end.
He has produced a plethora of chart topping hits, performed at sell -out concerts and music festivals in Australia and around the world leaving little to prove before retreating to marry the love of his life Michelle, for about a decade. He holds the record for the longest number on hit, 53 consecutive weeks.
Six kids whom he dotes on, and a commitment to his religious direction kept music mostly on hold before he could hold back no longer succumbing to his passion that was being suppressed for so long. Daughter Xondra has shown an on going family tradition by recording a number one hit entitled ‘Butterfly’, at the tender age of 10.
The ‘comeback concert’ at Bunjil Place revealed a pent up emotion that blew everyone away for its intensity from a performer bent on showing off a wonderful allround talent. He joked with the audience, he sang and he danced in sync with the back-up dancers in a fabulous show that will be long remembered.
Apart from the sale of CD’s, the raffle draws of return air flights to Colombo and one to Sydney, and gift vouchers from Jet Travel and Cruise, added the extra interest apart from generating the urgent revenue required to help the needy.
The production itself covered many genres most noticeably the father and kids segment which drew parallels with the 1965 movie sensation ‘The Sound of Music’s’ Von Trapp family. In this case it was not Sister Maria, the rookie nun turned governess, but Pastor Kerrigan and his own brood. It was a truly moving segment of the night.
A tribute to his mum who passed away a year ago and Christian songs gave the music a comprehensive coverage.
What was most enjoyable was that the production catered for all age groups, one particular song, ‘Don’t fence me in’ bringing back nostalgic memories of our childhood when our parents sang it at most parties at the home parties and sing alongs. That was many decades ago. A Jim Reeves hit further emphasised the link .
The success of this venture has opened avenues for more events of this nature in the foreseeable future promised a delighted Kerrigan.
” I was blown away by the response from the audience and it certainly spurred me on to contemplate more gigs of this nature in the future “, he said.
“I thank everyone for making my comeback Melbourne concert such a success. In fact I wish I had a bigger word than thanks” he added.
“The general consensus is that it surpassed all expectations which warms the cockles of my heart and I truly appreciate this sold out event” a clearly stoked singer told eLanka.
In among the audience were many well known Melbourne musicians who were as impressed with the production as we were.
Fans of this era of music would undoubtedly be overjoyed at the news giving them another option for a fun night out.
