Kate Ceberano's Australian Made Tour @ The Warehouse, Townsville – NAFA 2026 – Sept 26th
Updated: 4 days ago
There are few Australian performers who can command a stage quite like Kate Ceberano. More than four decades into a remarkable career, she remains a magnetic presence, combining powerhouse vocals, warmth, humour and an obvious passion for the music that shaped her. Ceberano and her band delivered a joyous celebration of Australian music history, blending beloved classics with highlights from her own extensive catalogue.
Opening the evening was guitarist, singer-songwriter and longtime collaborator Kathleen Halloran, who has spent the past three years developing her own recording career while continuing to support Ceberano on tour. Her solo acoustic set showcased both her formidable guitar technique and emerging songwriting voice. Halloran impressed with a fiery rendition of Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower and an instrumental take on Dire Straits' Sultans of Swing, before introducing songs from her 2026 album Nobody's Baby. Among them was Free with Me, her first written song, a heartfelt reflection on finding liberation and personal freedom.
Halloran later returned as part of Ceberano's trio alongside the equally talented Dusty Lee Stephensen, and together they packed an extraordinary amount into a 90-minute set. Drawing on Australian music from the late 1960s through to contemporary releases, the show wove together songs from artists who inspired Ceberano alongside some of her own biggest hits, including Bedroom Eyes, Pash and the soaring ballad Brave. These tracks were radio staples for good reason back in the 80s and 90s, and Ceberano's voice has lost none of its distinctive character. It remains smoky, soulful, powerful and effortlessly expressive, delivered throughout with her trademark infectious smile. As one young fan once aptly told her, she has "a voice that sounds like sand and rainbows."
The night's setlist reflected the breadth of Ceberano's musical influences and affections. Sometimes audiences were treated to only a brief snippet of an instantly recognisable classic, such as the opening bars of INXS's Burn for You. At other times, songs were given the full spotlight, including a beautiful duet between Ceberano and Stephensen on John Farnham's Burn for You. Farnham's influence continued through heartfelt renditions of Help and Everything's Alright from Jesus Christ Superstar.
The chemistry between the three musicians was remarkable. Throughout the evening they shifted seamlessly between guitars, keyboards, drums and a range of percussion instruments. Ceberano herself cut an imposing figure behind the drum kit before moving to the front of the stage to engage directly with the audience. Following what she jokingly described as the show's "country section", the energy steadily built as the trio expanded into a fuller, richer sound that had the crowd increasingly animated.
There were simply too many musical highlights to mention them all. A slowed-down interpretation of James Reyne's Slave, complete with its glorious final key change, was particularly effective. Other memorable selections included Russell Morris's The Real Thing, Divinyls' Boys in Town, Mental As Anything's Can I Come Too?, The Angels' No Secrets, and a personal favourite, Spectrum's I'll Be Gone, introduced by that instantly recognisable harmonica riff.
Ceberano also generously shared stories from her life in music. She reflected on growing up in the industry, finding her first breaks, and rubbing shoulders with Australian music royalty. There was humour too, including an anecdote about being overlooked by Joe Camilleri in favour of Vika and Linda Bull because she was considered too young at the time. Other stories revealed the more challenging realities of a long career, with Ceberano joking about occasions when she felt "too pregnant" or "too married" for certain opportunities, delivered with a grin towards husband and manager Lee Rogers, who watched from side stage. Underpinning these reflections was a genuine sense of gratitude and perspective as she approaches her 60th year.
Looking around the venue, I was probably among the younger members of the audience, despite approaching 50 myself next week. Yet the songs showcased throughout the evening transcend generations. Whether they emerged before my own musical awakening or not, they form part of the fabric of Australian music, and Ceberano and her band honoured that legacy beautifully.
The encore provided a fitting finale, with an exhilarating medley of hits from Split Enz, Skyhooks and Models that had the audience singing along enthusiastically. It capped off a night that was equal parts concert, storytelling session and celebration of Australian music, reminding Townsville audiences why she remains one of Australia's most enduring and beloved performers. This was a masterclass in musicianship, nostalgia and sheer entertainment.
Comments