Singer-Songwriter Melanie Safka Kicks Off National Tour at 2014 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Now thru June 9

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival and David M. Hawkins are thrilled to announce that legendary singer- songwriter Melanie Safka is making her long awaited return to Australian shores this June with her People In The Front Row Tour.

Melanie first shot to stardom with her unforgettable appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. The performance prompted the now common phenomenon of signalling an artist for an encore by holding up some form of light (first it was a candle, which merged into lighters, then flashlights and now mobile phones). In her hit song, 'Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)', Melanie shared her experience of when the audience lifted up their candles in the rain during her set at Woodstock.

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival will see the world premiere of the People in the Front Row show from this weekend, 7-9 June in the Dunstan Playhouse, before an Australia-wide tour.

Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Kate Ceberano was thrilled to secure Melanie for her final Festival, saying, "What a joy to have Melanie on board for the 2014 Festival - she's the female equivalent of Bob Dylan and will have the Playhouse audiences eating out the palm of her hand. This year's Festival is full of charismatic, inspiring artists - be sure to look out for the full program announcement in early April!"

Melanie's singles 'Brand New Key (Roller Skate Song)', 'Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)', 'Peace Will Come', 'Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma' and 'Ruby Tuesday' have all achieved Australian chart success with 'Brand New Key' reaching #1 and remaining in the charts for 18 weeks in 1971. In the USA, Melanie has had 13 Top 40 hits, including three number one hits.

A true pioneer for female musicians, Melanie's long list of achievements boasts a number of firsts including:

* The first female performer to have three Top 40 hits concurrently: 'Brand New Key', 'The Nickel Song' and 'Ring the Living Bell'

* The first Solo/Pop/Rock Artist ever to appear before the General Assembly of the United Nations

* The first Solo/Pop/Rock Artist ever to appear at Carnegie Hall

* The first Solo/Pop/Rock Artist ever to appear at The Metropolitan Opera House

* The first Solo female artist who sold out the Amsterdam Concertgebouw

Melanie's list of accolades and acclaim certainly is an extensive one but as the New York Times suggests, "Melanie is an artist who has no need to 'LAY DOWN' everything she has done to take her place in music history!"

Australia has always held a special place in Melanie's heart after her numerous visits throughout the seventies, one of which included another first: Melanie was the first commercial artist to perform on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage. Melanie's last Melbourne appearance saw two shows extended into twelve sold out concerts at the Dallas Brooks Hall in 1977.

Melanie said, "Since we started talking about coming back "down under" I've been looking at a photo of my two daughters and me with a koala that was taken last time we were there. I remember clearly how beautiful the country was and how warm and welcoming you Aussies are. My son, and guitarist, Beau Jarred, was not born yet but he'll be with me this time and, hopefully, we'll get the opportunity of meeting another koala. I did always mean to come back sooner but life often doesn't quite follow our plans ... I'm sure you know how that goes!"

A new generation was exposed to Melanie with the release of the Hilltop Hoods' hit song 'The Nosebleed Section' that included a sample of Melanie's 'People in the Front Row'. 'The Nosebleed Section' was a huge hit for the "Hoods", coming in at No. 9 on triple j's Hottest 100 in 2003 and No. 17 on the station's Hottest 100 of All Time released in 2009.

In this intimate evening of song, Melanie will be accompanied by her son Beau Jarred Schekeryk on Guitar, Andrew Worboys on Piano, Dave Hatch on Drums and Tina Harris on Bass.

This will truly be a night not to miss of wonderful music that spoke to a generation and beyond. Melanie will present all her hits and some new compositions all woven together with her witty stories of a career that is nothing short of extraordinary.

For further information visit: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

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