PEACHESTER Hall is set to get ‘all shook up’ on Saturday, August 7, when actor and entertainer Mark Andrew (Mark Tabone) stars in a very special Grease Night tribute show as a fundraiser for Peachester State School.
Mark has an extensive 25-plus years of experience as an internationally renowned entertainer and impersonator, bringing Elvis, Danny Zuko and Buddy Holly to life. The intimate show will support the local community that Mark and his wife Lisa Curry are now proud be part of.
Mark said that he had always had a passion for performing that started as a young kid singing at local church services in Melbourne. In the early 1990s Mark formed rock and roll inspired band Blue Suede Dudes and went on to tour with the legendary Chubby Checker.
From there Mark’s love of performing and his inherent appreciation of rock and roll saw him kick off his national and international touring career impersonating some of the most memorable artists of the 1950s and ’60s. He continues performing today with often sell-out shows that pay tribute to artists such as Elvis, Buddy Holly and Dean Martin.
As an in-demand Elvis tribute show performer, Mark said he had spent many years honing his craft and had been fortunate to spend time, gain insight and even tour with people who were personally close to Elvis. He said that as a performer he was often travelling and was equally happy entertaining people at larger venues and events as well as in smaller more intimate settings such as Peachester Hall.
“I’m looking forward to supporting our local community with this show that should be a lot of fun and people are encouraged to bring their classic cars and dress up in ’50s gear,” Mark said.
“Earlier that week I’ll be performing at a 2,000 person seated event with a 100-piece combined band and choir up on stage, before heading back home to perform at our local hall, which will be just as satisfying.
“I’m looking forward to being able to really connect with our local audience and have a bit of fun with the show,” he said.
Mark said he and Lisa originally met doing a charity walk in Melbourne a few years back and bonded over their mutual love of VW Kombi vans. The couple moved to Mount Mellum in 2017 before buying their current 24-plus hectare property Mali in Crohamhurst.
Mark said that they loved the serenity of the hinterland region and had enjoyed being welcomed into local community life, which offered a peaceful and relaxed reprieve from the demands of work, travel and hectic city life.
“We love coming home and being able to get away from everything, to really enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of where we live and to take a step back and reflect on the simple things and what is really important in life. Our family and friends love it too,” he said
“Lisa and I had a shared vision to create a space where people could have the opportunity to experience and appreciate the nurturing tranquillity of the surroundings, and so we’ve been focused on transforming our property into a function facility that we’re excited to be sharing.”
Mark and Lisa recently launched Mali – A Million Star Retreat as a wedding and function venue, and a glamping and retreat space that combines an eclectic mix of upmarket rustic glamour with unique vintage and retro touches set against a stunning hinterland backdrop.
For more details check out www.facebook.com/MALI-A-Million-Star-Retreat-100147345015659
Tickets for the Grease Night Peachester State School fundraiser on Saturday, August 7 are $35 and include a rock and roll inspired meal option. Drinks available for purchase, lucky door prizes, raffles and more. Doors open 5pm. Bookings via www.trybooking.com/BRXHF
