Entertainers
Amanda & The Jets
 
This is a dynamic duo, trio, or more, your choice!  Regularly booked as a compact duo, Amanda & The Jets take you on a flight through the famous decades of the twentieth century.  It's a nonstop journey full of classic hits that will keep you dancing all night long.  With full wig and costume changes throughout, Amanda of Adagio Music has the experience and 'jets' on hand to take your special event to a whole new level!
 
Amanda & The Jets utilise quality backing tracks, with an emphasis on the fabulous vocals and colourful costumes of the past.  Rev yourself up, finish your meals, put yourself in an upright position and head for a whole new destination that you and your guests will remember way into the future!
 
'Jets' featured with Amanda Ryan are - Julia Messenger, Zerafina Zara & Clare Assetta!

 
  
Book your party or corporate function!
 

 


 
Bexley Stone
 
Bexley Stone' is Dean Wittmann-Lamb & Troy Jordan, two very experienced musicians and great guys from Melbourne. They have a repertoire of over 300 #1 hit songs carefully selected from the last 5 decades. Bexley Stone can play back beat cruisey covers to upbeat dance hits from a choice of modern or older songs to suit your venue or party.
 
Troy has played drums in one of Melbourne's most popular cover bands 'Crazy Haus' for over 20 years including every #1 hit for 5 nights a week in Melbourne's top venues, including a Saturday night residency at the Crown Casino for several years. Troy is an accomplished musician and has managed many of Melbourne's original and covers bands and was the driving force behind his own Crazy Haus.  He has worked in the music industry all of his life and knows the music scene like the back of his hand.
 
Dean has been lead singer/songwriter/guitarist in many original bands over the past 20 years. 'Sunswirl' won the best 'unsigned' band competition on the ABC Television show the '10:30 slot' hosted by Dylan Lewis which was judged by music industry representatives, successfully taking first place over 3,000 bands around Australia!
 
Dean's music career then took another positive twist when his band 'Valve' were signed with Albert's; the home of legendary bands such as 'The Easy Beats' and AC-DC. Vanda & Young, the godfathers of Albert's heard Dean's songs and recommended that Albert's sign Dean and his band, back in 2001.The first single released was 'Mundane' which went to #11 on the national alternative charts due to high rotation airplay on 'Nova', Rage and TV coverage through Foxtel's 'channel v' program, including a write up in The Rolling Stone magazine.
 
Loads of experience bring together Bexley Stone, so whether you want background music or something to get the crowd pumping on the dance floor Bexley Stone is the duo for you!
The Cotton Club
 
The Australian Cotton Club Orchestra brings back the atmosphere of Harlem nightclubs and speakeasies of the 1930s with its exciting mix of early jazz standards and popular songs. The arrangements are authentic which lends an exciting and evocative ambience to functions, festivals and special events.
 
In the 1990s, the Cotton Club Orchestra appeared mainly at private, corporate and charity functions at the Victorian Arts Centre and Melbourne's top international hotels such as the Regent, the Hyatt, the Hilton and the Windsor. The Cotton Club Orchestra has also shared billings with leading celebrities such as Rhonda Burchmore, Barry Humphries, Peter Allen, Geraldine Turner, Daryl Somers, Dame Kiri te Kanawa and various other stars of the Victorian State Opera. They have also performed at the openings of many stage musicals including 'Chicago', 'Forty-Second Street', 'Sunset Boulevard' as well as the opening of the Regent Theatre itself!
 
If you have the room for this big band, you will be definitely surrounded by music at its best!
Gavin Bell

Searching for unique entertainment?

 
Step into the world of corporate caricaturist Gavin Bell.
Gavin has wowed audiences both nationally and internationally for over 17 years at corporate and private events.
 
Now after drawing approximately 50,000 live caricatures, Gavin brings his experience (and paint brushes) to Australia's freshest entertainment concept:-

 

Presenting 'VIP-10 Unique Speed Painting'.

 

Engage, inspire and surprise your guests with this memorable experience that is VIP-10.
A unique background entertainment concept, Gavin and his team paint 10 lucky guests LIVE in a colourful, animated and humorous presentation.
Your audience receives two solid hours of artistic entertainment.
 
The 'chosen' guests have the option of traditional caricature or 'Picasso Style', have their artwork mounted on the spot (ready to take home) and their VIP experience begins with a relaxation massage.
 

VIP treatment for 10 and entertainment for all!

 

Gavin Bell's VIP-10 is ideal for conference dinners, awards nights, gala charity auctions and client functions.
 
Searching for unique entertainment that's memorable and funny?
 
'Check out the awesome VIP-10 video on link below...'

BOOK VIP-10 TODAY!
Julia Messenger
 
Julia Messenger is an international singer-songwriter and vocalist based in Melbourne. Her voice has been likened to such artists as Sade, Norah Jones, Ursula Rucker, Lisa Gerrard, Annie Lennox, Shirley Bassey, Sinead O'Connor and Donna Summer. Her vocals have been described as sultry, superb, stunning and exceptional as well as sweet, scorching and luxurious.

Her productions have appeared on numerous compilations in Europe and America alongside artists such as Norah Jones, Bebel Gilberto, Julee Cruise, Moby, Nitin Sawhney, Groove Armada and Joss Stone. Her songs receive airplay on European and US radio.

In 2004/5 whilst living and working in Germany, Julia performed with some of Germany's top jazz artists including renowned jazz organist Lutz Krajenski. Whilst in Melbourne Julia performs with an amazing list of musicians including: Sam Keevers, Andy Baylor, Bob Sedergreen, Geoff Kluke, Alex Hutchinson, Ben Robertson, Darryn Farrugia, Mike Jordan, Howard Cairns, Steven Grant, James Sherlock & Mark Fitzgibbon. 
 
She performed for the Handover Ceremony in Hong Kong and at the Galway Music Festival and  achieved 5 star reviews two years running at the Edinburgh Festival. Julia also represented Australia at the World Expo in Hanover as well as at several Grand Prix in Germany. In 2003 she sang at the New York Global Film and Music Summit and in Melbourne this year she performed Kurt Weil and Piaf songs for PBS at BMW's the EDGE at Federation Square.

Julia is unwavering in her passion to bring quality music to her audiences. She has been widely reviewed as a 'world class-performer'.

 "Julia Messenger should be fighting off the offers, the dizzying force and passionate intensity of her voice, steering an unerring course between cruelty and cream, would merit the ticket price alone."
Sue Wilson, The Scotsman, 5 Star Review, Edinburgh

The 'Julia Messenger Band' are regulars at Bennetts Lane, but her versatility takes her into many areas of the corporate entertainment world. Amongst many genres of music, Julia is also seen with Amanda & The Jets, presenting yet another amazing side to her already extensive and talented repertoire!

So if you wish to book Julia Messenger at your private or corporate function soon, please enquire now!
 
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Mood Indigo
 
Mood Indigo has entertained around Melbourne for many, many years with its repertoire of jazz classics and standards.  The beautiful, soulful vocals of Paula Johnson, backed by some of Melbourne's leading musicians is guaranteed to create a very special atmosphere for any function or event. 
 
Mood Indigo can also play a selection of soul/r&b classics for dancing.  Usually operating as a five piece group, they can also offer smaller combinations where a more intimate sound is desired.
Murder Mystery
 
Enjoy your very own mystery entertainment in a venue of your choice.  Become a major suspect, throw in a red herring or just sit back and enjoy the fun.  With many years of experience, Murder Mystery's take care of everything as the detective hosts an investigation along with appropriate music and prizes to suit the theme.  Best of all, they visit your venue - big or small.  With many themes to pick from, your party can take on a meaning of its own around your supper, banquet or cocktail party.  You name which guests take on the more major roles who are questioned by the detective, or the smaller roles of spreading the gossip.  The whole room is involved in finding the secret murderer.  This is theatre restaurant at its absolute best!
 
You don't just watch the show you are part of it all.  Murder Mystery's talented team of actors create a fun, comfortable atmosphere where members of the audience are encouraged and applauded to take part in solving the crime without doing the time!
Peter de Ryk
 
Peter de Ryk has been working as a full time musician in Melbourne since 1984, playing piano in every imaginable format and style all the way up to the big band, classical to jazz and even rock!
 
He is currently playing piano and is the Musical Director with the Cotton Club Orchestra, JW Swing Orchestra, his own band Mood Indigo, and as solo pianist at Quat Quatta and 9 Darling Street.  In between his performances, Peter is busy writing scores and developing his very own recording studio in the hills!
 
Based in Kallista in the serene Dandenongs, Peter works frequently all over Melbourne.  With a repertoire encompassing jazz standards, light classical and contemporary styles, he provides reliability and class and caters to a wide variety of musical tastes.
The Smokin' O'Brien's
 
Having been at the forefront of the golden era of live music in Melbourne, the members of The Smokin' O'Brien's have come together to create a new band that combines great musicianship, big personalities and a set list that every audience will love.
Including members of iconic Melbourne bands such as Chocolate Starfish, Big Deal, Croc's Back and Barney Does Bedrock (as well as touring artists such as Roxus, Max Merritt & The Meteors and Jon English band), The Smokin' O'Brien's are a dynamic new Melbourne based band giving audiences an energised performance of rock and country classics and party anthems ranging from the 70's to the 90's.
Guaranteed to engage audiences of all ages, The Smokin' O'Brien's offer high quality lead vocals from six members combined with entertaining stage banter while playing much loved songs in the way they were meant to be heard.  Providing the highest levels of musicianship The Smokin' O'Brien's impress both discerning musical audiences and the party crowd looking for a great night out.
The Smokin' O'Brien's are selective in the engagements they accept keeping their stage show fresh and ensuring every performance is a unique event catering for the audience on the night.
Available as a 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 piece - This band is certainly not one to be missed!
 
Soul Divas
 
Winners of the 2008 & 2009 ABIA Awards for 'Best Live Entertainment' and 'Best Ceremony Music'.  Soul Divas Trio and 4-5 piece band are among Melbourne's most sought after entertainers.  Performing together for over 11 years this band is tight!
 
With Smooth Grooves, Classic Retro and Latest Hits, Soul Divas feature strong lead vocals, fabulous harmonies and the most experienced and talented musicians.  Add in their free professional MC Service and you have the complete package, ensuring your wedding or corporate function to be a fabulous success.
 
What's included? Everything!  All standard performances include a superior quality Nexa PA system providing perfect sound & level control, coloured dance lighting and a cordless microphone for speeches.
 
'Best Ceremony Music' and ABIA National "No.1 Designer of Dreams Award" - Live Band/Group for 2010!
 
Book the amazing Soul Divas now for your next event!
Tara Leigh Dowler 
 
Tara Leigh Dowler is an outstanding talent that leaves audiences wanting more. An exciting young singer/songwriter who has achieved so much in her young career.  Her love for music was spawned by the likes of Queen, Alanis Morisette, Def Lepard and Meatloaf.
 
In 2008 Tara signed up for the Kool Skools Multimedia project where her song 'Altitude' was nominated out of hundreds of entries for Best Female Rock Vocalist and Best Pop-Rock Track. Tara and her band Black Ribbon performed her nominated track to a crowd of a thousand at the Melbourne Convention Centre taking home the judges award for Outstanding Singer/Songwriter.
In 2009 she signed to Byrneside Records for the release of a 5-track EP. After deciding on an independent release she was approached by Empire Records and Studio 52 to record a fully produced single and music video for promotional and industry use which is now available with rave reviews. 
 
Tara is memorable and engaging, incorporating a collection of her own material and a unique interpretation of classic covers! Presently Tara is involved in launching her new project Phantom Alice into the Melbourne music scene.  
 
Terry Gunn
 
A quality DJ and MC with over 30 years extensive experience in the live and recorded Music and Entertainment industry.
 
Terry has DJ'd in Melbourne Hotels and Nightclubs around Melbourne, while also working as mobile DJ.  He has an accurate reading of the crowd and knows exactly what you need for your special occasion. Terry's genre is especially suited to the classic and memorable hits of the 60's through to the 90's, and can cater for any party or corporate function, with a favoured leaning towards the big special birthdays!  This all includes a modern quality sound system and spectacular light show.  A great DJ package!
 
Terry is also available as your Master of Ceremonies.  An articulate presenter who adjusts seamlessly for your party or corporate event.  Comfortable in any situation, Terry can work from a script or highlight his natural abilities to bring it all together!