JourneyOnline
Logan Uniting Church Creative Arts Coordinator Craig Burnett entertained 5000 people dressed in a “suit of newspaper” at the recent Fancy Pants Ball in Toowoomba as the lead vocalist of the explosive jazz band SCAT. The Ball was the closing celebration for attendees at this years Australian Gospel Music Festival.
Mr Burnett’s smooth vocals and SCAT’s toe tapping rhythm has seen the band quickly develop a reputation for entertaining, high energy gigs. Their recent show sold out at the Brisbane Jazz Club and a growing list of high profile corporate and festival bookings.
For Mr Burnett performing has been a life long journey. Mr Burnett has studied at the prestigious Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has significant experience touring internationally as well as locally. He has just finished a season with Harvest Rain Theatre Company starring in ‘Children of Eden’ as a storyteller.
Despite the members of SCAT significant experience as professional musicians it is their ability to provide ‘jazz with personality’ and songs tailored to the audience that is drawing attention.
“We love performing high-energy jazz whilst giving the crowd the chance to have a laugh – though sometimes it is with us and sometimes it is at us!” laughed lead singer Craig Burnett.
“We really aim to be a vibrant part of every event we play, even if that means dressing up in newspaper suits! You’d be surprised how a left-field approach to performance can create the focus to share the gospel and the values of Jesus.”
“The spontaneity of SCAT’s performance gives our show a totally unique edge that engages our audience and creates an air of fun and randomness. The audience always gets a buzz when we insert the event name, theme or someone’s average fashion-tastes into a well known jazz song to mix things up a bit,” Mr Burnett concluded.
The Fancy Pants Ball is an annual event staged under a concert marquee in Queens Park, Toowoomba as Part of the Australian Gospel Music Festival on the night of Easter Sunday.
Read Journey’s report on the 2007 AGMF HERE.
Read Journey’s report on the 2006 AGMF HERE.
Photo : Craig Burnett lead singer for SCAT in his fancy pants newspaper suits
