It was standing room only at Arana Leagues Club for the third heat of Senior Superstar on Sunday 28 June.

Twelve acts performed to over 250 people eager to see and support the talented seniors. It was a heat full of variety with singers covering opera, country, fifties pop and Broadway.

As well as singers David Thomas showed that harmonicas are not confined to country by playing a medley, which moved from classical music to Dire Straits. The dying art of whistling was revived with an energetic performance from Richard Wade.

The finalists chosen to go through to the Semi-final were:

Pam Hodgson, 62 singing the classic song “I Got Rhythm”

70 year old Alan Doxey from Bardon wowed the audience with his performance of “If I were a Rich Man” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Angelita Paloma, 60 years old from Paddington gave a unique rendition of “Unchained Melody”

And Richard Wade from the Gap whistled and danced his way to the semi-finals with an exciting medley of tunes.

The four will go through to the Semi-final at the Broncos Leagues Club on Sunday 2 August.

The next heat is on Sunday 5 July at Carina Leagues Club.  12 acts will perform. Singers, rock and roll dancers, guitarists, accordionist, and a comedian will vie for a place in the Semi-finals.

Senior Superstar headed to Sandgate to discover what the 50 plus had to offer.

Ten acts performed to over 250 people eager to see and support the talented seniors. Acts included singers, bush poets, and a pianist.  Songs included classics, an original composition and a medley of country songs on the guitar. 

It was a sing-a-long heat with many of the audience joining in with many of the songs performed.  Brian Kelly had the whole audience singing along to his country medley.  As did Sue Coats when the audience joined in while she sung Que Sera Sera. 

There was not one but 2 bush poets, Kevin Dean and Cay Ellem proved this unique Australian art is not dead.  Dot Williams had the crowd clapping along as she played the piano.

The four finalists chosen to go through to the Semi-final were:

Darcy Turgeon from Deagon got everyone knocking to the song “Knock Three Times”.

Barbara Tyrrell from Stafford sung the classic “One Day at a Time”

Dot Williams from Brighton hit the keys as she played “The 12^th Street Rag”.

Bush Poet, Kevin Dean, Strathpine recited a poem about troublesome dog who liked to leave his mark on many a post and wall!

The four will go through to the Semi-final at the Broncos Leagues Club on Sunday 2 August.

The next heat is on Sunday 28 June at Arana Leagues Club.  12 acts will perform. Singers, harmonica players, guitarists, a pianist and a whistler will vie for a place in the Semi-finals.

The first heat of Senior Superstar got off to a cracking start.  Twelve performers impressed the 250 plus audience at the Geebung Zillmere Services Club with songs, comedy, accordion playing and poetry.  Songs featured by the talented singers included Country, Gospel, Broadway, an original composition and contemporary songs.

There was a gender bending performance from brother and sister team Elizabeth Kann and her brother Pat.  Barry Ellem recited a poem about dating on the farm called  “My Girl Gladys”.  Tom Flanagan played a medley of tunes on his 100 year old plus accordion which the whole crowd sung along to.  

The first finalists chosen to go through to the Semi-final were:

Country Singer Rose Rowland from Chermside. Rose sung the Mary Chapin Carpenter song “I Fell Lucky” . She proved she was by going through to the semi final.

Fay Cooper from Brisbane City who sung the Doris Day classic Que Sera Sera – complete with Doris Day wig.

Jim Hodgson, Zillmere, with the My Fair Lady classic “I’m Getting Married in the Morning”

And

Sylvia Delaney from Paddington dedicated her song, “ With a song in my Heart” to a dearly departed friend of 50 years. 

It was a case of celebration for these top four who we will see at the Broncos Leagues Club on Sunday 2 August.

We also welcomed to the stage Alyssa from Traveltrain, our major prize sponsor to chat about the fantastic range of train travel they offer. Karen from the Public Trustee, one of our major sponsors took us through the services that they provide. Its much more than you think!

We are happy to have both on board this year. They will be at each heat with special show bags for all who attend. Speaking of show bags - the ever popular Seniors Cards bags were back and Deano our bag boy just survived the rush!

The search is on again!

Now in its fourth year, Senior Superstar has discovered a wealth of talent including singers, tap and tango dancers, poets, musicians, saw players, spoon players, and comedians, even a troupe of clog dancers.

Auditions are on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at Ithaca Auditorium City Hall, 9.00am to 1.00pm. You can download an entry form, register on the day or pick up an entry form from council libraries, ward offices, or ring the council call centre on 3403 8888.

So if you can sing, dance, play an instrument, or have another entertaining talent and are aged 50 plus, come along to the auditions.

Senior Superstar Sunshine Coast Grand Final was held on Sunday 16 November at the Caloundra RSL.
A capacity crowd of over 600 attended to find out who would be crowned the 2008 Senior Superstar.
14 acts performed singers covering all genres including jazz, country, Broadway and bush ballads.
Some seniors chose to present more contemporary songs with tunes from Joe Cocker, James Brown, John Williamson and Neil Diamond presented.
There was even a tribute to spy music played by Sax and Axe.

In third place was Micheal Wouters who once again got the crowd going with his version of James Brown classic “I Feel Good”. He threw himself into the song – so much that he ended the song on the floor!

In second place was Jenny Wood. Jenny is a Living Choice resident from Kawana Waters. She sung the Broadway classic from Cats “Memory” and impressed all including soprano Judy Glen who was one of the judges.

The winner or rather winners of Senior Superstar Sunshine Coast were Quintessence - a four-piece female vocal ensemble that got together only 3 months ago.
The ladies presented a seamless arrangement of the wartime classic “ A Nightingale Sung in Berkeley Square”. Their harmonies were pitch perfect as was their presentation and style, which astounded everyone including the judges.

Not only the winners of the series but all of the 55 acts that performed in the Sunshine Coast Senior Superstar proved that talent is not limited by age. All who have attended the heats and the Grand Final can attest to that!

The last heat for Senior Superstar Sunshine Coast was held at the Swan Bowls Club Maroochydore on Saturday 1st November.
A capacity crowd of over 250 people were eager to discover which acts would go through to the final.
13 acts performed including singers covering all genres including jazz, country, Broadway and bush ballads.
Middle Eastern dancers, a didgeridoo player and a comedian added to the variety of the heat.
Once again the judges decision was tough and just like Caloundra, a tie resulted. Four acts will now go through to the Grand Final.
Rodger Hardy sung a song everyone in the audience could identify with, “I don’t look good naked anymore”.
John Higham had a touch of Old blue Eyes with the Frank Sinatra classic “You make me feel so young”
Lindsay Hope took us on a special tour with his song “ Around Australia in the caravan”
Quintessence - a four-piece female vocal ensemble, were in perfect harmony with their version of  “Tuxedo Junction”.

These acts will join the other finalists at the Grand Final on Sunday 16 November at the Caloundra RSL.

The third heat of Senior Superstar Sunshine Coast was one of the biggest yet with over 350 people filling Tewantin/Noosa RSL to see fourteen acts battle it out for a place in the series final.
Heat 3 also saw the oldest contestant in the series perform.  John Price, 91, of Timbeerwah mastered his electronic keyboard to inspire the audience that no matter what one’s age, anyone can get out and get involved.
There was a range of acts including dancers, harmonica players and keyboardists, however it was the vocalists who shone through for the judges.  Choosing three finalists proved a hard choice for judges Paul Dellit, Judy Glen and Patti Larkin with only half a point difference between the highest three performers.
Roma Chaffey of Sippy Downs sung the classic song, Moon River. Roma was a finalist last year and looked stunning in gold. Her voice was likened to Marlene Dietrich and Carol Channing, with judges eager to see what else she can perform when she returns for the grand final.
Noosaville’s Yvonne Woodlock was the second finalist to go through who sung Vilia from Merry Widow. Vilia, sung by a finalist in last week’s heat also, proved a successful choice yet again. This is the first year Yvonne has entered the competition and is eager to be able to perform again at the final in Caloundra next month.
Trevor Mitchell of Mooloolaba sung the Ronan Keating song If Tomorrow Never Comes. Trevor started singing only three years ago after being pushed on stage during a Karaoke night. The judges said his voice was truly unique. It was the first time for Trevor also to enter Senior Superstar.
All three acts will go through to the Grand Final on Sunday 16 November at Caloundra RSL Club.
The Swan Bowls Club Maroochydore will host the fourth and final heat on Saturday 1 November.

300 people attended the second heat of Senior Superstar at Nambour RSL to see who would go through to the Grand Final.
12 acts performed providing the audience and judges with an amazing variety of performances including comedy, flamenco dancing, cockney sing-a-longs, country tunes, swing and jazz.

Joan Cowser sung “Vilia” from the Merry Widow. Joan has entered Senior Superstar for the first time this year and was excited to be chosen to go through to the final.

It was third time lucky for George Stewart played his ukulele and sung “When I’m Cleaning Windows”. George has been a regular to Senior Superstar and has been a finalist every time. He was excited to be selected again and is looking forward to performing again at the Grand Final.

Alan Winter and Swing Thing presented Sway. Alan was runner up last year and Swing Thing were finalists. This year they decided to join forces and this proved successful enough to be chosen to go through to the final.

Judges for the heat were Paul Dellit, with locals Judy Glen, and Patti Larkin.

Heat 3 is on Saturday 25 October, 2pm at Tewantin Noosa RSL.

Over 250 people attended the first heat at Caloundra Services Club for the first heat for Senior Superstar Sunshine Coast.
Twelve acts presented a range of acts including songs from Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Les Miserables.
Instrumentals featured as well with seniors playing clarinet, saxophone, guitars and accordion.

The judges decision was hard. So tough and close in fact that a first ever three-way tie resulted with four finalists going through to the Grand Final.
Sax and Axe got the crowd buzzing as they played saxophone and guitar to “Tequila”.
Ron Smith’s powerful voice impressed judges with his version of “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife”.
Michael Wouters threw himself into Elvis Presley’s “Trouble” with a gyrating version that had the audience wondering what he was going to come up with next.
Jenny Wood wowed the audience with her presentation of the Les Miserables song “I Dreamed a Dream”.
All will be performing at the Grand Final on Sunday 16 November at Caloundra RSL.
Our second heat is on Saturday 18 October, 2pm at Nambour RSL.

Once again there’s a wide range of acts on offer. So, come along and see what Sunshine Coast seniors have to offer!

After 2 auditions, 8 heats and 2 semi-finals it was time for the Grand Final of Senior Superstar 2008.
12 acts entertained the 1,000 plus crowd at City Hall on Sunday 31 August.
Singers performed a range of songs including classics from Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf, Les Miserables, Loretta Lyn even a Farmyard Yodel.Other performances included a comedic piece with a bit of leg and regulars to the Superstar stage the Get Rhythm Dancers.

Our special guest judge the amazing Noelene Brown who is Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing. Noeline was amazed at the talent on display and loved every act. She was joined by actor Terence Donovan who was equally impressed. Other judges included comedic opera diva Judy Glen and Senior Superstar resident judge Paul Dellit.
The judge’s decision was tough with there only being a difference of 5 points between all the acts. This made the difference of the top 3 acts of 1.75!

In third place was of the biggest performance surprises - Darcy Turgeon. Darcy had previously sung Johnny O’Keefe and Gene Pitney songs in his appearances. This time however he gender bended his way across the stage in heels hosiery and make-up as he sung the boy George classic Karma Chameleon.

Runner up was Barbara Tyrrell. Barbara overcame nerves to captivate the crowd and wow the judges with her version of Edith Piaf’s “No Regrets”. It was the first time both Darcy and Barbara had entered the series and are keen to return again next year.

The Winner of Brisbane’s Senior Superstar 2008 is Patricia Newton. It was third time lucky for Patricia who sung “Coal Miners Daughter”.  She was shocked and ecstatic to be winner and hopes to pursue her love of singing further.

The audience was also in for a treat with 2006 winner Glad Graveson joined on stage for a duet with 2007 winner Peter Vance.