It was the second Day on the Green in the Southern Highlands in just over a month, and what a show it was!
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Centennial Vineyard, on the outskirts of Bowral, was packed with music lovers of all ages enjoying the freedom that seemed so distant just three years ago.
It was about two and a half years ago in October, that legendary performer Sir Rod Stewart was meant to grace the stage at Centennial Vineyard. Unfortunately the global pandemic that began in March 2020 put a stop to that - at that point he couldn't even visit our shores.
Fast foward to April 2, 2023 and that much-anticipated show finally took off - and it was well worth the wait.
Two solid hours of hit after hit had the crowd at the packed venue reminiscing of days gone by (for some) and gaining a newfound appreciation of great music (for others).
Rod Stewart, at 78, still knows how to reel in the audience with fantastic showmanship, great songs and a spectacle that this long-time fan was thrilled to embrace.
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I also want to give a shout out to his back up singers. Their voices! Wow. Their performace of Lady Marmalade, while Rod disappeared for a costume change, was fantastic.
This is the third Day on the the Green that this music-lover has attended since Centennial Vineyard re-introduced the popular shows after a hiatus of more than a decade.
There was the Crowded House concert in early 2022 - that was something of a joyous occassion that heralded the return to pre-COVID freedom.
Then came Sting in late February of this year. Again it was brilliant as he took the audience on a journey through his impressive music catalogue.
And now Rod Stewart - which I think has been my favourite so far. Or is it just that it is still fresh in my mind along with the hits on replay as I go about my day.
Was there a favourite song on the night? Definitely not one. How could there be with a performer who has had so many hits! But I think Young Turks, or as the lyrics say "young hearts be free tonight..." is the tune that is sticking with me.
Not surprising - those very words are like an anthem to where we were on the night and where we are post-COVID - free to live a normal life again.
The beauty of the Day on the Green events is that they are not just about the headliners. Support acts that kick off the day are top notch.
The Rod Stewart show was no exception with the engaging entertainment starting with Melbourne-based brother and sister duo Dacy starting the entertainment in fine form. This is definitely one to watch.
New Zealand performer, who has become an Aussie favourite, Jon Stevens was next up, wowing the audience with a mix of hits from both Noiseworks and INXS. The sometime front man from both bands captured the crowd's attention from the minute he stepped on stage and launched into the Noiseworks' hit Touch. He continued to serve up hit after hit from his impressive career.
The afternoon then took on an international flavour as the ever-flamboyant Cyndi Lauper stepped on stage to regale the audience with her extensive hit list from the 70s and 80s including such classics as Girls Just want to have fun and Time after time.
On a final note I have to say "Centennial Vineyards, you've done it again!" I am now looking forward to learn who will be next on stage at this great Southern Highlands Day on the Green venue.
