Up Close and Musical is bringing a wealth of musical talent to town.

The Blues at Bridgetown may be looming again on the horizon, but that other great annual Bridgetown musical institution, The Rotary Club’s Up Close and Musical Concert, is also coming to whet your musical appetite, once more showcasing a wealth of local musical talent. This year’s event has a change of name, from Up Close and Classical, to Up Close and Musical, reflecting a broadening of musical styles that takes in popular music, as well as classical.

Organiser Chris Shedley said the change of name reflects that the event is opening up to more eclectic performers and tastes.

And in another change, this year’s event is a month earlier than usual, but will still be held in the comfort of the Bridgetown Repertory Theatre.

Talented Donnybrook singer Claire Robinson is a fixture at the event and returns this year with her talented brother Timothy, for what promises to be a memorable performance.

Classical flautist Cecelia Karafilis will be performing a duet with pianist Rosie Wells, while trumpet players Allison Booth and Wendy Armstrong, are also on the ticket.

Another highlight will be Jaden Dale, a self-taught pianist who was playing Rachmaninov and Lizst by the age of 15.

2023 marks the 17th running of a musical event that’s raised over $30,000 for local charities, with this year’s funds helping Cyrenian House in Nannup’s treatment services for alcohol and drug dependency. Up Close and Musical is happening on Saturday the 9th of September at the Bridgetown Repertory Theatre, with pre-show drinks from 6.30pm and the show starting at 7.00pm.

Chris Shedley is looking forward Chris is forward to this year’s Up Close and to this year’s Up Close and Musical event event.

Tickets are available from the link on www. bridgetownrotary.org, or will be available at the door on the night.