California Crooners Club

The line-up for the 2026 California Crooners Club, is led by Adelaide favourite son, Hugh Sheridan, with a style that is a mix of stylised contemporary crooner, jazz-infused pop, and high energy cabaret-style showmanship. He is joined by former musical collaborator, Emile Welman, an internationally recognised jazz and R&B performer. The trio is completed by new member, Isaiah Firebrace, known for winning The X Factor Australia in 2016 and representing Australia in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. He primarily sings in the pop, soul, and R&B genres. The show is promoted as ‘taking you from vintage croon to modern cool’, and whilst there are lots of energetic and vibrant numbers in the show, crooning does not really describe what they do for most of the show.

Sheridan confidently leads the group, accompanied by a 3-person versatile support band, in a seamless move between genres, including jazz, swing, contemporary pop, and musical theatre. When they entered, dressed in black tie, they looked like Dean Martin style crooners, but after the opening song, ‘You’re Fabulous’, two stripped down to black T-shirts looking more like ‘rock’ style. At this stage, Firebrace, a late addition to the line-up, appears to be somewhat of a ‘third wheel’. Sheridan and Welman are old hands, comfortable with each other, and confident with the audience and show style. They could and seemed to perform a number of songs as a well-oiled duet; Firebrace’s contribution being more like a backing singer.

Eager to personalise contact, the three did several audience ‘meet and greet’ forays. The audience was packed with ‘Sheridan fans’ who relished the personal touch, singing along, swaying and eagerly connecting with every song and set. The tribute to living legends, particularly the Billy Joel harmony featuring ‘Piano Man’ was a showstopper, sung with passion and energy, whilst Sondheim’s, ‘Send in the Clowns’, sung as a 3-part harmony, brought a hush to the enthralled audience. The Motown tribute was jam- packed with clever segues before leading into a hugely popular New York mash up.

Whilst I was not disappointed with this high energy cabaret style show, I was puzzled as to its naming. Crooners are known for a soft, intimate and smooth vocal style. Think emotionally direct singing by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, or Nat King Cole, and in modern times, Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jnr.  This show abounds in rhythm, and high energy and has an endearing mix of theatre classics and popular music. It’s enraptured standing ovation and encore call-backs was hard won and unanimous. Crooners? Rhythm and Blues singers? Musical theatre? The name matters little as this 60-minute show is a joy-filled outing.

Jude Hines

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