Sweet harmonies

By Felicity Woodhill, founder of the Music and Tea at the Gallery concert series

Original songs and beautiful two-part vocal harmonies by Shalani Thomas and harmony singer and percussionist Paris Whiteley provided a magical morning of storytelling at November’s Music and Tea concert at Wollongong Art Gallery.

Lead singer Shalani effortlessly accompanied herself on the guitar while using melody to tell stories and share experiences. Her subjects ranged from belonging, social change, gender and the environment to ghosts and being in a moment.

Shalani’s gentle yet quietly penetrating voice was highly nuanced, creating light and shade while sustaining a beautiful melodic line. Paris’s sensitive and agile response to Shalani’s rhythm and the melodic line showed a truly collaborative approach to creating exquisite harmony.

The use of sweet harmony was also evident in Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts student Lillie Hobden’s selection of songs spanning three different genres, culminating in an aria by Puccini. Her confident and musical delivery captivated the audience.

A Special Place to Perform

Shalani and Paris expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present a set of original songs in the BlueScope Gallery at Wollongong Art Gallery: “A beautiful resonant space with a seated audience provided a different performing experience to our usual audience at live gigs.”

Shalani, Paris and their friend Kiya will be appearing as their band, Dear Violet, at the 2023 Illawarra Folk Festival. They will be telling more stories through song using three-part harmony.

Last ‘Music and Tea’ concert of the year 11am, Thursday, December 8: Jazz Trio and New Compositions by Alec Watt with a Prelude of Flute Music by Annabel Wouters and David Vance