“ A passionate and humorous mix of Rhythm, Blues and Jazz”

Katrina Kallil began her career in Dunedin working with local bands and theatre groups at local venues, corporate functions and community events. Touring throughout the South Island enabled her to establish her name as an excellent vocalist, a funny comedian and stellar stage performer. Now based in Nelson Katrina recently sang at the Nelson Arts Festival to an encore performance.

Katrina performs as a duo with her accompanist and music director, Barry Korcheski who is known both locally and internationally as an excellent pianist and band leader. Katrina also works with a larger group “Katrina and the Heartbeats” using the best local talented musicians.

Katrina Kallil’s style of powerful vocals, charisma and comedic wit, along with her Jazz and Blues arrangements, gives her audience a very special performance. Spiced by a wry sense of humor in both her songs and banter Katrina totally engages her guests with irresistible energy.

From the Nelson Mail. . .
Nelson's Suter Cafe owner Katrina Kallil to perform with Her Band of Men at the Suter Cafe.

The opening night of Katrina Kalill's concert series "Katrina and Her Band of Men", in her beautifully revamped Suter Cafe, was a stunner. Swapping her apron for more glamourous attire, she thoroughly proved herself as a bewitching songstress in a two hour concert of popular jazz and blues numbers.

Supported by her "Band of Men", that included some of New Zealand's most accomplished jazz musicians, the recipe was set from the start to be one that would delight the packed out venue.

Kalill's entrée through the crowd to her sultry rendition of Gershwin's "Summertime" was a clever way to connect with the audience and an instant hit.

What followed was a cornucopia of numbers from the jazz/blues song book. Big favourites were "5-10-15 Hours", "I Love Paris in the Springtime" and "Sugar". I was particularly taken with her performances of Otis and Love's "Aged & Mellow Blues" and Cohen's "Everybody Knows", which showed off the extent of her consummate vocal talents and ability to hold the audience in the palm of her hand.

Great credit has to go to the "Band of Men", Mark Wilson, Chris Harris, Simon Williams, Andrew Leachman, James Wilkinson, Barry Korcheski and Gabor Irmalos. There was plenty of opportunity for some outstanding improvisation from most and I particularly appreciated the energy and skill of Wilson's keyboard playing which is becoming legendary.

The venue, transformed into a "nightclub" with some great cocktails, platters and desserts on offer, was magical with its backdrop of Queens Gardens and, as the sun set, clever use of lighting.

Kalill's engaging repartee combined with her warmth, exuberance and ability to make every number completely her own was certainly a recipe for a much enjoyed concert as the audience made very clear.

Music pours out of this seasoned and professional performer like warm honey. This concert is an event not to be missed.


Ideal for: background for wedding, birthday, business function garden party