For 34 years, the Central Coast’s own Nathan Foley has been a major player on the entertainment scene and he will present a special show celebrating Australian music through the decades at Avoca on May 18.
Aussie to the Bone will celebrate Australian artists and their music – from the Easybeats and Olivia Newton-John to Natalie Imbruglia.
Foley is known primarily for his success as a singer/presenter for 10 years on Channel 9’s HI -5, which aired to more than 100 countries worldwide, and his success on Channel 10’s I Will Survive which took him around outback Australia and to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.
In 2019 he wowed Australia on Channel 9’s The Voice, showcasing his talent to a new generation of fans.
Foley has won three Logies, five ARIA awards and a Helpmann award, with Hi-5 being the only group to have won five consecutive ARIAs.
In 2022 he returned to his songwriting roots, releasing his original solo album Hurricane and he performed in Jerry Springer the Opera at the Sydney Opera House alongside David Wenham.
He followed up with Grease On The Beach, playing Kenickie, and toured in the worldwide musical smash hit Mamma Mia.
As a solo artist he has won a Mo Award for Best Young Entertainer, an ACE Award for Best Young Entertainer, the Variety Humanitarian Award for Best Young Artist of the Year.
He was nominated for a Logie for the Best Up and Coming Television Presenter and is the first and only Australian to win the internationally prestigious Princess cruises Entertainer of the Year award.
Nathan toured the world nine times with Hi 5 and has made regular television appearances on a variety of shows.
“I like to think success is longevity and I’ve been living the dream for many years,” he said.
“I’ve done a lot of variety shows which were very much influenced by American culture, but we have such great musicians right here at home, from INXS to John Farnham – even though he wasn’t born here, we claim him,” Foley said.
“Australia has produced so many amazing songs and I wanted to pay tribute to those artists.”
The result is Aussie to the Bone, which will see Foley, as well as a guest vocalist and a powerful six-piece band present Australian hits from the early days through to the present.
“As a Green Point local, I’m very excited to present this show in my own backyard,” he said.
“I want it to be an experience – it’s not just about music but also energy and passion.”
Crowded House, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Cold Chisel, Rick Price, and The Angels are just some of the musicians whose songs will feature.
“People like different styles so there will be everything from soft ballads to pop and dance tracks,” Foley said.
He is also performing the show Unforgettable, featuring the great songs of the ‘50s and ‘60s in Sydney and busily recording.
“I recently released the song Remember to coincide with Anzac Day and am still busy recording,” he said.
“I just can’t stop; I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years old.
“It’s not just a job – it’s a passion.”
Aussie to the Bone will be performed at Avoca Beach Theatre at 8pm on Saturday, May 18.
Book on the theatre website.
Terry Collins