Brisbane City Council’s
Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret
The Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret is a free development program that provides Brisbane seniors with the opportunity to learn from the best in the biz and develop their creative and artistic talents in a non-competitive, supportive environment.
If you can dream it, you can do it!
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced performer or you’ve never performed on the stage before; it’s your time to shine!
If you’re a singer, dancer, a vocal group, a choir, a band, or if you play a musical instrument or you're a comedian, we want to hear from you!
The theme for this year is LEGENDS AND ICONS:
The People, Moments & Music That Shaped Our World
Legends & Icons, a powerful celebration of the extraordinary individuals, defining moments and unforgettable music that have shaped generations.
From musical trailblazers and cultural pioneers to world-changing moments in history, this year’s Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret program’s theme explores how music reflects history—and how history inspires music.
Participants will have the opportunity to honour legendary artists from around the world alongside iconic figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, and global moments such as the first moon landing during Apollo 11 and the cultural revolution symbolised by Woodstock.
Through song, music, dance and spoken word, performers will bring to life the soundtrack of social change, unity, hope and celebration — from protest anthems and patriotic ballads to era-defining classics and contemporary tributes.
The program will culminate in a spectacular Gala Concert, honouring the enduring legacy of the legends who led us and the music that continues to inspire us.
Legends & Icons is a celebration of shared memory, cultural heritage and the timeless power of performance.
No auditions are required for this program.
Apart from the group ‘Song & Dance’ masterclass, all participants should prepare an item beforehand and will then perform that item at the masterclass and receive one-on-one feedback from their mentor.
Throughout July and August, participants will have the opportunity to work alongside top industry professionals in a 3-hour masterclass, and selected participants will be invited to perform in a showcase during September.
The Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret program is made up of three parts:
1. Masterclasses
If you don't feel confident enough to perform on your own or as part of a band/act, we have two group masterclasses where you can learn an item together. These include learning a 'Song and Dance' item with Jo Nash, and a 'Ukulele and Voice' masterclass with Vic Kena. We also have a masterclass dedicated solely to choirs and vocal groups to work on their pre-prepared item.
Masterclasses will begin in late July to mid-August 2026.
Masterclasses will cover issues such as:
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stage fright
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stage craft
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vocal technique
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song and dance
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a healthy voice
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What is 'less is more'?
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How to hit those higher notes
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microphone technique
You can perform with your own backing tracks or your own instrument, and we also provide a pianist to accompany you if you have your own sheet music.
All performers will be supported with professional sound equipment and a sound operator. If you need help sourcing a backing track for your song, please get in touch with us, and we can find one for you.
Audiences are more than welcome to attend any of the masterclasses.
2. Showcases
After completing the masterclasses stage of the program, some participants will have the opportunity to perform in 1 of 8 showcase concerts and set the stage alight with their singing, dancing, and instrumental skills in venues across Brisbane.
Unfortunately, due to the growing number of participants in the masterclasses, spaces are limited for the showcase concert portion of the program.
Showcase performances will be held at various Brisbane venues throughout September.
3. Gala Cabaret
15 final acts will then have the opportunity to take to the stage and perform alongside their professional mentors in the Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret Gala at Brisbane City Hall on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Tickets for the Gala concert will be available from late September.
Please note that free registrations for this year's masterclasses open on June 1st.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Producer, Chris Fennessy, on 0416 435 447 or email chris@epiphanyproductions.com.au