Who: Rae-Leigh Lohse
Where: The Crystal Lounge
When: Thursday, Jan. 16
This is the stuff movie scripts are made of. A night cleaner for three years teaches herself acoustic guitar in her spare time. A regular face in the crowd at Open Mic Night, she eventually plucks up the courage to play on stage and winds up hitting the semi-big time with her own solo gig at the Crystal Lounge.
Her first show last month went so well, she’s been invited back to play again, and this time there’ll be no first night nerves.
"I was so scared that initial gig. I’d never played by myself before and I felt so exposed. I had played some sax and some bass in my sister’s band but there were always people to cover you if you make a mistake. With an acoustic solo, there is so much more pressure to get it right," said Lohse.
The laid-back Aussie import ploughed through the stomach knots and pulled off an inaugural performance to be proud of. Influenced by such artists as Sheryl Crow and Indigo Girls, Rae-Leigh can perform over 50 songs, ranging from the Spice Girls to Nirvana. But the songs that mean the most are her originals. She’s been writing lyrics since she was a teenager.
Rae-Leigh’s chilled-out demeanour, obvious talent and soothing voice makes this night the perfect way to unwind.
