Tracy Chapman Tribute

Andrea Kirwin and her band are bringing the Tracy Chapman Tribute show to Avoca Beach Theatre on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, with doors opening at 6:30 pm for a 7:00 pm show start. Tickets are $45 plus booking fee, and the event will be a two-hour concert performed by Andrea Kirwin and her five-piece band, with a 20-minute interval. Please read on below for more information on the show, presented by Peace Run Records and Agency.
Most of us have a story about the first time we discovered Tracy Chapman's music. For some, it was during a road trip, hearing Talking 'Bout a Revolution or Fast Car on the radio. For others, it was buying the vinyl record or cassette in the late 1980s. For Australian-Fijian singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin, Tracy Chapman's music has helped shape her own music career. From discovering Tracy's first album in her big brother's CD collection as a seven-year-old in the early 1990s to performing her own music across Australia and New Zealand, Andrea has continued to draw inspiration from Tracy's authenticity, soulful songwriting, and the pure magic of her distinct, deep, and rich voice. Every few years, Andrea and her band perform the songs of Tracy Chapman to celebrate her musical legacy and the impact she's had on thousands of singer-songwriters and millions of fans worldwide.

Since Tracy released her debut record on 5 April 1988, she has been in a league of her own and remains one of the most respected artists in the global music industry. A self-confessed number-one fan of Tracy, Andrea Kirwin grew up with Tracy's music and has been performing covers of her songs throughout her nearly 20-year career in the Australian folk festival scene, having started her own songwriting journey at age 21 in Canberra back in 2006. Andrea and her band will cover songs from each of Tracy's eight albums, including favorites such as Fast Car, Give Me One Reason, Talking 'Bout a Revolution, The Promise, and more. Additional songs will include some of Tracy's collaborations, such as The Thrill Is Gone (with B.B. King), Sweet Home Chicago (with Bonnie Raitt), and Ain't No Sunshine (with Buddy Guy).

Though Tracy Chapman remains quite an enigma to the general public, much about her can be gleaned through her lyrics and songs. Tracy's music is authentic, powerful, and explores themes of social justice, love, and the complexities of the human experience. Andrea will delve into some of these themes and share stories about the significance of certain songs during the concert, which will be performed faithfully to the original recordings. Andrea's band consists of drums, bass, electric guitar, keys, and, in some concerts, special guest artist appearances. While this concert is not a depiction of Tracy's life, it is a celebration of her music and lyrics, beautifully performed by Andrea and her band. Fans of Tracy Chapman are encouraged to sing along to their favorite songs, and the show will conclude by 9:30 pm.