Blakout: Jess Hitchcock, with special guest Candice Lorrae

With heritage from the Torres Strait Islands and Papua New Guinea, Jess Hitchcock’s artistic diversity and adroitness are seldom seen in someone as young as she is. The way she navigates her creative path is a rare find and truly remarkable.

One of Jess’s most notable collaborations is with legendary singer-songwriter Paul Kelly. Together, they performed and recorded Paul’s song, ‘Everyday My Mother’s Voice’, earning standing ovations across the nation. You can occasionally find Jess in Paul’s band, performing vocals and percussion. Jess has also collaborated with Archie Roach, Tina Arena, and Kate Miller-Heidke. Jess’s much-anticipated album, Unbreakable, was released in mid-2023 and reached #4 on the AIR charts. Her original material is as dramatic as it is playful, always showcasing her vocal prowess. Unbreakable‘s first single, ‘I Don’t Have The Heart’, was described by The Music as “an arena-sized pop ballad.”

When Jess is not on stage with her own band or joining forces with music legends, she lends her mezzo-soprano vocals to select performing arts companies, including the MSO, SSO, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Victorian Opera, West Australian Opera, and Opera Queensland.

Audiences can look forward to an electrifying performance, featuring powerful vocals and captivating storytelling.

Listen to Jess Hitchcock

Also appearing: Candice Lorrae

Candice Lorrae is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and music producer, born on Larrakia land, raised in Boorloo, and now living in Naarm on Kulin Country. She is a proud woman of Jawoyn, Torres Strait Islander, Filipino, and mixed European descent, and has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry over the past two decades, notably recognised for her contributions with the iconic pop duo, The Merindas. Candice is now embarking on a solo journey, passionately working on her debut album, drawing inspiration from her own life, love, and legacy. She describes her music as soulful folk-dream pop, hoping to inspire and continue the stories of her great family legacy as the second great-granddaughter of Bett Bett—a national treasure of Australian folklore featured in We of the Never Never, The Little Black Princess, and The Girl Who Talked to the Stars.

This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life. Find out what else is on during Blakout.

Show Times

Doors @ 6.30pm
Show @ 7.30pm

Eat & Drink

Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm until 8:00pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar. Reservations are not required when you purchase a ticket to a show. Order from the QR code on your table, or at the bar. View the menu.