Have you ever drooled while concentrating too hard? Taught yourself to juggle to avoid studying? Or played Pokémon Go on your wedding night because... #sexy?
Life, right? Full of distractions, complications and 1,001 reasons to procrastinate. So come jump aboard The Soul Express with Laura Zarb as she regales you with highly relatable tales and catchy, original tunes.
Following a sell-out 2019 Sydney Fringe debut, Zarb is thrilled to be bringing her unique blend of wit, charm and neuroses to Katoomba audiences, as she shares her penchant for procrastination (and a good game of Candy Crush), her silent battles with old mate Anxiety, and her love of sequins, shimmies and sing-a-longs.
Zarb was a long-time Faulconbridge local who had her first gig playing at a Springwood coffee shop for tips.
"I cut my teeth playing at The Bank in Katoomba. I got to open for Sarah Mcleod at The Clarendon and went on to perform at Blue Mountains Music Festival," she said. "I even released my debut album, Pink Plastic Spoon, at the 2013 Winter Magic Festival.
"Even though I haven't lived in the Blue Mountains for almost 10 years, I go back regularly to visit my family in Woodford and it always feels like I'm coming home."
An experienced, multi-talented performer, Zarb is making her cabaret debut with The Soul Express. As is her way, she'll be having a great time and a laugh herself while also shining a spotlight on mental health.
Complete with a belly dance break and a sneaky strip-tease (because what's cabaret without it?), Zarb will be accompanied by the talented Daniel Mather on piano.
Zarb has lived a life on the road, taking her music from town to town. She has experienced life from the back of a van, used beachside showers to shave her legs, lived and performed in European mansions, and at times hidden away like a hermit to regroup, re-inspire and discover love ... and that was before the lockdowns.
Said Zarb: "I've always loved connecting with my audience as a musician, but there is something so beautiful and intimate about the cabaret format ... not to mention entertaining."
Zarb will donate $1 from every ticket to Lifeline.
Laura Zarb: The Soul Express is on at the Baroque Room, Katoomba, on Friday, February 4. Doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7pm. Tickets: $30 online, $35 at the door. Bookings: www.LauraZarb.com/tour.