Entertainment
13 December, 2025
Festive songs liven up hall
AWARD-winning performer Darren Coggan brought the spirit of Christmas home with a selection of songs and stories at this year’s final Morning Melodies concert performance at the Innisfail Shire Hall.
During the solo concert, Mr Coggan played his guitar and reimagined much loved Christmas favourites, while reminiscing about fond childhood memories of family and friends.
“Whether you have cherished memories of loved ones, the absence of loved ones, or the warmth of family and friends during the festive season, it is a good time for reflection to seek peace and find yourself home for Christmas,” he said.
His repertoire of songs included, ‘So This is Christmas’, ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Nothing But A Child’, John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’, ‘Wish I Had A River’, Col Joye’s ‘Bye Bye Baby Goodbye’, ‘The Christmas Waltz’, ‘Six White Boomers’, Paul Kelly’s ‘How to Make Gravy’, Peter Allen’s ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ and ‘I Honestly Love You’, as well as his own song ‘This Christmas’.
Mr Coggan had humble beginnings, strumming a guitar in his hometown of Wagga Wagga and it was not until 1995 when his professional career started after he won the inaugural Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year award on Norfolk Island. The following year he won the prestigious Toyota Star Maker quest and in 2001 he received his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia.
He is one of Australia’s masterful storytellers with the ability to weave perceptive tales through his songs. He has forged a unique, diverse career with success in the Australian country music, musical theatre and television industries.
He has had starring roles in musicals such as ‘Happy Days the Arena Mega Musical’, ‘Grease - the Mega Musical’, as well as the lead role in the world premier of John Williamson’s musical ‘Quambatook’.
In 2008, Coggan released his fourth album ‘War Stories’, a tribute to the ANZACs, Coggan which earned him a second Golden Guitar. Coggan’s previous touring productions have included the songbooks of John Denver and James Taylor, as well as his critically acclaimed performance in ‘Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story’ which inspired audiences in the grandest theatres across the world.
Read More: Innisfail