Entertainment
26 February, 2026
Show was ‘blooming’ great
AN intimate audience at the Innisfail Shire Hall was transported through some of the most beloved songs of the late Eva Cassidy when one of Australia’s finest vocalists, Bloom, opened the 2026 Morning Melodies concert series on 17 February.
From the first note, it was clear the crowd was in for something special, a heartfelt tribute delivered with power, grace and unmistakable artistry.
Bloom, otherwise known as Amanda Canzurlo from Western Australian, was joined on stage by Sydney guitarist Eddy Santacrue.
Together, they guided listeners through a stirring selection from the Eva Cassidy Songbook, including ‘Imagine’, ‘True Colours’, ‘Songbird’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘People Get Ready’, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Wade in the Water’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Time After Time’, ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘The Rose’, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Ms Cassidy, the American vocalist whose genre-spanning repertoire embraced jazz, blues, folk and gospel, remained largely unknown outside Washington, D.C. during her lifetime.
Since her death from melanoma in 1996 at just 33, her posthumous releases have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.
In 2001, her compilation album ‘Songbird’ soared to number one on the UK charts, cementing her legacy.
Bloom’s own musical journey has been impressive and her debut EP in 2015 opened doors to collaborations with Australian icons such as Peter Cupples, John Paul Young, The Eurogliders, Brian Mannix, the Chantoozies and Scott Carne.
She has since earned a reputation as “one of Australia’s finest vocalists,” with six-time Golden Guitar winner Melinda Schneider praising her as “the next generation of amazing vocalists.”
Innisfail audiences are no strangers to Bloom’s talent. In 2021, she performed at the same venue alongside her husband, James Morley and Eddy Santacrue in a tribute to Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt.
Her other acclaimed shows include tributes to Adele, Amy Winehouse and Fleetwood Mac, each celebrating the stories and musical legacies of these iconic artists.
This year, Bloom is preparing to release her original single ‘You Matter’, a track centred on mental health, hope and self-worth, created in partnership with a major awareness campaign.
Her achievements extend beyond the stage, with performances of the national anthem at the cricket test series and the Bledisloe Cup, as well as multiple sell-out tours across Australia and New Zealand.
The next concert in the Morning Melodies series is on Tuesday April 14 at 10.30am and features The Beggars, made up of Renee Donaghey, Stuart Day and Quinton Dunne, who will pay tribute to Australian pop icons, The Seekers.
Morning tea is included in the ticket price of $15 per person and can be purchased online via www.eventbrite.com.au or on the day at the door (no cash).
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