Vera Blue and Mitch Tambo make beautiful music with the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup kickoff
Here’s a first. Fans of a major sporting event actually welcomed the announcement of the line-up for the T20 Women’s World Cup pre-match entertainment.
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SOMETHING strange happened when Vera Blue, Mitch Tambo, Harts and DJ Dena Amy were revealed as the opening acts for the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup first match between Australia and India.
There was no sledging or cyber-bullying.
As those artists who have braved the pitch for an NRL or AFL grand final are acutely aware, a contingent of sporting fans will be vicious and cruel when expressing their disapproval of a pre-match entertainment line-up.
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But not this time, with the bonhomie reflecting the “tone” the World Cup organisers wish to set for the tournament with their inclusive program of music and dance for the opening match at Sydney Showgrounds on Friday night.
Vera Blue, who will perform Heroes by Alesso and Tove Lo, said the aspirational nature of the women’s cricket competition had fostered a “very empowering” vibe among fans.
“It’s exciting women are leading the way with this, a really special, something-for-everyone celebration. Boys, girls, women and men look up to these sports stars, they are really inspiring,” she said.
The World Cup opener will be one of the biggest stadium gigs Vera Blue has played and her debut in the sporting meets entertainment arena.
“This is a first for me and it’s even better that it’s a women’s match,” she said.
“It will be amazing performing alongside these other artists because I think this kind of audience will be really supportive of the different kinds of artists and music styles and I’m loving being a part of it.”
Vera Blue is confident Australia’s cricket fans will rally behind the #FillTheMCG campaign to set a new crowd record for a women’s sporting final on International Women’s Day on March 8.
Katy Perry will be performing ahead of the final and also a concert after the match.
“Oh, I’ve no doubts Australia will smash that record. It’s a great way to celebrate all the women in our lives so it will be cool to come together and beat the record,” Vera Blue said.
Mitch Tambo goes into the opening ceremony buoyant after his triumphant performance of You’re The Voice in Gamilaraay language with John Farnham to close the Fire Fight Australia bushfire benefit last Sunday.
Harts is responsible for the World Cup theme song You’ve Gotta Get Up And Dance.
Tickets are still available for the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup opener, from $5 for kids and $20 for adults with the entertainment kicking off at 6pm.
DON’T MISS a thing: Can’t make the game - join the T20 party on Foxtel and Kayo