Love Me or Leave Me – Nina Simone Tribute
Search Gigs
When?
21 November 2025 starting 9:00 am
How much?
From: $34.8
What?
The show Love Me or Leave Me returns once again to The Wesley Anne after THREE previously SOLD-OUT Shows (2023/2024).
A captivating musical journey that celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary Nina Simone. Christine Manetta, with her unique flair, brings a fresh perspective to Simone's timeless works. Embracing the musical truth within each song's story, Christine reveals the depth of the human spirit and invites audiences to connect with the rich emotions behind the music. Accompanied by Musical Director Adam Rudegeair and his Quartet, the performance weaves together heartfelt stories and powerful songs that span genres like jazz, folk and blues. From the Tribal Gospel Beginnings and Cabaret Jazz to Activist Anthems, immerse yourself in the emotional landscape of iconic tracks such as I Put a Spell on You, Feelin' Good, Sinnerman and Ain't Got No - I Got Life.
"A fabulous show and I highly recommend you check it out “
Barry Maxwell–Vice President Blues Music Victoria
"Great Voice" - Radio KLFM
Musicians:
Christine Manetta – Vocals/Narration. Melbourne based Vocalist, known for her extensive work in Urban Jazz & Blues with notable appearances in Festivals: Docklands, Castlemaine, Merimbula and Port Fairy. Guest Presenter on ABC Radio (Nina Simone Tribute Programs) and Internationally celebrated Songwriter, Multi-Award-Winning Album ‘One Woman One Day’- Global Music Awards (US), Intercontinental Music Awards (US), Women’s International Film Festival (US) and Rome Music Video Awards (ITA) to name a few.
Adam Rudegeair – Piano. A prolific composer, performer, and educator based in Melbourne. His music is rooted in jazz and funk, with significant influences from the sounds of New Orleans, Minneapolis, and avant-garde groove musicians such as Sun Ra and Medeski Martin & Wood. Adam's current projects include Lake Minnetonka, The Bowie Project, and the ongoing collaboration with jazz legend Bob Sedergreen ‘Bourbon Street to Brunswick Street’.
Stephen Caruana – Drums/Percussion - Originally from Brisbane having graduated from the Queensland Conservatory and Rotterdams Conservatory (Codarts) The Netherlands. Stephen has performed throughout Australia and internationally with performances spread throughout Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland.
Aaron Searle - Saxophones/Flute. Composer, Music Educator and Jazz Musician from Melbourne. Aaron has released three solo albums. Three albums of original material and one album of compositions by Dave Brubeck.
Ivan Rosa – Double/Electric Bass. Performing as part of the Melbourne Jazz scene for the last three decades, Ivan has worked with many prominent musicians including Bob Sedergreen, Alan Lee, Lachlan Davidson, The Romans and the Orlando Combo.
Ivan has a wealth of experience and is known for his sense of groove and inventive solos.
A captivating musical journey that celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary Nina Simone. Christine Manetta, with her unique flair, brings a fresh perspective to Simone's timeless works. Embracing the musical truth within each song's story, Christine reveals the depth of the human spirit and invites audiences to connect with the rich emotions behind the music. Accompanied by Musical Director Adam Rudegeair and his Quartet, the performance weaves together heartfelt stories and powerful songs that span genres like jazz, folk and blues. From the Tribal Gospel Beginnings and Cabaret Jazz to Activist Anthems, immerse yourself in the emotional landscape of iconic tracks such as I Put a Spell on You, Feelin' Good, Sinnerman and Ain't Got No - I Got Life.
"A fabulous show and I highly recommend you check it out “
Barry Maxwell–Vice President Blues Music Victoria
"Great Voice" - Radio KLFM
Musicians:
Christine Manetta – Vocals/Narration. Melbourne based Vocalist, known for her extensive work in Urban Jazz & Blues with notable appearances in Festivals: Docklands, Castlemaine, Merimbula and Port Fairy. Guest Presenter on ABC Radio (Nina Simone Tribute Programs) and Internationally celebrated Songwriter, Multi-Award-Winning Album ‘One Woman One Day’- Global Music Awards (US), Intercontinental Music Awards (US), Women’s International Film Festival (US) and Rome Music Video Awards (ITA) to name a few.
Adam Rudegeair – Piano. A prolific composer, performer, and educator based in Melbourne. His music is rooted in jazz and funk, with significant influences from the sounds of New Orleans, Minneapolis, and avant-garde groove musicians such as Sun Ra and Medeski Martin & Wood. Adam's current projects include Lake Minnetonka, The Bowie Project, and the ongoing collaboration with jazz legend Bob Sedergreen ‘Bourbon Street to Brunswick Street’.
Stephen Caruana – Drums/Percussion - Originally from Brisbane having graduated from the Queensland Conservatory and Rotterdams Conservatory (Codarts) The Netherlands. Stephen has performed throughout Australia and internationally with performances spread throughout Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland.
Aaron Searle - Saxophones/Flute. Composer, Music Educator and Jazz Musician from Melbourne. Aaron has released three solo albums. Three albums of original material and one album of compositions by Dave Brubeck.
Ivan Rosa – Double/Electric Bass. Performing as part of the Melbourne Jazz scene for the last three decades, Ivan has worked with many prominent musicians including Bob Sedergreen, Alan Lee, Lachlan Davidson, The Romans and the Orlando Combo.
Ivan has a wealth of experience and is known for his sense of groove and inventive solos.
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