Muso to wow home crowd ‘Mr Michael’ back in town
AN ACCOMPLISHED Townsville-born musician is back to dazzle and entertain his hometown.
Violinist and DJ Michael Liu will perform tonight at Strand Park as part of the North Australian Festival of Arts, and will bring along his unique blend of classical and “new-age” sounds.
The former Kirwan State High School student, who relocated to Canberra in 2008 for university, will support Sydney six-piece band Thunder Fox in The May Wirth tent tonight, followed by a performance tomorrow night with the Ugly Bunyip Band.
“I guess you could describe my act as a mix of contemporary violin and improvisation – it’s basically about bringing violin into the 21st century,” Mr Liu said.
“I’ve always been passionate about music and it all started in Townsville when I was at Kirwan Primary School.
“I was lucky enough to have some great teachers and that’s when I really started to get into music. It’s something I’ve done on the side since I started working in Canberra, but I always find time to play on the weekend.”
Mr Liu will play in Townsville for the first time in 10 years when he opens for Thunder Fox tonight when he plays his electric violin and DJ set under the name “Mr Michael”.
His performance tomorrow will be with the five-piece Ugly Bunyip Band, which plays electro swing beats.
“It’s amazing to have an opportunity to play back at home,” Mr Liu said.
“I guess Townsville was once known as being a garrison city, but it’s great seeing Townsville grow and now it’s full of culture. My family still lives here in Kirwan and my sister is studying medicine, so it’s also great to catch up with them as well.”
A communications director by day, Mr Liu has gained a dedicated following in the Canberra entertainment scene since leaving Townsville, where he played in local theatre companies and music ensembles including the Barrier Reef Orchestra.
Mr Liu’s Mr Michael performance starts from 7pm today in The May Wirth tent.
Other events at NAFA today include Hooking the Reader with Mark Brandi at City Libraries, Townsville City, from 9.30am, and A Night of Crime with Mark Brandi and Matthew Condon at the Old Magistrates Court from 6.30pm.
Tickets are available from ticketshop.com.au.