FAST-paced and witty, Never Mind the Buzzers, Here’s RocKwiz LIVE! brought the music quiz show’s beloved blended live format to Swan Hill Town Hall on Saturday with characteristic gusto.
The four local contestants met hosts Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis beat for beat, alongside three well-known musicians: a Voice finalist and theatre actress, an ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter and an LA-based Aussie blues and roots singer and guitarist.
Zemiro brought her signature charm and personality, bonding with the contestants and audience alike to bring the show alive while the two teams battled for points.
Despite Zemiro’s affectionate teacher-like shushing, the audience competed as an impromptu third team, answering the rapid-fire “Kwiz” as one, in a call and response that transformed the show into a classic rock mass.
Joined by the dynamic Orkestra, the guest musicians gave performances throughout the evening, showcasing their original work and covers of classics.
A rendition of Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was a standout, moving the audience with the musician’s soul-style voice.
Contestants gave renditions for extra points, blowing their friends and families away with their hidden talents.
It was clear that when Nankervis says the audience and hometown contestants are what keeps him touring with RocKwiz 20 years after first taking the stage at The Espy in St Kilda, he means it.
He was clearly delighted when contestant Kev Casey shared a spontaneous anecdote of buying a well-known record in his childhood, offering his own recollections of the album.
Even Dugald McAndrew, the “Human Scoreboard”, was given his time in the spotlight, quizzing Zemiro and Nankervis in a rapid-fire bout won by Nankervis.
An enduring format, Zemiro, Nankervis and the Orkestra demonstrated how they have kept audiences returning after years on screen with their tight spontaneous musicianship, quick wit and authentic-feeling audience engagement.
