THERE was a big treat for lovers of country rock in Cowes Community Centre when Australian singer Nicki Gillis took to the stage to raise money for Island scouts.
Hailed as Australia’s biggest country rock singer, Nicki was making a stop over on the Island during her six-week tour of Great Britain, to visit her manager’s brother who lives in Ryde.
Whilst she was here she very kindly offered to help out with the scouts appeal to fund a trip to Sweden for a jamboree – 18 are hoping to go from the Island.
Nicki also dropped into St Vincent’s care home in Ryde to perform an acoustic set for the residents – she has also entertained the troops in Iraq in 2006 and other work for the forces coalition.
Winner of the International Stur Award, with which she was presented in 2009 by Frank Ifield, Nicki has recently released a remixed version of his famous hit, ‘I Remember You’ using Frank’s original recording and her clear strong vocals. To hear the single go to www.nickigillis.com
Nicki sang quite a few songs from her album Lucy’s Daughter along with many popular covers. “It was lovely on the Island and I even got a bit of a tan,” said Nicki of her weekend break. “I managed to see a bit of the Island while I was there, which I enjoyed very much.”
