Who is Andrew Kay?
There are lots of “Andrew Kays” – there is the famous brain surgeon, the television producer, the conductor… I vaguely recognise the guy in the picture, but he looks so much older than I remember. He calls himself an “impresario”! He creates, produces and tours live shows around the world including Soweto Gospel Choir and The Choir of Man, and Bluey’s Big Play.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Apart from not hiring publicists who sign you up to do interviews like this, not much. Life isn’t “by design” – so it’s best to deal with whatever life throws up, as the chaos happens.
Who inspires you and why?
My wife Robyn… the stories I could tell you about her husband. She must be an absolute saint!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Voting “Yes” in the upcoming Voice referendum would be a good start! If we can just achieve that, then 2023 won’t be a wasted year!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
A visit to Iceland in winter to enjoy eating moss fed lamb and forlornly chase the northern lights.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Apart from a visit the Brunswick Ballroom, we would pop up into the car and head up to Daylesford to enjoy Borealis.
What are you currently reading?
I am more a binge watcher of shows like Succession and The Great, but Robyn tells me that I should definitely read the Leigh Sales book, Any Ordinary Day… I don’t wish to disappoint her by telling her it isn’t going to happen as Jury Duty is next on my list.
What are you currently listening to?
I could say Robyn but that would be gratuitous so… even though: I created and still produce Soweto Gospel Choir who have won 3 Grammys, I own one of Melbourne’s best music venues The Brunswick Ballroom. Both my sons-in-laws are musicians, I have presented some of the world’s greatest musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Kathleen Battle, Nigel Kennedy and the Buena Vista Social Club…
I don’t have a musical bone in my body and am not currently listening to anything other than the sound of my 3 grandchildren singing songs by the bloody Wiggles – an act I have always been jealous of, so the children’s repetitive singing while delightful, is personally extremely painful.
Happiness is?
Apart from not listening to songs by The Wiggles, happiness is a refuge that once you find you should never leave. If I said I was happy Robyn would immediately insist on me “touching wood” – as apparently even saying you are happy brings very bad luck.
What does the future hold for you?
Only prisoners know their future and it’s called a “sentence” so, thankfully, I have absolutely no idea.
Andrew is the Producer of Borealis – which returns to Lake Daylesford from 20 July 2023. For more information, visit: www.borealisau.com for details.
Image: Andrew Kay (supplied)