Who is Mama Alto?
A jazz singer, cabaret artiste and gender transcendent diva.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If we are speaking miraculously – I would fly, and I would bring about world peace, and I would end poverty, sickness, hunger and bigotry. If we aren’t speaking miraculously… I would talk to birds and animals more often, and drink more champagne.
Who inspires you and why?
Those who “dream the culture forward” (to quote Taylor Mac, who is one of them), which includes so many people I have the honour to know, love, and work with. If I read the list out loud, it would take several days – perhaps weeks.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Open hearts and minds to the idea that those of us who are marginalised and minoritised (for so many different reasons and attributes) are human beings, just like anybody else, with inherently equal dignity, validity, beauty and worth.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Well that depends who is footing the bills, darling! I love the ludicrous glamour, chaos, grit and artifice of Las Vegas. Venice I love for both the timeless gorgeousness, but also it is a very nostalgic place for me with treasured memories of my late father. Relaxing in Daylesford and soaking up the atmosphere and scent of the nearby Lavandula lavender farm is a treat that’s not so far from home. New Orleans has a special kind of magic, and New York has my heart.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
For visitors (especially international guests) who want to experience Indigenous culture whilst here, the programs and exhibitions at Koorie Heritage Trust are always insightful and excellent. Our city is so rich in experiences and culture for any appetite – I could probably write an entire guide book for friends and guests!
But off the top of my head, for treasure hunters I recommend Hares & Hyenas for queer books and Chapel Street Bazaar for vintage delights; for cocktails, Gigi or Society; afternoon tea at The Block Arcade or cafe culture at Marios; and for thrill seekers, Luna Park (I stick to tamer rides like the carousel and ferris wheel – though rumour has it my great grandparents evaded their chaperone and children for privacy and romance on the scenic railway roller coaster).
Of course, for music lovers, Melbourne Recital Centre is truly a sanctuary for sound. It’s also, I might cheekily add, where my three night season of cabaret jazz, Mama Alto: Transcendent is playing this Midsumma Festival.
What are you currently reading?
I am dreadful in that, although I love reading, I pick up, put down, revisit, and stop and start books constantly. My currently reading pile is a disarray! I have been dipping into Conversations with Casanova (with a foreword by Dita von Teese), and revisiting John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
I am halfway through the Josephine Baker autobiography gifted to me by a dear friend, have just begun the biography of early transgender socialite April Ashley, Bonjour, Mademoiselle! and am about to start on the recent biography of Marsha P Johnson by Tourmaline (an icon writing about an icon!)
What are you currently listening to?
Delving into the new, recent albums Standards in Orbit and Mood Swings from Richard Cortez – who I consider one of the finest contemporary jazz voices; and in terms of older releases, I have been indulging in tracks from Carmen McRae and Cassandra Wilson. Recently the tender ache of Roberta Flack’s Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Etta James’ live recording of Sugar on the Floor and Dolly Parton’s The Grass is Blue have also deeply spoken to me.
Happiness is?
A cup of tea in the garden, a friend’s laughter, or witnessing and experiencing art and performance that touches the sublime.
What does the future hold for you?
Many types of flowers in my garden are bulbs – at some times of the year, lit up with raucous and abundant colourful flowers, and at other times, sight unseen, beneath the surface, tender and small, resting, gaining energy to emerge and bloom again. Perhaps that cycle is what my future looks like. I would like to think so.
Mama Alto performs Mama Alto: Transcendent at Melbourne Recital Centre, as part of Midsumma Festival, from 29 – 31 January 2026. For more information, visit: www.melbournerecital.com.au for details.
Image: Mama Alto – photo by Shawn Salley Photography