The Post article 07/05/11 – “From St Hilda’s to the stars”

Two of St Hilda’s musically talented old girls, who have carved successful careers in the music industry, will be centre-stage at the school’s auutmn bazaar on Saturday.

Shameem Taheri-Lee, who graduated in 2005, and Bianca Jade (1996) will perform between 10am and 2.30pm at the junior school on McCabe Street. Bianca, who has supported Chris Isaak in 2009 and 2011, Harry Connick Jr in 2010 and KD Lang and the Black Sorros in 2009, will deliver her trademark acoustic melodies in the afternoon.

She spent some time in the US after her first solo album in 2005 and the experience influenced her country blues album, East 3rd Street. “I started playing live and I got a better reaction than I’d had before,” she said. “I started getting more shows and more touring opportunities.”

Shameem, who will deliver a jazz performance in the morning, has been praised by James Morrison for her energy on stage and swinging, soulful sound. Having notched up an EP and a WA tour, she is excited about cutting her first album later this year. She hopes a national tour will follow.

“I love any music that has a groove to it,” she said. “I feel music is an easy way to communicate with people because you can hear it in your body.”

The girls did not meet at school, nor at the WA Academy of Performing Arts where they both studied, but backstage at a gig.

The bazaar will have books for sale, gourmet treats, cooking demonstrations and a performance by classical music student from 11 to 11.30am.