Wednesday September 2^nd 2026

Sydney Fringe Festival

Fringe On The Rocks, 6-8 Atherden St

Runs from Sep 2 – Oct 11

Review: Jammin’ Saturday

Hosted by the elegant and jovial Andrew Bukenya, this is cabaret lounge meets singalong meets make new friends night in a sandstone snug. A petite bar welcomes guests and announces the Copa vibe – find a table around the baby grand on stage, settle in, order a couple of sliders and a prosecco and let the night evolve.

Pianist Marcello Maio sets up the atmosphere perfectly playing solo at the piano with standards like Night and Day or bossa style Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps. People are arriving, chatting and in anticipation as our vocalist and MC Andrew appears in a glittering silver ensemble and charms from the first moments. His warm flexible voice is particularly resonant in the low bass notes and the patter flows freely.

New York New York

For thirty years, the original Copacabana cabaret and nightclub in New York was hot and happening with some of the biggest names in show business headlining, including crooners like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole. The Rocks incarnation doesn’t disappoint with Andrew’s anecdotes and song selections all linked to his very personal experience. What a gift to find yourself in the running and then chosen to be George Benson’s backing singer at the Sydney Opera House!

Sometimes enjoying the intimacy singing next to a fine and responsive accompanist and occasionally moving around the room to linger at a table, Andrew entertained with songs by Stevie Wonder, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole, George Michael and Elton John, encouraging the audience to join in and showering praise on our efforts. A romantic ballad from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s TV musical Cinderella was a wonderful highlight of phrasing and poignancy.

Copa On The Rocks has kicked off an extended residency and is a brilliant opportunity to appreciate a fine voice and smooth delivery, chortle a few choruses yourself and have a fabulous night out. Don’t miss out!