Marcia Hines still shining after all these years

Marcia Hines is one of Australia’s most beloved musical treasures and – even after 50 years, 22 albums and countless hits – she’s never lost her love for performing live in front of an audience. Wherever they may be.

Getting out to the regions has always been important to the American-born artist. Marcia attributes the establishment of her career and the relationship she has with Australian audiences to the extensive touring she did as a young performer in Australia.

“Nobody ever toured in the regional areas, and I did!” Marcia explains of her touring back in the day. “That’s where I used to tour a lot… and I think that had a lot to do with the success I’ve had. And I think it’s great to go back and revisit them.”

Hitting the road for the rest of 2023, Marcia is taking her Still Shining — The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour to cities and towns all across Australia.

Her next stop: the Orange Civic Theatre this Saturday and Sunday, July 8-9.

Marcia’s two Orange performances follow hot on the heels of the release of ‘Still Shining: The 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collection’, a new album celebrating her extraordinary recording career.

The album contains 20 career-defining tracks such as ‘Fire and Rain’, ‘From The Inside’, ‘You’, ‘Something’s Missing (In My Life)’, plus two brand new songs: ‘Last One Standing’ and ‘Hard To Breathe’.

Marcia first captivated Australian audiences as a 16-year-old when she moved from the American city of Boston for the production, Hair. She has since gone on to become an icon of the Australian music industry.

Marcia was Australian Idol’s favourite judge for the show for seven consecutive years, and in 2007 was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. In 2009 she was given the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the Australian Entertainment Industry as a performer, judge, and mentor, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations.

Even after all these years and numerous multi-platinum records, Marcia said she still gets a thrill out of every new release.

“I have to admit that the release of ‘Still Shining’ is as exciting as the release of my very first album,” she said. “Honestly, some things never get old... it’s an honour to still be releasing music and playing to live audiences around the country.

“I still really love and appreciate performing,” she continued. “And I’ll keep doing it until I’m sick of it.”

Fans attending Marcia’s Orange performances this weekend will also have the opportunity to get to know her a little better, with a “Q and A” session planned following her act.

“When I watch somebody else on stage I always wonder what they’re thinking and so I put together this Q and A,” Marcia said. “But I do start it by asking everyone not to ask anything too embarrassing,” she added with a laugh.

“I look forward to coming up. I know it’s going to be cold but I’ll be fine with my big pu er jacket!”

See Marcia Hines perform at the Orange Civic Theatre at 7.30pm Saturday, July 8, and 2pm Sunday, July 9. Tickets at Ticketek or call 6393 8111.