Copa On The Rocks review By Will Winter

With a shiny hat, sparkly boots, and thunderous voice, Andrew Bukenya is nothing short of sublime as host for the ambiently jazzy Copa on the Rocks. Housed in the heritage Fringe on the Rocks venue from the 2nd of September to 11th of October, Copa is Bukenya’s first long-term residency, a surprising fact considering his ease on stage. Over three hours, the audience indulges in fizzy beverages and the supple sound of Bukenya’s exquisite vocal range, which dips from a booming bass to soft tenor in moments.

Accompanied by a pianist, who on the night I attended was the exceptionally skilled Lucy Birmingham, Bukenya regales tales from his past as international artiste and well-versed background vocalist, meeting stars and stumbling into opportunities to work with his musical heroes. His oeuvre is made up of piano bar staples, Nat King Cole and Chaka Khan songs which he sings as if transplanted from the original vinyl.

The candle-lit tables and soft yellow lighting give the space a dreamy atmosphere, as if the audience are teleported away from the cold brick of the Rocks and land somewhere more tropical, truer to the heart of the copacabana. It does take a moment for the room to figure out the flow of the show, with some tables having small conversation during the first few numbers. At a larger and more casual dining affair this would make sense, but Copa is an intimate performance, and the relaxed environment does still require respect for the performers on stage. Singalongs are encouraged, but so is appreciative engagement.

Much kudos needs to be given to the Fringe and bar staff, dutifully answering questions and delivering food and drinks throughout the night without interrupting the show. My friend Charlotte and I had the sparkling tequila cocktails and sweet potato wedges, and they were divine.

Bukenya starts Copa slow, whipping through several love songs and riff-filled break up ballads while indulging us in some musical history. He then speeds the show up, hitting a few sing-a-long requests from the audience which included Madonna and George Michael on the night I attended.

The highlight of the show, though, is easily his rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s There’s Music in You. The dazzling slowburn from their musical version of Cinderella flows like hot honey, an incredibly disarming moment in a room wrapped around Bukenya’s finger.

It is, overall, a phenomenally fun night at the copa, Copa on the Rocks, in no small part thanks to a generous Bukenya and a giving audience. When you go, be sure to go open-hearted, to sing and to laugh and to take it all in. Being part of the show is half the fun.

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Will Winter attended Copa on The Rocks on Saturday 5 September at 6-8 Atherden Street. Copa on The Rocks plays until 11 October.