Growing up on the Peninsula Rick Varlet had entrenched himself in the local music industry from an early age. By his late teens Rick was already teaching guitar at Blue Note College of Music, had a string of band projects under his belt, and was the envy of his peers. Thanks to his natural ability across multiple instruments, at a level far exceeding his years, Rick was renown as our local ‘musician’s musician’.
With the onslaught of a (then) cool, new technology known as Karaoke, Rick nervously replaced his guitar with a microphone and stepped into the spotlight on some our biggest local stages, in song. Alongside fellow co-host and long time friend Jason Taylor, ‘Rick & Jason’ led some of the most iconic party nights of their era, wooing fans and filling rooms unrivaled even today.
It wasn’t long before Rick came to the attention of the larger industry, jamming with visiting international artists like George Benson, and soon becoming the target of one of Australia’s longest running touring band concepts, Victorian Police Rock Band Code One.
Rick’s absence from our local stages was missed by many, momentarily refilled with an occasional Code One appearance at local festivals and a string of sentimental reminders through performances on TV shows like the Midday Show and Blue Ribbon Appeals. Until now! With the curtain closing recently on Code One, and after 18 years as the boy in blue, Rick is back to being Rick Varlet, musician, vocalist, entertainer.
An ‘artist first class’ on acoustic guitar and a silky smooth vocal, Rick’s own unique blend of pop, jazz and R&B to known classics like Hallelujah and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow… will be sure to touch your heart.
There will surely be a few familiar faces as Rick Varlet returns to our local stage this Sunday June 7 for the Mornington Winter Jazz Festival at Mornington’s Royal Hotel from 6pm. For further information on this free event and other artists performing at this years festival visit www.morningtonjazz.com.au
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