From Broadway to buffalo wings: Project 614 brings taste of New York

8 hours ago
2 min read

It was an ‘All-American’ show, featuring the Statue of Liberty, when Melbourne Project 614 hosted the New York Staff Band’s ‘Lunch Spectacular’ on 20 March. All photos: Kevin Diaz

Melbourne Salvos 614 was transformed into a slice of the Big Apple as more than 300 guests were swept away by the sights, sounds and electric energy of the ‘New York, New York Lunch Spectacular’.

Brought to life by the renowned 35-piece Salvation Army New York Staff Band, the event on 20 March was a joy-filled afternoon hosted by Project 614 and marked the band’s only Australian lunch performance.

The New York Staff band visited Australia last month on its whirlwind 12-day ‘King of Kings’ tour that included 10 concerts and a number of guest appearances in schools, malls, promenades and other public venues before a grand finale performance with the Melbourne Staff Band at Box Hill Corps.

The crowd at Project 614 were treated to iconic tunes from ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘I Can See Clearly’ to ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and ‘New York, New York’, with many singing and dancing along!

There was even an opportunity to get up an dance with band members as the concert went into full swing.

Roving entertainers, including a Statue of Liberty and Charlie Chaplin, added extra fun as they weaved through the crowd.

And the menu? It delivered its own slice of New York.

Buffalo wings, Reubens with pickles and crisps, classic New York cheesecake and donuts offered guests a full taste of the Big Apple experience – ensuring no one left hungry.

The event was also featured as a news segment on Melbourne’s Channel 7. Click here to watch.

Visit the New York Staff Band Facebook site for an in-depth coverage of the tour.