If you were born in the late 80’s, there’s a good chance you grew up with Monica Trapaga.
Although a lot of us recognise Monica from her TV appearances, what most don’t realise is that she was an accomplished jazz singer long before she became a household name as a children’s entertainer in the early 90’s.
Monica was the loveable face of ABC’s ‘Play School’ which she appeared on for over 10 years. Her highly recognizable voice was used in the theme song for ‘Banana’s In Pyjamas’ and she also later on appeared in the hit show ‘Better Homes & Gardens’.
Before Play School, she was already a veteran of the glamorous world of jazz, cabaret and swing. She started her professional career at the tender age of 19 alongside her brother, Ignatius Jones, for the 1940s-inspired show ‘Pardon Me Boys’, which toured the country extensively for 3 years. After the highly successful run, Trapaga formed the Jazz Swing group ‘Monica and the Moochers’ who released 2 Aria nominated albums: ‘Too Darn Hot’ and ‘Cotton on the Breeze’. Both albums were excellent demonstrations of Monica’s fantastic vocal range and her band’s skillful mastery of jazz which featured some of the best players in the country.
Between the 90’s to early 00’s she continued to work heavily, entertaining children by day and adults by night while also raising a family of her own.
At present, Monica is enjoying performing with a host of her favorite musicians in all sort of different combos. Her shows have become wild and crazy one off events, ranging from small quartets to full scale 17 piece Bands.
Drawing from her days in ‘The Moochers’, this accomplished jazz singer, actress, author and TV celebrity brings her sassy brand of jazz to The Tanks on Friday 18th September for a night of swingin’ style, celebrating all her favorite artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra and Pearl Bailey.
If there’s one thing that Monica Trapaga does well, it’s fun, so grab you tickets now!
Monica Trapaga at Tanks Arts Centre 18th Sep 2015 / 7.30pm Tickets from Ticketlink
Mitch Sullivan
© Copyright 2025 | NQ Music Press