Classic music on a balmy summer night has Fringe World written all over it, particularly with Night Owl’s Fringe World 2026 offerings! Stories and iconic anthems from beloved musicians like Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King & James Taylor and classic California bands like The Doors, The Eagles and Neil Young will be presented with live vocals and instruments. Tribute fans can enjoy California Dreams and its ode to ‘65-’75 sounds, Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel & Beyond, with classic tunes from the duo and The Carole King & James Taylor Story. California Dreams, Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel & Beyond and The Carole King & James Taylor Story will play at Pink Fairy at FringeConnect Stirling @ Scarborough and Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at The Pleasure Garden on various dates from Wednesday, February 4, to Sunday, February 15, with tickets on sale now. Bec Weldon caught up with Night Owl Director and Performer Dan Clews to hear all about the shows.
Hi Dan, welcome back to Fringe World 2026! You’re presenting and starring in three shows this season, which is incredibly impressive—surely an energy drink sponsorship is imminent! How are you preparing for the season ahead?
We are very excited to be presenting these three shows. We have previously presented large programs; at Edinburgh 2025 we put on 14 shows a day for three weeks (329 in total), so three shows at Perth is a relaxing day out for the Night Owls, but certainly coffee will be consumed.
The Carole King & James Taylor Story is the first of your shows to open this season, taking on two absolute legends of music history—what was it about the pair that inspired the tribute?
Their story is about the power of friendship, two legends that helped each other along the way. It’s some of the best music there is, and it’s such an honour to sing to audiences worldwide. But it’s also hugely rewarding to spread this message of love and friendship in a turbulent world.
You recently finished touring the show around the US; how was that?
It has been unbelievable; in the last year we have completed three U.S. tours, and they just get better each time. It’s a divided country, but we see the good people and the good parts, and I hope we help to bring our audiences together for a short while.
Then we have Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel & Beyond opening the very next day! Another classic pair—what drew you to their music and legacy?
I like to argue that Paul Simon is the greatest songwriter of the 20th century and beyond, and Garfunkel is one of the great voices. The repertoire is wonderfully wide-ranging, from early Simon and Garfunkel right up to Graceland. What is there not to love?
And last but not least, California Dreams, an homage to a music scene, rather than individuals—the sounds of California between 1965 and 1975. What a specific decade focus. Why that period of music?
This period in California, and specifically Laurel Canyon in L.A., was a true renaissance of modern-day culture. The amount of genre-changing music that came out of it was staggering. It’s so fun to perform and just a feel-good time for everyone in the room.
You’re joined on-stage by Lucy Songi in The Carole King & James Taylor Story and Pete Merchant in Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel & Beyond, with all three of you coming together for California Dreams—tell me about those partnerships!
Both Lucy and Peter are relatively new to Night Owl. Peter has recently performed in our Queen show as Freddie Mercury (and yes, he can really go there); he also performed in the Simon & Garfunkel show at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. For Lucy this will be her debut; after a nationwide UK talent search, she truly stood out, and we are very excited to be welcoming her onto the team.
Through your company Night Owl Shows, you speak about approaching tribute subjects with respect, passion and integrity, and from a position as a genuine fan and music enthusiast. What does it mean to you to bring these people and their stories to life for audiences?
We love to research our subjects deeply and really try to paint a picture of the artists that they really are. First and foremost, it comes from a place of love, and we build the show from there. We aim to give the audience an emotive ride through this incredible music and the circumstances that it came from.
What is the process behind the tributes you bring to life—from selecting the artist to researching and embodying them? Are there particular challenges you face along the process?
If I see someone that blows me away and they naturally remind me of a legend (like Freddie Mercury), then that’s the starting point. Then it’s a six-month process of research, trying to find those unknown facts or unexpected songs and piecing together a flow. The show will usually come from there.
Was there an artist or experience which initially drew you to the tribute performance genre?
Indeed it was James Taylor, and we get our company name from a venue where he began his career—The Night Owl in Greenwich Village, NYC, 1967.
You’ve taken these shows around the world; what are some of your favourite performance moments from these experiences?
Our first big US show was at a stunning festival in the High Sierra Mountains. To be honest, Perth is up there; we love being here. Then just recently we performed in Hawaii; that was unbelievable.
To call the shows popular would maybe be an understatement—you’ve sold out seasons at Edinburgh Fringe, the US and Adelaide, to name a few, received countless show awards and numerous five-star reviews! Are there audience responses to the tributes that still surprise or humble you? Any memorable ones that stick with you?
We have had a few shows when someone has a memory tied to a loved one that has passed. On a recent occasion I was holding back my own tears when he told me about it.
Thank you so much for chatting, Dan! Before we wrap up, I’d love to know—what would you say to Perth audiences who are considering seeing the show?
Performance is at its best when everyone comes together and it’s about the collective, not just about the individuals on stage. So don’t just come and watch the show; come and be a part of it.
California Dreams, Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel & Beyond and The Carole King & James Taylor Story will play at Pink Fairy at FringeConnect Stirling @ Scarborough and Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at The Pleasure Garden on various dates from Wednesday, February 4, to Sunday, February 15, 2026. Tickets are on sale now from fringeworld.com.au
