Deni Hines

In January 2006, 'Dusty' the musical hit the theatres nationally in Australia and ran until September grossing over $A20M at the box office, performing to over 400,000 people across 253 shows.  Deni was also nominated for a prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Supporting Actress in a musical.

In August 2006, Hines released her brand new album WATER FOR CHOCOLATE which surprised and delighted both her fans and peers, with a new found confidence, direction and image.  Three singles were released from the album over the period of 2006/7, the title track “Water For Chocolate” (#28 ARIA Singles Chart), “Son of a Preacher Man” (a Dusty Springfield cover) and “5 Days of Rain”.  Deni hit the road touring the album to an increased audience and delighted fans seeing her return to the stage again.
Not resting on her laurels and always up for a new challenge, Deni made a call to Australian and International Jazz maestro, James Morrison.  A meeting two days later at the Hilton Hotel, Sydney airport and the album “THE OTHER WOMAN” was formalised and recording dates set.  Having spent most of her childhood listening to classics by Ella and Billie from her grandmother, and re-acquainting herself with this heritage of music which was inspired by her time on Dusty, Deni was yearning to let another part of her musicality and personality out.  “The Other Woman” is a 16 track collective of covers by some of the greats Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and included 2 new original works “(tired of being) The Other Woman” and “Wake Up”, penned by Deni and James.  Released in August 2007, the album hit the top of the Australian Jazz Charts and Top 30 on the digital charts.  A near sell out National Theatre Tour concluded in late February 2008 with additional Festival performances throughout the year such as the ChristChurch Jazz Festival, Melbourne Jazz Festival and Darling Harbour Jazz Festival.  The album scored an ARIA Fine Arts nomination, the first for Deni in her career in this elite field.
Having been “titta” label mates for many years and bumping into each other at events, Deni and Christine Anu decided that it would be fun to tour together.  In May 2008 a three month Easter Coast tour was underway.  In June 2008, Deni received a call to audition for what would be her first feature film role in “Mao’s Last Dancer”.  She successful secured the position of an American reporter and was in awe of working with acclaimed director Bruce Beresford.  “Mao’s Last Dancer” was released to cinema in September 2009.

Throughout 2008 and 2009 Deni was a regular guest on Channel 9’s successful program 20 to 1.  Always one to speak her mind, Deni’s candid response to segments has drawn much praise from the public for being honest and true to herself and often saying what others think.

In January 2009, Deni and Christine Anu decided to do it all again but with another special purpose in mind.  They recorded a cover of the Doobie Bros hit “Takin’ It To the Streets” to raise awareness for the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Appeal for the homeless.  In addition they released a 2 hour live DVD of the same title and hit the road for another 3 month tour.
In May 2009, Deni was invited to perform in Papua New Guinea at Parliament House for the Orchid Society’s Operation Open Heart gala event.  The 2 shows were a huge success and Deni was mobbed everywhere she went.  A visit to the local hospital, a greeting by the tribal highlanders and welcome ceremony at a local village were also highlights of the trip.
In October and November 2009, Deni featured as a special guest for select Women of Soul “A Tribute To Michael Jackson” shows around Sydney and New South Wales, alongside Casey Donovan, Prinnie Stevens and Madame Parker.

On the 2nd December 2009, Deni became the ambassador for the humanitarian charity Oasis Africa Australia launched by a gala event at the Water Bar in Sydney which raised over $100k for the cause.  In January 2010 Deni went to Kibera, Kenya to see firsthand the on ground work done by the organisation, work with the children in the school as well as commence recording a new album inspired by and featuring some of the children from the Oasis Africa school and local musicians.  The album is slated to be released late 2010.
In May 2010 Deni will once again return to Papua New Guinea to perform and assist in raising funds for the Operation Open Heart foundation alongside the Orchid Society of PNG.
Throughout 2010 Deni will also be performing in regional areas throughout Australia.

2006 – present:  DUSTY THE MUSICAL, WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, THE OTHER WOMAN, TAKING IT TO THE STREETS, MAO’S LAST DANCER & AFRICA

If you would like more information, or would like to book Deni, please contact us.