Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Cassar-Daley, James Morrison, and More Play Yarrabah Band Festival

It started as a fundraising event to keep the Yarrabah Brass Band alive, but the Yarrabah Band Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the Queensland town’s social calendar. Part of the Queensland Music Festival, this year’s event features some of our most revered entertainers, Troy Cassar-Daley, James Morrison, Sara Storer, and KLP, as well as musicians from the local area.

This year the event, which attracted 4,000 music lovers last year, has moved to the Jilara Football Oval to accommodate the growing crowd.

“Yarrabah Band Festival is an incredibly special event on the QMF calendar, celebrating local and national talent, connecting communities and inspiring the next generation of Yarrabah musicians,” said one of the event’s most high profile supporters, Katie Noonan. “We cherish our relationship with this highly creative community and the opportunity to engage with and learn from them.”

Local art and food stalls, as well as all the great musical acts, will help make the day one to remember.

The Yarrabah Band Festival hits Jilara Football Oval on October 28 from midday. Entry is free, but gold coin donations to benefit the Yarrabah Seahawks Rugby League Club are welcome. Bring a blanket, cushion, or chair and join in the fun!

Image used with permission from Agency North/Photo credit: Andrew Watson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Russell Morris Headlines Third Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival

If there was ever an excuse for a road trip it’s the Marysville Jazz and Blues Festival, which brings the small town of Marysville, in the foothills of the Yarra Valley, to life every year. Russell Morris will headline the 2017 festival, which will also see performances from Geoff Achison & the Soul Diggers, Lloyd Spiegel, Spectrum, Mama Alto, and heaps more.

Many of them are no strangers to Marysville, because this is the kind of festival that keeps bringing performances and crowds alike back to town.

“We adore coming to Marysville Jazz & Blues – it is always one of the highlights of our year,” gushed Mama Alto. “The festival is such a beautiful union of art and community, and the appreciation for the way music connects us all! It is particularly special to us as my grandparents regularly holidayed in Marysville, whilst Miss Chief, my pianist, is from Buxton herself! Viva Marysville Jazz & Blues!”

See what the buzz is all about at this year’s Marysville Jazz and Blues weekend, from October 20 to 22. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $50 for the Friday evening pass to $125 for all three days. Accommodation packages are also available, bundling shows and accommodation at Vibe Hotel Marysville, Saladin Lodge, Marysville Garden Cottages, Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park or Camp Marysville. You’ll find all tickets and packages at the Marysville Jazz and Blues website.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sprung Makes Queensland Return

Sprung was massive when it launched in 2011, bringing Aussies the very best of local hip hop talent. During its dream run it brought fans big names like Hilltop Hoods, Drapht, Illy, Seth Sentry, and 360. Then four years ago, it disappeared from the festival calendar, leaving a space that no other event really managed to feel. But there’s good news for hip hop fans. Sprung is back for 2017, bigger and better than ever.

Organisers have pulled out all the stops for Sprung’s comeback year, with Illy, Allday, Tkay Maidza, A.B. Original, Pez, Spit Syndicate and stacks more set to take the stage this October.

“We have been waiting for the right time to bring Sprung back to the people, we hit the ceiling pretty quickly when it came to headlining artists so we needed to allow the community to evolve,” organisers explained. “We are now seeing artists that were once on at midday on our stages taking to the headline spots and a whole new wave of incredible artists that we can’t wait to showcase. We think 2017 is going to be an incredible year for Sprung and hip hop as a whole…rest assured we are back for the long run and have some tricks up our sleeve for the years to come.”

Sprung hits the Parkwood Outdoor Precinct in Queensland on October 28. Tickets go on sale from the Sprung festival website and Oztix on August 24.

The Sprung Festival is a strictly 18+ event. Sorry kids!

Image used with permission from Call & Response

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best of Americana Play Out on the Weekend

Justin Townes Earle, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Son Volt, Traveller, Fanny Lumsden, and a host of other leading local and international Americana acts will descend on Williamstown in October for the Out of the Weekend festival.

“It’s a continued pleasure to bring music lovers the finest sounds in the international and local Americana scene to the glorious Seaworks venue. Four years strong and building, we aim to put on an excellent day of cultural and important entertainment hand picked for your pleasure,” said BT from Love Police. “We used to talk up the fine food and booze selections on offer, but that goes without saying now. Its always the best! Avoid imitations and late comers, Out On The Weekend is the real deal. Authentic presentations by passionate people with colourful experience. Buy a ticket, get your look on, study up on acts you don’t know, and see you in October for the good times.”

Out on the Weekend hits Williamstown on October 14. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels, British India Headline Port Macquarie’s Wildwood Festival

Now in its fourth year, Port Macquarie’s boutique independent music festival Wildwood is getting even more fabulous. The first major line-up announcement recently confirmed The Jezabels, British India, Hugo Race, and Alex the Astronaut will all grave the Wildwood stage.

It might have an incredible line-up, but Wildwood doesn’t believe bigger is better.

“Wildwood has never strayed from its roots while at the same time continues to grow year after year,” explained festival organiser Simon Leigh. “We just aim to bring together a warm feel good festival and have really gone beyond and above this year with our amazing line up and our food stalls and children’s area will once again bring colour, glitter and our own brand of fun to the festival.”

“We are excited to see the forest filled with fireflies and adults and children alike sparkling from head to toe in their illuminated aurora. It’s always the most magical way to end a day of great music”.

Wildwood hits Cassegrain Winery in Port Macquarie on October 1. Tickets are on sale through Livetix.

Image used with permission from Wildwood Music Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Names Assemble for Katie Noonan’s Queensland Music Festival

Kate Ceberano, Lior, Steve Kilbey, and David Hobson are just some of the big names playing the Queensland Music Festival this year. In her first year as the artistic director, Katie Noonan has put together an incredible line-up for the Sunshine State.

“I want the talented and passionate people of Queensland to be empowered to join the 2017 festival and help create performances that truly reflect the life of our diverse and vibrant state,” she said.

In all there’ll be 100 performances in 45 locations over the three-week event. Here are just some of the highlights:

You’re The Voice – Saturday 29 July @ South Bank Piazza
Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Katie Noonan and thousands of other singers shine a light on the domestic violence crisis through the power of song at.

Songs That Made Me – Sunday 16 July @ The Tivoli
Deborah Conway, Clare Bowditch, and Hannah Macklin perform together to celebrate women in music after mentoring the next generation.

Silver Memories – Aged-care centers in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast
Intimate concerts of classical and jazz music, performed by Queensland Conservatorium ensembles, to show the power of healing music has for elderly Australians.

The Bach to Bush tour – Thursday 13 to Sunday 23 July in remote Western Queensland towns
Joint performances, workshops, and masterclasses with percussionist John Morrison and virtuoso cellist Louise King.

Hang with QYO – Saturday 29 July
A world premiere concerto written by emerging Queensland composer Dr Thomas Green honouring the father of Australia’s youth orchestra movement, John Curro. The show will feature acclaimed composer and Bjork drummer Manu Delago.

16 Lovers Lane – Friday 14 July @ QPAC
A special concert paying tribute to one of Australia’s greatest albums, featuring the Go-Betweens’ Lindy Morrison, Amanda Brown and John Willsteed, with Dan Kelly, Danny Widdicombe, Luke Daniel Peacock, and a guest line-up including Steve Kilbey (The Church), Mark Callaghan (GANGgajang), Ron S Peno (Died Pretty), Katie and Tyrone Noonan (george), Montaigne, Sam Cromack and Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music), Tim Nelson and Zoe Davis (Cub Sport), Sahara Beck, and Kirin J Callinan.

Joh for PM – Friday 7 to Sunday 16 July @ Brisbane Powerhouse
Colin Lane stars in this satirical musical created by playwright Stephen Carleton and composer Paul Hodge.

And that’s just for starters. Visit the Queensland Music Festival website for the full schedule.

The Queensland Music Festival runs from July 7 to 30. If you’re local, make sure you get out there and experience some of the great talent on show.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leaps and Bounds Announces Show For Nursing Home Residents

We often hear of the importance of making music accessible to young people who can’t visit the country’s pubs and clubs. But what about people on the other end of the age spectrum? Our senior population is often ignored by concert organisers, so I’m thrilled to see the good folks behind the Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is doing something about it with “I’ve Been Everywhere,” a free concert for residents of aged care homes, their friends, families, and carers.

The show features music from The Band Who Knew Too Much, who promise to play all the seniors’ favourites with accordions, washboards, and other classic instruments.

“I’ve Been Everywhere” hits the Melba Spiegeltent in Collingwood on Friday July 21. It runs from noon to 3 pm, the perfect time for Victoria’s elderly residents. Register your seats for free at the Leaps and Bounds Music Festival website.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Party in Kings Cross With Keep Sydney Open Music Festival

Like so many other cities, Sydney has lost many of its great live music venues. Keep Sydney Open is fighting back with Meet Me In The Cross, a big musical party staged at seven of the Cross’s most beloved venues on July 1.

One $30 ticket will grant you entry to Kings Cross Hotel, The World Bar, Candys Apartment, Potts Point Hotel (formerly Kit & Kaboodle ), Crane Bar, Jangling Jack’s, and Sweethearts Rooftop. You’ll also get some great deals from awesome food vendors and traders plying their wares through the night. You can bounce between the venues, taking in the great music across all stages, until it wraps up at 3 am.

“We’re super excited to be partnering with Keep Sydney Open and the rest of the Kings Cross Precinct,” says Greg Turton of The World Bar. “A music festival is a great opportunity to highlight just some of the awesome talent that is on show every weekend in Eastside Sydney. Hopefully this will be the first of many.”

Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Keep Sydney Open

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Names Headline Maroochydore Music and Vis Arts Festival

With diverse Aussie acts like Alison Wonderland, The Presets, Bernard Fanning, and Gang of Youths headlining, the 2017 Maroochydore Music and Vis Arts Festival is set to be massive.

These big names will be joined by exciting up-and-comers like Horrorshow, Northeast Party House, Skegss, Mallrat, Billy Davis & The Good Lords, OK Badlands, and Norway’s Anna of the North.

Unlike so many festivals, this one has a one-stage policy so you don’t have to miss a moment. There’ll also be a stunning visual arts display, with inflatable, illuminated installations and street art decorating the Gold Coast.

The 2017 Maroochydore Music and Vis Arts Festival hits the new Maroochydore CDB, the site of the Old Horton Park Golf Course, on August 26. Tickets are on sale now.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company