Blank Gold Coast issue #52 - January 2018

Kate Miller-Heidke The Jungle Giants

Austen

4 – 15 April

Festival 2018’s Queensland Music Stage will feature 12 nights of our state’s best musical talent.

Mau Power

Full program released early February 2018.

gc2018.com/festival2018

Rodrigo y Gabriela play Australian theatre dates

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll

The National hit Riverstage

Design: Chloe Popa

Hailing from Cincinatti, Ohio but with a global reach well beyond American shores, The National will return to Australia in February 2018 for the first time in four years.

The five-piece indie rock outfit, who have publicly shown support for the political campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will play shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Their critically acclaimed new album (and our editor’s favourite from 2017) ‘Sleep Well Beast’ has received Grammy nominations for best alternative music album and best recording package and their brand new video for ‘Dark Side of the Gym’ starred and was directed and choreographed by NYC Ballet Resident Choreographer and soloist Justin Peck.

There’s no question The National continue to push artistic boundaries and for this we’re very grateful. They hit Riverstage, Tuesday 27 February. More at handsometours.com/ tours/the-national-2018.

Advertising: Amanda Gorman Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Editorial Intern: Kasey Thompson Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Erin Bourne, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Anna Akacich, Marj Osborne, Leisen Standen, Kylie Cobb, Samantha Morris, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Nadia Achiles, Tiffany Mitchell, Emma Whines, Dan Maynard, Anthony Gebhardt, Peter Wheeler, Kasey Thompson, JD Garrahy, Sam Gilmore, Simone Gorman-Clark.

Cover photo: Juzzie Smith photographed at Dust Temple by Lamp Photography Acknowledgement of Country We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

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Wanderings solo exhibition by Leah Bartholomew Local artist Leah Bartholomew’s artworks are an abstract representation of the beauty found in nature. This latest body of work ‘Wanderings’ has been inspired by recent travels to London and USA as well as her local environment on the southern Gold Coast. Leah pays particular attention to colour, pattern and the flora of the place she is in. Her work is created in direct response to her natural environment and are an optimistic, colourful vision of her travels.

Leah's artwork is easily recognisable by her clean, bold style and sophisticated and unusual colour palette. ‘Wanderings’ will be exhibiting at Left Bank Gallery from 1 – 19 February 2018. Opening night, Friday 2nd February, 5.30 to 7.30pm.

Correction from issue #51: 8 Street Asian food markets will now be opening in January 2018 rather than December this year.

One of the most critically acclaimed acoustic instrumental bands in the world, Rodrigo y Gabriela have sold in excess of 1.5 million albums globally, and have packed out iconic venues around the world, from the Hollywood Bowl and Royal Albert Hall to the Sydney Opera House. Unmistakably Spanish in sound, the duo also showcases influences as diverse as metal to rock to world music. It’s been two years since they last toured Australia but they’re back in March 2018 to play a run of national theatre shows as well as their debut performance at WOMADelaide. The tour will take in Brisbane’s The Tivoli on Friday 16 March.

Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Japanese looping ninja hits Palm Beach Kenta Hayashi is a loop pedal ninja from Japan. What started as a rock project with funk and blues influences has morphed into combination of all those genres with a touch of electronica for good measure.

Kenta has busked in Europe, USA, Japan, Asia and Australia but he’s also hit the stage in clubs and festivals (including a stint at Fuji Rock Festival alongside Red Hot Chilli Peppers and James Blake). Kenta will lay down the loop pedal at The Scottish Prince on 9 January, right after his Woodford Folk Festival sets. Also hitting the Gold Coast after Woodford is Harry Jakamarra – a musician from the Kimberley who’s touring in a converted fire engine. Harry hits The Scottish Prince on 10 January.

Punk bands unite to Stop Adani A mini-festival with punk as its focus will roll out just before new year’s eve to help rally support to #stopadani. It’s fitting too, because as Graeme Treanor (Tokyo Beef) rightly says, punk has ha antiestablishmentarianism at its core since the dawn of time. United in using their voices (and guitars) to help stop the megamine that is literally fighting to kill renewables is Charlie Rebel, Burning Virtues, The Blockades, Serial Killer Dinner Party, Göatzilla, Gutter, Blacknoise, BUZZkillers, Alla Spina, Cao Vadio, No Intelligent Life, Monster Fodder, Unbound, Tokyo Beef, Shitbox and Kobrakai. When Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions have grown for the third year in a row, it’s time to urgently and drastically cut carbon pollution, not increase it. Burning more coal will lead to more extreme weather events and further damage to the Great Barrier Reef. We salute these bands for taking a stand and encourage you to get your punk on to #stopadani on 30 December at The Back Room, Brisbane.

More at bit.ly/stopadanipunk.

Festive rock at Kirra Applications now open: Groundwater Country Festival Broadbeach Country Music Festival has changed its name. Now known as Groundwater Country Music Festival and celebrating its sixth year in 2018, the event is Australia’s fastest growing country music festival. The event takes place 27 – 29 July, in Broadbeach and organisers are calling for expressions of interest from artists who wish to perform. Applications close 1 February.

Visit bit.ly/groundwater18 for more.

Kirra Sports Club will celebrate the festive season the only way they know how. With rock. And not just any rock, but some of the best emerging rock acts in town. Thunder Gods of the Multiverse will be joined by Sun of Man (who have a brand new single out for your listening pleasure), Nowhere Else (who have a brand new lineup to show off) and Kobrakai (who are in the studio recording new music as we speak). The gig takes place Saturday 23 December and it’s free entry, as always. Details at bit.ly/kirraxmas.

Expressions of Interest for MAT18 MAT18 and Creative Caldera invite visual artists, performers, musicians, sculptors and people from the arts to contribute to the Murwillumbah Art Trail 2018. Artists.

Murwillumbah becomes the gallery and the town comes alive with interactive art works, dance, music, food, busking and everything imaginable in between. The festival will redefine the way how artists and a small town interact to make an event that's bigger than the sum of its parts.

MAT18 expects to attract more than 120 artists to exhibit and contribute to the international artists' exchange. Expressions of interest close on January 15, 2018. Visit the MAT18 website to register.

Coomera Anglican College Double Up at Gold Coast Theatre Awards Coomera Anglican College was awarded the top spot in two categories for their musical, Hairspray, at the 2017 Gold Coast Area Theatre Awards in December.

Coomera Anglican College student Kiera Banks took home the title of Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad, alongside Harrison Hanley who was awarded the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his character, Corny Collins. The College’s production of Hairspray was nominated for five categories at the 9th Gold Palm Awards hosted at The Arts Centre Gold Coast, including Best Musical Production, Liam Owen-Jones for the Joc, Beverly McIlwain for the Special Encouragement Award and Liz Brown for Best Costumes.

Chief Lifeguard named honorary Life Member Iconic lifeguard Warren Young has been honoured with Gold Coast Tourism’s Life Member Award. The veteran lifeguard has been the face of the beach for decades and his dedication to serving visitors and locals alike is now immortalised as a major contribution to the fabric of the Gold Coast. As Gold Coast tourism Honorary Life Member his names now sits alongside the likes of Keith Williams, Sir Frank Moore and Terry Jackman. The Gold Coast’s chief lifeguard accepted the accolade at Gold Coast Tourism’s Annual General Meeting in recognition of his contribution to the industry which spans 44 years watching over one of Australia’s most iconic stretches of sand.

Image by Amanda Gorman

Summer Theatre Workshops for young people at NORPA Kick start the year with creativity and develop your performance skills at NORPA this January. NORPA is offering three exciting theatre workshops for young people aged 8-to-18 with leading Australian theatre practitioners and educators Barry Lang, Kate Walder (Australian Theatre for Young People) and Ajita Cannings (NORPA). Each workshop is spread across four days (2225 January) and explores the exciting ways in which NORPA makes theatre — from the physical and dynamic to the bold and downright silly. Cost: $260 per student / $240 early bird price if pay by 7 January 2018. For more information and to book visit norpa.org.au.

Help Surfing Australia support underprivileged kids Surfing Australia has announced that Surf Dive 'n Ski (SDS) and the Surf for Life Project are continuing their partnership that aims to support underprivileged kids and enables them to experience the joy of surfing. The partnership is aiming to raise $50,000 in 2017/18 that will allow over 1000 kids to experience the ride of their lives. SDS will donate $2 from selected rashies and wetsuits sold over the course of 12 months. In just over four years, the Surf for Life Project has helped more than 6,500 underprivileged children aged 5-12 years' experience the joy of surfing.

Nominations open for Queensland Music Awards A Gift From Heaven: Shen Yun Back in ancient China, people once held that their magnificent culture was a gift from the heavens. Art was a way to explore this connection between humankind and higher realms. Today, Shen Yun is reviving this tradition, through the universal language of dance and music, weaving a wondrous tapestry of celestial paradises, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales while taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of authentic Chinese culture. Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today, where traditional culture has been devastated under decades of communist rule. Yet Shen Yun, a nonprofit based in New York, is now bringing the wonders of this ancient civilization to millions of people across the globe. Shen Yun is at The Arts Centre Gold Coast 20 21 Jan with an all-new 2018 show. More at ShenYun.com/GoldCoast. Image © Shen Yun Performing Arts

QMusic has opened nominations for the 2018 Queensland Music Awards as well as a new gala format for the event.

Nominations are open across a heap of categories that cover pop and rock to blues / roots, electronica and soul / funk / R ‘n’ B. Following three years at Brisbane Powerhouse, 2018 sees the event move to a new gala format at the Royal International Convention Centre Brisbane Showgrounds and will take place 14 May. The awards in 2018 will also recognise Live Music Festival of the Year and Live Music Venue of the Year (metro and regional) as part of the annual People’s Choice Awards where voting will open in April 2018. Also now open for nominations is the 2018 Billy Thorpe Scholarship celebrating its tenth year and providing $10,000 for an emerging artist to record with an established producer and receive career-planning advice from Chugg Entertainment. Applications for both close 21 January. Apply at queenslandmusicawards.com.au.

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Image: Lamp Photography

Juzzie Smith is a one man band. Not just any one man band but possibly the best known busker in the world. That’s some serious credential for a lad who grew up in Canberra and studied in Lismore. He has his own home studio in Ocean Shores and while he’s the king of multi-tasking, he only started performing solo when he was 26 – the same year he became a father.

“Becoming a father means early mornings and early nights and I decided to choose the option of playing markets and more daytime gigs where I could be with my family a lot but also play a lot,” Juzzie told Blank GC. “I feel that’s when my career really took off.”

“I always loved playing music and I realised that being a one man band I only had to organise myself and it just gave me this chance to really grow musically. It’s just tricky [staying in a band]. It’s hard to make a living out of it, there’s lots of travelling involved and playing in pubs is quite tiring.”

“Playing at festivals and markets really supported me, not just to play a lot but really grow musically. And instantly it was really successful – I couldn’t make enough CDs, they just sold like hotcakes and I realised I was onto something pretty special here – and I got to pay off all my bills, and hang out with my family.”

14 years on and Juzzie has nailed his live show. He’s one of the most popular buskers on youtube and as well as continuing to play markets and daytime gigs, he’s also sought after for festivals the world over. He performed to a few thousand people at Blues on Broadbeach and had the third-top selling album after a performance at Bluesfest.

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And while it may seem counter-productive to be a one man band on such big festival stages, Juzzie says that’s not the case.

“No, if the sound is good, never. It’s all about feeling.”

“If you have a good sound you can feel it and that really connects with people and they don’t feel like you’re trying,” he said.

Of course being a one man band means that instrumental mastery is compulsory. Juzzie plays harmonica, guitar and percussion – which he doesn’t just play, but juggles. He also sings harmonics. He credits the multi-tasking ability to parenting.

“You just realise you don’t have much time and I started practicing on the street – then you have an idea, then turn that idea into a song and you’d get to play it a few times a day and that’s how my music grew,” he said.

And in terms of actual musical talent, he’s been playing the harmonica since he was 13. The youngest of four siblings, he was the only child not “pushed” into music by his parents.

“By the time they got to me they gave up because it didn’t work on the other kids,” Juzzie said, laughing. “And I’m the only one that plays music – which goes to show that you shouldn’t push your kids to play music.”

Which is a lesson he applies to his own children – aged 14 and 12.

“Because I play music around them so much they’re just naturally musical,” he said. “They’ve become my stereo – I just listen to them singing melodies – I put a keyboard in the living room and that’s my stereo. I tell them they can help with dinner or play music and quite often it’s playing music. My daughter has an amazing voice and my son has great rhythm. There’s no pressure on them though, I just want them to feel the joy of music – even if it’s at home playing music for themselves.”

Juzzie is expecting to release a new album in April next year, but he’s going to drip-feed it to fans, one song at a time.

“I’ve been doing a bit of recording lately, which is fun,” he said.

“I have my own studio at home and I find when you record, you learn something about your sound and then when you take that to playing live, you go up a notch in quality.”

If you can’t wait until April though, you’re in luck. Juzzie has just been announced to perform two concerts at NightQuarter as part of the opening of the light rail extension to Helensvale.

What does he have in store for that gig? Some blues, of course.

“I’ll do a train song you will never forget,” he said.

Samantha Morris

Juzzie Smith plays NightQuarter’s Interchange Festival on 13 January.

Interchange Festival is being thrown by NightQuarter and G:Link on Saturday 13 January to celebrate the connection of the light rail to the Northern Gold Coast. It’s going to be a massive celebration with New Orleans style brass bands, parades, a trackless train running throughout the market, buskers, family fun, shopping and street food. The festival is being thrown to encourage people to catch the G:Link and experience the culture and attractions of the Northern Gold Coast.

With Festival 2018 getting set to thrill the ears, eyes and tastebuds of the world during the 2018 Commonwealth Games next year, what better spot to host a delectable food and cultural program than the NightQuarter?

While full program deets are being kept under wraps until early February, we can reveal this tasty tidbit: The doors of NightQuarter will be open to the public from 12.00pm to 9.00pm, errryday from 5 - 14 April 2018. Gone will be the days of waiting until the weekend for your langos, American BBQ or gluten-free doughnut fix. The only real question is: How on earth will we survive going back to weekend trading once the Games are over?

"We're extremely proud of the local food industry and being able to share this with residents and visitors to the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games next April," says NightQuarter owner and Food Festival Director, Michelle Christoe.

“This explosion of culinary and music events broadens the audience perception of the Gold Coast and strengthens its appeal as a tourism destination.”

Of course, it's not just delicious eats that will be on offer, with a cultural program of local and international musicians from around the Commonwealth set to perform in the many unique live spaces on offer at the NightQuarter.

RUFUS Adam Brand The Living End Bliss n Esso UB40 Killing Heidi Ministry of Sound

in The Paddock

2016

So, what’s coming up in 2018?

The Cat Empire Melbourne Ska Orchestra Sticky Fingers SAFIA The Delta Riggs

in The Paddock

Over the last two years, NightQuarter has played a whopping great part in the cultural evolution of the northern end of the Gold Coast. Night markets packed with local designers and products, micro-restaurants, pop live music spaces, and 120 speciality food and drink purveyors have come together each Friday and Saturday night to form an epic creative playground, all within a shipping container city. The Paddock live music venue has played hosts to legions of Gold Coast musicians, as well as some spectacular touring acts. See the sidebar for just a handful of the incredible achievements of the entertainment precinct created by entrepreneurial duo Michelle Christoe and Ian Van der Woude.

2017

NIGHTQUARTER: THEN AND NOW

1,620+

NIGHTQUARTER

has played host to artists have been • Bleach* Festival booked at • SEED series the venue, across four • Gold Coast different Food and Wine stages Festival • Quarterfest All Awarded Ages shows BEST • Waitangi Day VENUE • 2017 Bigsound GC showcase at the 2016 Gold Coast Music Awards

Natalie O’Driscoll

The full program of events will be announced in early February 2018. For the latest Festival 2018 updates, please visit gc2018.com/festival2018.

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INTERCHANGE

festival G LINK STAGE 2

JANUARY GIG GUIDE

opening celebration

FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY:

ALYSHA BRILLA SKYEATER

SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY:

MATIU TE HUKI TAHU DUBS

FRIDAY 12TH JANUARY:

SAMETIME CANDICE DIANNA

SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY:

INTERCHANGE FESTIVAL BOUTIQUE BREWS BRASS BAND JUZZIE SMITH // HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN HERMITS

brass bands buskers blues

SATURDAY 19TH JANUARY:

KINGSTON COUNTRY

HELENSVALE

FRIDAY 20TH JANUARY:

GRAEME JAMES SHANON WATKINS BAND FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY:

AUSTRALIA DAY THE TWINE

nightquarter.com.au

town centre drive, helensvale

free jumping castle free face painting free kids trackless train rides all your favourite nightquarter stalls nightquarter.com.au / interchangefestival Proudly supported by

LOCAL VINTAGE FEELS

Currently exhibiting at the Gold Coast City Gallery, Coming Into Fashion offers a unique glimpse into the world of iconic fashion photography and vintage pieces, as well as a selection of Fashion on Film and seminars with some of the industry’s best and brightest. In celebration of this special cultural event, we decided to chat to a few local designers and get the lowdown on their feelings about vintage fashion.

If you could bring back one past fashion trend, what would it be and why?

JbK Designs

(Jewellery by Kim) is a Gold Coast based jewellery label. Their catchphrase has always been "Everyday pieces for the woman who doesn't want to be everyday".

“Wow! What past fashion trend would I bring back? Growing up in the 70's, I know what I wouldn't bring back! Very tragic fashion era that one. But I have to say I'm a huge fan of bell bottoms. Bell bottoms were first worn by the US Navy, making it easier for them to roll up their trousers and keep them out of the water. Fashion wise, they were usually skin tight to the knees then flared out very wide. As for a jewellery trend, I've always been a huge fan of the choker. Bell bottoms and a choker, hell yeah!”

- Kim Hurst, Owner and Designer

Briana Thompson is a textile/graphic designer based on the Gold Coast, with qualifications and a background in textiles/graphics for swimwear and fashion.

“I am a big fan of the 60's & 70's fashion and have loved the revival of these eras in our fashion recently. So as these have already been redone recently, I think I would bring back the Studio 54 style, with glam rock disco, which was championed by the likes of Cher and Farrah Fawcett and featured in the early Bond movies. This would include metallic fabrics, rich gem tones in shiny fabrics, big hair - even bigger shoes, and the whole style being completely glamorous and OTT.” - Briana Thompson

OneThing

is an ethical clothing label providing quality, affordable basics to contemporary women and babies, Made from 100% bamboo cotton, all pieces are designed in beautiful Byron Bay and lovingly handmade by a talented sister duo in Indonesia.

“I would always bring back the 1960's A-line mini skirt. This trend has kind of tiptoed in and out of fashion since the 60's but I think it should be a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. It flatters every different female body type and form. My go to colour choice is white for that ultimate 1960's vibe!”- Stephanie Batchelor, Creative Director/Founder

AKAZI is a mother daughter clothing brand located on the Gold Coast, creating thoughtfully designed, ethically produced garments from natural, plant based fabrics; - lasting slow fashion.

“I would bring back the elegance of fashion in the thirties, forties and fifties. The golden Hollywood era evoked a sense of sophistication with simple elegant lines and beautiful flattering silhouettes designed to celebrate the female body. The clothing was made to last, with luxurious fabrics and a quality of craftsmanship that we aspire to. We would like to think we take the essence of what that era represented; the timeless elegance and simple lines to create a lasting wardrobe for today’s women.” - Tracey Barker, Co-Founder and Creative Designer

Tall Poppy Surf

is ready-to-surf swimwear designed and handmade on the Sunshine Coast using Lycra made from recycled materials.

“I would bring back the Afro because I could rock a really good one and when it was in fashion in the 60's it symbolised rebellion, pride and empowerment. It was very anti conservative and I think we need that in our society now more than ever.”

- Poppy Kaalund, Owner

Love St

is the 'love child' of Gold Coast designer Tara Fletcher, inspired the the floral prints, colour and femininity of the 70s.

"I would bring back terry towelling (and if you can imagine it with retro palm tree airbrushing). It’s comfy and stretchy and straight out of the 70s. Actually working on that now.”

- Tara Fletcher, Owner/Designer

Coming Into Fashion runs at the Gold Coast City Gallery until 18 February.

Visit theartscentregc.com.au for full program and ticketing information.

MAU POWER FOR FESTIVAL 2018 Mau Power is the first rapper to ‘break out’ from Thursday Island in the Torres Straits. With proud heritage from the Dhoebaw Clan of the Guda Maluilgal nations, he was born and raised in the ‘Aylans’ and still lives in the Torres Strait.

For many years he’s been guided by two cultures – Indigenous culture and hip-hop culture – with the art of story telling providing the link between the two.

He’s just been announced as one of the premiere artists performing at Festival 2018, as part of the Commonwealth Games, which is no surprise, because he’s recently performed in London and Guam and had his music broadcast via youth icons Rage and triple j. He’s also collaborated with Australian music royalty and arguably the country’s best storyteller, Archie Roach.

Samantha Morris was honoured to speak with Mau Power about his appearance on the Gold Coast for Festival 2018.

Storytelling is central to many cultures, but none so much as Australia’s first people. Mau Power says storytelling to him was his teaching ground. Where he learned about traditional life and the knowledge and responsibilities he had as a young boy transitioning through his teens and manhood. In his teenage years he worked in maritime and fisheries and the songs that were taught to him in childhood helped him navigate as well as provide for his family and community.

“The stories we have in songs and dances, taught me a lot of things in my life, and still do,” he said. “Today, I’m still drawing on those stories with creative arts and the businesses we have.”

Growing up on Thursday Island, Mau Power started interacting with his culture at 7 or 8 and decided he wanted to be a rapper when he was just 14. He says he remembers that rap-style energy coming through from older people in the community.

“They brought in the music, dance, rapping and we saw videos of these for first time – break dance and wild styles. I didn’t know what it was called at the time but I knew it was very accepting – everyone was a part of it and it made us feel good,” he said.

At the same time, Mau’s ARIA Award winning and internationally renowned grandfather, Seaman Dan gave him a guitar.

“At 11 he gave me my first guitar,” Mau said. “And that’s what stuck to me. I was in music, I started rapping and people liked what I was rapping.”

While Mau spent his adolescence listening to artists like Ice Cube, Ice T, Dr Dre, Snoop, Notorious Big and Tupac, there weren’t a lot of Indigenous artists hitting the charts, especially in that hip-hop / rap genre, but he’s stoked that things have changed.

“It’s really exciting,” he says, of the number of Indigenous artists getting radio play and charting. “It opens up the mind to see that now there’s real opportunity for people.”

“If you think of people like Baker Boy coming out of the NT – that was phenomenal – the flow on effect of knowing that we’re part of this culture – it’s very inspiring.”

“Someone from a very remote part of Australia has a voice and can express their stories. Coming from a remote community that is exciting and empowering. Knowing that I’m just a part of this whole culture, this movement, is rewarding in itself.”

And while there’s no question that Thursday Island is remote, Mau says it didn’t really feel that way growing up. It was just home. It was all he knew.

“There wasn’t a world outside. The music that came through got the mind wondering and we were curious of the outside. It was just that this was my world and this is what I knew. That was before the internet. Once it came in it opened up a new world.

I got heavy on social media and using those platforms. I started up a marketing company and had that connection to the outside world.”

Mau says when he was starting out as an artist, no label or manager would touch him because of the remoteness.

“I said I’m going to start my own label and start to build that, bringing artists in and giving them opportunities, running workshops and showing people there’s another life out of here in the creative arts.”

“There are opportunities we don’t get to see up here. Everybody when I asked them and they looked up where we are– they say it’s so expensive to be able to travel out of Torres Strait. Once you work that out, it becomes easier. That was why I started the label – shooting our own music videos, then TV approached me to shoot documentaries. I had no idea how to shoot a documentary, but when they asked, I said yes, then spent hours online learning how to shoot, use cameras, and then that became another thing. Then the record label became a production company. Now I’m doing projects with Screen Queensland, Screen Australia, NITV, travelling the world,” he said.

His business partner JD Purdy was in media which also led to work in digital design and web development.

“This is where rest of the world is going, remote regions are going too,” Mau said. “Instead of waiting for the change, we’re the drivers of the change in our communities.”

From humble beginnings Mau Power now travels the world to share his music. And next year he’ll be one of the headlining acts for Festival 2018 at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games “It does feel surreal,” he says. “When you’re coming up and starting and writing raps, you dream and that’s what it stays at. It’s not until you start to have these little wins…”

“When I first found out the news [Festival 2018], playing at this event, you sit back and it’s like ‘wow, is this really happening’? It’s what I’ve been working for for many years – to be able to do bigger shows in Australia and to represent not just our region but the country itself – it’s really exciting.”

“You take a moment to appreciate it and look at the journey of the last 18 years,” he said. “Most of it was planning as we got to those moments.

You have a win, you go to the next step.”

And after he jets around the world and gets home, how does that feel?

“It’s my grounding,” he said. “It’s why I’ve never left.”

“I get back home, I’m able to centre myself again. I go out on the boat, go camping, disconnect from the phones, do my gardening. It’s what balances my life.”

“In 2016 I was on the road for 40 weeks out of the year. It really took a toll – you get lost amongst the noise – and coming back home is my sanctuary to balance myself and be able to do the next leg.”

“It’s important that I’m here and can stay here and do what I do. I walk up and down the street and people know what I do, but I’m still put in my place by aunties and uncles and if they ask me to do something I do it.”

Mau Power will release a new album around the time of his Festival 2018 performance and a national tour will follow.

POWERFUL WOMEN WITH STORIES TO TELL: BLUESFEST Kesha, Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge lead the recent third lineup announcement for Bluesfest.

Kesha is one of 2017’s most talked-about artists. With release of album ‘Rainbow’ she evolved from pop star to critically-acclaimed Grammy nominated artist. Sheryl Crow has sold more than 50 million albums across the glob and has won nine Grammys.

And Melissa Etheridge – an Academy Award and two-time Grammy winning artist returns to the festival with her raspy vocals, profound lyrics and stories of her remarkable journey through life.

They sit alongside Juanes, Seu Jorge, Ziggy Alberts, Asgeir and more in a move that galvanises Bluesiest’s reputation as one of Australia’s most surprising festivals.

Festival Director Peter Noble raves about Colombian superstar Juanes “who has received the second most Latin Grammys in history (23 in total- the most by an artist in history!), who has 8 million fans on Facebook, ALMOST ONE MILLION OF THEM IN AUSTRALIA.” Whereas many of his contemporaries have embarked on English language crossover campaigns during their careers, Juanes has won global appeal, singing exclusively in his native Spanish tongue.

In commemoration of David Bowie’s passing, Brazilian musician Seu Jorge will perform a special tribute to the late genius at Bluesfest 2018, while also recreating his role in Wes Anderson’s film 'A Life Aquatic'.

Byron Bay success story, Ziggy Alberts will sing heartfelt stories of personal endeavours and experiences, ocean-side upbringing, environmental issues and life on the road and hugely popular Icelandic singer Ásgeir, already a crowd favourite here in Australia, comes armed with material from his highly acclaimed second album ‘Afterglow’.

Newton Faulkner, Afro Celt Sound System, Harry Manx, Harts, Holy Holy, William Crighton and Elephant Sessions were also included in today’s lineup announcement.

Samantha Morris Bluesfest takes place from 29 March – 2 April.

Festival and Camping tickets are now on sale through bluesfest. com.au or by phoning the Bluesfest office on 02 6639 9800.

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JOHAN DANNO PURPOSE AND PEACE This four song EP is a beautiful showcase of the musicianship and exceptional voice of Gold Coast’s Johan Danno.

The EP starts with folky sounding ‘Fall in Line’ and the track seems to be telling Johan’s own tale of leaving behind the society- approved way to live and forge his own path. As someone who has done the same, it brings a smile of recognition along with the need to tap my feet.

‘Fighting For’ displays a masterful voice reminiscent of Ed Sheeran combined with the melody and principles of Bob Marley.

Johan says his favourite song on the EP is acoustic and harmonica-fuelled ballad, ‘Sunrise’ and while it’s a strong offering, the previously released single ‘Fighting For’ was my standout.

The EP is rounded out with ‘New Day’, a song that gives you the feeling that the EP title ‘Purpose and Peace’ is exactly what Johan is chasing.

‘Purpose and Peace’ is the perfect addition to a cruisy roadtrip or casual summer afternoon playlist and it definitely leaves you wanting more.

Erin Bourne

SUNSET SESSIONS BRING SUMMER SPRITZ TO QT Italians have perfected the art of the sundowner: the aperitivo. And QT has taken a lesson from the experts, rolling out sunset sessions with the perfect combination of the summer spritz with light bites and good vibes right at sunset.

And you can’t make a summer spritz without Aperol Spritz, which is exactly who QT has partnered with to maximise the chilled sunset sessions on offer.

While the sunset sessions are curated by Stingray Lounge they take place outdoor at QT on the Calypso Terrace with colourful beach lounges and a beach club vibe complete with pop-up bar.

If lounging cocktail style beside a tropical resort pool with chilled lounge music, Peroni and Prosecco drink specials, complimentary canapés (from 4-5pm) and cheese and charcuterie platters sounds like your kind of deal, then you need to know that these sunset sessions will run all summer long and beyond.

Samantha Morris

QT Sunset Sessions take place every Saturday from 3.00pm until Saturday 31 March, 2018. There’s no need to RSVP or book unless you have a group of ten or more. See ya poolside.

Image: Carbi eWarbie

SUNNY DAYS FOR SUNNYBOYS Sunnyboys’ debut, self-titled record, released in 1981 still ranks as one of Australia’s most significant albums. The band’s return to the stage is well documented. After a 21-year hiatus, catalysed by frontman and guitarist Jeremy Oxley’s struggle with schizophrenia, Sunnyboys returned in 2012 to some of their most significant performances ever, easily eclipsing the shows they were performing in the 1980s.

I ask if it’s like the accident that just keeps on giving and Peter says he mostly just feels lucky that Jeremy is in a good place right now.

Bassist Peter Oxley says that for him, the band’s Opera House show was the most memorable to date, taking place just after the premiere of the documentary which told the story of Jeremy’s survival from schizophrenia.

“We just feel lucky we’ve got him back and in fact we can be Sunnyboys again.”

“That was a special night,” Oxley said. “It was great to do that documentary because people understand now what happened to the band initially but also that there was this terrible loneliness that Jeremy would have felt for a long time – just through his illness.”

“But also, that sometimes there can be a really happy ending.”

From their reunion show at the Enmore Theatre, through to Vivid Live and a run of shows for A Day on the Green as well as a support slot for Elvis Costello, it seems the current arrangement seems to be one that agrees with Peter and the rest of the band. Without the pressures of recording contracts and record labels and big commitments and an ability to focus primarily on their live show, Peter calls the Sunnyboys “this magnificent hobby that we get to do.”

There’s no question it’s been one hell of a ride for a garage band from Kingscliff. Did they ever think, for a moment, what life would be like in 2017?

“I don’t think we were thinking anything,” Peter laughs. “We didn’t think ‘right, we’re going to form a band and get to the top of the charts’. I think through that naivety we were able to get our Sunnyboys sound because we weren’t thinking about how we should or shouldn’t sound. It’d be like Jeremy wrote this song and we’d play it and turn it into a great song and that’s what we’d play live,” Peter said.

“It was all really just an accident.”

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“He’s loved and he takes medication for his illness and he’s able to exist in our world and for a long time he wasn’t able to do that,” Peter said.

“He’s in the right place and he’s still an extremely magnificent eccentric man, but it’s all moderated now – so it’s really good.”

While Sunnyboys were off the scene, Peter kept busy with a gourmet pizza restaurant in Newtown, which he sold in 2010, as well as playing with Ed Keupper “Most of the time, my nighttime was slaving over a hot oven.

That was good fun for a long time, but it’s a lot of work – you’re thinking about it seven days a week, 20 hours a day.”

“Being a rock star’s much more fun.”

“That’s if I am one.”

There’s no question that Peter Oxley has the goods when it comes to rock star status. Now in his mid-50s, a lot has changed since the Sunnyboys first found their feet in Australia’s fledgling punk rock scene. When I ask what he’s learnt over that time, he’s very quick to respond and he does so with a chuckle.

“I’m a much better bass player now than I was then,” he said.

Samantha Morris

Sunnyboys perform their first ever show at Twin Towns with special guests The Celibate Rifles, Friday 26 January.

GET YOUR FESTIVAL FREAK ON Woodford Folk Festival 27 December – 1 January

There’s no other festival like it in Australia. Partly due to its sheer size, but also due to its eclectic programming, Woodford Folk Festival is a bucketlist festival of epic proportions. What started as a community folk festival in Maleny has grown to be one of the biggest folk festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the Sunshine Coast hinterland every year. This year’s event, which runs 27 December – 1 January is no different. The international lineup includes artists from Canada, USA, Ireland, UK, Japan, Sweden and Iceland. They join 350 local acts including Kate Miller-Heidke, Hollow Coves, Sue Ray, Dubmarine, Afro Dizzi Act, John Butler, Mama Kin Spender, Baker Boy, Birdz, The Babe Rainbow, Caravana Sun, Leah Flanagan, POW! Negro and Holy Holy. Now in its 32nd year, the event also incudes an incredible array of hands-on workshops covering dance, creativity and art as well as a full speakers’ program covering the environment, Indigenous issues, humanitarian response, science and ageing.

Interchange Festival

13 January

The light rail extension to Helensvale opened in December and to celebrate, NightQuarter is throwing a party. The Interchange Festival will see the old world meet the new with nods to heritage railway culture as well as the city’s growing arts and cultural community. ‘Interchange Festival’ celebrates the fact that the transit centre at Helensvale will be Australia’s only single multimodal transport hub with bus, passenger rail and tram interchange when the light rail is connected.

There’ll be two large brass bands roving through the precinct as well as busking stations (featuring the world’s most famous busker, Juzzie Smith) as a homage to busking culture which has grown around rail stations, and a trackless train running through NightQuarter with free rides for kids.

Polish Club

Ash Grunwald

Ozfest

27 January Ozfest is one of the City’s favourite one day Festivals and in 2018 organisers have called in the help of Australia’s all-time party crew, hip-hop collective One Day. While these guys roll out the party tunes on Miami Shark Bar’s rooftop carpark, the venue’s indoor spaces will play host to punk and indie bands while the Hottest 100 entertains between sets. The live lineup includes Polish Club, punk legends Cosmic Psychos, WA’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets plus Rackett, Pandamic, IVEY, Peach Fur, Bad Pony, Dangerpenny and Beddy Rays. Tickets are via Oztix and come in at just $30 for first release, but this is a very limited capacity event, so you might wanna hustle.

Under the Southern Stars

10 February

It’s a rock royalty roll-call at Broadwater Parklands next February. This brand new, one-day summer festival is rolling out the red carpet for none other than Jimmy Barnes. The man has had more number one albums than any other Australian artist and been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Twice. He’ll be joined by Ian Moss, Tex Perkins, Diesel, Richard Clapton, Ash Grunwald and The Rich and Famous.

Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Bluesfest

29 March – 2 April Byron Bay Bluesfest is synonymous with Byron Bay and its culture. The internationally acclaimed event has taken out more awards than you can poke a stick at. Helpman Awards, Greener Festival Awards, Australian Event Awards, Business Excellence Awards and Australian Festival of the Year Award at Canadian Music Week. Given that the event attracts an audience of over 100,000 people as well as providing camping for 6000 and its eclectic programming is renowned across Australia’s music industry, the awards don’t really come as a surprise. This will be the 29th annual event and the lineup is bigger than ever. Artists as diverse as Kesha, Asgier, Canned Heat, Gomez, Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant, Lionel Richie, Harts, John Butler Trio, Melissa Etheridge, Morcheeba, Seal, Tash Sultana, The Teskey Brothers and Ziggy Alberts make up the five-day lineup. And if you’re still undecided, you should know that the stunning venue for Bluesfest is a tea-tree farm, complete with honey-making bees and a koala population that keeps the organisation’s social responsibility charter humming. Plus, it’s only a 45 minute drive from Burleigh.

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Blues on Broadbeach 17 – 20 May

Bleach* Festival 29 March – 15 April

As usual, Bleach* Festival 2018 will deliver a cutting-edge program of performance theatre, music and unexpected experiences. What’s different about the 2018 event is its connection to Festival 2018 as well as the influx of international guests visiting the City for the Commonwealth Games. While the Festival doesn’t release its full program until 29 January it has released details of its opening night celebration, which will take place at Bond University.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Mighty Duke and the Lords will get the 18-day party started in true ska fashion. Stay tuned to blankgc.com.au for the program announcement soon. You don’t want to miss the Gold Coast’s signature arts and culture event, right?

Kid Congo

Austen

Without a doubt one of the city’s biggest cultural events, Blues on Broadbeach has grown to attract international artists with serious street cred as well as some of Australia’s favourite acts. The 2018 festival, sees the four-day festival bring five international acts to the Gold Coast, to perform alongside a treasure trove of national and local talent. The Robert Cray Band (USA), The Screaming Jets, Backsliders, Lloyd Siegel, Jon Stevens (who’ll perform at The Star Gold Coast), Eilen Jewell (USA), Charlie A’Court (Canada) and Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds (USA) are all on the bill, alongside Gold Coast musicians, Karl S Williams, Mason Rack Band, Benny D Williams and Hell and Whisky. Best of all? It’s entirely free. Aaaaaand, there’s a heap of other acts yet to be announced.

Festival 2018

4 – 15 April

When people flock to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it won’t just be athletic prowess on show. A 12-day program of arts and culture will take place at the same time featuring highly acclaimed contemporary music, Indigenous music and art as well as dance and physical theatre. In partnership with Bleach* Festival, Festival 2018 will spill out onto the streets an artists will be part of the entertainment around Games venues. Kate Miller-Heidke, Thursday Island rapper Mau Power, Austen, The Jungle Giants and Karl S Williams have been revealed as the Festival’s first confirmed artists with the full program due in early February. This month, organisers also revealed a partnership with NightQuarter which will see the Helensvale venue deliver ten days of food and music during the event.

Groundwater Country Music Festival Daryl Braithwaite

Surfers Paradise LIVE 3 – 6 May

Surfers Paradise will cement its reputation as one of Australia’s ultimate event destinations with rock royalty Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens announced as headline acts for the fourth annual Surfers Paradise LIVE music festival.

The free, family-friendly festival will appeal to a very broad array of musical tastes, with the high-octane Justice Crew and 2013 X-Factor Australia winner Reece Mastin also confirmed to headline the Friday night. The event will also consolidate its relationship with Gold Coast Music Awards with the two partners working even closer to promote local talent included in the lineup.

27 – 29 July

Australia’s fastest growing music festival is now known as Groundwater Country Music Festival. Known as Broadbeach Country Music Festival for the past five years, the event has grown its attendance figures by 77% in just the past year with more than 55,000 punters fronting up.

And while Groundwater Country Music Festival says it will “stay true to its country roots” we know it’s already following current music trends and blurring the lines in its programming of contemporary country and diverse genres. Applications to perform are open right now and close 1 February which means a lineup announcement ain’t too far away either.

WIN! We have five double-passes to give away to Under the Southern Stars, 10 February at Broadwater Parklands. To be in the running, just submit your name and email address at blankgc.com.au/win. www.blankgc.com.au

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LISA HUNT BRINGS THE SOUL TRAIN TO FISHERMAN’S WHARF

BROADBEACH DELIVERS MEMPHIS TASTES AND SOUNDS

American-born, Byron-based soul sensation Lisa Hunt is no stranger to the stage. She performed for more than a decade at Tamworth Country Music Festival and gets booked for festivals as diverse as Bluesfest, Caloundra Music Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Groove and Grape.

The most talked about band in Memphis is making the trip to the Gold Coast for Blues on Broadbeach next year. Southern Avenue, recently signed to Stax Records will perform exclusively at the five-day festival thanks to a new partnership between the event and Memphis Travel. Samantha Morris caught up with Memphis Travel Director Chris Ingram about the partnership and why he thinks Gold Coasters will be adding Memphis to their travel bucketlists.

Lisa started singing in that great African American tradition – the gospel church and went on to study in New York before releasing her debut album ‘A Little Piece of Magic’ for Universal / Polydor. She’s sold more than a million records and her voice can be heard on several top 10 dance tracks all over the world. The talent doesn’t stop there.

As an actress she’s appeared in several off-Broadway musicals and has produced and starred in her own production of ‘The Roots of My Soul’, a bluesical and Byron Bay’s very first local musical production.

She’s been touring the rhythm and blues retrospective ‘Forever Soul’ in Australia and the Middle East as well as Italy relentlessly since its inception and although she’s released a bunch of original work, she continues to drive that soul train for audiences near and far.

It may seem an unlikely venue for our local queen of soul, but Lisa Hunt is a regular at Fisherman’s Wharf and she’s strutting her stuff on 7 January, so be sure to check her out.

Can you tell me about this new partnership?

Fisherman’s Wharf January lineup: Lisa Hunt, 7 January The Eagles Show, 14 January

I absolutely love the Gold Coast and having previously worked with Gold Coast Tourism I already had a high degree of awareness of Blues on Broadbeach and how it’s grown to become an event of international standing. It’s from a chance meeting in WA that the partnership came to fruition… and it seemed a natural fit that Memphis, the home of the blues, should partner with Australia’s iconic blues event.

Australia’s Favourite Sons (tribute to Cold Chisel, INXS and AC/DC), 26 January Radio Star Band, 28 January

Memphis has a lot in common with the Gold Coast, certainly in the music and BBQ stakes. Can you tell me about some of Memphis’ other experiences?

Memphis music legacy has influenced music around the world. Memphis is known as the “home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll,” and the deep musical tradition can be traced back to the 1800s. It’s an authentic and vibrant destination headlined by music and full of one-of-a-kind experiences. There’s America’s second most visited house - Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Rock n Soul Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street, mouthwatering barbecue, Gus Fried Chicken, lively festivals, intriguing galleries, museums and more.

You’re bringing Southern Avenue to Blues on Broadbeach.

Can you tell me why, of all of Memphis’ pool of talent, these guys made the cut?

Southern Avenue are international recording artists signed to the legendary record label Stax Records in Memphis. Stax gave us Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, and Isaac Hayes to name a few and so I think they know what’s good! Southern Avenue live and breathe the Memphis sound and are the hottest act out of Memphis right now. They are well known in the field of ‘blues purists’. This will be their first visit to Australia and they’ll be performing exclusively for Blues on Broadbeach.

Why would someone from the Gold Coast want to visit Memphis?

BLUES! SOUL! ROCK 'N' ROLL! And that's just the beginning. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the mighty Mississippi

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River. The tangy blend of Southern hospitality and gritty determination. Or the very talented people who have called Memphis home like Elvis, B.B. King, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and Justin Timberlake. Whatever the reason, when it comes to music, there’s simply no place like Memphis. If Memphis music moves you, how will you feel at its source?

Can you tell me about Beale Street?

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Beale Street is Tennessee’s most visited attraction, and (according to USA TODAY’s 10Best) it's America’s most iconic street. You know that you can find live music every night of the week on Beale Street. Half of the allure of Beale Street is your walk along the strip itself. With over two dozen bars and nightclubs, street performers and great people, you'll find the environment hypnotic as you peek into alleys for rockin' performances and admire the pop-up shops in W.C. Handy Park. Check out the brass music notes memorialising Memphis music legends on the sidewalks.

As you travel the street, you're sure to hear conversations in English, Italian, German and more. It'll become clear why the city that revolutionised the world's soundtrack continues to attract international adoration decades later.

What are you hoping to achieve from this partnership?

There will be on site activations during the festival with restaurants to bring the flavour of Memphis to life. We are looking to bring out a traditional pit-master to bring the authentic taste of Memphis BBQ for patrons to enjoy and build interest in our great American city. More detail to come on this. Hopefully we will be facilitating an ‘artist exchange’ in the future (an Australian act to perform in Memphis) but this is further down the track and a work in progress.

Samantha Morris

Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival on the Gold Coast will be held May 17 - 20, 2018, and is the biggest FREE music festival in Australia. More at: bluesonbroadbeach.com.

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FREE LIVE TUNES IN THE LOUNGE MONDAY 1 JAN 11.00AM-2.00PM TOMMY MEMPHIS FRIDAY 5 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM ATMOSPHERE SATURDAY 6 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM GEMINI DUO SUNDAY 7 JAN 1.00PM - 5.00PM GREG BANKX

MONDAY 8 JAN 11.00AM-2.00PM TRACY LEIGH FRIDAY 12 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM GOLDILICIOUS SATURDAY 13 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM SHOTGUN DUO SUNDAY 14 JAN 1.00PM - 5.00PM CHAMPAGNE JAM

MONDAY 15 JAN 11.00AM-2.00PM CRAIG SHAW FRIDAY 19 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM CAPTAIN WOW SATURDAY 20 DEC 7.30PM-11.30PM NIGHTSHIFT SUNDAY 21 DEC 1.00PM - 5.00PM GEMINI DUO

MONDAY 22 DEC 11.00AM-2.00PM MICHAEL WHITMORE FRIDAY 26 JAN AUSTRALIA DAY 1.00PM - 5.00PM GREG BANKX 7.30PM - 11.30PM WALLY & THE GATORS SATURDAY 27 JAN 7.30PM-11.30PM ROUTE 66

SUNDAY 28 JAN 1.00PM - 5.00PM STREET CAFE MONDAY 29 JAN 11.00AM-2.00PM TOMMY MEMPHIS

*TC’s Apply. Subject to change without notice. *Transaction fee applies to all ticket purchases

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE www.rslclubsouthport.com.au 36 Scarborough Street, Southport QLD 4215 P: 5552 4200

DEC

THURSDAY 21 DECEMBER Cog (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER Jesse Morris Band + Luke Pauley | Miami Marketta Electrik Lemonade + Pat Tierney | NightQuarter Ben Hanna (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Louie Shelton & Bluestand | Southport Sharks Phil & Tilley (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER Thunder Gods of the Universe + Sun of Man + Nowhere Else + Kobrakai | Kirra Sports Club

Woodford Folk Festival | Woodford

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER The Beehives (Covers) | Twin Towns DJs Monte and Elliott (Delta Riggs) | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER P.C and the Biffs + Nick Cunningham Dubarray | NightQuarter Adam Brown (5:00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Marshall Okell | Southport Sharks Benny D Williams | Steampunk Surfers

James Penney | North Burleigh Surf Club

SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER

The Hoadads (Covers) | Southport Sharks Bill Jacobi (2:00pm) + Sky Eater (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER James Higgins (2:00pm) | North Burleigh Surf Club Michael Hickey (12:30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Danny Dyson | Burleigh Brewing Co

TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER

Grinspoon + British India + Eliza & The Delusionals + Voiid | NightQuarter Dragon | Lone Star Tavern Mark Ridout & The Rythm + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta Jason McGregor | North Burleigh SLSC

Jet Club Effect (3.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Kenny Slide | Miami Tavern Nick Cunningham (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co These New South Whales + Stork + Fight Ibis + Radolescent + Port Royal + Cakes | Miami Shark Bar

JAN MONDAY 1 JANUARY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Tommy Memphis (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 2 JANUARY Kelly Blues | Cambus Wallace Armitage | Scottish Prince

WEDNESDAY 3 JANUARY Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks Herbie walker | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 4 JANUARY The Beautiful Girls (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Captain Wow | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 5 JANUARY

Mark Ridout (2:00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Hello Tut Tut + Kenta Hayashi | Miami Marketta

Dubarray Duo | Sheoak Shack

Hell & Wiskey | Burleigh Brewing Co

The Gooch Palms + The Violent Monks + Captain Squidlicker + The Sinking Ships | The Great Northern

Benny D Williams | Chinderah Tavern

Odio Chief (2.00pm) + Dubarray Duo (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Agent 77 (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Andy Burke (2.00pm) + Kenta Hayashi (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Matiu Te Huki + Tahu Dubs | NightQuarter The Gig Cartel | North Burleigh Deck Acoustics: Michael Eotvos (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Gemini Duo | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 7 JANUARY Lisa Hunt (2:00pm)| Fisho’s Stephen Ward | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (1.00pm) for Froth Fest | Miami Marketta Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Stephen Lovelight | Cambus Wallace Benny Whisky | Scottish Prince Stir Crazy (2.00pm) | North Burleigh SLSC Greg Bankx (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

MONDAY 8 JANUARY Loyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Tracy Leigh (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 9 JANUARY Kenta Hayashi | Scottish Prince Matty Armitage | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 10 JANUARY Bryan Adams + Thirsty Merc | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks

Richie Sambora + Orianthi | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER

Tina Turner Tribute Show & Dinner | Soundlounge

Deck Acoustics: Mark Divola (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Kid Ink | Surfers Paradise Beergarden

NYE: 60’s Party | Southport RSL

Atmosphere | RSL Club Southport

NYE: R&B Party Sex & Chocolate | Fisho’s

SATURDAY 6 JANUARY

Delta Riggs (DJ Set) | Scottish Prince

Wally & The Gators (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Jame St | Cambus Wallace

Armitage | Cambus Wallace

NYE: Montana | North Burleigh SLSC

AKOVA + Eli Marchini | Miami Marketta

Paris Lane (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Alysha Brilla + Skyeater | NightQuarter

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

www.blankgc.com.au

27 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY

Bearfoot + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta

Nicole Parker-Brown + Jake Mewyes | NightQuarter

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Inexcess Tribute | Southport Sharks

Kenta Hayashi (10.00am) | The Dust Temple

Harry Jakamarra | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 11 JANUARY Shake N Bake (Ticketed) | Miami Marketta Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

MONDAY 15 JANUARY

FRIDAY 12 JANUARY

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Wild Marmalade | Soundlounge

Craig Shaw (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Mistram | Nimbin Hotel

Deck Acoustics: Sarah Archer (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Nightshift | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 21 JANUARY Skegss + Crocodylus + Totty | Miami Shark Bar

The Swamps + Jackson James Smith | Miami Marketta

TUESDAY 16 JANUARY

The White Treet | Burleigh Brewing Co

Sean Fitzgerald | Burleigh Brewing Co

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

Benny D Williams | Steampunk Surfers

Kelly Blues | Scottish Prince

Benny D Williams (1.00pm) | The Boatshed

Bluescorp (Covers) | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY

Michael Eotvos (Covers) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Rabit Radio Rummage | Miami Marketta

Sametime + Candice Dianna | NightQuarter

Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks James St | Cambus Wallace

Deck Acoustics: Fergo (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

Goldilicious | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 13 JANUARY The Guns N’ Roses Show (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Blues Arcadia + Nick Cunningham | Miami Marketta Interchange Festival: Boutique Brews Brass Band + Juzzie Smith + Haystack Mountain Hermits | NightQuarter Pist Idiots | Miami Shark Bar Living in the 70s (Covers) | Southport Sharks Jesse Morris (2.00pm) + Mark Riddout (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Matty Rogers | North Burleigh SLSC Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Shotgun Duo | RSL Club Southport

THURSDAY 18 JANUARY Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 19 JANUARY The Floating Bridges + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta Gee Boenkendorf | Burleigh Brewing Co Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Mason Rack Band | Southport Sharks Ben Hanna (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Kingston Country | NightQuarter

SUNDAY 14 JANUARY

Deck Acoustics: Harry Nichols (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Eagles Tribute (Covers) | Fisho’s

Captain Wow | RSL Club Southport

Josh Lee Hamilton | Burleigh Brewing Co Amanda King (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace Sunday Jazz | Scottish Prince Jake Maywes (2.00pm) | North Burleigh SLSC Deck Acoustics: Chris Hutchinson (4.00pm) Currumbin RSL Champagne Jam (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 20 JANUARY In Hearts Wake | Soundlounge UK Bee Geez (Covers) | Southport RSL Abraska + Felicity Lawless | Miami Marketta Katy Perry Tribute (Covers) | Southport Sharks Adam Scriven (2.00pm) + Method (7.00pm) | Sheaok Shack Graeme James + Shanoin Watkins Band | NightQuarter

Ned Walker (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Elska | Cambus Wallace Benny Whisky | Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: Ben Hanna (4.00pm) Currumbin RSL

MONDAY 22 JANUARY Marco (Covers) | Southport Sharks Michael Whitmore (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 23 JANUARY Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY AKOVA | Beach Hotel Byron James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

THURSDAY 25 JANUARY Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 26 JANUARY The Sunnyboys + The Celibate Rifles | Twin Towns The Steele Syndicate + Jackson James Smith | Miami Marketta Chisel Revived (Covers) + Southport Sharks Australia’s Favourite Sons (Covers) | Fishos

SATURDAY 27 JANUARY Pocket Love + Ondre Davis | Miami Marketta Mirrorball Express (Covers) | Southport Sharks

presents

Gavin Doniger (2.00pm) + Pauly P (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack OzFest: Polish Club + Cosmic Psychos + Psychedelic Porn Crumpets + Rackett + Pandamic + Ivey + Peach Fur + Band Pony + MORE | Miami Shark Bar Cory Hargreaves | North Burleigh SLSC

FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD

Deck Acoustics: Nyssa Ray (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Route 66 | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 28 JANUARY Alfanant Duo| Burleigh Brewing Co Lily Budiasa (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

seedseries.bandcamp.com Discover fresh local talent cultivated by Queensland Conservatorium's Bachelor of Popular Music program.

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace Elska | Scottish Prince Radio Star Band (Covers) | Fisho’s James Higgins (2.00pm) | North Burleigh SLSC

Support local music.

Be in the know.

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Deck Acoustics: Sarah Archer (4.00pm) Currumbin RSL Street Cafe (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

MONDAY 29 JANUARY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Tommy Memphis (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 30 JANUARY Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY James St | Cambus Wallace Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince

The Twine | NightQuarter James Penney | North Burleigh SLSC Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (1.00pm) + Sarah Grant (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

Greg Bankx (1.00pm) + Wally & The Gators (Covers) (7.30pm) | RSL Club Southport

WWW.SEEDSERIES.BANDCAMP.COM

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W h e n t h e Cha m pag n e f lows, a ny t h i n g g o es t h i s N e w Y e a r ’s E v e f o r LU X E at St i n g r ay Rub shoulders with the Gold Coast’s m ost g l am orous c rowd & fi ni sh th e y e a r on a hig h w ith a l avi sh di spl ay o f fo od, d rin ks & ente rtai nme nt at St i n g ray Loun g e

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D o o r s O p e n At 7Pm With A Gl ass Of C h a m pag n e O n A r r i va l

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T h r e e H o u rs O f P r e m i u m Food And Drinks Served From 8Pm-11Pm

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L i v e Dj ’ s & L u x e E n t e r ta i n e r s Epic Nye Countdown

B o o k o n l i n e at g o l d c oa st t i c k e ts.c o m . a u Fo r e n q u i r i e s c a l l 0 7 5 5 8 4 1 2 4 0 o r e m a i l b o o k i n g s _ qtg o l d c oa st @ e v t.c o m 7 S tag h o r n Av e n u e / S u r f e r s Pa r a d i s e / Q u e e n s l a n d

MONA BUILDER TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT NEW GOLD COAST GALLERY Move over, Louvre. Construction company Hansen Yuncken, highly regarded for managing the build of Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, has been appointed to the design and construction of the $60.5 million gallery at the new Gold Coast Cultural Precinct.

The MONA build was notoriously challenging, and the building has achieved iconic status since its opening in 2011. Hansen Yuncken’s detailed proposal for the new Gold Coast gallery highlighted their technical prowess and creativity, beating out several other firms during the thorough tender process.

“We all know MONA now, but by Christmas 2020, the Gold Coast will be the new name on the lips of everyone interested in art and design.” Gold Coast City Gallery Director Tracy Cooper-Lavery says of the appointment.

The Arts Centre Gold Coast CEO Criena Gehrke is delighted at the appointment of such a well-regarded and experienced contractor.

“Hansen Yuncken bring a wealth of experience in building beautiful, bright, creative spaces where the art and artists are the highlight,” she says.

“I believe the new City Art Gallery will become a cultural beacon showcasing the City of Gold Coast art collection and hosting international exhibitors of a calibre never seen before on the Gold Coast.”

As well as being the largest regional gallery in Australia, the new Gold Coast venue will offer an innovative and holistic creative experience for visitors.

“It will accommodate our multimillion dollar city art collection. But it will be much more than a gallery,” says Ms Cooper-Lavery.

“It will be a must-see destination for residents and visitors to engage with art and design on a local to global scale. And the rooftop will offer panoramic views from the city skyline to Tamborine Mountain, bringing the Gold Coast into the gallery.”

Ms Gehrke agrees.

“Our intention is that the new City Art Gallery will contain playful and inclusive spaces,” she says.

“This will be a place of connection and innovation where art and ideas flourish. I'm looking forward to seeing a bright, functional space come alive. Something unexpected. A place where both locals and visitors can wander, explore and engage with the art and artists. A place that becomes a true home of the arts.”

The Cultural Precinct is set to be the jewel in Gold Coast’s cultural crown, with an expected long term positive effect on the city’s cultural tourism and reputation.

The gallery will complement the precinct’s new amphitheatre, (now nearing completion, with programming to begin following the GC2018), and Green Bridge to Chevron Island (which will commence after the GC2018 and be completed in October 2019.) Design of the new gallery will begin early in 2018 with commissioning scheduled for late 2020.

Natalie O’Driscoll

BRISBANE FRI 16 MAR • THE TIVOLI “…a night that has been filled with nothing but the highest standard of musicianship, and is as entertaining as it is impressive.”

– The Line of Best Fit 32/19 Warehouse Rd, Southport QLD 4215 07 5532 0788 leftbankgallery.com.au

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January 2018 LIVE GIGS AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF TAVERN Fish bo w l l o un ge bar | e v e nts | di ni ng | functions

January 7th Lisa Hunt FROM 2pm

January 14th THE EAGLES SHOW FROM 2PM

JANUARY 26TH AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE SONS

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Australia’s favourite son’s

Tribute to Cold Chisel, INXS and ACDC FREE ENTRY, ENTERTAINMENT & FREE COURTESY BUS

SONGS THAT SHAPED A NATION FROM BANDS THAT RULED THE WORLD

F I S H E R M A N ’ S W H A R F TA V E R N |

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SAN SEBASTIAN 1089 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

CRAFTED COFFEE CO.

The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina ‘How do you take your coffee?’

It’s a simple enough question, until the parameters of conversation move, and we talk about coffee being consumed as food as well as drink.

While technically not a food per se, coffee is recognised for its role in social engagement, leisure, enhancement of work performance and well-being. So, why not consume it with food as well as in a drink?

If you agree and are one of those people who enjoy a real ‘co romance’, Crafted Coffee will more than meet your expectations. Their coffee-inspired menu takes the bean on an extended journey through the menu of both food and drinks.

From cappuccinos and short blacks to pour over, vacuum, drip filter and cold brew, coffee is the specialty in this two-level day-night venue in The Kitchens; the only eatery to offer three meals daily as well as snacks and cocktails into the evening.

“Crafted Coffee Co runs on two levels, showing off the diversity and versatility of coffee, just like wine,” Svetlana Bitzios tells us.

Owned and operated by two couples, Gary and Sara Clasen, Adrian Bitzios and his wife Svetlana, who run the roastery, eatery and retail shop between them, each owner has a different role.

With a background in coffee and as a barista, Gary is Head Roaster, sourcing coffee from six different countries to roast in the Probat every Wednesday in the upstairs roastery.

It’s this ‘coffee power’ that inspires the whole operation. Coffee is the theme that ties the venue together, the signature blend featured throughout the menu. You’ll find it everywhere you look: coffee-infused rye bread and muffins, coffee and cinnamon butter to slather on the banana bread, coffee-marinated chicken, coffee jus on meat, espresso syrup drizzled over sweet French toast and pancakes and even espresso vinaigrette on salads.

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There’s also some symbiotic trade taking place, with Crafted Coffee Co supplying coffee to several venues in The Kitchens, and Mr Pigs Bakehouse and Mark Daniels Patisserie supplying bread and macarons for Crafted Coffee Co. The day starts early in the downstairs kitchen as breakfast is prepared, everything made on site. There’s the flexibility to experiment and change the seasonal café-style menu.

The all-day breakfast carries many favourites, such as Avo smash, the signature Pulled pork bene, the Vego’s dream or sweet favourites such as French toast or Ricotta pancakes served with maple or espresso syrup. Brekkie is supplemented by a lunch menu that offers sliders, burgers and salads, as well as a range of light meals.

Upstairs opens from 10.00am with a martini bar serving espresso martinis and coffeebased cocktails created by mixologist Nick Royds. Different beans lead to different flavoured cocktails. There’s even an extensive Affogato menu.

The menu includes tapas and cheese boards suitable for casual dining, with many quiet nooks suitable for a late afternoon or evening snack, the area doubling as a function area for up to fifty people.

Maintaining coffee as the hero, there’s a choice of two blends: The Kitchens (a mellow caramel) and their Signature, with dark, chocolate fruity notes or of course a cold brew that’s been bottled on site.

A range of sweet treats made fresh daily also feature Crafted Coffee Co’s signature blend as a key ingredient. From tiramisu or mocha macarons to vegan raw cakes, there’s a treat to pair with a Crafted coffee.

Spanning most of the hours that The Kitchens are open, Crafted Coffee Co takes us on a food journey inspired by coffee. If you need a bit more buzz in your day, it’s well worth stopping in.

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

In the streets of San Sebastian, friends walk down the street arm in arm, making their way from one bar to another. There’s a mood of celebration, and why shouldn’t there be?

San Sebastian is considered Spain’s foodie capital. The surrounding area of Northern Spain is home to the highest number of Michelin star restaurants in the world. This town, in particular, is even more famous for its pintxos, the Basque equivalent of tapas, the pintxos bars in the old quarter of San Sebastian forming the cornerstone of its food culture.

The word “pintxos” (pronounced ‘pin-choss’) literally translates as “skewer”, and while the term traditionally referred to snacklike foods served on top of a slice of bread or mounted on skewers, it also refers to any small plate served with drinks in the Basque area. Prawn skewers, anchovies, mussels, suckling pig, grilled octopus or even cheesecake are on offer. Diners wander from bar to bar picking and choosing among the specialties of each place, ordering as they go, and paying for what they’ve eaten by an honour system as they leave.

Our own San Sebastian at Palm Beach pays homage to the town, introducing the pintxos tradition to the Gold Coast.

Owners, Chef Nikki Graieg (ex-Bin 12 and Glenelg Public House) and Alanah Mounsey (Little Truffle, Little Plate) fell in love with the tradition of enjoying food and wine with friends, dining in a leisurely, meandering fashion. When the space formerly occupied by tapas bar Spoonfull became available, the pair opened their own Spanish pintxos bar.

Like San Sebastian, they’ve placed their bar in a seaside town renowned for its surf, not far from a border. While recreating the culture (including the throwing of napkins and discarded mussel shells) is a hard ask, the owners have based their menu firmly in Spanish tradition using the best of local seafood and produce to give their own twist to the Mediterranean fare.

The mantra ‘eat, drink and chill’ sums up the dining philosophy: graze your way through the evening as you sip on your favourite beverage. Chill out and enjoy the journey; so well suited to our own laid back Palmie style.

So, graze we do, as a procession of dishes emerges from the kitchen. Smaller pintxos dishes such as Grilled haloumi with pear, jamon and honey glaze; Mushroom, potato and cheese croquette; Prawn brochette with roast pepper and jamon; Boiled quail egg with anchovy, and slightly larger tapas dishes or ‘raciones’ (to share… or not) such as Roast beetroot and goats cheese salad; Fried anchovies with citrus thyme aioli; Empanadas; Seafood ajillo with olives and mushrooms; Panko-crumbed eggplant with blue cheese, honey and walnuts; and Spanishstyle meatballs arrive at the table, each one a little masterpiece of taste. Cheese from across the Mediterranean features heavily on the menu (haloumi, goats, triple cream brie, blue, and manchego) as do potatoes, seafood and meat.

We finish off with tiny flourless Valencia orange cakes, and mini churros dipped into chocolate sauce, licking our fingers to lap up each grain of cinnamon sugar.

Every morsel is delicious, whether fried, smoked, wrapped in jamon or sweet, complimenting a Pisco Sour, San Miguel, or 43, a local Ink Gin with Fever tonic or Spanish Daze cocktail with cava, rose vermouth, passionfruit, grapes and mint.

And that’s the point, isn’t it? Pintxos are accompaniments to drinks, the meal taking place at your leisure, ordering as you want between glasses, the food providing sustenance to keep on with the party. And with San Sebastian catering for up to eighty people, what a party it is!

NOTE: Marj dined as a guest of San Sebastian.

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

This time of year, is ab out slowing down and appreciating the goo d things . . .

The way it should be FIND OUR BEERS AT YOUR LOCAL OR DROP INTO OUR TASTING ROOM TASTING ROOM OPENING HOURS AND TOUR TIMES – stoneandwood.com.au/book-a-tour

STONE & WOOD BREWERY BYRON ARTS & INDUSTRY ESTATE 4 BORONIA PLACE, BYRON BAY

@stoneandwood

Stone and Wood Brewing

GOCCIA ITALIAN PIZZERIA 2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

There’s nothing more perfect than an Italian lunch - a little antipasti to start, a light pizza to share, washed down with a glass of chianti and maybe something sweet to finish. What could be better on a glorious spring day?

That’s exactly what we find at Goccia in Mermaid Waters.

We’ve met Anna Gazzola and her partner Loris Perobello before at Salt Meats Cheese, so it’s a nice surprise to see them in their own light airy restaurant.

We’re soon chatting about the food and what the couple hope to bring to diners. Hailing from Veneto in Northern Italy, the couple fell in love with the Gold Coast while visiting friends.

After deciding to branch out on their own, they found the corner position in a busy Mermaid Beach food precinct, opening in August 2017 after a four month build. With two sides open to catch the breeze, the seating spills outside along one shady wall. It’s a bright modern space lit with hand-finished tables and colourful accents, made even more welcoming by Anna’s infectious smile and greeting.

Everyone in their region has a nickname, ‘Stella’ (Anna) tells us, and the restaurant is named after Loris’s nickname, Goccia (pronounced ‘Gotcha’), referring to his tendency as a teenager to spill a drop of tomato sauce when making pizza.

Loris can be seen in the open kitchen, working in tandem with his pride and joy, a glistening Marana Forni oven imported from his home town of Verona. Boasting a base that can lift closer to the ceiling of the oven to maximise heat, ‘Marana’ (as Goccia has named her) can cook up to six pizzas at once.

Popular from opening, it’s easy to see why, as the smells of pizza drift out into the street along with the strains of Italian music. The couple are passionate about food, making everything from scratch, and eager to bring their Northern Italian tradition to the coast, while listening to feedback and making a few adjustments for the Gold Coast palate.

As expected, pizza forms the core of Goccia’s menu, an extensive list of twenty pizza choices with either a tomato or white base. They’re traditional pizzas with authentic Italian toppings, light and airy with a crispy crust.

More so than many Italian restaurants, there’s a flexibility with dining here – to share plates or have a single meal, with gluten-free pizzas on offer and many vegetarian options clearly marked.

Price point is keen as well, with main courses priced from $18 - $25.

A special lunch menu from Thursday to Sunday offers diners a great deal: a choice of four pizzas and two pastas with beer or wine for $17 - $22 per person. It’s the route we take 32

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on our first visit, sharing a Hot salami and olive pizza and Pappardelle ragu between us, backed up with a Menabrea beer and Italian wine.

Homemade Tiramisu or Chocolate Salami make a simple but indulgent end to the meal, a cappuccino adding a finishing touch.

It’s meal envy drives us back for a second visit; to delve into the many other dishes that flank the pizza menu. Entrées, pasta, sides and desserts include some interesting dishes, well-chosen to suit our lifestyle

“Pizza+antipasti+pasta+dessert+wine+beer=half way through HAPPINESS!” Anna tells us, and we have to agree.

There’s a lot of joy in this bright little eatery, with its casual vibe and huge Italian welcome. We’ll be back!

We could make a meal from the entrées alone. A bright Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes forms a light, fresh accompaniment to pizza and pasta. Thinly sliced Beef carpaccio topped with a rocket salad and parmesan cheese is delicious and could make a light meal, accompanied by traditional polenta chips with blue cheese dipping sauce.

Note: Goccia is fully licensed.

The prettiest dish is the Octopus carpaccio, its intricate presentation a work of art, dressed simply with parsley and lemon. We team up a couple of entrées with an artichoke, prawn and brie pizza to share. Delicious!

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

y o j n E

WEEKENDS SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

OPEN EVERY THURSDAY- SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND www.facebook/mclarensbeachbar

www.mclarenslanding.com.au

LITTLE BITES

Suki restaurant opens first venue on the Gold Coast just in time for Summer The Gold Coast's first Suki poke restaurant has opened in in Robina Town Centre, just in time for Summer. The healthy and fresh new eatery has been drawing crowds with its delicious build-your-own poke (pronounced poh-key) bowls and sushi burritos since opening its first Brisbane Venue in 2016. Suki poke bowls consist of blending marinated raw fish such as tuna, salmon and kingfish with a plethora of vegetables and dressings.

Variations also include a selection of hot proteins including organic tofu, katsu-chicken and sticky beef, all tempting you to stray from tradition. Suki is open 7 days a week from 11.00am to 9.00pm at Shop 1007, The Promenade, Robina Town Centre.

MAKE A SUMMER TO REMEMBER WITH ERTH'S DINOSAUR ZOO AND MORE Spring into The Arts Centre Gold Coast this Summer with a wave of cool things to see and do for the entire family. Create art or act and dance with celebrity performers.

Look a dinosaur right in the eye or catch a free kids' movie. Get active exploring the riverside parklands, go jump in the lake, then relax under the shady trees with a packed picnic basket. Let’s take a closer look.

Go back in time and come face to face with real life dinosaurs trained by their fearless zoo keepers in Erth's widely acclaimed show, Erth's Dinosaur Zoo™.

Meet awesome prehistoric creatures, from cute baby dinos to some of the largest carnivores and herbivores that have ever walked the planet. Erth’s dinosaurs are unmistakably ‘alive’ and mostly friendly in this fun, educational and unique performance that will delight all audiences from ages 5 years and up.

Get up close and personal with an amazing array of creatures from bygone eras, connecting young audiences to the real science of palaeontology. Meet our most recent zoo addition, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator, discovered in QLD and is the most complete meat-eating skeleton yet found

in Australia. Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo™ includes a menagerie of insects and dinosaurs that once roamed free around the world and are now in daily residence.

Learn how to feed and interact with Erth’s dinosaurs in a once in a lifetime interactive experience. Children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to these prehistoric creatures. Erth’s dinosaurs will only be around for four shows over the 9 and 10 January so be sure to book online so you don’t miss out.

But that’s not all, folks!

Wash Your Face in Orange Juice, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Performance workshops, Multimedia projects and more are all on offer in one massive summer program available to view and book now at theartscentregc.com.au. And remember, there's heaps of 4-hour parking on site plus yummy food and drinks available at the Arts Café.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival 2018 announces dates In 2018, the Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival will shine a spotlight on the Gold Coast’s evolving food and wine industries.

More than 15,000 food and wine lovers are expected to gather at over 30 events across the Gold Coast for the celebration, which will run between 31 May and 3 June. Utilising the Gold Coast’s world famous landscapes and venues, from the north at Beenleigh, to the south at Coolangatta, the festival celebrates the Gold Coast as a food destination. Bringing together the best local chefs, street food, restaurants, precincts, wineries, breweries and distilleries across a weekend at the start of winter, there are degustations, picnics, workshops, demonstrations and signature food events. In its third year, the event has grown year-on-year, attracting 11,500 attendees in 2017 across 35 unique events. The 2018 event is set to be bigger and better again, with the festival exploring the theme ‘Evolve’. The 2018 Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival will explore themes around experimental dining, food and culture crossover events, and dining as entertainment.

Mark the first weekend in June in your calendars, and come and explore the exciting evolution of the Gold Coast’s food and wine landscape at the third annual Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival.

Visit gcfoodandwine.com.au for more.

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MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS After almost a month in cinemas across the globe, Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 recreation of the 1934 crime thriller novel, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, written by Agatha Christie, has received a profusion of praise from audiences and theatre critics alike. Branagh directs as well as stars in the film. The story follows a world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot (Branagh) on a quest to uncover the culprit of a grisly murder that takes place while he is aboard the Orient Express, along with fifteen other passengers. Boasting a cast which includes Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench and Penelope Cruz, the film carries the sheen of a project delivered by the truly experienced.

Christie’s original tale of grief, forgiveness and mercilessness is told with integrity, style and historical honesty. It is a film

that encompasses good storytelling, welcoming audiences into a fictional world where they are unsure who they can trust.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ leaves audiences asking questions throughout the entire film, and just as you think you have solved the mystery, a plot twist is revealed and you have to continue on your quest to connect the dots. The film itself is aesthetically beautiful, incorporating talent from all sectors: cinematography, costume and makeup, editing, soundscape and acting.

Although realistic in design, a modern aestheticism also adds appeals to a contemporary audience. ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is not one to be missed by film buffs or crime enthusiasts alike.

Anna Akacich

PETER COMBE IN WASH YOUR FACE IN ORANGE JUICE 16 – 17 Jan ARIA award winning and iconic children’s performer Peter Combe, presents his quirky, interactive and fun filled show for all ages.

Fold up your newspaper hat and join in on classics including Newspaper Mumma, Spaghetti Bolagnaise, Juicy Juicy Green Grass and Toffee Apple.

‘The Fringe World Spiegeltent rejoiced in his silliness.’

Kate Prendergast The West Australian ‘Presenting a beautifully ageless persona, he performs a fabulous program for kids of all ages.’

Sian Williams Adelaide Fringe

#theartscentregc

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QUANDAMOOKA PEOPLE ENTER SWEET PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STAR A ground-breaking partnership between the local North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) Aboriginal community and The Star Gold Coast will see ‘sugarbag’ native bee honey harvested on the island.

WHAT ARE SUGARBAG BEES? The native sugarbag bees are stingless bees which generally inhabit the northern parts of Australia, although on the east coast they reach a bit further south than Sydney. They also occur in other tropical parts of the world. These bees occur naturally in warmer and wetter parts of the world.

The Australian species are much smaller than European honey bees, and are generally black in colour. As their name suggests, they do not have a sting although they can give you a little bite with their jaws. Although there are hundreds of species of Australian native bees, the stingless bees are the only ones that make and store quantities of honey.

The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), representing the island’s Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka People, is working with The Star Entertainment Group to install 32 native bee hives on the island, traditionally known as Minjerribah.

In accordance with local Aboriginal customs, the honey will be collected at regular intervals throughout the trial by Quandamoooka People, Elders, and QYAC rangers – with each hive expected to generate up to 1kg of honey per year.

The native bee honey will be then used by The Star Entertainment Group as an exclusive, signature ingredient in its menus, including during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April, as well as for gifts.

QYAC CEO Cameron Costello said pending the trial’s outcomes, the initiative will explore the feasibility of establishing an Aboriginal native bee honey microfood business on the island, further research and development into honey production, and a potential Aboriginal ecocultural tourism experience.

“We are proud to be part of this industry-first initiative with The Star Entertainment Group, with the next 18 months spent working together on how we can generate sustainable and capacity-building outcomes for our Aboriginal community,” Mr Costello said.

“We value The Star’s support to develop economic opportunities for a regional Aboriginal community like ours.”

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The Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier said the company was proud to join QYAC in developing an initiative with the potential to create a commercial Aboriginal industry based on a tradition thousands of years old.

“This partnership will help increase our understanding of local Aboriginal heritage, culture, food, and customs, which is incredibly important to our south-east Queensland properties,” Mr Bekier said.

Australia’s leading native bee expert and former CSIRO entomologist Dr Tim Heard said the native bee species being used for the trial are stingless and live in colonies, unlike most Australian bees.

“We have around 1500 species of bees in Australia with this particular species producing a unique and earthier taste sensation that is lighter and has a runnier consistency than normal honey, while still being incredibly delicious,” Dr Heard said.

“The bee hives are being placed in different terrains and locations – such as by the coast and in the bushland – to see if their locality provides different flavours or different honey production rates, which will be reviewed throughout the trial.”

Mr Costello said he was proud that the initiative provided a way for traditional knowledge and skills to be transferred across generations by involving local Quandamooka People, Elders, rangers, and potentially students from Dunwich State School.

“Quandamooka People will collect the honey and we would like to involve school students to paint the bee hives with Aboriginal art,” Mr Costello said.

“This will create innovative opportunities unique to this part of the world and drive more skills capacity in our local community into the future.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT! Springtime Sessions in the Village 22 December (5:30pm-7.30pm) SALT & STEEL AND TAYLOR Cuddihy Park,Mudgeeraba fb: SummertimeSessions

Movies Under the Stars (free)

MOV IES unde r the STAR S

23 December Davenport Park, Bonogin Children’s activities & food trucks commence 5pm Movie Screening 7pm ‘Muppet Christmas’ e: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Davenport Park (Bonogin

The Smith Twins

31 December (from 8pm) New Year Eve Party Night Wallaby Hotel, Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Parkmeadows Court, Bonogin

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Shady and the Perfect Strangers

Sunday 31 December (live music frm 1-5pm) Family Fun Day - Celebrate New Year with the family Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road fb: Advancetown Hotel

Gold Coast Heritage Museum Australia Day

Friday 25th January (10am - 2 pm) Flag raising by Albert Battery 11.30, music, food & entertainment 238 Mudgeeraba Road goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/active-healthyholiday-program.pdf For specific details on Division 9 local program, e: division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Springtime Sessions in the Village Commence again in February Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23 February & 2, 9, 16 March Cuddihy Park,Mudgeeraba fb: SummertimeSessions

Farmers Markets at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds

Saturday mornings (6 – 11.30 am) Offering quality food & farmers’, global food and artisans’ markets focussed on local, sustainable products w: yourlocalmarkets.com.au

s Food Truck r fo le b availa food and beverage This movie is rated G - 85min

Saturday 23 December 2017

Pre-movie interactive kids fun with Sparky Do Dah from 4.30pm to 6.30pm • Movie starts at 7.00pm If weather is uncertain, phone 07 5581 7016 or visit facebook.com/cityofgoldcoast for cancellation advice.

For more free Movies Under the Stars locations across the city, visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/moviesunderthestars

Proudly supported by Cr Glenn Tozer facebook.com/glennonthegc

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Active & Healthy school holiday program

NEW SHOW FROM BLANC DE BLANC CREATORS: A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS The creative team behind Blanc de Blanc are bringing UK cabaret icons Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo to camp up Broadway’s greatest hits for the Gold Coast this Summer.

Festival Fringe darling, opera Baration and Olivier-winning star of La Clique and La Soirée Le Gateau Chocolat teams up with UK drag icon and internationally acclaimed cabaret artist Jonny Woo for an evening of unadulterated musical theatre nonsense in A Night at the Musicals, showing at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on 12 and 13 January 2018.

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP MARIE KONDO I was hooked by the promise of this little gem of a book, and finished it within days. Direct and systematic, yet personal and light-hearted, Kondo's words had me pumped and ready to ‘KonMari’ our cluttered space once and for all, right in time for a fresh start to the new year.

The New York Times best selling author and tidying expert says the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ task of putting our homes in order through tidying can have a life-changing flow on effect to other areas of our lives. As we declutter our home we declutter our minds bringing about a sense of order, peace and focus.

Marie's ‘KonMari’ method seemed simple enough with only two steps and the final goal of being surrounded by objects you love and living a joy-filled lifestyle. First you decide what you will discard by holding each item in your hand and asking yourself the question ‘does this spark joy’? If it’s a no it’s on the discard pile, if it’s a yes it’s on the keep pile. Then you decide where to put the keepers. Once everything has a place tidiness is easy to maintain.

Clients in the book are concerned they will rebound back into clutter and Marie ensures us that by adhering to some key points we will not be back where we started.

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Visualise your destination before you begin. Imagine living in a space where everything around you brings joy.

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Tidy by category not by location. Marie’s order is to start with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items and last of all the sentimental items.

•

Marathon tidying is essential and finish each category completely before moving onto the next.

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Store only after discarding. Marie sees storage as a way to hide clutter and to be wary.

•

Make tidying a special event and not a chore. Tidying is different to cleaning.

•

Appreciate your possessions and thank them for their service.

With my ‘KonMari’ enthusiasm high, I’m off to create some life-changing magic, anyone joining me?

Simone Gorman-Clark 38

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The London-born Nigerian performer Le Gateau Chocolat paved an eccentric path to the stage, earning a law degree at Sussex University before he discovered his talent in the dark arts of pop, jazz and musical theatre and creating his gender-bending cabaret alter-ego. Le Gateau’s career has since rocketed, seeing him train with members of London’s Royal Opera House and singing for the Queen as part of the 2012 Jubilee Flotilla.

An acclaimed comedian and drag queen with a cult following, Jonny Woo is a London-based performer known for taking alternative drag to mainstream audiences, and has been central to the worldwide cabaret revival for more than 15 years. Known for his infamous London parties, Woo is a regular feature at fashion and art events across Europe, including performing at Louis Vuitton’s 150th Anniversary in Paris.

From ‘Gypsy’ to ‘Grease’, ‘Annie’ to ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Phantom’ to ‘Les Miserables’, this high camp duo will drag through the back catalogue of the world’s best loved musicals for a raucous night of ballsy ballads, and slightly slaughtered show tunes.

A hilariously tortured love letter to the glorious genre of musical theatre, A Night at the Musicals is a night never to be forgotten.

Natalie O'Driscoll A Night at the Musicals runs runs 12 and 13 January at The Arts Centre GC.

SINGLES CONVERGE ON BURLEIGH IN JANUARY Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Festival - the first and most loved surfing event of the season - is once again taking over the beautiful Burleigh Headland the first weekend of January. The iconic event is a nostalgic journey and has been an ongoing part of Gold Coast culture for the last 21 years, getting bigger and better as the years go by. Surfers participate in the event riding pre-1985 single fin surfboards, with some of the world's best surfers turning up to compete; 2017 winner and 2012 world champion Joel Parkinson is set to surf and defend his title.

The event starts on Friday 5 January at Club Burleigh, with the Annual Charity Luncheon, hosted by former jockey and Footy Show star, Alan "Robbo" Robinson and Surfing World Editor Vaughan Blakey.

This year's guest speakers include: •

Taj Burrow + Joel Parkinson (World Tour Surfers)

•

Rod 'Kerbox' Kerr (Bondi Rescue) and Simon Law (Former Pro Surfer)

•

Troy Bayliss (Moto GP rider)

•

Ben Hannant (Fomer Broncos, Titans, Qld and Australian Rugby League player)

The Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Classic will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January, with a field of red hot locals taking on current and former tour surfers on antique single fin surfboards – not for cash, but the glory of winning the event, and the prized hand-shaped Ian Byrne single fin board.

The event is unique in that it is a chance for current WCT surfers to compete against ex-champions, hot young WQS surfers and local legends as well as famed professional free-surfers.

There will also be a ladies invitational event featuring local girls and Billabong team surfers such as big wave charger and Burleigh member Felicity Palmenteer all fighting for a new specially made CHAOS Single Fin. One of the most hotly contested divisions will be the Juniors, where kids surf on boards that are in some cases older than their mum and dad. It has a field of only 24 and is the first division filled. They too will be contesting for a specially designed AK single Fin.

WHY YOU CAN’T DO YOGA “I’d love to try yoga but *insert excuse here*” Chances are good I’ve heard it before, many times. Word has gotten out about how beneficial yoga is and so many people tell me they want to start, but then the excuse. So in the interest of public health, please allow me to shoot down the best ones and get you on the mat.

1.

I’m not flexible. If only I had a dollar for every time I’d heard this! Simply put, you go to yoga to IMPROVE your flexibility.

If you’re not flexible then yoga is the place for you.

2.

I don’t have time. If you don’t have an hour or so spare in your week, you should probably do something about that. By the way, you can do short classes. So many online classes or yoga apps offer 5,

10 or 20 minute classes. Any short amount of time on the mat is better than none.

3.

I need more strenuous exercise. Go and check out an advanced Vinyasa or an Ashtanga class. I’m quietly confident you will walk out of there dripping sweat with a kicked butt, definitely worked out.

4.

I can’t sit still for long. Like the above, try a more vigorous class. You will find that after practicing strong yoga classes you will be able to be still for longer and this will help your mind and body.

5.

I’m not into chanting and hippy spirituality. Ok, fair enough but there are still classes out there for you. Try a yoga class at your gym or some community centres, they tend to be lighter on the spiritual talk.

6. I have this condition or injury. I can work around pretty much anything, most teachers can. There are always modifications and hundreds of alternative poses to any you can’t participate in. All you have to do is let your yoga teacher know what’s going on and they can help you. Plus you might just find yoga benefits in recovery or management of your injury or illness.

7.

I can’t afford it. Fortunately on the Gold Coast we have council supported classes that are $10 or less, some are even free!

Check out the Active & Healthy guide to find a community class near you.

I’m sure there are more excuses that I’ve not covered here so please feel free to drop me a line if you’ve got a good one. I do understand that yoga isn’t actually for everyone, I’m just trying to help those who want to try it get out of their own way and into the practice.

Erin Bourne.

It is a limited field and entries are on a first in first served basis. The chance to surf Burleigh Point with Parko and Taj is worth the entry fee alone, even more so if the World Class sandbottom point turns on. Entries are now open, and are available by hitting up the Surfing Queensland website surfingaustralia.com.

In addition, Burleigh Boardriders and Billabong will have The Hanlon Brothers playing on Burleigh Point on Sunday afternoon from 2.00 to 6.00pm, with other entertainment both days at Club Burleigh.

A courtesy bus will be provided by Billabong, leaving every hour from their factory on West Burleigh Road throughout the weekend, take advantage of the free parking at the old Bunnings site and enjoy the festivities or stay on for a meal and refreshing beverages at Club Burleigh.

Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece

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WHEN TO RELEASE IN 2018: YOUR MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE A well timed and strategically executed music release can make all the difference to your media coverage, airtime and audience reach.

Kitty Kitty Bang Bang’s Kylie Cobb says taking into account what else is happening when you release to minimise competition for media space and capitalise on key events that have themes in common with your music can significantly improve your cut-through and impact. If you have a song that relates to reconciliation for example, far better to plan for a May release to time with National Reconciliation Week rather than April when you’ll be competing with the Commonwealth Games. Here, Kylie gives Blank GC readers her bangin’ month-by-month guide for releasing new music in 2018.

JANUARY Like most of us, Australia’s media are still caught up in the Christmas food and booze bubble until mid-January when we rear our beautiful heads for one last “best of 2017” reminiscence, epitomised by Triple J’s Hot 100. Unless you have an especially relevant track or you’re a lucky red-head (see below) I would avoid a January release.

a song at this time. With National Sorry Day, Mothers’ Day and winter approaching, it’s a great time to release tracks that make us want to snuggle up under the doona or inspire us to take a stand on important social issues.

to compete with. Strategically, it can be a golden time to raise your industry profile ahead of BIGSOUND and Australian Music Week, as well as placing you smack-bang in the middle of the year for building buzz and momentum for award/charting season. GO FOR GOLD BABY!

National Reconciliation Week • Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month • White Wreath Day • Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea • NAIDOC Week • Homelessness Prevention Week • International Youth Day • World Star Wars Day :)Humanitarian Day • Keep Australia Beautiful JUNE Kiss A Ginger Day • Australia Day • Triple J Week • Elvis Week (!) • EKKA Hot 100 • Veganuary A good time to release with a big meaty SEPTEMBER tour attached. Not much happening on the FEBRUARY Spring has sprung and so has festival season! event scene, which means less competition Feb is the perfect time to hit out with those If you are playing one of them, now could for media attention. The northern states fresh summer beats. We’re all hot, sweaty and are perfect for music that brings outdoor be a good time to release new music for that excited for a bangin’ year of new tunes! This extra angle to make you stand out in the music fun-in-the-winter-sun vibes, while winter is a great time for upbeat anthems and those warmers are the go for the southern states that media tangle. Same goes for BIGSOUND, with messages of optimism, love, solidarity promise intimacy, cosiness or sweating it out which takes the main stage early in the month. and hope. in a heaving moshpit. You get the idea! Some If you’re not in the line-up, consider waiting strong, meaningful awareness days this month till the end of the month to release.

Valentine’s Day • Mardi Gras • Feel Good February • FebruDAREy • Apology Anniversary too.

Liptember • Blue September • Fathers’ Day • World Radio Day • Chinese New Year • Talk like a Pirate day • World Suicide National Reconciliation Week • Mabo Day • World Environment Day • International Men’s Prevention Day • International Day of Peace • MARCH Brisbane Pride Festival Health Week • Refugee Week Early March is going to be your best bet for a OCTOBER JULY AND AUGUST new release before the media gets too noisy with Easter, Bluesfest and the Commonwealth July and August are my TOP October is the perfect time for your new Games clogging up the region’s media summer release! There are very few months to release new pipeline. Music around gender equality can be music. It’s the stunning major community or industry powerful as the conversation comes to the fore Queensland winter, events dominating the calendar this month. and you have time to include Spring’s within reach International Women’s Day • Easter • UN Solidarity Week • Quicksilver/Roxy Surfing Pro • Clean Up Aus Day APRIL I’m officially declaring April 2018 a NO-GO zone for new music releases in South East Queensland! With the Commonwealth Games in full swing, Bleach* and Festival 2018 amongst it, you will be hard-pressed getting heard above the noise.

and NAIDOC Week, Dry July and National Pyjama Day give us two months of opportunities to power-up your media newsworth-iness, with few major events

Mental Health Week • Halloween • Headspace Day • World Homeless Day • Buy Nothing New Month • Ocsober Girls’ Night In • World Animal Day • World Smile Day • Sock it to Suicide Week • International Coffee Day NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Unless you have a very strategic reason for doing so, I recommend avoiding releases after mid November. The media world starts to scale back and from mid-December to mid-January many radio stations (especially syndicated ones) are replaying segments from the year with limited live-to-air broadcasts, publications are relying on skeleton crews and the mainstream media is taken over by the “feel good” Christmas pre-season. For music media the ‘best of ’ listicles emerge, with the community reflecting on the year that has been. This generally means less coverage opportunities for your new music.

Same-Sex Marriage Amendment anniversary • Movember • Remembrance Day • Schoolies Week • White Ribbon Day • Orange Day • Christmas • New Year

You’ve spent so much time, money and energy on creating your music, I strongly urge you to invest time in researching the best time to release it. This is by no means a definitive list of goings on, but is a great starting point. Identifying synergies a juicy tour before the Christmas madness kicks in. between your music and what’s happening in There are also more than 40 the community can seriously power-up the awareness events, which can impact of your new release. Send it out to give additional media opps the world a month too early, and your music could be falling on deaf ears. But, release if your release is related. on a day, a week or month where you can genuinely add to the greater conversation and there is less ‘news’ to compete with and the media will grab onto it seeing you reach a much bigger audience.

National Youth Week • World Heritage Day • Earth Day • ANZAC Day • International Jazz Day

Kylie Cobb

MAY Another action-packed month on the local music calendar with Gold Coast Music Awards, Surfers Paradise LIVE and Blues on Broadbeach festivals all happening, but I wouldn’t let these stop you from releasing

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pic: David Vagg Photography

GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY LEADERS HIT GOLD COAST FORUM It’s become pretty obvious this year that the new strategic direction of the Cultural Precinct involves taking exhibitions out of the Gallery to activate other spaces within The Arts Centre while also engaging new audiences. And the current Coming Into Fashion exhibition is doing just that with its January Fashion Forum.

The Fashion Forum will see international industry leaders, Australian custodians and local creatives come together for a vibrant exchange of ideas and opinions. What’s really exciting is that some of these guests will be coming to the Gold Coast for the very first time.

Guest speakers include Ari Seth Cohen, creator of Advanced Style which captures the sartorial savvy of the senior set. He’ll be speaking with ABC TV’s Karina Carvalho about some of the Gold Coast’s most fashionable women. Respected journalist and Vogue Australia Deputy Editor Sophie Tedmanson is also a speaker. She’ll be in discussion with writer and Curator Alison Kubler. Sophie has 17 years experience as a writer and editor and her work will be of interest to aspiring fashion journalists and writers.

Gail Sorrondo, who owns a niche label launched in 2005 at Australian Fashion Week and has gained a cult-like following will also join Alison Kubler on stage to talk about growing the label whlle maintaining niche roots. And Charlotte Smith, who is the owner and custodian of the Darnell Collection, currently on show at the Gallery will take guests on a floor talk through the exhibition, sharing the hidden histories of the couture on display.

While the forum gives attendees a rare opportunity for intimate and insightful conversations, it also provides valuable networking opportunities during breaks as well as the chance to mingle and speak directly with guests at the end of the day. And to top it all off, attendance at the forum includes free entry to the exhibition.

Samantha Morris

SOUTHPORT

OPEN DAY THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2018 1PM - 6PM

Discover all course options Fun interactive displays Meet the teachers Explore our facilities Bachelor program pathways Cupcake decorating & mocktails Giveaways and more!

The Fashion Forum will be held on Saturday 20 January, visit theartscentregc.com.au for tickets and information.

Image: Albert Watson, American Vogue, May 1977 © 1977 Condé Nast

2PM - 4PM SEA FM POP UP PARTY

91-99 SCARBOROUGH STREET SOUTHPORT

5581 8300 tafegoldcoast.edu.au TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E

Image: Lamp Photography

CROSSING OCEANS WITH JACOB LEE Once you’ve heard Jacob Lee sing, you’re unlikely to forget about it. This uber-talented Gold Coast singer / songwriter has, at just 23, racked up streams in the tens of millions, and also has a few international tours under his belt. Known for his powerful melodies and emotive lyricism, Jacob is already accruing a large international following without the help of any kind of management team. We just had to find out what drives this young star-in-the-making.

“Whenever I’m not writing or in the studio, I’m marketing myself,” he tells Blank.

“I think it’s because I’ve never had management. I’ve never had a label, and I’ve just started my own label so I’m releasing my stuff under my own label and that’s going to grow as I do.”

With many artists excelling in the creativity department but falling down when it comes to publicity and marketing, I’m curious about Jacob’s background, and what he sees as the main driving force behind his surplus of motivation.

“I just literally feel as though it’s in my DNA. I can’t stop,” he smiles.

“If I stop for twenty minutes I feel as though I’m wasting time. At first I thought it was just a means to an end. I realised that I can do it myself, and then my success is not about or who’s behind me or whatever. Now I’m realising that I really do love that part of it.”

Jacob is in the process of recording his first full length album alongside producer Matt Bartlem. The first single on the album is called ‘Oceans’, and represents a departure for Jacob.

“This is the first song that I’ve properly written about me,” he tells us.

“I tend to write music from an empathetic place towards other people, or a story in my mind about someone.”

And how was it, writing about himself for the first time?

“It was hard. Usually the songs kind of flow out in a maximum of an hour, it just completely comes out of you. This one started that way and then it took a bit longer.”

The reaction to ‘Oceans’ so far has been positive.

“It talks about how for a very long time people haven’t listened to me,” describes Jacob.

“I’ve felt as though I’ve had what it takes but sometimes you doubt yourself and you feel worthless and that maybe you’re just a nutcase. You think you’ve got it but maybe you don’t.

“People have said it’s legitimately a four minute journey.”

Many artists suffer from – at times crippling – self-doubt. Fortunately for Jacob, he gets fairly immediate reassurance from those millions of streams ticking over every times he releases a new track. Clearly some of his doubt demons have been exorcised in the making of ‘Oceans.’ He straightens and looks determined.

“In two years’ time, I’m going to be quadruple what I am now.”

We believe him.

Natalie O’Driscoll

‘Oceans’ is available now on Spotify. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

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DELTA DJS AT SCOTTISH PRINCE Not long ago they were sharing a stage with the Eagles of Death Metal, now they’re in the studio recording their fourth album. But what do The Delta Riggs get up to when they’re not touring and making music? Well some of the band lay claim to a share in both The Cambus Wallace and the Scottish Prince and this month that same pair are DJing a bunch of soulful classics and obscurities at one of the City’s best new venues. Samantha Morris gets the low-down from Monte (AKA Michael Tramonte).

Congrats on the new venue - The Scottish Prince. What motivated you guys to go and open another bar?

Thanks a bunch! We are all very stoked with how it’s turned out. With the Cambus Wallace, we were very green in the territory of owning and establishing a venue. We were a bunch of old pals that just went for something, as we were fed up of not having a venue anywhere around us that we wanted to sit and drink at. We took a lot of inspiration from Melbourne and Sydney and just went for it. So four years later the opportunity came up to have another go, and having done this before we felt confident that we were able to use our knowledge of the past few years to really make this one pop. Enter the Scottish Prince!

What sets it apart from The Cambus Wallace?

It’s a very similar premise, both are named after ships that sunk off the coast of the GC. The theming is also very similar in the way we wanted them to be sister venues,

speakeasy type places where you can’t really see what is happening inside. It’s part of that intrigue and discovery process. The main thing that sets it apart is the decor inside, the location and the size of the space. Plus, it has a full copper bar which is pretty dope Are you obsessed with shipwrecks?

Ha! Yeah we have an affinity for demised wrecks. I vaguely remember it as potentially Nick (Davoren), who is one of the owners, coming up with the initial concept. He found a little slice of Gold Coast history that a lot of locals were unaware of. It lends itself to a cool story and opens up a bit of cultural conversation that doesn’t pertain to Meter Maids and Iron Men. So we thought it was a great idea and ran with it. The Scottish Prince had a similar fate to The Cambus Wallace, so it was meant to be that we rolled on with the theme and now there are two more tales locals can tell about the Goldy. Win win.

You and Elliott (Hammond) are both Delta Riggs and you have a DJ set coming up at the Scottish Prince. What has the band been up to and what’s on the horizon?

Yeah they roped me in for a love job. We were overseas recently touring the US with Eagles Of Death Metal, that was a wild time for sure. Now we are knuckled down and writing for our fourth album. It’s been a long slog, but we love It. Hopefully we’ll be recording in the new year and off on the road again. Super pumped about what’s to come.

Catch the Delta Riggs DJs AKA Monte and Elliott at The Scottish Prince, Wednesday 27 December.

of the USA and Blank readers would know their hometown shows are always incredible.

But probably the most-anticipated show of the lot is a visit from The Whitlams for their 25th anniversary tour. The internationally acclaimed band is bringing their classic four-piece configuration to the Soundlounge as part of a pub tour that follows their 2017 orchestra tour which sold out concert halls in capital cities.

“We are looking forward to eight weeks straight and delving deep into the catalogue,” said Tim Freedman.

KILLER ACTS ON THEIR WAY TO SOUNDLOUNGE While Gold Coast prepares for its biggest festival season ever, some of the city’s venues are also gearing up for a rather large year of music programming.

As one of the longest running venues on the Gold Coast, Soundlounge continues to deliver an incredible diversity of genres across the first few months of 2018.

Everything from metalcore to country, curated tributes and all-time Australian chart-toppers will pass through the venue in coming months.

Wild Marmalade kick off the year with their original and high-energy didgeridoo and drum beats before Byron Bay’s In Hearts Wake pass through to deliver a

completely different experience - what they call conscious heavy metal – a sound that lives firmly within the lineage of Australian hardcore.

February sees a bangin’ lineup of artists including Karl S Wlliams and Danny Widdicombe who will perform alongside Taylor and Sunrose to celebrate the music of Neil Young. Gangajang hit the stage 16 February and Golden Guitar Award nominee and Gold Coast favourite Casey Barnes stops in the very next night for a much-anticipated hometown show.

Hussy Hicks will launch their new album ‘On the Boundaries’ at Soundlounge on 23 March. The duo and their band have just returned to the Gold Coast after an epic tour

“We are going to prepare some rarely played album cuts from the first two albums ‘Introducing’ and ‘Undeniably’ and I’m sure they’ll suit the pubs as well as they did 25 years ago.”

DECEMBER

Alex Lloyd and Deborah Conway will open for The Whitlams when they hit the Gold Coast, 31 May.

SAT 23 JAMES PENNEY

For more Soundlounge gigs visit soundlounge.com.au.

SUN 24 JAMES HIGGINS

Soundlounge in early 2018 12 January – Wild Marmalade 20 January – In Hearts Wake 9 February – Celebrating Neil Young: Karl S Williams, Danny Widdicombe + more 16 February – Gangajang 17 February – Casey Barnes 23 March – Hussy Hicks 31 May – The Whitlams 25th anniversary tour

SAT 30 JASON MCGREGOR SUN 31 NEW YEARS EVE MONTANA 8PM - MIDNIGHT

JANUARY SAT 06 THE GIG CARTEL SUN 07 STIR CRAZY SAT 13 MATTY ROGERS SUN 14 JAKE MAYWES AUSTRALIA DAY - FRI 26 JAMES PENNEY SAT 27 CORY HARGREAVES SUN 28 JAMES HIGGINS

SATURDAYS 7-10PM & SUNDAYS IN THE BEER GARDEN 2-5PM for more info www.surfclubaustralia.com

b ank

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NEW LIVE CATEGORY AS NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS KICK OFF A STELLAR 2018 FOR MIAMI MARKETTA

Nominations for the fourth annual Gold Coast Music Awards will open Wednesday 17 January and when they do, there’ll be a brand new category in the mix.

In 2018, judges will review eight categories to help unearth the City’s very best talent, recognise their achievements and celebrate Gold Coast’s burgeoning live music scene.

The new category will focus on live performance and is open to live, original acts based within the City that performed live shows here and in other locations.

Chloe Popa, co-founder of the awards (and of this here magazine) said the category was an important addition to the existing format.

“The award will recognise a consistent body of work,” she said. “That is, the winner will be an artist who consistently performs live to a high standard.”

The new category, sponsored by NightQuarter brings the total number of categories for 2018 to eight. Chloe Popa said all categories are judged by an independent panel of industry experts.

“Introducing the Album of the Year category last year resulted in some incredibly strong nominations,” Chloe said. “And we’re expecting exactly the same thing to happen for Live Act of the Year and indeed, across all eight categories.”

Nominations open 17 January and close 2 March with winners announced at a gala ceremony on the beach at Surfers Paradise on Thursday 3 May. Last year Gold Coast Music Awards formed a partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance which saw the event move from Burleigh Brewing to the new venue.

“It really is the perfect backdrop to an awards event like this,” Chloe said. “We’re super excited to be calling Surfers Paradise home until the year 2020 and we’re just thrilled that Surfers Paradise Alliance is so committed to helping grow the local scene.”

Gold Coast Music Award categories for 2018 are: Album of the year, Artist of the year, Breakout artist of the year, Event of the Year, Live Act of the Year, Song of the Year, Venue of the Year and Video of the Year. There is no fee to nominate and a bunch of Gold Coast bookers use the awards as a tool for discovering new talent.

Samantha Morris

Nominations open 17 January at gcmusicawards.com.

The full suite of sponsors for the 2018 awards will also be revealed at that time.

Image: Dan Maynard Photography 46

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The Beautiful Girls celebrate anniversaries of their two seminal releases ‘Morning Sun’ and ‘Learn Yourself ’ this summer. And with that milestone, Frontman Mat McHugh has decided to strip back performances to their original essence with that striking threepiece sound which first brought the band to public attention some fifteen years ago.

Their music has been described as dubby, punky, rootsy, spooky and raw. And with amazing performances all over the planet, delivering heart-on-the-sleeve songs and pioneering the Australian surf-roots-reggae sound, The Beautiful Girls are set to sell out their Miami Marketta show early in the new year.

The band’s 4 January set will kick off another big year of music for Gold Coast’s longest running night market and live music venue.

2017 saw a bunch of shows sell out, including international gigs. With many of those shows upgraded from the indoor live music space to the alleyway as well as whispers of a new venue offering from the makers of Miami Marketta in 2018, we’re pretty excited about what’s on the horizon. So too is the venue’s Music Director, Melissa de Regt.

“It’s definitely been a busy year for us and we are thrilled to have been able to provide not only a place for people to see live music but also to encourage more acts to be stopping here on their tours way more regularly,” Mel told Blank Gold Coast.

“The obvious highlight for me personally is The Growlers and Ocean Alley show which

only proves how solid the music scene is here on the Coast and not just mainstream music, international alternative music.”

Just one week after The Beautiful Girls celebrate their 15th anniversary at the site, Shake ‘n’ Bake hits Marketta. Boo Seeka headline the Suresharker event, bringing along Bootleg Rascal, Gold Member and the infamous Shaker DJs. Boo Seeka have had a stellar run of sold shows across Australia, with their album reaching #1 on the Australian iTunes charts and #8 in the Aria charts. Meanwhile Bootleg Rascal have been touring through Europe and New Zealand, selling out pumping shows in Amsterdam and London.

Mel says the quality of acts passing through the venue just reinforces her belief in future possibilities for both Miami Marketta and the City’s music scene in general.

“Hence the reason for opening a dedicated live music venue which will provide the coast with a more city-like venue with later hours and more availability,” she said.

“We cannot wait! We look forward to sharing this with everyone in 2018.”

Samantha Morris The Beautiful Girls hit Miami Marketta on 4 January and Shake ‘n Bake rolls into Marketta on 11 January.