Blank Gold Coast issue #58 – July 2018

Line up includes Manal al-Sharif· Eddie Ayres Robert Drewe · Bernard Fanning Richard Fidler· Kitty Flanagan Peter Greste · Matt Haig Andrew Hansen ( The Chaser ) Jane Harper· Bri Lee · Tracey Moffatt Liane Moriarty ( Big Little Lies ) Tanya Plibersek · Tim Rogers Sarah Wilson and many more!

David Byrne is coming to the Gold Coast

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark Senior Music Writer: Anthony Gebhardt Contributors (print and online): Pip Andreas, Marj Osborne, Anthony Gebhardt, Catherine Coburn, Nae Kurth, Natalie O’Driscoll, Simone Gorman-Clark, Anthony Gebhardt, Samantha Morris, Leigh Kelly, Emma Whines, Tiffany Mitchell, Dan Maynard, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Lockie Fitzpatrick, James Perkins, Peter Wheeler, Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece, Erin Bourne, Kara Patterson.

Cover: Tim Rogers by Luke Henery

Cheap Fakes launched into Deep Space How is it even possible that Cheap Fakes could redefine their sound? Well new album ‘Deep Space’ has seen the well-respected and well-established outfit do just that – and do it with authenticity and sophistication. So, if you need an excuse to fall in love with Cheap Fakes all over again, then this is your chance.

With Latino and Americano zest as well as elements of ska, funk and ‘late-night cactus jazz’, all wrapped up in a psychedelic squeeze, the eight-track album is being delivered to ears as a special vinyl pressing as well as in person. Cheap Fakes hit Mo’s on 29 July and the album is due for release early this month.

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.

Printing: Blank magazine is proudly printed

by Horton Media Australia, Queensland's only independent cold-set web printer. Printed by an environmentally friendly process using paper that is a combination of recycled fibre and FSC responsoble sources.

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BIGSOUND reveals first acts BIGSOUND has followed up its first speaker announcement with a glimpse into its live music programming. The event, which brings together key industry figures and music fans from around to the world to sample the best of tomorrow’s hottest Australia acts, welcomes its first 75 acts. Showcases from Australia’s most buzzworthy live acts, including The Chats, Eliott, Cable Ties, Asha Jefferies, yú yī, Gold Coast’s PACES (pictured) and more, sit among a long list of Australia’s future headliners. The event runs across four nights from 4 – 7 September with hip-hop, metal and folk also included alongside pop, electronica, rock, punk and rap. Tickets are on sale now too, with serious discounts for picking them up early. Get the full list of 75 acts announced last month at blankgc.com.au and sort your tickets at bigsound.org.au/tickets.

First lineup announced for Mullum

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au

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.

Talking Heads bandleader, solo artist, visual artist and author David Byrne, is bringing his American Utopia World Tour to the Gold Coast this November. The NYC-based artist will perform songs from his acclaimed new album ‘American Utopia’ (his first solo album in 14 years and it debuted at $1 on the US Top Album Charts) as well as classics from both his solo career and Talking Heads days. A 12-piece band will also join Byrne onstage for the concert, which has been choreographed by Annie-B Parson. He’ll hit Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on 21 November.

Flight Facilities fly into GC There’s plenty of buzz building for Flight Facilities’ Australian tour with fans already selling out shows in Brisbane, Sydmey and Melbourne. Still riding high on the back of the success of recent release ‘Need You’, the boys will be showing off their much loved back catalogue and a red hot string of new hits at shows all across the country this August and September. They’ll land at Nightquarter on Friday 7 September.

Young regional leaders sought

by ABC Applications for the ABC’s Trailblazers program, which showcases the passion of regional Australia’s brightest new leaders, are now open. Trailblazers is an opportunity for people, aged 18 – 28, who are implementing positive change in their region, to have their work celebrated nationally. Successful applicants receive an incredible package of support that includes having their story told on the ABC and a trip to the Trailblazer Lab in Canberra next February. Applications close Friday 13 July 2018, visit abc.net.au/ trailblazers.

Celebrating its eleventh year, Mullum Music Festival is promising music-lovers a taste of all kinds of wonders at this year’s event. And the first lineup announcement certainly lives up to that promise. Bombino, Mad Professor, Jah9, Gordi, Osaka Monaurail, Kaiit, Jordie Lane, Saint Sister, Hat Fitz & Cara and The Turner Brown Band are all locked in for the November festival. Taking place over four nights and three days, Mullum Music Festival is a whole-town event spreading throughout the halls, pubs, clubs and streets of the beautiful coastal town of Mullumbimby, 15 mins north of Byron Bay. Revered by musicians and music lovers alike for its impeccable programming and laid-back atmosphere, Mullum Music Festival is as much an experience as it is an opportunity to hear incredible musicians from across the world up close and intimate. Mullum Music Festival runs 15 – 18 November and tickets are on sale now.

Scottish Prince swaps blues for jazz It’s Whisky Wednesday every Wednesday at the Scottish Prince and this winter, they’ve made the bold move away from blues (don’t worry, it’s temporary), to jazz. What’s even more awesome is that they’ve locked in the Ondre Davis Experience and Josh Boyd Trio who’ll be alternating over Wednesdays this July. Check out the Blank gig guide for all the deets and dates.

Alpha Wolf unleash the Black Mamba They’ve had a lineup change, and time to regroup and reflect, but Melbourne’s Alpha Wolf are returning to the stage with their heaviest song to date. Black Mamba focuses on the weight we all feel of being betrayed and not knowing who to trust in times of need. They’ll be unleashing the ‘Black Mamba’ at Miami Tavern on Saturday 10 August, when they hit town alongside Thy Art Is Murder, Antagonist AD and Exile.

NEST: A Multiple Disciplinary Exhibition Bleach* Festival nominated for four Helpmanns Groundwater blurs the lines of country music Country music has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, particularly with its growing number of sub-genres and the large number of musicians experimenting within the alt-country space. This year’s Groundwater Country Music Festival (previously Broadbeach Country) is showcasing exactly how diverse the genre really is. Heritage bluesgrass and folk as well as modern country rock – all with a heart and stories to tell – get a run at this year’s event.The festival is headlined by a special, exclusive tribute show to James Blundell who’ll perform his greatest hits alongside some of today’s biggest stars: Brewn, Ben Ransom, Jonny Taylor, Cameron Daddo, Tania Kernaghan, Felicity Urquhart and more. There’s a bunch of other collaborations and special events as part of the three-day festival including Country Music Cocktails, a special broadcast of Saturday Night Country and their ‘House Concert’ (on Saturday morning in the Big Top) and a swag of genuine country and alt-country royalty including The McClymonts, Suzanne Vega, Lillie Mae and Joshua Heldey making the trip to the Gold Coast. Groundwater Country Music Festival runs 27 – 29 July across Broadbeach.

The Gold Coast's Bleach* Festival has cemented its reputation as a cultural event of national significance, receiving four nominations in the 18th annual Helpmann Awards. In the seven years since its inception, Bleach* has experienced exponential growth, is now recognised as one of Australia's largest cultural events and the Gold Coast's premier arts festival. The four Helpmann Award nominations for Bleach* include Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production for TIDE by acclaimed Gold Coast dance company The Farm, which also received a Best Male Dancer nomination for Joshua Thomson; Best Dance Production for Intimate Space by Restless Dance Theatre; and Best Music Direction for Brian Ritchie for Bleach* Festival's 2018 celebrated centrepiece event The Spirit of Churaki.

Dust Temple Currumbin hosts NEST throughout July, featuring woven Sculpture, wearable art, and sound installation as a unique body of work created by two local emerging Artists Anaheke Metua and WHAIA. Diving deep into their cultural roots and showcasing a unique set of skills, these bold and authentic artists have created an exhibition that is a compelling ode to the strength, beauty, and skill of our avian counterparts. Their complimentary artworks explore the rich symbolism of the NEST as an ephemeral home through texture, malleability, colour, use of raw materials, sound and video. Opening night is from 6pm Saturday 7 July, and the exhibition runs until 2 August.

Spectacular Spectacular!

A troupe of specialty performers are bringing the elements to life at NightQuarter on stage for one night only! A group of the best performers from around Australia have come together to create an explosive fire, circus and aerial stage show combining the four elements. The show, entitled ‘Elements: Spectacular Spectacular’ will immerse guests in the entertainment and wonder of earth, wind, water and fire, the show will feature fire skipping ropes, acro-gymnastics, whips, hoops and Lyra, fire ninja routines, circus clowning, slapstick comedy and deathdefying stunts on Friday 20 July from 6pm.

Cambus Wallace goes plasticstraw free Our favourite nautical-themed rum bar is taking a stand against the scourge of plastic straws. "We made the switch to biodegradable straws a while ago but it just didn't seem like it was a big enough move in the right direction" said Dave Ferry, Owner and Manager of The Cambus Wallace.

"Biodegradable or not, that's still over 90,000 straws going to landfill each year from our venues so we decided to go for reusable straws instead." Guests at both the Cambus Wallace and its younger brother The Scottish Prince can now pick up a reusable stainless steel straw for $2.50 with profits from the sale of straws going to the Australian Marine Conservation Society who have been at the forefront of ocean conservation for more than 40 years. That’s a mighty fine reason to pop in for a rum cocktail or single malt whisky.

Brian Connolly brings a floral aspect to Maverick Maverick Art Space will present Byron Baybased artist, Brian Connolly with his solo exhibition ‘I AM THE FLOWERS’ from 7 to 21 July. The collection of paintings from ‘I am the Flowers’ bridges the link between nature and human life. The artist Brian Connolly invites you in to see the results of surfacing deeper rooted emotions and the spilling of bold colour and whimsy.

Flowers are a common thread in Connolly’s works, symbolising the simile of botanical to anatomical presence. Visit ‘I am the Flowers’ at First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta. Opening night drinks with the artist from 6-9pm on Saturday 7 July.

Bijou Burlesque is back 4 August 2018 will see an intimate evening of tassels and tapas, in the splendid surrounds of Tugun’s HIDDEN gem. By turns elegant and energetic, Bijou Burlesque includes classic and neo striptease, comedy, song and audience participation. Bijou Burlesque features local, Brisbane and interstate artists gracing the stage of the Hidden Restaurant & Bar. Bijou Burlesque has become a trimonthly event, showcasing an ever-changing cast of performers and special guests. Tickets: $70 for Show and 3 course Tapas Dinner.

Book at stickytickets.com. Please note that this is an 18+ event.

Burleigh Brewing Co offers up outdoor cinema Not content with supplying us with fabulous local beer, eats and tunes every week, (not to mention plenty of awesome local art!) the team at Burleigh Brewing Co are now bringing us an outdoor cinema. First cab off the rank is hilarious coming-of-age teen comedy 'Superbad', which will be showing on 26 July. Visit burleighbrewing.com/cinema for tickets.

www.blankgc.com.au

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TIM Peripatetic

Life of Detours ROGERS The monikers 'Draught Dodgers', 'Temperance Union' and 'The Bamboos' may not come to mind when thinking about You Am I frontman Tim Rogers, but these are just a few of the many and varied projects the rock star has been involved in over his prolific artistic life. Music, a suavely bohemian dress sense and unruly hair may come to mind, but not experimental theatre, a Jane Campion film, Play School, or cabaret show host. However, Tim Rogers’ poetic writing has been no secret over the years, as anyone who has taken time to listen to the lyrics of any of his songs would know. Now Rogers has written a memoir as a beautifully composed mishmash of vignettes that give snapshots of his life over no particular timeline.

'Detours' was released last year and Rogers will be appearing at the Byron Writers Festival in August in one of the festival's many 'In Conversation With' chats, as well as discussing songwriting with Bernard Fanning. He'll also be part of a panel tackling 'How to Get Boys Reading'.

The honesty of living with anxiety is prevalent throughout 'Detours'. However, neither writing about it nor talking about mental health issues is easy when giving an interview, Tim tells us.

"I didn't want to raise any past mental health or current mental health issues that I've got as an issue and put it in the book, it's just that I was encouraged to talk about it."

Thankfully, Rogers was willing to discuss what so many people in the public eye don't want to talk about. That is, depression, anxiety and the myriad terms defining mental health issues so commonly suppressed.

"The words get thrown around so often and people can blame it for bad behaviour. When discussions are out there, it needs to be informed discussion and not people saying 'guess what, I have anxiety', or 'guess what, I have depression'. Let's talk about what they actually are, what the symptoms are, what's practical, whether it's pharmacology or what kinds of therapy need to be employed... people just want to be heard. People in the public eye being heard is one thing, but it's people in regional areas and suburbs who need to be heard more. People saying I have this or this and are using it for publicity, well it's not a good thing."

While so many celebrities are out spruiking their healthy lifestyles and abstaining from alcohol, Rogers is reading.

"I think that reading literature or non-fiction or poetry is a wonderful way to escape some perpetuating thoughts and it's a simple way to more rigorous mental health, particularly amongst kids when they know they can turn to books. Not for everybody, of course, it's not a sure fire thing."

"I don't lead a particularly healthy lifestyle at all, so I turn to reading and getting off telephones and computers. I'm finding it to be a relief at that certain flashpoint and getting one’s imagination working. It's very simple. I'm not out here to verify it. I'm just Uncle Tim talking about it if someone asks."

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Despite tales of drinking and ingestion of various other intoxicants peppered throughout 'Detours', Rogers says he doesn't lead a particularly unhealthy life either.

"I try to be cognisant of people around me. I try to mix it all up because there's too much work to be done. But, I drink to work and sometimes I work to drink. It's just not a big deal.

Some people do need to [give up alcohol entirely]. I don't think I do at this point. For those people that do, they need to be listened to. If I was told that I need to stop I would find it very, very difficult, but fuck it, I've got people that rely on me."

Rogers is an avid AFL fan and has a social kick with a group of people when he's in Melbourne. Whether touring in a band or kicking a ball around, he doesn't really enjoy the camaraderie of being around other people.

"It's kind of the part I really don't like. I'd rather be alone to tell you the truth. But sometimes you need to be in group situations. I try and give what I can, but I'm finding I have less and less to give. I try to be a little kind but not suffer fools."

Touring means he's away from his partner Rosie, referred to as 'The Hurricane' in the book, and he doesn't get to see his daughter Ruby who lives in New York, very often. So does he still enjoy touring? "I do enjoy aspects of it. I don't like travelling. But I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I was home for a couple of weeks."

Having been dumped by Warner for refusing to dumb down his lyrics, Rogers has faith there are still poetic lyrics in songs these days.

"I don't listen to a lot of modern radio but it's always around, generally from a lot of other Australian writers. What Courtney [Barnett] is doing and the success she's having, it's a different style to mine for sure but there's still some beautiful poetry in there. Not everyone wants to do that and I don't always want to hear it. There's always stuff out there and you really don't have to go much further that this country. I think Baker Boy's the most exciting artist in Australia in decades."

Rogers is trying his hand at fiction writing now. "I'd like to write more about something that's very little about my own biography. I still find there's a way of writing memoir from the vantage point of a mildly successful, washed up musician."

And some final wise words from 'Uncle Tim': "You just experience quite a bit if you'd just get your head out of your fucking telephone...It's endlessly fascinating, the capacity for human empathy, sympathy, and the potential for extraordinary ignorance and nastiness."

Pip Andreas

Tim Rogers will be appearing at Byron Writer's Festival August 3 to 5. Visit byronwritersfestival.com for program and tickets.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to Lifeline 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

THE HONEY SLIDERS PLAY CREAM

Sunshine Of Your Love

The Honey Sliders, led by versatile and prolific Brisbane musician Danny Widdicombe, are about to unveil the next installment of their highly anticipated series of classic album homages, which over the past few years has seen them pay live tribute to some of their favourite ‘all time classic’ records.

Having previously performed masterful interpretations of Jimmy Hendrix’s ‘Axis: Bold As Love’, Neil Young’s ‘On the Beach’, The Band’s ‘The Last Waltz’, The Rolling Stones’ ‘Sticky Fingers’ and ‘Abbey Road’ by the Beatles, this time around Danny and band are set to showcase the music of colossal 60’s power trio, Cream.

In fact, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the final coming together of Cream, consisting of British blues explosion legends Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

Danny is one of the hardest working musicians on the scene, also playing in country/roots/bluegrass band The Wilson Pickers, as well as lending his formidable guitar and song writing chops to artists of the calibre of The Go Betweens, Tim Rogers and Bernard Fanning.

In the lead up to the Honey Sliders’ upcoming performance of the music of Cream at the Currumbin Soundlounge, Anthony Gebhardt posed a few questions to Danny about how the shows came about, as well as getting a bit of an insight into his background and future plans..

Can you tell us a bit about the genesis behind your ongoing series of ‘homage’ shows?

In 2013 I was still in recovery from my third fight with leukaemia and a good friend was putting on a series of shows where local musicians performed their favourite albums. She asked me if I could play Hendrix’s masterpiece ‘Axis: Bold as Love’.

I decided to give it a go as a trio with Dan and Ben (current Honey Sliders members) and the reaction was overwhelming. That show gave me the signal that I’d reached a turning point in my battle with my health problems. The next year we decided to play Neil Young’s classic noir album ‘On the Beach’. This was the first show we’d brought down to The Soundlounge. Brad from the Soundlounge has been a huge supporter and he does wonderful things for the local Gold Coast music scene. He encouraged us to come back with our Rolling Stones review the year after, when we recreated ‘Sticky Fingers’ with Tim Rogers. That was sold out - it was a gyrating sea of sweaty bodies all adding to the rock n roll nature of those incredible songs. Last year we came back with our ‘Abbey Road’ show and had the same response. We’re basically going through our record collections and taking the time to explore them in depth both technically and also recreating the specific guitar tones and sounds that make these records so significant.

Have you ever seen any of the members of Cream play live before?

I’ve seen Eric Clapton play twice. The first time was in 1987 and I started playing guitar the year after that - he was a big influence. The next time was in 1991 and he had Nathan East on bass and that was eye

opening for me. Unfortunately, Clapton’s thick bob style haircut and flashy suit left me wondering who the hell he’d become, but the music was great!

You’re also a bit of a ‘guitar slinger for hire’, having shared stages with artists of the calibre of Tim Rogers and Bernard Fanning. How do you go with juggling all of your musical commitments, being that you’re also active with The Honey Sliders and The Wilson Pickers?

I’m actually completely single minded, so I can really only do one project at a time. At the moment I’ve got a lot of different things going on, so I just try and tick them off one at a time and then refocus on the next idea.

The key is to try and play every day. I’m learning pedal steel guitar at the moment and that is a real challenge, but I love it. It’s a beautiful instrument. The Wilson Pickers are taking some time off while one of our members takes time to travel. We’ll be back with a new album next year - and hopefully win the ARIA next time - nominated three times with no wins!

I also read that you’ve played with The Go Betweens - that must have been a buzz?!

I grew up with their album ‘16 Lovers Lane’, so it’s embedded pretty deep in my musical mind. It was thrilling to be asked to play with the band. Those songs are so good. I met Grant McLennan a few times before his untimely passing a decade ago. I won the GW McLennan Memorial Fellowship and also Lindy from The Go Betweens is involved with Support Act, who helped me and my family get back on our feet

after my last bout of chemo - so there’s a real connection with the band outside the music also. I can’t speak highly enough about Support Act and the help they give to struggling musicians and music industry people.

Are you planning to continue on with this ‘tribute night’ concept? And if so, can you let us in on which other artists you may be paying homage to?

It’s been so much fun recreating these epic musical moments from the history of rock and roll that I think we’ll keep doing it for as long as we continue to enjoy making music together. I’d love to revisit Hendrix - or even the Creedence Clearwater Revival album ‘Green River.’ George Harrison’s ‘All Things Must Pass’ is definitely something we’d also love to do.

Sunshine Of Your Love: The Songs of Cream – Performed by The Honey Sliders, is happening at the Currumbin Soundlounge on Friday 20 July, and The Triffid on 21 July.

SUPERBAD

6 P M J U LY 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 VISIT BURLEIGHBREWING.COM/CINEMA

Outdoor Stage

Atrs Theatre

Damien Bredberg & Justin Nicholas

GENIUS CIRCUS MAYHEM FOR KIDS

FREE EVENT - NAIDOC CULTURAL CELEBRATION

Join us for some family fun and musical madness with a circus twist.

Celebrate the diversity of NAIDOC week at a special Dancing on the Green.

12–13 Jul

Sat 14 Jul

WOLFGANG – CIRCA

DANCING ON THE GREEN

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Dancing on the Green proudly supported by G:link

Atrs Theatre

Atrs Theatre

Image by Pedro Greig

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY

HIT PRODUCTIONS

A visceral new piece showcasing Australia’s best contemporary dancers.

An epic, funny, madcap adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne.

AB [INTRA]

25–26 Jul

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS 20–21 Jul

BLACK RABBIT GEORGE Japanese Vintage

Paul George was the most-named artist at the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards, nabbing five finalist berths across his music projects. While best known right now, as guitarist with Tijuana Cartel, he’s been quietly making a name for himself as Black Rabbit George, with heart-felt, Dylanesque songwriting and exceptional guitar work.

This week, Black Rabbit George releases a shiny new musical offering, in the form of ‘Japanese Vintage’. The track is more upbeat than previous singles, yet stays true to his simple recipe of sad yet beautiful songs with subtle harmonies alongside voice and guitar which take centre stage.

Paul proudly admits his previous singles were more brooding and somewhat sinister but feels he himself isn’t quite as brooding these days and his music is reflecting that new era in a “weird and strange journey”. Samantha Morris spoke to Paul while he was on tour, about the new song and where he hopes to take Black Rabbit George in the future.

‘Japanese Vintage’ is a story of unrequited love. What happened?

Haha, well, if you’ve ever been in a long term relationship, then single and thrown into the dating scene again, you might know what it’s like to start again. Sometimes too keen, sometimes too cool, usually out of depth and confused. I tend to get everything backwards and wrong before I get it right. That might sound like I’m avoiding the question, but in the end that’s part of the reason I write music, I can’t figure out my own story.

Black Rabbit George songs often sound like they come from another time and place, yet the recording process for ‘Japanese Vintage’ was anything but old-school. Can you tell us how you pulled it all together?

Life on the road can get hectic, I am juggling three touring acts at the moment. So finding a spot to get the musicians I wanted at the same time and place was impossible. In the end I recorded a basic outline of the track and emailed it to the different musos. They recorded some parts in their home studios and some parts in our studio on the Gold Coast. All the parts were emailed back to me and I stitched them together on my laptop. It was a bit like a digital musical conveyor belt.

You’ve recruited a band for some of your recent shows.

Adam Felton (Ash Grunwald) and OJ Newcomb (Band of Frequencies, Xavier Rudd), both accomplished musicians in their own right, are joining you for your August tour. Is that what you envisaged when you started down the BRG path?

It’s been really hard to find the right musicians to play with. I tried out a lot. These guys got it from the start. Both of them are easy to tour with and great musicians, they also take the music in a new direction. It’s been a real blast so far playing with these guys.

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Where do you intend to take Black Rabbit George?

Lately I feel it all coming together, I’ve been making more music than I ever have in the past. I have a lot more textured and ambitious songs. I originally wanted to keep everything as simple as possible, I’ve given up on that and started letting myself go in any direction that feels right.

You’ve been making music for a very long time Paul, and Tijuana Cartel and Black Rabbit George are pretty different music projects. Are you going to surprise us with a punk or hardcore venture next? What else do you have on your music-making bucket list?

Haha, well, I used to be in a Punk band back in the 90’s.

Though I don’t see that coming back out in the near future. I think between Black Rabbit and Tijuana I have it pretty well covered. I have been talking to a couple of directors about adding scores to film. That’s something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I can never tell though to be honest, I just hope to keep making music as long as I can.

You’re a talented storyteller when it comes to songwriting.

Who’s the number one songwriter you look up to the most?

And why?

Ah, there’s so many to choose from that I don’t know who to pick. I think I’ll go for Leonard Cohen. No matter what I always end up back there. I always think lyrics are very different from poems, mainly as you’re a slave to the feel of the music and the rhythm of the beat. To me Cohen is the only one to traverse both, something that I believe will elude my writing skills in this lifetime.

You can catch Black Rabbit George, with his new bandmates, 9 August at Junk Bar in Brisbane, 18 August at NightQuarter and 31 August at Beach Hotel in Byron Bay. Check out the new track via blackrabbitgeorge.net.

THE McCLYMONTS FEATURING EARL DIBBLES JR

(USA)

GRANGER SMITH

JAMES BLUNDELL 30 YEARS OF PRIDE (USA)

SUZANNE VEGA AMBER LAWRENCE ADAM HARVEY - O’SHEA (USA)

(USA)

LILLIE MAE - BILL CHAMBERS - JOSHUA HEDLEY

CATHERINE BRITT & THE COLD COLD HEARTS

BENNETT, BOWTELL & URQUHART

TROY KEMP - KIRSTY LEE AKERS - CASEY BARNES

ASHLEIGH DALLAS - DAVIDSON BROTHERS - JASMINE RAE MATT CORNELL - THE WEEPING WILLOWS - COL FINLEY TRAVELLIN’ STILL - THE SONGS OF SLIM DUSTY WITH PETE DENAHY & THE TRAVELLING COUNTRY BAND AND MORE

July 27 - 29, 2018 GROUNDWATERCMF.COM

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE BRINGS SOLO SHOW TO GOLD COAST

It’s hard to imagine someone more loyal to their craft than Justin Townes Earle. Born in Nashville, son of country-rock icon Steve Earle and given his middle name in honour of Tones Van Zandt, Justin is an accomplished songwriter and performer.

With a natural talent for deeply revealing lyrics, and his own often-harsh life experiences as fodder for songwriting, Justin’s musical approach integrates blues, folk and country.

He’s released seven albums since his debut in 2007 and his most recent ‘Kids in the Street’ reached #3 on the USA Indie charts and #6 on the Folk charts, which demonstrates the versatility of the genre-fluid music Justin makes.

He’s played in both rock and ragtime/bluegrass bands and spent time on guitar and keys for his father’s touring band the Dukes. He’s been co-billed with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings as well as Old Crow Medicine Show and The Felice Brothers and he’s Americana Music Award for new and emerging artist of the year as well as song of the year for ‘Harlem River Blues’ in 2011.

There’s no question this guitar-slinger is one of Americana music’s leading lights. And all that experience – good and bad – has helped the young veteran built a rich and personally charged body of work.

“Life has changed a lot for me in the last few years,” Justin reflected. “I got married and am getting ready to become a father, and this is the first record that I’ve written since I’ve been married. There’s definitely an uplifting aspect to this record in a lot of ways, because I’m feeling pretty positive.”

“When I wrote songs in the past, I was looking in on what I was feeling, but this record’s more about looking outward on what’s happening,” he said, adding that he’s written about subjects like gentrification and inner city strife.

There’s a soul influence as well, and he says it’s got a deeper connection to the blues than anything he’s done before.

Now embracing marriage, sobriety and fatherhood, Justin Townes Earle is enthusiastically looking to the future.

“I can’t say if I’m getting better, but I’m definitely evolving as a songwriter,” he said.

This is Justin’s ninth Australian tour and a rare chance to see the master songwriter and performer, solo and acoustic and in intimate seated mode Samantha Morris

Justin Townes Earle + Paddy McHugh are at Soundlounge on Thursday 19 July. Tickets via soundlounge.com.au.

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Do You Want To Date Offline? mate4life.com.au

MEET YOUR REAL MATCHMAKER

It's a jungle out there.

Love from Summer Xx An old fashioned candid advice column brought to you by Summer Maughan, Boss Lady Matchmaker at Mate4Life. An offline matchmaker for singles tired of Tinder and over online, who are far from desperate but definitely seeking real connections and exclusive relationships. Certified by the Matchmaking Institute in New York and stamped by Matchmaking Gods with a heart shaped freckle she is a local helping those looking for love in all the wrong place.

This colum will be a safe haven for anyone feeling “All at sea” when it comes to dating and relationships. Summer is a slave to love and will do her very best to provide comforting and practical advice along with sound and ancient wisdom. Often delivered with a dash of tough love and or liveliness throw in for good measure.

Please send your dating dilemas and curly questions to greetings@mate4life.com.au

dk Summer will reply to all emails that she recieves. Once a month she will select one or two questions that have really tickled her or tugged at her heart strings and publish them and her replies in our Love from Summer Xx column. The name you sign the email with is the name that will be used in the column, your email address will not be shared. Your privacy is paramount and your contact details are confidential and not shared with any one else. If you prefer that your name is not shared in the column please let Summer know.

Please keep your correspondence free from filth and vulgarity. But if at all possibile full of flamboyance and above else truth.

SHARKS

HE HUB RKS IS T A H S T R O OLD SOUTHP ON THE G C I S U M E FREE, LIV

OF COAST.

E D I U G GIG

JULY 2018

FRI DEVILS

FRI

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ROLLING STONES EXPERIENCE

southportsharks.com.au

KIOSK

FRI BENNY

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HANNA

Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155

FRI

6

RETRO

&

SAT

7

FRI

WEEKEND

PARIS

HERE ON

IS

A

FRIDAY

FRI 6

SAT 7

TASTE &

OF

SOME

SATURDAY

5.00pm

Paris Lane

OF

OUR

NIGHTS

FRI 20

Devils Kiosk

60’S & 70’S

BLUES

8.30pm

Retro Weekend

5.00PM

Kris Wason

8.30pm

Captain Wow 60’S, 70’S, 80’S & 90’S

BAND

Scott Whatman 8.30pm

SAT 21

8.30pm

Jive Cats ROCKABILLY & SWING

FRI 27

5.00pm

Benny Hanna ACOUSTIC 8.30pm

Elevation Band R&B

TRIBUTE

ELEVATION

5.00PM

Retro Weekend

Rolling Stones Experience

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MONTH!

8.30PM

8.30pm

FRI

ACTS

ACOUSTIC

ACOUSTIC

SAT 14

THIS

LANE

ACOUSTIC

80’S

FRI 13

LIVE

6

SAT 28

8.30pm

Wally & The Gators RNR

There’s a diverse bunch of new songs from the Gold Coast for you to get your ears around this month. Everything from the popular country vibes from Casey Barnes to the souped-up metal blues of Hammers and the electr-rock of Savv. Take a listen to what’s just been added to the Gold Coast music playlist for yourself:

Kye Grant collaborates with Rhea Robertson for Fall

Casey Barnes says Be Mine

You can’t really go wrong when you create a melodic piece of sparse electronica that features Rhea Robertson’s vocals over the top. And that’s exactly what Kye Grant has done with new song ‘Fall’.

It’s a song that ebbs and flows with tectonic beats and heavy synth with the video providing strong imagery to tie it all together. Listen via Spotify and the other usual streaming services.

Casey’s dropped the fourth single of his album ‘The Good Life’ – a song of love, with a beautiful video clip to match. It follows his #1 single ‘Ain’t Coming Home’ which continues to dominate airwaves – you can listen to both via Spotify before you catch Casey at Groundwater Country Music Festival this month.

Hammers drop Home Blokes Expertly channelling a diverse range of styles from the heavier end of the musical spectrum, touching upon elements of stoner rock, souped-up blues metal and hardcore, amongst others Hammers new EP ‘Homeblokes’ is out now. It’s an impressively meaty slab of head shaking heaviness, that’s sure to go down a treat when the band celebrate the launch of the EP locally with what’s sure to be an epic show at the Miami Shark Bar on 4 August. Check out the EP now via Spotify.

Eliza’s Half Empty Girl Eliza and the Delusionals have shared news of scoring a support slot for Tasmanian punks Luca Brasi at the same time they’ve dropped new banger ‘Half Empty Girl’.

It’s a sweet and punchy tune, not dissimilar to earlier tracks, but it does see the band further hone their sound with a catchy chorus and solid riffs accompanying Eliza’s powerful voice ever so perfectly. You can catch ‘em at Lennox Head’s Beach Sounds on 14 July and supporting Luca Brasi at The Triffid on Friday 17 August.

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Jacob Lee delivers With You Milyakburra drops for Emily Wurramara Steeped in the sand, salt and concrete of her family, community, culture, islands and all of the souls that have played a part in her journey so far, Milyakburra is 11 tracks sung in both English and Anindilyakwa that explore the contrasting themes of the two worlds in which Emily Wurramara grew up - the island and the city. Listen now via Spotify, or catch Emily live at GARMA, if you’re lucky enough to be headed to NE Arnhem Land this August.

Quiet over-achiever - Gold Coast's Jacob Lee has just clocked 23 million Spotify streams and to celebrate he's gifted the world with one of the year's most intimate singles. Known for his intricate ability to capture the delicacy of human emotion and with songs that gently touch the heart, Jacob’s new track 'With You', off upcoming debut album Philosophy, is out now. You can listen via Spotify and catch Jacob in person when he hits Q1 on Saturday 11 August.

Future Forever for Savv

Clawmachine unleash Good Harvest

Savv’s new song ‘Future Forever’ is an anti-love song, created in the early hours of morning nearly two years ago. Heavy on the production, with a hearty dose of rock, this relatively new project, clearly inspired by dance music’s approach to rhythm and groove sees sythesisers front and centre and simple lyrics dealing with complicated topics. Don’t let that be a barrier, on first listen the music is easy and bright. If that sounds like you need to hear it to get it, you can do that online and in person. They’re supporting Peach Fur at elsewhere on 6 July and Ella Fence at The Zoo on 12 July.

While their name may invoke images of some industrial-metal channeling behemoth, Gold Coast’s Clawmachine in truth reside at a much brighter and breezier end of the musical spectrum. Their impressive sophomore EP release, ‘Good Harvest’, largely driven by the technicolour vision of band focal point and producer Dylan Lindquist, expertly blends a tasty stew of evocative indie-pop infused with atmospheric electro flourishes, fleshed out with a triumvirate of guest female vocalists. Check it out: clawmachinemusic.bandcamp.com.

Want to find out when all these guys and gals are playing live? Hit up the Gold Coast gig guide at blankgc.com.au and get thee to a gig. www.blankgc.com.au

21

CASEY BARNES’ GOOD LIFE

Casey Barnes most recent album has been a career-defining one.Which is saying something given the Gold Coast musician’s lengthy career.

It’s his fifth album and it’s hit #1 in the Country Music Charts, but it’s certainly not his most memorable achievement. Nor is being a Golden Guitar finalist. Casey says the biggest thing to happen in his career is still that time he got his big break 13 years ago. And I can’t believe it’s a story I haven’t heard.

It was 2005 when he scored an opening set for Bryan Adams. And that all happened thanks to a corporate gig he’d done for John Eales (of Wallabies fame).

“I met John at one of those events,” he said.

“I had that one indie album I’d recorded with Mark Watson (it was pretty average, to be honest). A week went by, John tracked my number down and he rang. It was a crazy call.”

John had been listening to Casey’s CD in his car and was pretty taken with his songs. He offered to help Casey find his feet.

“And I’m like, how the hell is John Eales going to help me in the music industry.”

Long story short, he got offered the support slot for Bryan Adams at A Day On The Green. The only thing is, Casey had never played a big show. He’d never performed in front of a big audience. And even though the gig itself ended up being one of his best, not everything went smoothly.

“In the middle of the set, and the crowd was into it, my little DI that I plug my acoustic lead into, got a flat battery. I was just about to start a song, there was no signal, no sound and it’s the first time I’d done a big gig, I shat myself.”

Casey’s drummer Wazza jumped onto the mic straight away, basically keeping the crowd laughing through the mishap. He told them Casey would be selling and signing CDs after the show, but that he also had a new book. A coffee-table book. Full of nudes. And that it was a 3D pop-up book.

“All these guys running around trying to switch the plug over… and the whole crowd is laughing. It was a really funny moment and the rest of the set couldn’t have gone any better.”

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“I got an encore and I’d never had one before. I didn’t even have a song prepared, so I just started playing ‘Your Song’ on my own by Elton John – and then I got a standing ovation.”

“The promoter said go take a look at the merch tent and I spent an hour there, and back in those days, people were buying CDs. I think we sold 200 albums. And the promoter said afterwards, ‘just so you know, you sold more albums today than Bryan Adams’.”

“Seriously, nobody knew who I was.”

Things have changed quite a bit for Casey Barnes since that show, 13 years ago.

And his music continues to evolve. This new album – which he feels is a critical one – was always intended to take Casey in a slightly different direction.

“The last album, we recorded with Rick Price in Nashville and it had an organic sound and did well,” Casey explained. “But with this album, I wanted to start from scratch.”

“I formed a really good relationship with Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis (MSquared Productions) and when the three of us get together something magic happens. They’re coming from a really modern head-space and mixing that with my country headspace. We wanted some bangin’ up-tempo rocking tracks – songs that are strong on the album but great to perform live,” Casey said.

‘Good Life’ is an eight-track album and the most recent single ‘Be Mine’ is its fourth single. Casey said the concept of having a shorter album length with strategic single releases has worked well for him. The first single ‘The Way We Ride’ saw Casey nominated for a Golden Guitar award. The other single releases have charted well too.

“You can get more longevity out of it [an eight-track album] because people are going

to listen the whole way through,” Casey explained. “It’s worked really worked well.

We’ve had positive feedback from fans.”

Casey played at one of the newest country music events in the country this year – CMC Rocks and was stoked to hear the crowd singing his lyrics back at him.

“It was my first time playing at CMC and that’s the first time that’s happened at a big festival,” he said. “I was like, ‘wow, these guys actually know these songs’.”

“The most important thing is that fans connect to your songs and they come to your gigs.”

While he travels Australia and charts across the world with his music, Casey is fiercely proud to be a Gold Coaster and acknowledges the pool of talented people who call the city home. He feels that SEQ is a bright new hub for country music in Australia. Artists like Adam Brand and Lee Kernaghan call the city home, CMC holds its country music awards here as well as its festival CMC Rocks just outside of the city and we’ve got the fastest growing country music event in Groundwater Country Music Festival.

“Groundwater gave me my very first start when it came to country music festivals,” he said. “At least ten years ago. I was knocking on the door trying to get on lineups and Duck [Mark Duckworth] gave me one of my first goes. I’ll never forget that. He’s always been super supportive and now I’m playing main stages in our own backyard. The festival keeps getting better every year.”

“Without blowing too much smoke up his bum, Australian country music needs Mark Duckworth. It needs a shakeup. Even in the heartland, like a Tamworth, it needs a Mark Duckworth to go down there and mix it up,” he said.

Samantha Morris

Casey Barnes plays Groundwater Country Music Festival Friday 27 July at 11.20 on the Broadbeach Mall Stage, Saturday 28 July at 4.30pm in the Kurrawa Big Top and Sunday 29 July at 2.50pm at the Surf Parade Main Stage. Get the full program at groundwatercmf.com.

JUNE THURSDAY 28 JUNE Lloyd Spiegel | Byron Theatre, Byron Bay Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace Ondre Davis Experience | Scottish Prince Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 29 JUNE Lloyd Spiegel | Soundlounge Ultraviolet Fuzz + Honeygum + Sound Savannah + EchoWave | Currumbin Pub The Sugar Shakers + Eil Marchini (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Raku (5.00pm) | The Promenade, Robina Town Centre Fat Albert + Katia Demeester | Beach Hotel, Byron Kenny Slide (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co The Presets + Roland Tings + Marshall Okell (The Backyard) | NightQuarter The Strides + Declan Kelly + The 4’20 Sound System | The Northern, Byron Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Kris Wason (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Fat Albert (Covers) | Southport Sharks Goran Sedlar Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 30 JUNE Neil Finn with Orchestra: Out of Silence | HOTA Outdoor Stage

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Leave This Town Pop Punk Festival: Stateside + Shorelines + Skies Collide + Joy in Motion + Homefront + MORE | Ahepa Hall, Brisbane P!NK Tribute | Southport Sharks The Smokin Crawdads (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

MONDAY 9 JULY

Alex Fietz | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Peach Fur + Lotus Ship + SAVV | Elsewhere

TUESDAY 10 JULY

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Robert Bostock (2.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Paris Lane (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club

The 60s Revolution vs Sensational 70s (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Round Mountain Girls (4.30pm) | Beach Hotel, Byron

Follow The Fox + Jon J Bradley | Beach Hotel, Byron

Merlin Solo (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

SEED Concert Series: Tiarni Hope + Sophia Koop + Amber Stone + Lucalion | NightQuarter

Alysia Rose | Cambus Wallace Herbie Walker | Scottish Prince Free The Genie (2.00pm) | Palm Beach Surf Club

MONDAY 2 JULY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Greg Bankx (Covers) (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 3 JULY Kubismo | Southport Sharks Adam Harpaz | Beach Hotel, Byron Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 4 JULY Scott Day Vee | Beach Hotel, Byron

THURSDAY 5 JULY Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Brungas | Beach Hotel, Byron

Goran Sedlar (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Kubismo | Southport Sharks Andy Jans-Brown | Beach Hotel Byron Matthew Armitage | Cambus Wallace

12-15 JULY Bello Winter Festival: Justin Townes Earle + Lior + Deborah Conway + Caiti Baker + William Crighton + Thando + Z-Star Trinity + MORE | Bellingen, NSW

Dezzie D & the Stingrays (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Pete Murray | Twin Towns

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 7 JULY

Cat Canteri | Beach Hotel, Byron

Dan Champagne | Mt Nimmell Hall, Austinville U2 Show: Achtung Baby (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Jason Delphin | Watermark Hotel & Spa

SATURDAY 14 JULY Ultraviolet Fuzz + Port Royal + Clawmachine + Pure Milk | Miami Shark Bar

JULY SUNDAY 1 JULY

Little Billie + Ondre Davis (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Elska | Scottish Prince

Michael Whitmore (Covers) (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Ondre Davis Experience | Scottish Prince

www.blankgc.com.au

The Angels: 40 Years On | Parkwood Tavern

Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Mescalito Blues (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Mark Divola (5.00pm) | The Promenade, Robina Town Centre

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FRIDAY 6 JULY

The Long Gone Daddys (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

Pat Tierney + Tully John & LizaJane + Boatkeeper | Dust Temple

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Jason Delphin (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Ragga Jump (4.30pm) | Beach Hotel, Byron

Nowhere Else + Nerdlinger + Friends with the Enemy + Antechinus + Unbroken Shore | Miami Shark Bar

Burning Hands + Joe Murphy (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Spiderbait + The Superjesus + Mammal + Osaka Punch + Rackett + Jewells and the Wolfe Pack (The Backyard) | NightQuarter

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 13 JULY

Captain Wow (Covers) | Southport Sharks Stoneage Romeos (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Free The Genie + Karrie Hayward (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

SUNDAY 15 JULY Benny Whiskey (2.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club Rockks (2.00pm) | Fishos My Happy Place + Super Cheeze | Beach Hotel, Byron Vanilla Duo (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Stephen Lovelight | Cambus Wallace Sally Sa | Scottish Prince Ondre Davis (2.00pm) | Palm beach Surf Club

MONDAY 16 JULY Marco (Covers) | Southport Sharks Rhydian Lewis (Covers) (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Kris Wason (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

TUESDAY 17 JULY

Fonzaius | Beach Hotel, Byron

Rolling Stones Experience (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Gavin Doniger | Cambus Wallace

Rockabilly Night: Colt Seavers Band + Jive Cats | NightQuarter

Manoa (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

The Rockks (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Høt Coffee + Augusta + TØBI + Jakit | Currumbin Pub

Z Star Trinity + Maja (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Made in the 80s (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 8 JULY

Matty T Wall + Leigh James | The Beach Hotel, Byron

Michael Hickey (2.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

SEED Concert Series: Nightwoods + The WLVS + Josh King + Twelve Past Midnight | NightQuarter

Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club

Wally & The Gators (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Dan Clarke | Beach Hotel, Byron

WEDNESDAY 18 JULY Josh Lee Hamilton | Beach Hotel, Byron James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Josh Boyd Trio | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 19 JULY Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks Justin Townes Earle | soundlounge

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

20 – 22 JULY

Splendour in the Grass: Kenrick Lamar + Lorde + Vampire Weekend + Khalid + The Wombats + Hilltop Hoods + Chvrches + Miguel + Girl Talk + MORE | Byron Parklands

FRIDAY 20 JULY Danny Widdicombe and The Honey Sliders play Cream’s greatest songs live | Soundlounge

MONDAY 23 JULY

SATURDAY 28 JULY

TUESDAY 31 JULY

Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Polaris + Justice for the Damned | Miami Shark Bar

Leigh James | Beach Hotel, Byron

Doubleshot (Covers) (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Live at Bond Open Day: Nomika (5.00pm) | Bond University

TUESDAY 24 JULY Greg Kew | Beach Hotel, Byron Sally Sa | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 25 JULY Ben Walsh | Beach Hotel, Byron

Dreams of Indigo | Nimbin Hotel

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Burger Joint (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Ondre Davis Experience | Scottish Prince

Selve + Coastal Lights + Bligh + Verum | Currumbin Pub Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Scott Whatman (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Devils Kiosk (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Smokin’ Crawdads (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Nige (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Normie Rowe | Twin Towns

THURSDAY 26 JULY Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Dirty Channel | Beach Hotel, Byron Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 27 JULY

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Wally & The Gators (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Devils Kiosk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

Pick It UP! + Luke Pauley (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

27 – 29 JULY Groundwater Country Music Festival: The McClymonts + Granger Smith ft Earl Dibbles Jr + Adam Harvey + O’Shea + Catherine Britt & The Cold Cold Heart + Lillie Mae + Bill Chambers + Joshua Hedley + Troy Kemp + Kirsty Lee Akers + Casey Barnes + Travelin’ Still: The Songs of Slim Dusty with Pete Denahy & The Travelling Country Band + The Hillbilly Goats + Hurricane Fall + Doug Bruce + The Morrisons + Melody Moko + Country Music Cocktails | Broadbeach

Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club

Adam Harpaz (2.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

Jive Cats (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Hot Reno + The Goldblooms + Plateau + Dopamine | Currumbin Pub

Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club

Winter Wonderland: Mojo Webb Band | NightQuarter

Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Gemini Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Benny Hanna (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Blues Arcadia + Ondre Davis (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Elevation Band (Covers) | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 22 JULY The White Tree (2.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Lann – Acoustic Soup (12.30pm) | Emerald Lakes Golf Club The Swamp Cats | Beach Hotel, Byron Eureka Funk (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace Two Tears in a Bucket | Scottish Prince

Dan Clarke Band + Katie Demeester | Beach Hotel, Byron Seaside + Taylor | NightQuarter Trilogy Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Mescalito Blues + Rob Edwards (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta The Great Gig in the Sky, Songs of Pink Floyd: Sunrose + The Yams + Free the Genie + Space Blister and the Marble Odyssey | Miami Marketta (Studio 56)

FRIDAY 10 AUGUST Xavier Rudd | NightQuarter

SUNDAY 29 JULY

Alex Fietz | Watermark Hotel & Spa

AUG

Carnaval de Cuba: El Timbon + Suavito | NightQuarter

Kenny Slide (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

SATURDAY 21 JULY

Elska | Cambus Wallace

Womblordz + Cactus + Dogfight + Med Heads | Miami Shark Bar Cheap Fakes | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Mohndoo + Goodrich | Beach Hotel, Byron Street Cafe (Covers) (1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Morton Choppers | Cambus Wallace

MONDAY 30 JULY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Abbigayle Anderson (Covers) (11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER The Cat Empire + Odette | NightQuarter (Ticketed)

NOV FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER The Angels | RSL Club Southport

Peach Fur + The Lonesomes + Syrup Go On + Cosmic Dad | Snookerworld

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER David Byrne | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Australian Bee Gees Show | The Star Gold Coast

SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Black Rabbit George | NightQuarter

Never Ending 80s | NightQuarter (Ticketed)

17 – 19 AUGUST O'Heart Indie Folk Festival, Tyalgum NSW

JAN 2019

FRIDAY 24 AUGUST

SUNDAY 27 JANUARY 2019

Regurgitator + Glitoris + The Stress of Leisure | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Albert Lee | soundlounge

Hotter Than Hell: Spiderbait + Shihad + Killing Heidi + Bodyjar + 28 Days + Area-7 | Broadwater Parklands

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST Kingswood + Mane | The Northern, Byron

FRIDAY 31 AUGUST Black Rabbit George | Beach Hotel, Byron

SEPT FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER Flight Facilities | NightQuarter

SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Amy Shark + E^ST + Alexander Biggs | NightQuarter (Ticketed)

www.blankgc.com.au

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REASONS TO VISIT HOTA THIS JULY

So much for winter being quiet! We hope you’ve got your diaries handy…

WOLFGANG | 12-13 JULY | TICKETED Created by Yaron Lifschitz with Quincy Grant and the Circa Ensemble. Straight from the score and onto the stage, the man known as Mozart appears amid a storm of powder, tumbling and twirling, as musical mayhem and movement fuse in this family show with a circus twist. To those who know him, he is Wolfgang, the dart-playing, pun-loving ratbag. To those who are watching and listening, he is the wigged genius Mozart. Come and discover his irrepressible spirit as he rediscovers his own vibrant compositions, the notes lifting off the page through the physical comedy and mischievous antics of diving and swooping acrobats.

DANCING ON THE GREEN | 14 JULY | FREE Celebrate the diversity of NAIDOC week at a special Dancing on the Green. Join us at this family friendly dance, music and cultural event. Arrive early to check out the markets, meet local artists and hear the stories behind their work before the live music and dancing begin.

QAGOMA’s A World View: The Tim Fairfax Gift | 21 JULY – 4 SEPTEMBER | FREE Gallery at HOTA audiences have an opportunity to experience key works from the international collection of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) when 'A World View: The Tim Fairfax Gift' tour the coast as part of an extended regional tour that honours the far-reaching contribution of Tim Fairfax, one of the Gallery's most generous supporters. Highlights include Michael Parekowhai's larger-than-life sculpture of a security guard Kapa Haka (Whero) 2003, Yvonne Todd's uncanny tapestry portrait Alice Bayke 2008, Chinese Australian artist Ah Xian's intricately worked bust Human human – Bust no.5 2002, and Iranian/Swiss artist Shirana Shahbazi's beautifully detailed photographs on aluminium from her 'Flowers, fruits & portraits' series. ab[intra], SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY | 25-26 JULY | TICKETED From tenderness to turmoil, ab[intra] is a journey of intense human existence that will command your attention. The music fuses lush cello concerto with ambient electronica and the exquisite dancers occupy a visually arresting ethereal world. This is a ferociously physical and heartfelt piece that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Discover what drives our relationships and ignites our ambitions in this visceral new piece showcasing Australia’s best contemporary dancers.

DELUXE DELUXE | 4-29 JULY | TICKETED The world premiere from the creators of BLANC de BLANC. The glitterati of international cabaret and circus talent move into HOTA, Home of the Arts for the month of July. Read more about it in our interview with director Scott Maidment in this month’s magazine.

Natalie O’Driscoll For full details, pricing and tickets, visit hota.com.au 26 www.blankgc.com.au

FRED gets the Tweed Theatre Company treatment in world premiere Gold Coasters have the chance to be part of a world premiere audience when The Tweed Theatre Company premieres brand new stage musical ‘FRED’ at a Gala Opening Night on Friday 29 June at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.

The book musical is the latest offering from Sydney based writer/ composer Wendy Waters, formerly of Mt Tamborine. ‘FRED’ is set in an inner-city apartment block where three very different women all live next door to each other, but never develop relationships with one another until the power in the building fails and an electrician called FRED is sent to fix it. We caught up with director Peter Gray about the piece.

“It does touch a bit on the theme of urban loneliness,” he tells us.

“I think it comes about from a personal experience [Wendy] had of talking to someone from Sydney where they live in a large block of units but they don’t know anyone. Each of these characters have some need to be connected with other people for various reasons they just don’t have that connection.”

Wendy Waters is an accomplished playwright, composer and author, receiving acclaim both from the London theatre and publishing industries, as well as back at home. For the music of ‘FRED’, she enlisted the help of co-composer Ian Camilleri.

“It was the standard of the music that made me really keen to do it,” explains Peter.

“There are some really lovely ballads in there and there’s some great uptempo tunes and it’s just at a very good standard you know, and I suppose there’s a little bit of variety of music too.”

For the small community-based Tweed Theatre Company, hosting a world premiere is incredibly exciting, even more so because it is the brainchild of an ex-local Gold Coaster who has gone on to international success.

“You can think of it as a little bit of a coup to have it,” says Peter.

“Some people might think it’s a little bit risky because it’s an unknown musical but at the same time the Tweed Theatre Company has a proud history of doing the big standard musicals that we all know and we think this is something a little different and we hope it’s well received.

“There’s so much talent out there with writers, composers, authors, and to be able to showcase that and showcase what you’re capable of doing as a small community theatre that’s what makes it exciting.

“Whatever we do with it sets the benchmark,” Peter continues, “because there’s nothing to compare it to!”

Ultimately, ‘FRED’ touches on messages that are accessible to a wide audience.

“We’d like to think the audience will come away from it having been entertained and heard a good story,” Peter explains.

“And maybe with a better understanding of the importance of an individual’s own strengths, and the importance of family and community in supporting an individual and how we should all look for the positives in any situation.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

Catch ‘FRED’ when it hits the stage at Tweed Heads Civic Centre from 29 June to 15 July. Tickets are available at tweedtheatre. com.au.

A HEARTWARMING WINTER FESTIVAL COMES TO TYALGUM A unique festival is coming to Tyalgum Village this August.

O’Heart Festival is a three day, conscious living, indie folk music event, held from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 August, 2018. O’Heart aims to offer a sustainable, environmental well-being experience over one weekend of positive lifestyle celebration. It almost goes without saying that this notfor-profit festival will remain a plastic free event with solar powered stages and a zero-waste aim, all the while giving people education and encouragement to change little actions that have a big environmental impact.

Festival highlights released so far include a quality line up of local, national and international musical talent, and a selection of sustainability presentations from key industry experts, conservation talks, keynotes on farming practices and medicinal honey. In addition there will be a diverse selection of wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, belly dance and intentional laughter, while many of the practitioner stalls will offer a variety of therapies such as reiki, reflexology, massage, palmistry and much more (plus a range of goodies to take home with you!)

Only wee 2 k to g s o!

So whether you are seeking a way to deep peace, or simply looking to improve your meditation techniques, O’Heart will certainly have something that suits.

Most of the events throughout the day are free to the public, with a few evening sessions and Sunday Garden Concert ticketed. Organisers are offering fun themed ticket packages this year in the main areas of Music, Sustainability and Wellness, where your Festival ticket will include an awesome selection of experiences and gifts. Individual event tickets and family passes will also be available through the website.

A variety of accommodation packages will also be available.

The Festival is a family-friendly event, with a full children’s programme of fun and educational activities aligned to our ethos of sustainability, wellness and opening the heart.

Natalie O’Driscoll

O’Heart Festival takes place from 17 to 19 August throughout Tyalgum Village. Visit oheartfest.com for more speaker details and tickets. www.blankgc.com.au

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WITH A DIFFERENCE A tale as old as time is set to receive the Qtop treatment when 'Beauty and the Beast' comes to Queensland Theatre of Puppetry in early July.

For those not in the know, Queensland Theatre of Puppetry has been operating at MacIntosh Island for about 40 years. Started by Gerda Pinter, who the theatre is named after, it has presented shows to children in all forms of Puppetry for the last four decades, and has raised large sums for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Natalie O'Driscoll spoke to Qtop's Phil Bell about the theatre.

DELUXE DELUXE COMES TO HOTA So nice we say it twice

The Gold Coast is set to house the country’s hottest ticket this July and August when comedic acro-burlesque and dance spectacular Deluxe Deluxe holds its world premiere at our very own HOTA, Home of the Arts.

Touted as a cheeky, eye-opening circus-cabaret, Deluxe Deluxe is the brainchild of the radically talented Scott Maidment, who last year brought Blanc to Blanc to our appreciative shores. A combination of spectacular old world glamour, burlesque, dance and acrobatics and featuring an international cast of cabaret superstars, Deluxe Deluxe is sure to leave Gold Coast audiences open-mouthed and on their feet. We opened our chat with Scott by asking how the show is different from Blanc de Blanc.

"Currently myself and June Bassett our costume maker and Treasurer run the shows, using the aid of about 15 school children each school holidays in Jan, Easter and June," he explains.

With a dramatic improvement in the show quality over the years, Qtop now attracts an eager crowd every holiday for a presentation, including classics such as 'Snow White', 'Cinderella', 'Rapunzel', 'Charlotte's Web', 'Jack and The Beanstalk', and many others. Qtop attempts to reproduce the stories as close to the original as possible, so that the children see the full meanings of the stories, and why they were originally told.

"I think for the Mums and Dads that bring their children, they are pleasantly surprised at how engaged the children become in the stories. Our cast of children learn how to puppeteer and become incredibly good at it, some of our girls having done 16 productions."

Qtop is a full charity, and everyone involved donates their time to present at the end a healthy donation of money which they distribute to the GCH foundation, for specialised equipment in the Children's Emergency Ward. So far they have raised over $150,000.

“Basically Blanc de Blanc is a great time on champagne,” he says, “but Deluxe Deluxe is taking old school vaudeville and revue routines and giving them a kind of millennial twist. So it’s all kind of with the music - the DJ drives the soundtrack - but it’s crazy stunts and some great dancing and some amazing circus artists from all over the world.”

Audiences will definitely be tasting some ye olde world flavours throughout the production.

Much like Blanc de Blanc, Deluxe Deluxe will bring together an international cast who are at the top of their game.

“Between the twenties to the fifties, definitely. And you know one minute you’ll feel that you’re in an old school crooner vibe like Frank Sinatra but you might end up dancing to Beyonce by the end of the night.”

“I often say it’s a bit like having ingredients in a cake,” Scott tells us. “And that I’ve got great ingredients, and I’m the chef that mixes them in a bowl. It’s really exciting to have people from all around the world and a lot of the cast have never been to Australia, so it’s their first time to the GC.” The casting process is fluid, says Scott.

You can support this worthy cause and be treated to a unique re-telling of a classic from 2 to 13 July at Gerda Pinter Pavilion on Macintosh Island Park, Surfers Paradise. Shows runs at 9.30am and 11.00am daily and tickets are a mere $6.00.

“Some are people that I’ve met, some of the cast I’ve done other shows with, and because of YouTube and Instagram our shows are known all around the world, so we’re getting people sending us stuff. Every single day someone wants to be a part of the show, and we catalogue them and when it’s time to cast we see if their schedules work.”

So it’s a totally new cast, in a totally new venue. But one thing the team is definitely counting on to be the same is excited Gold Coast audiences turning up in droves once more.

“I think the thing is, [Blanc de Blanc] really belonged on the Gold Coast, people enjoyed the atmosphere, it was kind of a crazy party, fun times and the environment of the Spiegeltent made it amazing. We could probably come back and do another season but we’re just so excited to be jumping into HOTA with Deluxe Deluxe.”

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“The music is definitely still catchy and beat-driven but it’s kind of got a bit of an old school flavour as well,” describes Scott.

As for what he’s most excited about folks getting to see, Scott didn’t want to spoil the show for everyone. But he did drop us a little snippet.

“There’s going to be some AMAZING tap dancing in this show, and that’s a got a good link from the old school feel to something super modern and really funk-based. I think that’s something that audiences still love and they love the energy and percussion of tap dancing. There’s really some amazing comedy, too! I don’t want to give too much away, but the comedy elements will really drive Deluxe Deluxe.”

So come on down to HOTA during July, Gold Coast, and be part of something brand spanking new (with emphasis on the spanking).

Natalie O’Driscoll

Deluxe Deluxe runs from 4 to 29 July at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Tickets at hota.com.au.

open every friday & saturday from 4pm-10pm

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JOSHUA HEDLEY: MR JUKEBOX NIGHTQUARTER FOR HITS GROUNDWATER ALL-AGES THIS WINTER As far as authentic, old-time country music goes, American virtuoso Joshua Hedley is the 100% real-deal. He’s a disciple of the scene’s pioneering forefathers, and while in thrall and respectful of country music’s original sound and spirit, his unique outlook and talents deliver a fresh and vibrant take on the genre.

other countries and Australia is by far my favourite place to do so. You guys have been very good to me in the years I've been playing there.

He’s renowned for his velvety vocal tones, impeccable phrasing and ability to craft gorgeously authentic country that ranges from weepy ballads to honky-tonk hoedowns wrapped in sweeping, emotively charged string arrangements.

I'm bringing a band for the first time ever this year.

And you're gonna get the same experience you'd get if you came to see me in the honky tonk. Only it'll be my songs and not covers.

Within his musical stomping ground, the famed country music mecca of Nashville, Tennessee, he’s known by various reverential monikers, such as ‘the mayor of Lower Broadway’ and ‘Mr Jukebox’ - which just happens to be the title of his recently released debut album, on Jack White’s uber-cool Third Man Records.

Prior to branching out on his current musical journey, Joshua made a name for himself as an in-demand musical ‘gun for hire’. A prodigiously talented fiddle player, he’s performed with such scene legends as Justin Townes Earle, Robert Ellis and Jonny Fritz.

And in a great musical coup, the Groundwater Country Music Festival in Broadbeach (previously known as the Broadbeach Country Music Festival) have managed to secure Joshua to play at this year’s event. We managed to get the man himself to answer a few questions for us in the lead in.

You’ve performed here a few times, since you first visited in 2014. Is it fair to say that you’ve built an affinity with our country and its musical audiences?

I love Australia and the Australian people. I feel like you guys really have an appreciation for music and more so the roots of country and Americana music. I feel lucky to be able to share my music in 32

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What sort of performance can we expect from you on outdoor stages, compared to the usual ‘juke joint’ type shows you’re typically renowned for?

Are you a fan of any Aussie bands or musicians?

AC/DC, AC/DC, and AC/DC. Do you listen to much ‘non-country’ music at all?

I listen to a lot of hip hop.

How did you end up releasing your debut album ‘Mr Jukebox’ on Jack White’s Third Man Records label?

Jack and I have known each other and worked together for a number of years. I've worked with him as a fiddle player on a couple projects (Lanie Lane, First Aid Kit, and Margo Price), but it was the ‘Don't Waste Your Tears’ EP that I released in Australia that caught his attention as a front man. I guess I have you guys to thank for all this, haha!

Anthony Gebhardt

Joshua Hedley is at the FREE, all-ages 2018 Groundwater Country Music Festival 2018, which runs 27 – 29 July. More at groundwatercmf. com.

We know Nightquarter delivers in the music stakes, but did you know there’s a bunch of hands-on play time for adventurous kids as well? Here’s our top highlights from the city’s northern quarter this month and next: Hands-on holiday workshops Whether your child is a budding artist or a budding scientist (porque no los dos?), these evening workshops will keep them entertained. Friday 6 July sees budding painters get creative with learning about self-portraits and creating a masterpiece to take home.

And Saturday 7 July sees slimy little scientists create the bane of every parent’s life: slime. Workshops run 4.30 – 5.30pm and cost just $10 per child.

SEED: Live in the Paddock Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University wraps up its five-week concert series this month. The series celebrates the launch of SEED Volume 7 – a compilation album which stars the hottest emerging talent from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. On Friday 6 July you can catch Tiarni Hope, Amber Stone and Lucalion and on Friday 13 July the live series wraps up with Josh King, The WLVS, Nightwoods and Twelve Past Midnight. Both are all-ages shows.

Samantha Morris

Big ticket tours Xavier Rudd, Amy Shark and The Cat Empire are all passing through Nightquarter over the next two months, helping to cement the Helensvale venue’s reputation as a live music destination for Gold Coasters and visitors to the region. Xavier Rudd hits town on Friday 10 August, Amy Shark is in town on Saturday 8 September as part of her biggest Australian tour to date, and The Cat Empire returns to the Gold Coast on Sunday 23 September. These are 18+ shows. Dust off the winter boots and kick up a storm to some all-time Aussie faves.

Wanna see what else is going down at Nightquarter? Or nab yourself a ticket to kids’ workshops or touring acts?

Pop on over to nightquarter.com.au for all the deets.

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

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THE INKY SQUID

Shop 5, 2-14 Henry Lawson Drive,Terranora

SUBSTANCE ESPRESSO

Shop 2, 10-12 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay Research (that I may or may not have made up right on the spot) shows that the vast majority of the population require a substantial caffeine hit for them to even contemplate the day ahead of them, and luckily for the northern Gold Coast, substantial just happens to be the specialty at Substance Espresso.

Substance Espresso owners Jareth and Leah Smith have an undeniable hospitality pedigree. They are, after all, the wonderful people who brought us Daark Espresso. Being locals to the area, Jareth informs me that they opened Substance to fill a gap in the market, that he wants to see expand with the philosophy that “The more good cafes we can get up this end the better.”

Opening in December and serving up Open House Roasters coffee, an offshoot of the popular Supreme Roasters, which feature “beans that are ethically traded and sourced direct from the farm,” Jareth informs me. He enthusiastically discusses their currently house blend Family, an espresso which is - in one word - tangy, with a grapefruit tartness and blackcurrant undertones that will no doubt wake you up with a bang on your first sip. A piccolo mellows the blend, but still maintains a sharpness with its salted caramel flavour.

With rotating single origins and blends alongside Family, I was lucky on my visit to try out the new Pineapple Blend from Open House that is all about representing Queensland in all its glory. With a woodsy scent, the espresso I sampled beautifully encapsulated all the flavours our golden state is known for with a pineapple acidity, mango flavour and notes of banana, it is definitely worth asking for on your next visit.

If you are looking to expand your coffee horizon, Substance Espresso are also offering batch brew filter, V60 pour over and cold brew coffees. Never tried alternative brewed coffee before? Keep your eyes trained on Substance’s social media as they are planning to offer a sample of these coffees for free in the near future.

Open Monday to Saturday 6:30am to 3:00pm Substance Espresso is a café with what else, but substance!

Catherine Coburn Follow all of Catherine’s exciting food adventures as @ goldcoastfoodie on Instagram and Facebook 34

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I’ve fallen in love with the sea again, that mother of all things salty and succulent. It’s a slow burn, this love affair, our household gently veering towards pescatarianism.

At the newly-refurbished Pavilions Marketplace, The Inky Squid Fish & Chippery is beached on the mountaintop, a few steps from sea views. It’s there that we find a new love.

The Inky Squid opened in April 2018, a cute little shop with ‘fish scale’ tiles and large timber bi-folds looking out on a communal dining pavilion. Owned by restaurateurs Jessica Price and Ben Jones (ex-Gwinganna and Taverna), the couple say that the product drove the concept.

Having the dual role of selling freshly prepared seafoodbased meals as well as fresh seafood to go, it’s Jess’s friendly service and Ben’s connection to suppliers that are essential to the shop.

Ben can’t speak highly enough of Northern Rivers Seafood, Ballina, who text through each night’s catch, delivered in time for start of trade each day. From dory bites and pankocrumbed prawns through to grilled goldband snapper, there’s a range of fish to choose from, the cabinet full of the night’s catch of blue eye trevalla, flathead, whiting or jewfish, premium fresh Cone Bay barra as well as freshly cooked bugs and prawns; sparklingly fresh Aussie seafood to take home by the piece or for Ben to cook ‘your way’. Using a mix of cholesterol-free cottonseed and sunflower oil, Ben gives due respect to the fish (and also to GF and coeliac diners whose meals are cooked in a separate fryer).

Making as much as he can in house, such as his own lemon pepper and mint, coconut and soy dressing for the tempura oysters (or grilled fish), Ben sources everything else locally from artisanal producers: fruit and veg from the Tweed Valley Fruit Exchange, Byron Bay Mozzarella Co’s haloumi drizzled with Tropical Fruit World’s lemon myrtle syrup ($12), chicken from Jack Spratt’s spiced up with harissa and served with cumin-yoghurt on a burger, and whole egg organic mayo and tartare served with seafood and local nonalcoholic bushfood-infused Sobah beer on tap. Top stuff!

My love song today, however, is to seaweed. More than just flotsam washed up on the seashore, seaweed is more nutritionally dense than any land-grown vegetable, a treasure chest of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals…and who would have thought it could be so delicious! It’s Ben’s ‘pièce de resistance’. Set against the softly yielding squid, the sheets of fried seaweed crack, brittle to the bite, their salty goodness speaking loudly of their mother, the sea.

And, in that moment, I know that we will travel up that hill again, through rain or shine, just to enjoy that unique dish.

Yes, the fish is sensational. But the seaweed’s a revelation.

Salut, chef!

NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of The Inky Squid Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au

THE OAK CAFÉ

Cnr Robert and Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Little things count. A greeting from wait staff or a friendly smile from the open kitchen, water immediately brought to the table, a bowl of water for someone’s dog… it all adds up to make a village.

The Oak Café, Mudgeeraba’s latest culinary edition, is fabulous; so good, in fact, that we’d travel out of ‘the city’ across the highway to dine there.

Owned by Chef Paul Horne and Hardi Ellaz, the village feel is obvious from our first visit when we sneak in for a family visit.

Unpretentious with its polished concrete floor, pipe and timber benches and white railway tiles, already it’s a haven for dog walkers and locals in the know. There’s an inner sanctum replete with large leather couches to sink into as you enjoy a quiet coffee, or dining tables where you can catch up with friends and share a delightful meal, as other diners around us are doing.

And so, to the food…

Of British heritage, Paul has been a qualified chef for 25 years, cooking under Raymond Blanc, at Gwinganna and finally Mondo Organics, which he credits as the inspiration for The Oak Café’s menu.

“It’s all about produce – using the very best that you can,” Paul tells us. “We use Girralee bacon, Emu Creek eggs, and meat from an organic butcher. Labna and cornbread are made in house, while our croissants and sourdough are sourced from Brasserie Bread.”

It’s the attention to detail that we love on our two visits, such as the homemade corn bread made from charred corn and capsicum served with Grana Padano, bacon, greens and chillifried eggs. The cornbread is so good, it gets passed around the table; without a doubt it’s the best we’ve ever eaten! Baked Swiss browns are served with herbed pangrattato, poached eggs and lemon aioli ($14); the omelette hosts chorizo, Manchego, potato, roast tomato and salsa verdi ($15). It’s all mighty fine eating at the price, the calibre of food you’d expect at a renowned capital city establishment.

My second brekkie was a tossup, passing up Spelt soaked flour pancakes with whipped ricotta, praline, ice cream and pure maple syrup ($10) for Activated pistachio and pumpkin granola with freshly grated apple, strawberries, banana and organic yoghurt ($9) – a perfect healthy breakfast.

With tea from the GC’s Cravve and Cat’s Pyjamas coffee from local roasters, they’re also onto winners. Our coffee is rich and very drinkable, its butterscotch sweetness balanced by fruit and spice notes. We notice that the café gives coffee grinds away to local gardeners.

A work of passion for its owners, The Oak is also an ongoing commitment to locals at Mudgeeraba to deliver the best at very competitive prices. Whatever our expectations as we sneaked in to visit, the team at The Oak Café well and truly overdelivered.

Not to be missed!

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

JUNE 27 –JULY 8 D’ARCY DOYLE ART AWARDS, MUDGEERABA MEMORIAL HALL, RAILWAY STREET darcydoyleartawards.com.au

JULY 29 SPRINGBROOK WINTER FAIR, SPRINGBROOK STATE SCHOOL 9am - 3pm

EVERY SUNDAY FREE LIVE MUSIC, ADVANCETOWN HOTEL, NERANG MURWILLUMBAH ROAD

Free community event for the whole family. springbrookwinterfair@gmail

Live music every Sunday 124pm

JULY 1 OUTLOOK RIDERS ALLIANCE, JULY 29 SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND DOWN HILL MOUNTAIN BIKE BONOGIN RURAL FIRE BRIGADE OPEN DAY, RACE, ROUND 3 660 BONOGIN ROAD 10am - 3pm Boomerang Farm, 55 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba www.bvrfb.org.au seqdh.com.au JULY 7 DANIEL CHAMPAGNE MT NIMMEL HALL, AUSTINVILLE 7.00 pm – 10 pm Limited Tickets available SUPPORTED BY HARRY J HART tinyurl.com/danchampagne

AUGUST 4 YOWIE MARKET ADVANCTOWN HOTEL Fresh local produce, art and handicrafts, quality collectibles and more!

AUGUST 19 PAWS IN THE PARK, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS

JULY 21 SOMERSET GIFT, SOMERSET Queenslands largest dog market COLLEGE, SOMERSET DRIVE, event!

MUDGEERABA www.pawsatthepark.com.au/ Held in conjunction with Queensland Athletics League www.somerset.qld.edu.au/ somerset-gift

Family Fun Day – last Sunday of every month, free live music, jumping castle advancetown.com/whats-on EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA PARKRUN, D’ARCY DOYLE PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA 7am start every Saturday free 5km timed run www.parkrun.com.au/ mudgeeraba

ASHMORE STUDENT WINS INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP

WHY WAIT TO MAKE GREAT? CHOOSE JOB-FOCUSED TRAINING IN

ANIMAL STUDIES, BUSINESS, CREATIVE INDUSTRIES, CYBER SECURITY, EARLY CHILDHOOD, HEALTH, IT, LEGAL STUDIES, 15-year-old Benowa State High School Year 10 student, Natarlia Collins from Ashmore, is a TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Aunty Joyce Indigenous Scholarships recipient for 2018 and plans to actively promote the benefits of education to young people in her community.

Natarlia, whose family originate from Moree in New South Wales from the Kamilaroi people, was born in Tamworth and dreams of being a beautician.

“I would love to follow my dreams of becoming a professional in the beauty industry, and combine this with my love for travelling,” Natarlia said.

NURSING, TRADES AND MORE Ask about the TAFE Priority Training Program which is providing additional funding support to eligible Queensland residents by reducing the costs involved with studying in a specific range of diploma, certificate IV and certificate III programs.

Enrolled in the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics, a TAFE at Schools program aimed at students in years 10 to 12, Natalia is dedicated to furthering her studies and values the opportunity that TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Region has given her.

“I want to make a difference in the lives of my people and to help them overcome disadvantages.”

A netball fan that enjoys playing in the annual Budgies Netball competition on the Gold Coast is also actively involved in Deadly Choices.

Deadly Choices in an initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) in South East Queensland and is funded by Queensland Health. It aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families – to stop smoking, to eat good food and exercise daily. Deadly Choices also encourages our people to access their local CommunityControlled Health Service and complete an annual ‘Health Check’.

“I love my cultural heritage and Aboriginal art. I have become familiar with the services and love to promote the Kalwun Corporation and everything they do for our communities too.”

Visit tafeqld.edu.au for more information on courses.

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ENROL NOW FOR JULY

1300 308 233 tafeqld.edu.au TAFE Queensland RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E

FREE LIVE TUNES IN THE LOUNGE SUNDAY 1 JULY 1.00PM - 5.00PM MERLIN SOLO MONDAY 2 JULY 11.00AM - 2.00PM GREG BANKX FRIDAY 6 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM GORAN SEDLAR SATURDAY 7 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM THE ROCKKS

SUNDAY 8 JULY 1.00PM-5.00PM LONG GONE DADDYS MONDAY 9 JULY 11.00AM - 2.00PM MICHEAL WHITMORE FRIDAY 13 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM WALLY & THE GATORS SATURDAY 14 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM STONEAGE ROMEO’S

SUNDAY 15 JULY 1.00PM - 5.00PM VANILLA DUO MONDAY 16 JULY 11.00AM - 2.00PM RHYDIAN LEWIS FRIDAY 20 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM THE SMOKIN CRAWDADS SATURDAY 21 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM GEMINI DUO

SUNDAY 22 JULY 1.00PM - 5.00PM EUREKA FUNK MONDAY 23 JULY 11.00AM - 2.00PM DOUBLESHOT FRIDAY 27 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM TRILOGY DUO SATURDAY 28 JULY 7.30PM - 11.30PM DEVILS KIOSK

SUNDAY 29 JULY 1.00PM - 5.00PM STREET CAFE MONDAY 30 JULY 11.00AM - 2.00PM ABBYGAYLE ANDERSON

*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

LUMBER PUNKS

GOLD COAST NAIDOC WEEK It’s NAIDOC Week from 8 – 15 July and festivities are being held across the country to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme ‘Because of Her, We Can!’ shines a light on the crucial role women play as role models and influencers at a variety of levels from community to national.

The week is celebrated not only by Indigenous communities but also Aussies from all walks of life and the Gold Coast NAIDOC Committee have a full calendar of free events planned across the city for you to get involved in. Here’s a quick wrap up to get you started.

Image by Dan Maynard Photography

Almost a year ago now, the doors opened on Lumber Punks, an axe-throwing venue that provided a wholly unique activity for Gold Coast’s experience-hungry residents. Far from being yet another pop up business to go nuts on Insta for three months then fade into obscurity, the Miami venue has proven it has legs, with owners Tyson McMillan and Sam Hay about to open their second venue in Brisbane. Rather belatedly, I decided to go and see what all the fuss was about.

The first thing I notice is that Lumber Punks looks exactly like what it is. Totally lacking in pretension, the wide open space is essentially wood covered from ceiling to floor. Its uberfriendly owners are casual and enthusiastic, immediately putting me at ease, and there are some awesome guitar-driven tunes rocking through the speakers. I read through the safety waiver, get my shoes checked, and then I’m off to a lane with Tyson to learn how to throw. I wish him luck with the lesson, given my notoriously dreadful handeye co-ordination.

“You’ll be surprised,” he says. Well, not at first frankly, as each small axe I am instructed to throw lands either with a thud on the floor, with its back to the target, or more usually at some point wildly to the left of it. Under normal circumstances I would be embarrassed by such a public display of incompetence, but Tyson is so positive and patient that I persevere. Finally, under his careful tutelage, I achieve some success with the small axes, and we move onto the 38

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much larger one, which is surprisingly a great deal easier to land. Throughout our session, Tyson chats about the business, the guys’ passion for what they do, and the growing trend of axe-throwing in Australia, occasionally interrupting himself to correct my stance and position.

“We’re all about building community here,” he tells me, which seems to me to have been the key to the guys’ success. Essentially eschewing the tourist market, Sam and Ty have worked hard to establish connections, leagues and a set of regulars who form the backbone of their core customer base.

Smart fellas. From what basically started as two ex-hospo dudes having business brainstorming sessions while chucking axes in their backyard, Lumber Punks has grown into a proud niche business that is expanding before their first year is even up.

A fun, unusual and strangely meditative experience, axe-throwing is all set to explode as a popular nationwide activity, with more venues springing up around the country as we speak. And believe me: If I can do it?

Anyone can.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Check out lumberpunks.com for opening hours and bookings.

Monday 9 July

Thursday 12 July

Gold Coast NAIDOC Week Community Launch includes a flag raising ceremony, notable speakers and performances from 930am – 11am at Kalwun Community Care Service, 118 Bonogin Rd, Bonogin.

Jellurgal showing of the Australian movie ‘Jedda’ with light refreshments and finger food. Spaces are limited so please RSVP by 10 July to 07 5525 5955. Guests are asked to arrive at the Jellurgal Cultural Centre, 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh at 530pm for the 6pm screening.

Jellurgal Women’s Art Exhibition official opening is from 2pm – 3pm followed by daily viewing between 8.30am and 2.30pm at Jellurgal Cultural Centre, 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads until Monday 23 July 2018.

Tuesday 10 July Bond University Flag Raising Ceremony commences at 9.30am sharp at Bond University Amphitheatre, 14 University Drive, Robina. The ceremony is followed by some light refreshments.

Griffith University NAIDOC Celebrations includes cultural performances and activities from 10am–2pm at the Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport. Please note those attending are responsible for paying for their own parking.

Kalwun Early Learning Showcase is an entertainment and play-based event for under 8’s from 11.30am–1pm at Kalwun Child & Family Support Services, 14 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads. To attend please RSVP to 07 5520 8600 or email SEQadmin@ kalwun.com.au

Wednesday 11 July Gold Coast Titans NAIDOC Event in Partnership with Kalwun & Deadly Choices is holding a day full of fun with cultural activities and stalls from 10am–2pm at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba.

Celebrating Indigenous Women Speakers Panel at Bond University Club, Bond University from 5.30pm–7.30pm.

Friday 13 July Gold Coast Community NAIDOC Celebration Street March from 10am at Coolangatta. Gather in the new location on the Corner of Marine Parade and McLean Street Coolangatta to the left of the surf club.

The march will commence at 10.10am to the New South Wales border and meet the Tweed Community March at 10.30am, then a Corroboree in Cunningham Park next to Twin Towns will follow.

Saturday 14 July NAIDOC Cultural Celebration of Dancing on the Green at HOTA from 2pm – 8pm.

Chat with local artists and check out the market stalls before kicking off your shoes and dancing under the stars at this familyfriendly music, dance and cultural event.

Sunday 15 July End of NAIDOC Celebrations Family Fun Day and Film Screening at Bond University Amphitheatre from 3pm to 7.30pm.

Simone Gorman-Clark

INFAMOUS ALL SET TO AUSTRALIAN PRODUCER SUE MILLIKEN TO RECEIVE TEASE IN THE TENT 2018 CHAUVEL AWARD

Following sell-out shows across the country, circus cabaret INFAMOUS is now set to tantalise Gold Coast audiences for the very first time. And it’s strictly for adult eyes only.

Naughty characters, bare-chested ripped acrobats, world-class dancers and crude comedians are among the lineup of extraordinary acts coming together to deliver this unique sexy adult circus experience under the Spiegel Big Top at the Broadwater Parklands in July and August.

“We are so excited to bring INFAMOUS to the Gold Coast,” gushes production manager, Sue Porrett.

INFAMOUS is a 100% Australian-made show with most of the cast also being Australian. Sue tells us a bit about them.

“INFAMOUS will enthrall audiences with a lineup of world-class dancers, comedy routines, aerial artistry, flying trapeze and mystery that will leave you speechless. Get ready to see death defying acts that push the limits and will leave you at the edge of your seat!”

“There are incredible stunt performers, stunning aerialists, hilarious slap stick comedy and characters and gorgeous dancers and vocals ... there are also some big surprises that the audience do not see coming! Watch out for the red balloon!”

As well as being a dazzling display of physicality and artisty, INFAMOUS is also set to leave ‘em rolling in the aisle.

“The show is certain to have the audience in fits of laughter,” Sue declares.

“INFAMOUS is also just a little bit risqué and naughty…. well quite a bit actually. The Gold Coast will love it!”

The Gold Coast has certainly seen a surge in cabaret style shows, burlesque and circus arts in recent years. I ask Sue what is going to INFAMOUS apart.

“It’s a bit more raw and edgy than regular cabaret shows,” she says, “and it also has a strong cirque thread throughout. It's intimate and engaging, yet absolutely spectacular.There are many elements here but the forward somersault on top of the giant spinning pendulum is a huge crowd stopper!”

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Showcasing a combination of circus acts and uncensored burlesque, INFAMOUS is unlike any circus you’ve seen before! Whether you’re treating your beau to an exciting date night or arranging a group for an entertaining night out – this is an experience you’re not likely to forget.

Natalie O’Driscoll

The hotly anticipated Gold Coast season of INFAMOUS runs from Friday 13 July to Sunday 12 August. Tickets are on sale now at infamous.net.au There are also a number of delectable options available including Ringside chairs, Premium A reserve seat and even Ringside tables that include table service, a bottle of bubbly, popcorn and dessert.

The Gold Coast Film Festival will award national screen industry award, the Chauvel Award, to producer Sue Milliken this month.

With a career across film and TV stretching from the late 1960’s to today, Milliken is a highly regarded and lauded Australian producer. Most recently, Sue co-wrote and produced the Bruce Beresford film ‘Ladies in Black’, set to be released in October.

On Thursday 28 June, the Gold Coast Film Festival will present Milliken with the Chauvel Award at a special industry event: Jenny Cooney In Conversation With Sue Milliken. The night will be an intimate look at Milliken’s career, accompanied by footage from her films and moderated by Hollywood entertainment journalist, Jenny Cooney.

“This award is very special to me,” said Sue Milliken.

“I have always been a great admirer of Charles and Elsa Chauvel, who were pioneers of our industry with a grand vision for Australian films and Australian stories.

It is such an honour to stand in their shadow.”

The 2018 Chauvel Award committee is comprised of Australian film critic and TV personality David Stratton; 2002 Chauvel Award recipient and producer of the AFI Best Film winner, ‘Lantana’ and Academy Award® winner for ‘The Piano’ Jan Chapman; producer of the Academy Award® winner ‘Harvie Krumpet’ Melanie Coombs; film industry veteran, actor and producer Alan Finney; film historian Professor Emeritus Bruce Molloy and Screen Queensland’s CEO, Tracey Vieira.

Gold Coast Film Festival Director Lucy Fisher said it was an honour to welcome Sue Milliken to the Gold Coast for the Chauvel Award presentation.

“It’s a privilege to award The Chauvel Award to Sue - she is a ground-breaking Australian producer with an incredible body of work over the years and I look forward to hearing her many stories in her conversation with Jenny Cooney,” Ms Fisher said.

The Chauvel Award 2018 runs outside of the festival dates, as part of the Gold Coast Film Festival’s year-round series of screenings, Q&As and screen culture events. Please visit gcfilmfestival.com for more information.

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OUT OF THE FOREST

WOMEN LIKE US

WONDER

GREGORY PEEL SMITH

MANDY NOLAN AND ELLEN BRIGGS

R. J. PALACIO

In 1989 Gregory Peel Smith walked into Goonengerry Forest near Mullumbimby NSW and stayed there for 10 years. He could no longer escape his pain by drinking and picking fights in pubs, engaging in destructive relationships with women, nor even the heroin addiction he had kicked six months earlier in Sydney. While his continued alcoholism and marijuana smoking while in the forest were a daily relief from horrific memories of the physical, emotional, sexual abuse he experienced throughout his childhood, the forest became the first place he didn't have to run away from and where he could experience peace. It was also the place that kept him from the toxic pull of Tamworth to which he would inexplicably return each time he ran from another tormented chapter of his life.

Gold Coast comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs are fed up with being told what they should look like, how they should feel, how to behave, and boy are they are here to tell you about it! Inspired by the ongoing success of their relentlessly-touring dual comedy show ‘Women Like Us’, the sharp-as-nails pair have teamed up once more to pen a frank and hilarious account of their own lives, titled – funnily enough – ‘Women Like Us.’

If you follow any appearance activists, you may have learnt when their stories are told—if ever—they are often told by people who do not have facial differences. As such, they are rarely depicted as valid, whole people who are a variety of things—nice or boring or annoying, just ‘whatever’ human beings, living their lives, having ups and downs, working out relationships, and achieving and/or screwing up decisions.

Instead, tropes dominate, from pity, to monster, to bullying, to burden, to teaching others a valuable lesson about kindness and acceptance.

Smith's account of his painful childhood in 1950s Tamworth with violently abusive alcoholic parents, being dumped with his sisters into torturous abuse at the hands of Catholic nuns at St Patrick's orphanage in Armidale, and ongoing abuse at schools and other institutions can be a difficult read at times. Yet 'Out of the Forest' is ultimately a hugely inspiring true story of Smith's extraordinary survival in primitive conditions in a forest where he emerged a near starving, still alcoholic, marijuana addicted wild man, who had used his wits to fund his hermit lifestyle by growing and selling marijuana without anyone finding his camp site or crop.

Even more extraordinary was his will to not only survive when close to death and hallucinating in the forest, but to walk out of the forest, eventually give up alcohol and drugs, and make the choice to get an education on the Gold Coast, a testament to the intelligence he always knew he had.

Gregory Peel Smith eventually got a PhD in Sociology and now teaches at Southern Cross University.

Smith is one of the many 'Forgotten Australians', children who were physically, emotionally and sexually abused in various institutions between the 1920s to the 1980s, and that makes his story an important read. While his is a story of extreme survival, many of those children didn't survive the pain of their brutal pasts. This is a story that delivers hope to the ones who did.

Pip Andreas 42

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Covering topics such as feminism, the terrors and angst of parenting, female friendships, body image, aging parents, teenagers, juggling work life with home life, snooty sales assistants, domestic violence and coping with mental illness, ‘Women Like Us’ ranges far and wide, and is bound to resonate, at least in parts, with the majority of readers.

Via small and easily digestible chapters, the pair give their wry and boisterous comedic treatment to issues that are normally discussed with solemn faces behind closed doors, and truly, it’s an enormous relief. Brutally honest, the book is a welcome departure from more careful and watered-down discussions around women’s sexual pleasure and agency, the desire for less conventional relationships and the kind of personality glitches we all have but no one likes to admit to.

I expected laughs. What I didn’t expect were the surprisingly touching moments that came as a result of its exploration of complicated family dynamics and heartbreak.

‘Women Like Us’ discusses how its authors have come to a point where they realise they are never going to be perfect and they are just fine with that, and you know what? It may even provide inspiration for you feel the same way.

So if you are feeling completely over all the media blah that tells you you’re too old / fat / skinny / hairy / grey-haired, or sick of feeling guilty for being a working OR stay at home mum (cause both are awful, apparently), or you are just plain exhausted from the constant work that goes into making the lives of everyone around you easier, then this book is for you. I guarantee if you don’t leap up shouting “YESSSS!” at least three times, we’ll give you your money back. (Disclaimer: not an actual guarantee.)

Natalie O’Driscoll

So what do we do with ‘Wonder’—a middle-grade novel—that’s had a sensational run, both as book and now film adaptation? As someone who does not have a facial difference, like the author R. J. Palacio, I was unsure.

Eventually, I decided my first step was to seek out the views of those who do have facial differences, to ensure I do not promote a book that may play into harmful stereotypes; to listen and learn.

In that vein, I’m here to promote you do the same: seek out the perspectives of reviewers with facial differences—there are many, some with very positive thoughts and others with negative, by both adults and children—before you decide what to do.

So what can I tell you? It’s about Auggie, a ten-year-old who loves Star Wars, is a bit snarky (ha!), is pretty clever, loves his dog, and has loving parents, and he and his sister sometimes fight and get on each other’s nerves. Basically, Auggie is your run-of-the-mill ten year old. Auggie also happens to have a facial difference, and he’s still your run-of-the-mill ten year old. After being homeschooled, Auggie transitions to mainstream school. His reception is mixed. Over time, he faces bullying, but also friendship. The point of view swaps between characters, which I was concerned may have decentred his telling of his story and added to his ‘other’-ing.

If you read it, I hope you see Auggie as a full human being.

Because, just like all people with facial differences, he is.

Nae Kurth

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SHOWCASE AT AUSTRALIAN LET THERE BE ROCK MUSIC WEEK

Calling all rock ‘n’ roll aficionados, fans, musicians, venue staff and anyone that lived through the Coast’s hardcore heyday.

GOLD COAST HOTTER THAN HELL NEXT SUMMER A hellish lineup of legends will descend on the Gold Coast this summer, in a celebration of all things hot in Australian rock. And the lineup is old-school, classic-era festival gold.

Hotter Than Hell will brings its touring circus of Australian rock legends to Broadwater Parklands on Sunday 27 January.

Spiderbait, Shihad, Jebediah, an exclusive Magic Dirt Reunion, with Killing Heidi, Body Jar, 28 Days and Area 7 all joining the tour.

As well as landing on the Gold Coast, Hotter Than Hell will also stop in at Townsville, Gladstone, Toowoomba, Ipswich and Mt Evelyn for a massive outdoor one-day festival with a rotating lineup of rock royalty being shared between venues.

All of the 2017/18 Hotter Than Hell shows sold out. So, when they go on sale this month – Wednesday 4 July at 10.00am, to be precise – word on the street is that you should probably be organised.

Samantha Morris

Hotter than Hell hits Broadwater Parklands on Sunday 27 January 2019 with Spiderbait + Shihad + Killing Heidi + Body Jar + 28 Days + Area 7 all on the Gold Coast lineup.

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A cranking new exhibition opening later this year – ‘Let there be rock!’ – explores three decades of rock music venues on the Gold Coast. The project is currently an anthem in progress and to bring this exhibition to life, HOTA needs the help of Gold Coasters who lived and breathed this era from the 1970s to the late 1990s.

Gallery at HOTA Director, Tracy Cooper-Lavery, said she was calling on music-lovers from across the region, including rock fans and those musicians in a Gold Coast band who may still have instruments and gear from when they played.

“This exhibition will be brought to life with photographs, playlists, posters, tickets and more – there is enormous passion for our music scene and we want to tap into that,” explained Tracy.

“It could be a t-shirt signed by Kurt Cobain or Dave Grohl from the Nirvana performance at Fisho’s, an autographed coaster from The Playroom signed by Michael Hutchence or, maybe there’s someone out there who was at the AC/ DC concert at Miami High and has held onto souvenir merchandise.”

“We are confident that there’s a stack of original memorabilia stashed in boxes or hidden in garages and we hope to unearth rock souvenirs and stories that will showcase a night out at one of the Gold Coasts’ legendary live music venues.”

From The Ramones and Cold Chisel at The Playroom, to INXS and The Go-Betweens at Bombay Rock, and Nirvana and The Violent Femmes at ‘Fisho’s’; this exhibition will embody a celebration of hard-core rock and entertainment.

“We’ve already acquired the iconic sign from The Playroom that stood for many years as a beacon for musos and fans and it will form a key piece in the exhibition,” said Tracy.

Named for AC/DC’s 1977 album, the exhibition ‘Let there be rock!’ will open on 8 December this year and run through until 17 February 2019. Memorabilia submissions are open until Friday 13 July.

Natalie O'Driscoll

Got something special to submit for consideration? Visit https://hota.com.au/call-submissions-let-rock/ to upload images and details.

Returning for its fourth year, Australian Music Week has opened showcase applications for the 2018 music conference, which takes place 7-9 November in Sydney’s chilled-out beachside shores of Cronulla. Past editions of the event have seen artists like Ruby Fields, Hein Cooper, Skegss, Diesel, The Audreys, Hollow Coves, Hanlon Brothers and morepick up international tours, major festival placements, record and distribution deals, international touring and showcasing opportunities. Apply before 21 August at australianmusicweek.com.

Scouting the world to bring in top-notch talent buyers, from festival directors to record labels, radio pluggers and management, Australian Music Week director, Geoff Trio said the team is more excited than ever to open this year’s applications for showcasing artists.

“Australian Music Week is unique in that it is still relatively small, which makes it so much easier for artists and industry to genuinely connect, with actual on-the-ground discoveries and new deals happening over the days of the conference.

“As well as bringing in representatives from Australia’s leading festivals and organisations, we have brokered powerful partnerships with a number of international events who will come to Australian Music Week to discover acts for launching into markets like North America, Asia and Europe.

“The opportunities are real and so are the great results we’re seeing grow year on year.”

Taking place over five days, Australian Music Week showcases over 150 performances across a wide range of genres, presents more than 20 panels addressing the latest industry issues with leading Australian and international figures, as well as hosts a Music Film Festival and the annual Folk, Americana and Country Music Conferences.

Samantha Morris Showcase applications are now open at australianmusicweek.com with the first round of delegates and speakers to be announced soon.

Australian Music Week is proudly presented by Oztix.

CLAWMACHINE

HAMMERS

PEACH FUR

GOOD HARVEST

HOMEBLOKES

DOREEN DRIVE

While their name may invoke images of some industrialmetal channeling behemoth, Gold Coast’s Clawmachine in truth reside at a much brighter and breezier end of the musical spectrum.

Northern Rivers via Gold Coast rabble rousers Hammers have been on a rapidly ascending trajectory over the past 12 months, culminating in the release of their debut EP, ‘Homeblokes.’ Upon inspection of the EP’s name and cover artwork, it’s immediately apparent that there’s a pronounced and somewhat wicked sense of humour at play with these lads.

Gold Coast four piece Peach Fur have seen their musical stars rapidly align over the course of 2018, with the lads regularly wowing audiences in the live realm (which also included a prime slot at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards after party), in support of their newest EP, ‘Doreen Drive’

Their impressive sophomore EP release, ‘Good Harvest’, follows on from their self-titled debut, which came out in 2016. Largely driven by the technicolour vision of band focal point and producer Dylan Lindquist, Clawmachine expertly blend a tasty stew of evocative indie-pop infused with atmospheric electro flourishes, fleshed out with a triumvirate of guest female vocalists.

Opening number, ‘Marbles’ is an instrumental scenesetter that ebbs and flows between soft washes of tinkling keyboards and dreamily uplifting electro-atmospherics.

‘Notion’, which features the expressively bewitching vocals of Whitney Veitch, is a supremely catchy, head nodding electro-pop number driven by a memorable bass line and pulsing keyboards.

Meanwhile, ‘Wumpa Island’ and ‘Huh’, featuring the sweet vocals of ATIYA and TOBI respectively, invoke gentle swaying and striped sunlight smiles with their chilled, driftingly dreamy vibes.

And Veitch turns up on vocals again on the EP’s final track, ‘Psyche’, which takes the EP out on a sassily jaunty, electropop trip, with a snaky guitar line surfacing late to bring the EP to a memorable conclusion.

You can acquire this tasty offering for yourself at clawmachinemusic.bandcamp.com.

Anthony Gebhardt

As for their sound, the band expertly channel a diverse range of styles from the heavier end of the musical spectrum, touching upon elements of stoner rock, souped-up blues metal and hardcore, amongst others. ‘Homeblokes’ was mixed and mastered by Forrester Savell, whose list of credits includes bands such as Dead Letter Circus, Cog and Karnivool.

Opening number, ‘Golden Gloves’, seamlessly channels classic metal, nu-metal and hardcore influences, concluding with a memorable, gang-style vocal chant of “we keep falling, we just keep falling” ‘Just Cause’ is a slightly more measured but no less powerful statement of intent, it’s churning dynamics rising in passion and intensity through its five minute duration, with the powerfully anguished vocals (with a touch of Ocker-Oz), of front man Fish, a particular highlight.

Across its seven track, 34 minute duration, ‘Doreen Drive’ ably demonstrates Peach Fur’s manifesto of blending a pleasing array of modern rock influences, characterised by a driving and ever evolving psych rock sound that’s tastefully embellished with alternative rock, indie pop, funk and surf rock flourishes.

These eclectic aural dreamers have set their sights high in delivering a widescreen listening experience, something that is immediately evident on the opening few numbers of ‘Doreen Drive’.

‘War Dogs & Filthy Pigs’ gets things off to an evocative start, a gradually unwinding psych-pop/rock nugget which takes listeners on a kaleidoscopic musical journey across its 5+ minute journey.

‘Foreign Fruits’ is an urgently memorable, psych inflected number, while ‘Mumma G’ displays the band’s pop smarts, memorably insistent, head noddingly catchy and with a fabulous, classic rock channeling, guitar led rave-up driving the track into the hearts of listeners.

Meanwhile, ‘More Rope’ straddles more of a musically complex vibe, its tempo changes, underpinned with a heavily insistent riff, delivering a darkly powerful highlight.

Elsewhere, ‘All In Good Thyme’ slows down the pace and ramps up the sweet pop quotient, with an unwinding, psych-tinged flourish adding an eclectic twist to the tracks tail end. While ‘Freeballin’ (as its name suggests!) is a bright and breezy ditty, augmented with an urgent mid song tempo change, further driving home the band’s musical chops and playful penchant for surprising and delighting when you think you’ve got them pegged.

By the time vein bulging rockers ‘Dead Set’ (which was nominated for video of the year at the recent Gold Coast Music Awards) and ‘Palm Readings With Sin’ come around, it’s clearly evident that Hammers have delivered an impressively meaty slab of head shaking heaviness, that’s sure to go down a treat when the band support the launch of the EP locally with what’s sure to be an epic show at the Miami Shark Bar on 4 August.

In short, ‘Doreen Drive’ is ambitious, catchy and engaging, demanding repeat listens aplenty. And to help celebrate the EP’s launch, the Peach Fur lads will be playing an underage friendly show here on the Gold Coast, at Snooker World, Mermaid Beach, on 11 August.

While ‘Speak Of The Devil’, the band’s latest single, is a deadset fist pumper, propelled by some powerfully impressive riff-age and a face contorting finale.

The EP concludes in emphatic fashion with the intriguingly named ‘Butter Don Won Tu’, an in-your-face rocker that builds to a frenetic crescendo throughout the track’s second half. A rousing finale..

Anthony Gebhardt

WE WON!

For the second year in a row, your humble street mag, Blank Gold Coast, took out Magazine of the Year at Gold Coast’s Media Awards – known as the Maccas.

Blank GC has always been a labour of love. We started this magazine nearly five years ago to fill a gaping void on the Gold Coast – and to shine a light on the cultural talent that calls the city home.

And to round out the night, Blank photographer Nadia Achilles was named a finalist for two categories for images she captured at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

We always aimed to be the City’s independent cultural voice, but we never thought we’d be mixing it with the glossy mags who’ve held reign here for so long. So winning this award is fantastic

Anthony Gebhardt

recognition for the big team who help pull the magazine together every single month.

So, thank you!

Thanks for keeping us in the fray, for your loyal readership, and most of all, for getting off your arse and getting amongst the city’s amazing creative events, gigs, exhibitions, festivals and fiestas. www.blankgc.com.au

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MORE BEES, PLEASE We need bees. They and other pollinators are vital for stable, healthy food supplies, as the vast majority of plants we need for food rely on pollination.

But bees are in trouble. There is growing concern at bee decline across the world, most likely caused by a combination of stresses - from loss of their habitat and food sources to exposure to pesticides and the effects of climate change. More than ever before, we need to recognise the importance of bees to nature and to our lives. And we need to turn that into action to ensure they don't just survive but thrive.

Fortunately, interest in amateur beekeeping is growing, with organisations like the Gold Coast Amateur Beekeepers Society both maintaining this trend among their own members while attempting to get the word out to broader society. There are two upcoming community events where aspiring apiarists can get the lowdown on this environmentally helpful hobby.

CULTURES OF CARE AND REPAIR We live in a disposable society. But not for long if this Gold Coast pair have anything to say about it.

Relative Creative is a design studio with a difference. Tristan Schultz and Bec Barnett use research and strong community engagement practices to help people change their behaviour.

And these school holidays, kids are firmly in their sights. They want to take your children on a journey to discover exactly how to care and repair. Through the Cultures of Repair workshops kids will repair an an item of clothing or other soft good as well as make a mini repair kit to take home. There’s a The Urban Garden Keeps and Eats workshop where kids will make their own pot from repurposed objects before planting it with edibles and making a simple meal.

There’s also an e-waste hacking workshop where kids will dismantle an item of e-waste and a See Change Sand Tracks Workshop which builds on Relative Creative’s commissioned work for Festival 2018 taking kids on a journey to understand our complex futures, think about alternatives and build futures maps in sand, online and with paint.

The workshops are designed for children in grades 5 – 8 and bookings are essential.

The Kids Who Care and Repair series runs through the Queensland winter school holidays. Here’s all the details you need:

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Cultures of Repair, Wednesday 4 July, 9am – 12 noon (repair an item of clothing and make your own sewing kit to take home)

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Urban Garden Keeps and Eats, Friday 6 July, 9am – 12 noon (make a pot, plant a seedling and make a tasty, simple meal.)

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E-waste Hack, Wednesday 11 July, 9am – 12 noon (hack an item of e-waste, analyse it and design different ways to make, care and repair the object.)

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See Change Sand Tracks, Monday 16 July, 9am – 12 noon (learn about complex future challenges while making your own Futures Map) Samantha Morris

One workshop is $55 or all four workshops cost $195. To find out more, or register your kids visit relativecreative.com.au.

Sprout Sunday | Surfers Paradise Golf Club | 26 August, 8am-11am This community is a celebration of all things sprouting. And will stalls such as tropical edibles, cottage plants, cactus and succulents, natural and vegan skin products, small space gardening, sustainability and composting products and more. To celebrate the launch of Sprout Sunday, the Gold Coast Amateur BeeKeeping Society will be there offering a free taste test of local honey and hold talks about European Bee Keeping and Native Stingless Bees. This event is presented by the organisers of Botanical Bazaar.

Gold Coast Amateur BeeKeepers Society Open Day | Country Paradise Parklands | 16 September Being held as part of at the Botanical Bazaar in 2018, the Gold Coast Amateur Beekeeping Society Open Day will be a large area within the Bazaar itself dedicated to showcase all things Bees. Native and European Bee displays, Flowhive, a variety of honey and honey products, Bee beauty and medicinal products, clothing and educational talks will all be available. And the beauty of it is, you can check out the rest of the awesome stall holders, botanists, herbs, talks and family fun that will be a part of this year’s Botanical Bazaar!

Natalie O’Driscoll Visit botanicalbazaar.com.au for more information.

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