Blank Gold Coast issue #34 – June 16

June‘16

BENNY D WILLIAMS GOLD COAST’S DIGITAL CAVEMAN

issue #034

MUSIC

FOOD

LIFESTYLE

Dan Hannaford Von Villains Kobrakai French Butler

Marching Powder Food & Wine Fest The Yard Cafe Nest Beenleigh Distillery

Open Floor Heart of Fire Yoga Day Fest Nipple Net

ART + CULTURE Cooly Rocks A Fair of Art Border Prize Charles Gadeken Chanelle Rose

MUSIC GCMA finalists Phoebe Sinclair Yes Sir Noceur Darkc3ll Rare Groove

Gold Coast

RARE GROOVE RECORDS: ROLLING WITH THE FLOW #034 JUNE 2016 Editor: Samantha Morris Culture + Lifestyle Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Design: Chloe Popa, Blunt Pencil Studio Advertising: Amanda Gorman Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Sub editor: Cody McConnell Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Contributors: Trevor Jackson, Marj Osborne, Anthony Gebhardt, Jake Wilton, Erin Bourne, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Catherine Coburn, Anna Itkonen, Sarah Molloy, Mark Weblin, Sara Loughlin, Benjamin Allmon, Anna Itkonen, Cam Alexander, Emma Whines, Josh Pareno, Kylie Cobb, Natalie O'Driscoll, Samantha Morris.

Acknowledgement of Country We show our respect and sincerely acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and their elders past, present and emerging.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Most of our writers contribute their time pro-bono to boost the cultural scene on the Gold Coast. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice, relying on advertising to keep us in the fray. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

Over the past few years the humble bricks and mortar independent record store has made quite a resurgence, riding on the coat tails of the current heightened re-interest in all things vinyl. With the digital download age largely sounding the death knell for the previously dominant compact disc, the physical music medium considered to be a dinosaur not that long ago has now returned with a vengeance, with music disciples either discovering or re-discovering the joys of dropping the needle and spinning the black circle.

Rare Groove Records, on the Gold Coast Highway at Nobby Beach, has been around long enough to see it all unfold. And in fact this year they are celebrating 20 years of operation at their current location, a highly impressive feat in any retail environment, let alone one as dynamically shifting as physical music sales. To survive for this long as an independent record store requires one to ride out the bumps and strap yourself in for the long haul, and this is exactly the approach taken by Rare Groove owners Ray Parsons and Jenny Chipman.

"Over the past twenty years there's been many peaks and troughs, where we've just had to battle on,” Ray told Blank GC. “With the current resurgence in vinyl we're doing reasonably well at the moment, but there's been other times when it's been very difficult. But we were determined to keep going, because we love what we do. It's more a passion than a job. We just roll with the flow as they say!"

The Rare Groove story started back in the early 90s, when Ray and Jenny relocated their record store from faraway Tasmania to the warmer climates of the Gold Coast. Starting out in Burleigh Heads, after three years Rare Groove made the move to the highway at Nobby Beach, a thriving walk-past location that has served the business well ever since.

"A lot of tourists see us as they drive past from the airport on the way to their hotels, then they drop back in for a visit while they're staying here," Ray said.

Back when the store started out the musical landscape was very different to today. There was no such thing as digital downloads, and shiny silver discs ruled the roost. Ray recalls, "CD was king, but we still kept buying records all the time.”

“People would say to us 'you're mad', but even then there was still new vinyl being pressed, which we were importing from overseas in addition to stocking second had vinyl.”

“You always still had your vinyl collectors, but that was the minor side of the business and CDs kept you going. Now though it's come full circle and gone back to the records to keep us going," he said.

I ask Ray why he thinks vinyl has returned with such a vengeance, and he pinpoints a few factors.

"It's become a bit, dare I say it, trendy with the younger people, they're buying classic albums from artists such as

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Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Hendrix.

I had a record store in Tasmania back in the 70s and was selling heaps of records by bands like The Police, Dire Straits, The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Which are all albums that young people are also coming into the store and buying now... perhaps they've discovered that their parents weren't so unhip after all!”

“And in our mind vinyl has always had the better sound quality.

When you hear a good copy of a record played on good sound equipment, you can't beat it really, which is what more people are now discovering."

Further words on the wonders of the vinyl experience also came from long time weekend employee and mad-keen music collector Anthony Tye, who has worked in record stores for over 30 years and has been with Rare Groove now for 15 years.

Anthony says he’s always found that listening to vinyl is a very tactile experience.

“People tend to listen to a record all the way through rather than skipping songs, as one tends to do on CD or with digital files,” he told Blank GC. “There’s also the physical side, the record covers and their artwork, and used records have a musky smell of musical history.”

“Then there’s the equipment, there are many different types of cool turntables and moving the tone arm across and putting the needle down on the vinyl is an enjoyable experience in itself.”

I ask Ray if they've ever had anyone of musical note visit the store.

"Yes we've had quite a few Australian musicians from bands such as The Saints (Ed Keupper) and The Celibate Rifles (Damien Lovelock). Probably the biggest international name we had was Mike McCready, the guitarist from Pearl Jam. He was a really nice guy and bought quite a few albums. We didn't realise who he was at first, as he'd come out a few weeks before the band were touring and his image had changed a bit from the last picture I'd seen of him. But once we got talking it all clicked into place."

I ask Ray if he sees a finish line for the store and he and Jenny's role in keeping the flame alive but he says they take it year-byyear.

“As long as people still come in and buy music we'll stay here doing it,” he said.

“Music is my life, whether listening to it, selling it or playing it. I can't really see myself retiring. What else would I do, go and sit in the garden?”

As any true music aficionado would attest, nothing beats the physical record store experience when seeking a sound-fix.

So the next time you're that way inclined, be sure to pop in to Rare Groove and say hi. As well as stocking a great bunch of music, you'll be interacting with music lifers of the non-garden sitting variety, doing it with love and dedication.

Anthony Gebhardt

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NEW SOUNDS FROM THE GOLD COAST

where the event is being held, so you can fill your belly as well as your need to give to something important. Get details at everyonedeservesmusic.org.

The Ruiins | It is You The Ruiins release their second single of 2016, following hot on the heels of Eventually. The new track It is You is the result of the two-piece working with producer Sean Cook (Big Scary’s Vacation) and showcases Adam Dooker and Pat Sugden’s raw blues and vintage rock sounds.

They’ve left a lasting impression on many Blank ears already and if their recordings tickle your fancy you’re in luck because you can see them twice over the next two weekends: Sunday 29 May supporting Little May at Miami Marketta and then part of a triple-header lineup at elsewhere alongside Th’Fika and Aquila Young.

Listen to It is You via the band’s Soundcloud.

Broadbeach Country full lineup announced Broadbeach Country Music Festival takes place 17 – 19 June and along with Dan Hannaford features Adam Brand and the Outlaws, The Sunny Cowgirls, Jasmine Rae, Adam Eckersley Band, Betty Smokes and the Forgetaboudits, Bill Chambers, Casey Barnes, Christie Lamb, Col Finley, Davison Brothers, Deep Creek Road, Doug Bruce, Drew McAlister, Halfway, Harmony James, Hillbilly Goats, Hoo8hoo, Innocent Eve, Jared Porter, Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes, Jeanie, Jonny Taylor, Kerry Kennedy and Double Barrel, Kirsty Lee Akers, Mitch King, Rex G Miller, Round Mountain Girls, Simply Bushed, The Jay Seeney Band, Warren Earl Band, The Viper Creek Band, Will Day and Jasmine Rae. Sounds like a big lineup? It is.

We asked someone very much in the know for their picks. “Adam Brand is local, so to see him headline in his hometown is great.

Casey Barnes and Dan Hannaford are always great. Brisbane’s Halfway are killer, and Betty Smokes and the Forgetaboutits are oldschool cool.” There you go, highlights sorted.

Everyone Deserves Music A new not for profit group focused on raising funds for music therapy programs in schools across the Gold Coast has launched. Everyone Deserves Music makes sure children with disabilities access music therapy. And to kick start the fundraising, a special charity concert is being held on 20 July. It’s not your usual grassroots charity event though – because these guys have pulled the big guns of the local music scene as well as comedian / singer Em Rusciano as MC. The Delicates, The Lamplights and The Ruiins are all on board to support the event which runs 5.00pm – 9.00pm. A wine pull will also take place to help raise funds.

To top it off, it’s tapas night at Marketta,

Bello Winter Festival

Orava comes to Helensvale Praised by Sydney Morning Herald for sublime inner-voicing and spontaneity, The Orava Quartet is emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting chamber music ensembles. They’re hitting Helensvale Cultural Centre for a program that includes Schubert, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich with tickets just $20 ($15 concession). The concert takes place Friday 3 June from 7.00pm and tickets are available at trybooking.com/KYQQ.

Calling all buskers and street performers Cavill Lane in Surfers Paradise is set to come alive with its first busking competition.

Taking place Friday 1 and Saturday 2 July fro 4.00pm, there’s a heap a prize pool of $1,750 cash as well as the chance to earn serious tips in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Cavill Lane is one block from the beach linking Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Orchid Avenue.

Applications are essential and close Monday 20 June. If you have what it takes to entertain a crowd, throw your hat on the ground and give it a go. More at cavilllane.com.au.

It’s just like Mullum Music Festival, only in winter and in Bellingen. Bello Winter Music Festival is bringing similar concepts, and some of the same team to the hinterland of central NSW. Activating existing venues throughout Bellingen, offering youth scholarships and a killer lineup, this is one hell of way to blow out the winter blues. On the bill for the four-day event, which runs 7 – 10 July are Mojo Juju, Jeff Lang, Tijuana Cartel, Sahara Beck, Tora, King Tide, Bobby Alu, Mandy Nolan, Claire Anne Taylor, Stav and a heap more. Get details at bellowintermusic.com.

The Goldhearts | The Rise & Fall of The Goldhearts If female-led indie bands of the 90s are your kind of thing (like they are mine), The Goldhearts just might be your new favourite band. The Rise and Fall of The Goldhearts is the four-piece’s debut album. Intending to record just a few songs, local producer Govinda Doyle gently coaxed Margy from backing to lead vocals and the result is pretty damn special. Add ex-Brisbane mates Tracey Kick (Dream Poppies), Claire Harris (Razel, Dream Poppies, Godnose) and Daren Williams (Haba Dudes, Secret Assassins) and what you have is a high-quality throwback to the early beginnings of grunge. No complaints here. Listen via Soundcloud.

Skinwalkers | Two’s Company

Live At Bond Karl S Williams and Deena, to help warm your wintry Sunday afternoon. Sounds ideal to us. They’re the lineup for Bond University’s second show in the Live At Bond Series. Sunday 29 May from 3.00pm in the Amphitheatre. We’d love to see you there.

There were big changes afoot when last we spoke to Skinwalkers, but they’ve re-emerged in style. After a two-year hiatus they came back to a support gig with no other than Millencolin. New track Two’s Company is one of a group of tracks recorded with producer Dave Atkins (Resin Dogs, Wolfomther) in northern NSW. With hard-hitting drums, insurgent guitar riffs and old-school roars, you’d be forgiven for not believing there’s only two of them. With this as their first offering in years, it’s an absolute pleasure to have Lach Jenno (guitar / vox) and Matt Turner (drums / vox) back in the fray. Listen via soundcloud/ skinwalkersmusic.

Double Lined Minority | The Girl Who Couldn’t Love Two EPs, five headline tours and a support slot for US rockers Motion City Soundtrack and Real Friends – it’s been a long year for Double Lined Minority. To add to the list of achievements, the four-piece have announced a co-headline tour with Inventions and Stansbury as well as the release of new single The Girl Who Couldn’t Love. It’s a love song, about the lack thereof. Frontman Eddie Salazar says flamenco guitar inspired the new song. “You can hear a lot of passion within that genre and I really wanted to take that element and somehow embed it into one of our own.” See if you can pick it out yourself – you can check out the track on YouTube (channel: doublelinedminority). www.blankgc.com.au

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GOLD COAST’S DIGITAL He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist with a rich voice and an ability to weave sonic tapestries on the fly, and he’s no stranger to the stages of the Gold Coast. Benny D Williams spent eleven years at Draculas and more than a decade at Staging Connections, which means he’s seen gigs, productions and festivals from all angles.

“I quit Draculas to go to Woodford,” Benny laughed, while giving me his potted history. “They were like family to me, those guys. They took it quite well. I was Dracula for a year.”

You’ll be familiar with Benny’s name. He has to be one of the hardest gigging musicians on the Gold Coast. His new album, recorded live at the Sunhouse Coolangatta in August last year, is just about to hit the streets and he’s eager to tell me all about it.

“It features myself as well as a sax player – Pop-up Pat – he just pops up from time to time. He’ll call me two minutes beforehand and I hadn’t seen him for five years before this show.”

"This one had an energy about it – that’s when Sunhouse is really happening and you can hear it on the recording.”

“Everyone was up and dancing and I played things correctly.”

Benny said he’d originally toyed with the idea of a doublealbum with a mix of his music and re-interpretations of others’, but he “didn’t want to go through the whole licensing thing.”

“So I just have my stuff on there, versions of a couple of things I’ve released before, long improvs, sax and percussion and there’s some long tracks on there too - 9-10 minutes.”

“I’m just trying to capture that live energy that you don’t get in the studio. I’m going to record a lot of stuff and try to make (videos) more elaborate every time I do it.”

This new album, named Digital Caveman isn’t the first release from Benny D. In 2010 he released a 17-track album, which he himself says was “pretty crap”. “I did it all myself and it’s a real hodge-podge of things recorded over a period of time.”

He has a concept EP under his belt too, which he says was made “heaps better” with funny interludes between each song and the release acting as a sonic collage.

There’s been a two year gap between that release and Digital Caveman, which I have to say is a wonderful name for a Benny D Williams record. Because to me, Benny takes the most simple beats and sounds and then twists them in a digiital cosmosphere. It’s the simplicity of cave-living in the age of bytes. He himself calls it junkyard soul, but it’s been dubbed everything from trip funk to psychedelia.

“The elevator pitch though, imagine if Prince, Lenny Kravitz, John Butler, Michael Jackson and Nina Simone had a sex orgy at a world music festival and made a love child,” Benny explained. “That would be me.”

“I just play whatever comes out.”

Images courtesy of Lamp Photography 8

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Announced a finalist for Emerging Artist for this year's Gold Coast Music Awards just last week, Benny D has a strong fanbase across the Gold Coast. And not just that, when he does play festival sets (like Surfers Paradise LIVE), where

the crowd is new to his music, they’re quickly responding with stomping feet, swaying hips and big grins. And he has a knack for combining technology not just at the aural level but at the visual level too.

“It’s just so accessible now. I worked in AV for eleven years and so I know easy way to do stuff,” he said, crediting Greg McBlane as a second father cum personal visual technician.

“He works at Neo Audiovisual and his thing is mostly corporate, but he’s an old rock god from way back,” Benny said. The pair used to work at Draculas where Greg taught Benny how to do the AV. “Whenever I have a show and it has a nice wall behind it, I’ll ring him and say ‘dude, wanna come along?’ Sometimes it’s for beer, sometimes money, and he’ll come help me out.”

“We bounce energy back and forwards, sharing the juice.

He’s done all my Burleigh Brewing Co gigs, the old place had such good walls for projections.”

“The best thing he does is the live to screen thing. He does that with two briefcases and projectors and bam bam bam.

We’ve got this thing going on – the most amount of return for the least amount of effort.”

From theatrical performances to production work and all the odd jobs in between, Benny is proudly a full-time musician now. Although last year he also added student to the list. He’s half way through a Bachelor of Popular Music at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.

“When it rains it pours. Uni gets really busy, gigs get really busy and everything just snow-balls,” he said. “But it’s going quite well – can’t complain about that.”

“The more gigs you take, the more gigs you get. Now I’m doing four or five a week I can actually let go of some.”

We talk about the local music scene. Benny reflects that it went from one or two little cafes and surf-clubby type cover gigs that was quite regimented.

“If you did covers, you did certain songs. There’s like 15 dudes all doing the same songs,” he said. “Gold Coast used to be like that. But more people live here now, so you can establish a fan base. It’s not massive, but you can.”

“I mean, look at Hanlon Brothers and go to NightQuarter when they’re playing and you’ve got most of Coomera there,” he said.”

“The main thing I’ve noticed is that crowds are afraid to be themselves. You go to northern NSW and you get amazing rounds of applause – sunshine coast the same. But Gold Coast is tricky – but that makes it a good breeding ground for musicians to get good at what they do.”

One of Benny D’s recent big shows was Surfers Paradise LIVE, where he played to more than 1000 people right in the middle of Cavill Mall. He’s still raving about the experience.

“Lots of people were buying CDs and wanting me to sign them afterwards,” he said. “It was packed – had a good energy about it. It was so well organised and all on time,” something he is quick to credit to Christophe Broadway, the event organiser at Surfers Paradise Alliance.

CAVEMAN That’s not the biggest audience he’s played to. He’s done TedX a few years back, Australia Day on the Green at QPAC and Draculas had 500 people a night. He’s also played the Apple and Grape Festival at Stanthorpe, which attracts some 20,000.

While Benny continues to forge new links with bigger and bigger audiences, his fan base, he says is incredibly diverse.

He’s already sold 200 copies of the album prior to launching.

All of those at gigs.

“I’ve gone through two lots of 100 – that’s quite good,” he said. “I sell it for whatever price people want to pay. That’s normally $20.”

It’s one of the things I love about the Gold Coast. That you can see artists like Benny D playing venues like Sunhouse and the Burleigh Brewery one week and then smashing it out of the park for massive audiences at a festival the next week.

BENNY D WILLIAMS LAUNCHES HIS LIVE ALBUM DIGITAL CAVEMAN ON 2 JULY AT THE AVALON MIAMI.

So, what’s on the horizon for Mister Benjamin Daniel Williams (esq) the Third?

“To keep playing gigs, keep listening to music, keep making my own videos and music and just keep doing it,” Benny said. “Just keep playing music for people and whatever I write getting out there before I die.”

Samantha Morris

JUNE

Friday 27 May / 8pm / $10 Entry LURE + Stayclose + Chelsea Rockwells + Tesla Coils Saturday 28 May / 8pm / $10 Entry MAJORA + Kodiac Empire + Day of Echoes Friday 3 June / 8pm / $10 Entry TRAP DOOR + Tangerine + Wren Klauf + Wootton Major Friday 10 June/ 8pm / $10 Entry HUNT MUERTO + Dirty Hearts + The Van Bams + Luke Houselander Saturday 11th JUNE / 7pm / $70 Entry THE UNPLUGGED SESSIONS + FEATURING BRENDAN the BARD

TUGUN’S HIDDEN TREASURE great tapas, cocktails & live entertainment Thursday - Sunday from 4pm 455 Golden Four Drive Tugan (behind Groove Cafe) /hiddenatgroove

Friday 17 June / 8pm / $10 Entry WOODROW WILSON FUNK CLUB Saturday 18 June / 8pm / $10 Entry KOLD CREATURE + Dirty Brew + Twin City Riot + Upon a Falling Empire Friday 24 June / 8pm / $10 Entry KOBRAKAI + Unfinished Business + Nowhere Else + Cornerstone + Fly Agaric Restaurant + Bar + Gaming Serving tapas until 10pm Courtesy bus available – 5534 2322 www.currumbincreektavern.com.au

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He’s also a big fan of Cindy’s brainchild, Buskers by the Creek, having its third run on the Gold Coast in October 2016. Hannaford was the first artist Cindy ever booked.

RABBIT RADIO AND GD FRNDS GO COMPLETELY OFF THE TRACKS

“We’ve kind of got this reciprocated admiration and yeah, it’s just a really grassroots, kinda deal. Buskers gives songwriters and street performers an opportunity to do their thing in a concentrated festival type setting and then obviously you know, the work makes the work. You‘ve got to put yourself out there.”

Two emerging players on the local music scene are joining forces to showcase local talent at a special event at Miami Shark Bar this month. Off the Tracks is bringing Sydney slickers Borneo (pictured) to the stage, with supports from local legends Von Villains, Yes Sir Noceur and newcomers Radolescent.

“I still get nervous before some gigs, but I know that if I want to connect with an audience or have people connect with my songs, I’ve got to bring it.”

GD FRNDS is an independent record and PR agency brought to life by Blank GC writers Jake Wilton and Chris Lamaro with Brett Sellwood. And Rabbit Radio is joining forces with them for this special gig. If you don’t know about Rabbit Radio you’ve been living in a warren of epic proportions. Rabbit Radio is one of the Gold Coast’s independent and online radio stations.

on your side. I mean that from a business sense but also as a person. She’s fantastic. She gets the job done. I’m a big fan.”

And that’s what Hannaford will do at Broadbeach Country Music Festival this month.

COUNTRY ON THE GLITTER STRIP This year will be Dan Hannaford’s second at Broadbeach Country Festival and when Blank's editor Samantha Morris asks him what’s happened for him between the gigs, his answer is pretty straight forward.

“Probably about 200 gigs,” he said.

“With a country music festival, you’re given a green light to play your country material,” he said, adding that country music fans are very loyal. “I just like good songs,” he said. “I think that is one of the strengths – obviously of good songs, but particularly of country music songs. From a working man or woman’s background and keeping it simple and recognising the simple things. Which makes it kind of ironic that the festival is in Broadbeach – one of the glitter strips of the Gold Coast.”

“I take my hat off to Broadbeach Alliance for putting on a country music festival at Broadbeach. People are coming to check it out and the lineup keeps getting better.”

So what’s on the lineup that we should add to our must-see list? Hannaford lists Warren Earl Band, “a guitar-picker from down our way – Billinudgel / Ocean Shores,” Mitch King, Round Mountain Girls and Lachlan Byron.

“I think I’ll actually be playing a couple of songs with the Round Mountain Girls, I usually get up and play harmonica with them for a few songs.”

Rabbit Radio Station Manager Sarah McEwan said the goal was to help the station grow.

“We want to create a big party for the people of the Coast. So we’re hoping this gig goes super well and we can make this a regular thing,” she said.

“We’re constantly presented with new music that we wanna' share,” Sarah added. “I’m most looking forward to seeing everyone have a sick time – having a groove, supporting local music and obviously getting Rabbit Radio out there more. We’ll be selling merch and we’ve got some sweet new t-shirts that you’ll dig.”

Von Villains drummer Anthony Vallone was excited to be on the lineup.

“It’s great to see some bigger bands like Borneo come to the Coast again, and also to see the GC freshies grab a slot,” he told Blank GC.

“Plus I’ve been overseas again – London, Austria, I played in a castle in the middle of a vineyard where they shot the Sound of Music. That was one of my career highlights.”

And after Broadbeach Country Music Festival? What does the rest of 2016 hold for Dan Hannaford?

It’s not all rock ‘n’ roll for local outfit Von Villains who signed to GD FRNDS for their PR this year. Anthony said they’re very happy with the arrangement.

Hannaford has been honing his craft as a full-time musician for eight years. He says “if I don’t gig, I don’t eat.”

“I’ll be heading back to the States to do another album in mid-July. LA and Nashville. I’ve got great players over there lined up to make another record.

“GD FRNDS have been a relief,” he said. “Dealing with your own band’s PR can be a little draining, so we are chuffed to have them represent us.”

“I’m not complaining, I feel privileged, but it’s not easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. And the whole indie thing?

It’s a long, hard road. But it’s been very rewarding too.”

“When you sign up for the whole music thing you don’t realise the skills you need to do it now,” Hannaford said, adding that if it were up to him he’d just write the songs, drive the tour bus, set up the PA and do gigs. “You need the right people behind you. Who are passionate about you but also believe in you as an artist and what you’re about.”

If Hannaford had a fan club, Cindy Jensen (Buskers by the Creek) would be the president. But he tells me his fanbase is a bit broader than that.

“I just sold a CD off Bandcamp the other day and posted it to Brazil. How cool is that? Songs that you write in your bedroom or when you’re driving the car to and from gigs – you’ve got these all around the world now.”

“Cindy is a champion,” he added. “I owe her big time. She’s one of those people you want to have on your side and keep 10

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Samantha Morris

BROADBEACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE 17 – 19 JUNE AND ALONG WITH DAN HANNAFORD FEATURES ADAM BRAND AND THE OUTLAWS, THE SUNNY COWGIRLS, CASEY BARNES, COL FINLEY, HALFWAY, HARMONY JAMES, LACHLAN BRYAN AND THE WILDES, MITCH KING, ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS, WARREN EARL BAND, THE VIPER CREEK BAND AND A HEAP MORE. DAN WILL ALSO BE PLAYING BEENLEIGH ARTISAN DISTILLERY 29 MAY.

Disclaimer: pretty much all the people involved in GD FRNDS and Rabbit Radio mentioned here have volunteered for Blank over the years. That’s how cool they are.

SATURDAY 18 JUNE | OFF THE TRACKS: BORNEO + VON VILLAINS + YES SIR NOCEUR + RADOLESCENT + GD FRNDS DJS, MIAMI SHARK BAR

HANGIN’ FIVE: VON VILLAINS We're such big fans of Von Villains, we had them play the Gold Coast Music Awards after-party last year. They’ve got a new single under their belt, which they just launched at elsewhere and they’re thinking about touring down the east coast now that they’re close to honing their sound.

Cam Alexander caught up with the lads.

Your new single Losing My Mind was recently released, what was the recording process like on this track?

Coast will continue to grow, bringing bigger Aussie acts here and helping out the local talent as well?

We recorded it at Blind Boy Studios in Nerang with Brad Hosking, it’s his home studio so we just kicked it back there with him. He’s got this really old sound desk, which is why it’s called Blind Boy Studios cause apparently Ray Charles used to use the same desk.

Yeah definitely, the lockout laws aren’t going to help, but it will definitely help bands from the Gold Coast. There needs to be a venue which can hold big enough crowds, which NightQuarter is, if they end up making a night where it is more of a gig, rather than a family event, they could get some bigger bands in and sell those gigs out.

Your single launch was a couple of weeks ago at elsewhere, what was the atmosphere like?

Jack was the atmosphere, the alcohol level of his breath was getting everyone drunk. But yeah it was sick, everyone was having a good time. It was our third single launch there now and we were chuffed that everyone showed up. elsewhere’s super good, they’ve done us really well so every time we go back there, they always help us out.

You recently filmed a video clip for Losing My Mind, how was that experience?

We’ve pretty much gone from not doing any video clips to doing a really elaborate clip, so it was pretty hectic. We learnt heaps, it was fun as, plus we got free pizza. (Shoutout to Jordan Hourigan and the crew). We were originally going to film it at an abandoned warehouse out in Logan, but we ended up getting kicked out, so we filmed it at Expressive Grounds in Tallebudgera.

It seems as though there are more and more venues for bands to showcase their talent popping up around on the coast, places like NightQuarter and Miami Marketta to name a few. Do you think the music scene on the Gold

If we have more venues that can hold bigger bands and bigger crowds it will help local Gold Coast bands have support slots.

Getting to see your favourite is awesome, let alone playing with them. We played the NightQuarter a couple months ago and it was so much fun, it has a massive stage and has so many people there, it definitely has massive potential.

What’s next for Von Villains? Will you guys be doing some touring or back to writing more songs for an EP or album?

We love writing and recording so we’re constantly writing.

But yeah we’re in the process of working up something, we’re cooking a tour. We’ve only toured between here, Sunny Coast and Byron, so we definitely want to branch out. Sydney and Melbourne would be awesome, there’s just a lot of competition down there and a lot of bands. We’re just trying to get our sound together, which we’re pretty close to doing. There was a transitional period a month or two ago where we were playing a set of this and a set of that.

But in order to compete and make an impression on people in other cities, you’ve gotta have a very distinct sound and persona. We’ve been continually working on our sound for almost three years now and we’re almost there.

VON VILLAINS JOIN FORCES WITH BORNEO, YES SIR NOCEUR AND RADOLESCENT FOR OFF THE TRACKS AT MIAMI SHARK BAR, SATURDAY 18 JUNE.

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PHOEBE’S SENTIMENT

It’s an electrifying time for hypnotic Gold Coast songbird and Griffith SEED artist Phoebe Sinclair, with a single release happening in early June followed by the launch of her very first EP Sentiment at NightQuarter later in the month. Her ambient, electronic tunes and haunting vocals have struck a chord with listeners and the industry alike.

Natalie O’Driscoll had a quick Q+A with the delightful diva about the exciting month ahead.

You must be excited about your EP release on the 17th. Tell us all about it!

Yes! I am absolutely brimming with excitement for the EP launch! We're lucky enough to be playing at NightQuarter with the Griffith University SEED series, and there are some absolutely fab up-and-coming artists playing alongside us. On the bill there's Athena Joy, Kirsty Abrahams and Keelan Mak, whom I'm thrilled to have playing at my single launch as well! I'm very excited for the little tour, but I think, since this is my first EP, I am most excited to finally have it released and out there in the world! To think that a stranger who happens to come along to a show and pick up a CD, or download a track, might be listening to my music in their car at any particular moment is a terribly exciting thought!

The EP is called Sentiment, it's from one of my favourite lines in the first track and I think it sums up the meaning behind the whole EP. The tracks discuss the wrong-doings of love and are my opportunity to express selfindulgent feelings of tenderness, sadness, and nostalgia. It's a bit naughty honestly, but when I'm onstage I can say exactly what I want to say, especially the things I might be too scared to admit in reality.

Who else was involved in the EP? I was incredibly lucky to work with an amazing team in producing this EP. Caleb 16

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James was brilliant and mentored me through the whole process, whilst leading the production. The team comprised of Caleb and myself, Liam Malby, Jessica Kirkham, Fletcher Babb and the occasional input of Keelan Mak. The team were incredible, playing most of the parts between us and making the EP come to life!

From where do you draw your lyrical inspiration?

I suppose I draw mostly from what I know, Sentiment is incredibly self-indulgent in that it discusses my side of the story and doesn't tiptoe around anyone else's feelings. It is passionate and heated, and in order for me to feel that way each and every time I perform these songs the lyrics needed to come from somewhere real.

THE FIRST SINGLE THIS ISN’T LOVE WILL DROP ON 4 JUNE, WITH THE ACTUAL EP LAUNCH TAKING PLACE AT NIGHTQUARTER ON 17 JUNE. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MORE FROM PHOEBE AND LISTEN TO SOME OF HER TUNES AT PHOEBESINCLAIRMUSIC.COM

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE Emma Whines catches up with Nic Byng AKA Mosaic and chats about touring to USA and selling pool cleaning products.

He has come to clean the pool and fill the dance floor. Eighteen year old electronic producer has just started his career, but has already began to turn industry heads all over Australia and even a few from the United States after a tour with his previous school Music Industry College.

“The tour to San Francisco and New York really helped me expand my knowledge of the industry and meet great industry professionals that, hopefully, I’ll get to call on at a later date in my career.”

In between commitments for his Diploma in Sound Production course at the Gold Coast TAFE Coomera campus, Byng has been busy testing chlorine levels in pool water and releasing his new remix. “Obviously I need a day job at the moment, but I’d love to make music my full-time career.”

The aforementioned release of the remix of Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots will soon be followed up by a new video for his growing fan base. Recently featured on 4ZZZ and a Queensland Music Award nominee, Byng is tirelessly developing his live show.

“At my live shows, I hope people will relax and enjoy the music and feel what I felt at the time of producing the track,” he said.

Disclaimer: Emma Whines is a student at Music Industry College.

YOU CAN FIND MORE PIECES OF THE MOSAIC PUZZLE AT SOUNDCLOUD. COM/MOSAIC_AUS AND TRIPLEJUNEARTHED.COM/ ARTIST/MOSAIC.

YES SIR NOCEUR SALUTE THOSE WHO STAY UP LATE They just won their Hard Rock Rising heat and are in the global pool with a shot at a $50k prize and a trip to Ibiza. Cam Alexander catches up with Yes Sir Noceur guitarist Elliot Toll about where the name came from, playing live and their new singles.

How did you guys meet?

I first met Marc when he was playing a gig, afterwards I invited him back to my place to jam and we pretty much decided that night to start a band. He lived with Rory, who played drums and my brother (Harry) played bass, so it worked out pretty easy.

At our first gig they were like ‘so we need a name’, we had about 24 hours to come up with one. Marc’s French Canadian, so we came across this french word, Noceur, which means ‘a reveller, one who stays up late’. We played around with it for a bit and decided on Yes Sir Noceur, its just sort of a play on words and just a salute to those who stay up late.

You recently released singles Luna and Dreamin. What was the recording process like?

We recorded it at Airlock Studios, which is run by Ian Haug (Powderfinger) and we had Konstantin from The Belligerents as our recorder/producer, he really helped guide us through the recording and gave us input throughout the process. It’s such a good studio, you can sleep there and everything. There’s so much equipment you can use, we were definitely batting above our average. It was a learning curve for us all.

Its been harder for us to get the exact sound we are looking for because everything we use is analog, using pedals and stuff, whereas now people can run instruments through a laptop, driving their effects from there and making it sound so perfect, it takes away the human aspect, the little errors. Understanding those differences has definitely been one of the bigger challenges during recording.

You played at elsewhere last week and the show had a really cool vibe to it.

We had a great time, that smoke machine was shooting smoke straight in our faces, there was so much smoke it felt like Snoop Dogg was just chilling, blowing all his smoke at us. But yeah, elsewhere is always a good time, it’s our favourite place to play, definitely the best place on the Coast.

What's your favourite part about playing to live audiences?

Definitely the energy, we rehearse three nights a week in our apartment with our instruments turned down and an electronic drum kit so we don’t disturb the neighbours. So when we get to play live at places like elsewhere and the Shark Bar it really hypes us up, makes us play louder and have heaps of fun.

YES SIR NOCEUR PLAY THE FINAL OF HARD ROCK RISING AT HARD ROCK CAFÉ ON THURSDAY 2 JUNE. AT THE TIME OF WRITING, CHELSEA ROCKWELLS AND TESLA COILS WILL ALSO BE COMPETING WITH ONE MORE BAND TO BE DECIDED AT THE FINAL HEAT – WEDNESDAY 25 MAY. Image courtesy of Jake Wilton Photography

Have there been any bands that have influenced your sound over the years?

It’s a mixed bag, when we first started jamming we were making really blues-rock sorta stuff. But then there’s jazz or psychedelic stuff, but not a lot of people listen to that sorta' music at the moment, so it’s trying to find how to combine things in a way that nobody has done before to offer something different.

We’ve definitely started to get into stuff from bands like; King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Tame Impala. That kind of vibe is starting to take our traditional bluesy, surf-rock stuff and moulding it into what we’re getting into now, But yeah it’s been a journey.

Where to next for you guys? Will we be hearing some new music soon? More shows?

We’re in the recording/mixing phase at the moment, then we’ve got an EP coming out later in the year. We’ve got four bangers sitting in the oven that are our best by far. We’re just having a bit of trouble trying to emulate that analog sound we want in the studio, but we’re not going to rush something until we are super happy with it. The new stuff is definitely more mature as a sound.

FREE EVENT

ADAM BRAND AND THE OUTLAWS

THE SUNNY COWGIRLS JASMINE RAE ADAM ECKERSLEY BAND BILL CHAMBERS AND MANY MORE

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I turn to Kirra’s two band mates to see how they feel about this departure and body language tells me they’d prefer it weren’t happening.

“All this pain I felt after she refused to marry me,” Anton shrugged.

“I don’t know, it’s just hard,” Tim added. “I feel like we just started to really work together.”

“But she’s leaving. You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do,” Tim said. “We’ll probably still play together – start a different project,” he added.

Image: Lamp Photography

ACCIDENTAL PERFECTION FOR GOLD COAST CREW They’ve only been playing together for a year, but Kirra Corbett Di Monaco, Tim Snell and Anton Rize are about to call it a day. It’s been a whirlwind year of gigs and recording sessions for the Gold Coast three-piece who came together by accident and built on a winning musical recipe.

“I was doing what I want and what I love,” he said. “Playing drums in a lot of bands at the same time, managing these bands, creating and running an event company…”

“Lay Dayz at Board Culture was the first time we got together and jammed out,” Kirra said. Kirra had seen Anton playing drums around the place and asked him to collaborate with her and Benny D Williams at The Loft one night.

Two years ago he came to visit his family. While he was on his way here, a revolution occurred in Ukraine, which resulted in conflict between that country and Russia. Things got a bit nasty, to say the least.

“I had never heard her playing before, so it was absolute improvisation,” Anton said. “But the level of connection and syncopation just appeared from nowhere.”

“And so my family were like, you can’t go back.”

“It was gnarly,” Kirra added.

“Literally after we first finished our first improvised set I just looked in here eyes and said ‘will you marry me,’ but she refused actually,” Anton said.

“I’m still in pain, you know.”

The pair added Timmy to the mix soon after. Kirra explained that Timmy is a friend of a friend and she was drawn to the “sick beats” they could make together.

“Anton floated the idea that we should play as a group more often, and I just thought, it has to be Timmy.”

“The name Accidentally Perfect just comes from how we play together. It just all comes together so perfectly,” Kirra said.

Anton is from Ukraine and has been in Australia for just two years. The story of how he ended up here is also completely accidental. His parents and sister moved to Australia six years ago, but his life in Ukraine was “amazing” and he wasn’t going anywhere.

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“Life was good,” he said.

“I had studio there, company there, gigs booked for a long time. But then my friends in Ukraine also started to tell me to stay in Australia if I can.”

And Anton has called Australia home ever since. He literally left his whole life behind. He came here with a bag and a few changes of clothes and an MP3 player of music. He couldn’t speak the language and had no idea of the culture.

“28 years old and starting my career from zero point,” Anton said, in English that is pretty damn good for someone who’s only been speaking it for two years.

“You have your plans for how your whole life looks like that and,” he clicks his fingers, “done.”

And as Anton finds his feet here, Kirra is just about to fly the coop – hence the parting of ways. She’s off to Brazil. And while she will come back to Australia, she’s just not sure it’ll be the Gold Coast she’ll be coming back to.

“My husband isn’t a fan of the increasingly crowded surf brakes,” she said, laughing. “You know, change of scenery, mix it up, we might come back some day.”

The trio have been trying to lay down some recordings before Kirra flies off. “But we’re doing it all ourselves,” she said.

“Anton’s been learning really quickly and amazingly how to do production and recording and he’s got so much gear available to him, so we’re just trying to freeze these moments and freeze these songs and what we’ve done with them.”

The trio are hoping to have at least one track ready for their farewell show (and maybe five). Like most Gold Coast musicians, they’re multi-tasking day to day. Kirra is a nurse as well as a yoga instructor and Tim is a carpenter. Anton though works full-time in music with a studio set up in the home he shares with Ryan Grantham known as Cymatic Productions.

They’ve worked with artist like Andrew Cousins, Ivori, James D’Khan, Steve Dorrington, Julie Hayes and Nina Ward.

Anton, Tim and Kirra play a special farewell gig as Accidentally Perfect on Saturday 4 June at Mandala Organic Arts Café. It’s a free gig and Kirra is hoping people “just wander in, say g’day, have a jam, have a boogie and say goodbye.”

I throw back to Tim and Anton to ask when we might see them next after that gig? “We don’t know how or what yet,” Anton said. “But it’s going to be a perfect accident.”

And will Anton return to Ukraine? “Definitely. I will visit Ukraine,” he said. “But my life is going to be in Australia.”

The perfect, accidental life.

Samanatha Morris

ACCIDENTALLY PERFECT PLAY THEIR FAREWELL GIG ON SATURDAY 4 JUNE AT MANDALA ORGANIC ARTS CAFÉ.

PERISHER HITS PEAK GOLD COAST

Scotty French credits the Hussy Hicks with fostering a unique connection between Perisher and the Gold Coast and this year’s Peak Festival has a massive lineup of Gold Coast artists included on the bill.

“Being able to go snowboarding between gigs – what’s better than that,” he asked. “Basically – one of the venues, you can ski down to the sundeck, have a beer, watch a band and ski the rest of the way down.”

Along with a reunion for A French Butler Called Smith and the Bowie Tribute first made famous at Miami Marketta’s Studio 56, the lineup includes some of the Gold Coast’s very best artists.

“And there’s nothing else to do out there,” he said. “You’re indoors, you’re confined to a certain space with the same people mostly.”

Allensworth may be from the USA, but they sure spend a lot of time here, and when they do, the collaborate with a heap of local musicians. Joining them at Peak Festival will be Benny D Williams, Felicity Lawless (pictured) and Taylor.

Pictured: Felicity Lawless

Peak Festival takes place in the Snowy Mountains. The region’s only winter music festival, coinciding with the start of the Perisher ski season and over a long weekend. Talk about win win win.

The Festival has had an extra Gold Coast injection this year with local music champion Polly Snowden helping to book acts.

It’s four days of music, snow, fun and laughter, and as well as the Gold Coast acts mentioned earlier, the lineup includes Australian and international artists aross 10 live stages.

2016 is the eighth Peak Festival, which runs over four days in the snow. Perhaps Scotty French describes it best himself.

Matiu Te Huki, Tin Pan Orange, Ngaiire, OKA, Remi are all on the bill.

PEAK FESTIVAL RUNS 10 – 13 JUNE AND MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT PEAKFESTIVAL.COM.AU.

Samanatha Morris

PERISHER HITS PEAK GOLD COAST

“LEAF (Logan Eco Action Festival) – it’s an environmental awareness one,” Paul explained. “It’s a really cool festival as well.”

The festival marks World Environment Day and is held at Griffith University’s Logan Campus. Paul said the band was looking forward to being there.

“Particularly in this day and age, the environment is pretty important,” he said.

“Before it all blows up in our face we should pay attention to it while we can.”

“There’s not much we can do with music sometimes, we’re not skilled climate scientists or anything, but it’s cool to support the movement in our own way.”

Fri 1st & Sat 2nd July 4pm onwards

Paul said they were pleased to be back on the festival run and that last year’s release of Psychedelicatessen helped that happen.

Paul George has been busy. It’s taken us ten days to actually catch up by phone. When we do connect he rattles off a list of festivals they’ve recently played and the list they’ve got on the radar. Suffice to say, it’s a big list.

Next month they’re off to Bello Winter Music Festival – the sister event of Mullum Music Festival – following a similar format of using existing town infrastructure and youth mentorships, amongst other things.

“It’s the end of our album tour,” Paul said. “We’ve been playing nearly everywhere around Australia.”

Woodford was a highlight. “We played five nights in a row, most of them pretty late shows, like 1.00am in the morning.”

It seems to me like Bello will be the exact opposite in terms of climate. Paul agrees.

“We haven’t actually done Bello before. We used to do Bellingen World Music Festival, but this is a new one for us.

I imagine it’s going to be pretty chilly, but that’s OK, we’re going to have hot music to warm everyone up.”

It’s not the only festival on Tijuana Cartel’s list for coming months. A little closer to home the lads are headed for their first ever appearance at Logan.

“Obviously people liked it and it did get us back into that touring scene,” he said. “Those big festivals like Falls and Woodford were off the back of that album.”

So, a hundred festivals and then what? Paul said he and Carey O’Sullivan have only just started talking about that.

“We’re just getting to that point where we’ll start writing new music – we’ve all got our little side projects that we’re doing, but we’re getting to the point where we’re ready to start writing.”

Come & see buskers showcasing their creative talents Be entertained & amazed!

“That album took so much effort and it’s hard to think about doing it again.”

“Carey and I are like an old married couple and it gets pretty intense towards the end of the recording process. It’s just been long enough now for us to start forgetting about how hard it was and to focus again.”

Samanatha Morris

TIJUANA CARTEL HIT LOGAN ECO ACTION FESTIVAL ON 5 JUNE AND THEN BELLO WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL WHICH RUNS 7 – 10 JULY. JOINING THEM ON THE BELLO LINEUP ARE JEFF LANG, MOJO JUJU, ALLENSWORTH, SAHARA BECK, ALL OUR EXES LIVE IN TEXAS, TORA AND GOLD COASTERS STAV, BOBBY ALU AND CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR. MORE AT BELLOWINTERMUSIC.COM.

FREE event for all the family For Buskers Applications & more information visit www.cavilllane.com.au www.blankgc.com.au

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FRENCH BUTLERS AT THE AVALON Talking to Scotty French about the temporary reunion of French Butler Called Smith is one part confusion and one part excitement.

Brennan Smith, Jake Martin, Liam “Rasta” Dorney, Matthew Hall, Josh Appleby (Cheap Fakes, not in the original lineup) and Scotty French himself are reforming for a very, very small run of shows: Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Peak Festival to be precise.

Scott says French Butler Called Smith disbanded because they’d “taken it to where we were meant to go and didn’t want to flog a dead horse.”

“We started at Swingin’ Safari,” Scotty said, “that’s where we crafted our sound. And basically we just started touring quite a lot nationally. We used to play at the snow a lot.

We used to play WA a lot – we just toured everywhere as much as we could. We played Byron Bluesfest, Splendour, Woodford, Melbourne High Vibes Festival.”

All that came to an end in 2012 and the reason for reforming is fairly straight forward.

“We had an opportunity to play Peak Festival, at Perisher – which was always a favourite of ours. It’s not a permanent thing though, it’s just a one-off.”

For Scott, there’s nothing weird about coming back together. “It was really fun to get everyone back in the old room together and share some of the old stories,” he said. Of course I ask for examples. “Like trashing rooms at the snow,” he said.

It was an early start for Scotty, touring at 18 and 19 and hanging out with a lot of seasoned musicians. He said he’d often be doing uni assignments while on the road. But the touring lessons were the ones that stuck

“What we learnt really quickly from some of those mentors is how to make a career out of being a band,” he said. How do you make a living from being in a band?

“Go hard basically. Tour as much as you can.

Play as many gigs, as many festivals, do a bit of shameless self-promotion. Network with other bands and make connections.”

“We left a bit of a lasting impression on the places we toured regularly, so this time around, all of the venues that we’ve been dealing with all remember the band and were quite keen to have us back,” he said. Yes, even Peak Festival where the aforementioned hotel rooms were trashed.

Peak Festival definitely is a soft spot amongst Gold Coast bands and as Scott describes it, there’s little wonder.

Plus, there’s the affinity between surf culture and snowboarding culture. But Scott says, that in terms of music, Julz Parker and the Hussy Hicks really opened doors for other Gold Coast bands.

This year in particular there’s a lot of GC love going on because Polly Snowden is involved.

As well as doing a French Butler set, Scott’s performing in the Bowie Show. Yes, the same one that brought the house down at Miami Marketta earlier this year.

“Taylor, French Butler, Nadia Sunde are all performing separately and then altogether in the Bowie show. And Allensworth are there as well,” Scott said.

FRENCH BUTLER CALLED SMITH WILL PLAY ONE ONLY GOLD COAST SHOW ON 4 JUNE AT THE AVALON, MIAMI, WITH IVORI IN SUPPORT. IT’S A TICKETED EVENT, DOORS OPEN 7.30PM AND IT’S BYO.

KOBRAKAI LAY DOWN THE ZODIAC FUZZ Gold Coast stoner rock outfit Kobrakai have been writing, recording and performing for three years with their debut album Snuffbox released in 2014. Zodiac is the follow-up and to mark its release, the lads are throwing a little launch party at Currumbin Creek Tavern.

Kobrakai’s not the first time band members Phyl Skuthorpe (bass), Neil McLeod (vox / guitar) and David Carlin (drums) have played together.

“We were doing a covers band – Maiden Tonne,” Phyl said of himself and Neil.

The transition from covers to originals, they tell me, came from a love of similar music. For Phyl (a graduate of Helensvale High) and Neil, that’s grunge, desert rock and stoner rock. In a nutshell, the band was borne from an idea at a Tumbleweed gig at The Zoo in 2012. I can’t think of a more rock and roll foundation for a Queensland band.

“We were pretty much just a duo at the start, we weren’t even intent on doing gigs. We were just going to be a recording project,” Phyl said. “Then we realised we needed an extra – so we enlisted a drummer.”

Enter Dave. “There have been a few other cats before me,” he said. “Yeah, he’s not our first,” Phyl added. “But hopefully he’s our last,” Neil said.

Dave said he’s played in bands for years, “but not down here on the Coast. I’ve been off duty for a while. These cats had their ad and it sounded like the exact kind of stuff I wanted to do – turned out it was. Sometimes you have to work hard to make it work and sometimes it happens automatically.”

Daniel Watts, who was an earlier drummer is the artist behind the artwork for the new album.

“We’re proud of it,” Phyl said. “Cover image, inside image, it’s all his handiwork. If he’s not drumming for us, he’s coming up with creative concepts.”

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And the songs? “It’s written about different concepts – environmentalism, political relationships,” Phyl said. “There’s always a bit of relationship stuff isn’t there,” Neil added.

Image: Lamp Photography

“Metaphysics,” said Phyl. “Futility of the human condition,” Dave added. “We’re pretty proud of it,” they all agree.

This new album Zodiac has been online for a few months, but the launch party is scheduled to take place 24 June at Currumbin Creek Tavern. Phyl explained the main point of difference between the first and second offerings from Kobrakai is a genre one. The first album is “a lot more rock n roll.”

“This is a lot more dense – fuzzier, heavier, the riffs are a lot more de-tuned. Plus it’s a lot heavier than the first one,” Phyl said, bringing a smile to this music-lover’s dial. “This one’s a bit of a foretelling album too. It’s got songs around environmentalism, activism, calling people out….”

They take me through some of the songs, with Red Song Blue catching my attention. “It’s one of our angrier efforts, one of the heavier songs on the album. It’s about the black dog – something heavy.”

I ask whether they have experience with depression and Phyl is quick to speak up. “I have depression,” he said, nodding his head. “It’s easy to write a song about depression.”

“I suppose we’re just bringing back the 90s, the grunge, the deep and meanginfuls,” Neil said.

“What about your dance moves, they’re a bit spesh,” Neil asks of Phyl as I ask for any last words. “We’re pretty much just a tight threepiece, just pushing boundaries with the sound – as much as they’ll allow us.”

Samantha Morris

KOBRAKAI PLAY BENOWA TAVERN 18 JUNE, BUT THEIR BIG SHOW IS 24 JUNE AT CURRUMBIN CREEK TAVERN.

GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS: THE LOUDEST OF THE LOT As one of the organisers of the GC Music Awards, I’m going to be the first to admit, it’s really hard to weigh up nominations from such diverse genres – this year we had everything from opera to math rock. And one thing our list of finalists does not do is reflect the talent we have here on the Gold Coast when it comes to metal.

The Wrath

I need to make sure you know about these bands and go out of your way to check them out. They weren’t listed as finalists, but that is no reflection on their status as absolute mayhemmakers and metal patriots of the Gold Coast.

They’ve been on the Gold Coast for more than ten years, carving their own niche in the Australian music sub-culture world and sharing the stage with the likes of The Misfits, The Meteors, Tiger Army, Nekromantix, Good Riddance, No Use For A Name, Lagwagon, The 69 Eyes, Pulley and Amity Affliction.

Their reputation as a cracking live act earned them a hometown spot at the 2007 Gold Coast Big Day Out, alongside Tool, Muse and My Chemical Romance.

As well as being incredibly talented musicians, these bands are comprised of artists who constantly go above and beyond to support the local scene. With events like Wallapalooza providing a platform for local heavy talent, it’s the least we can do to help shine a spotlight on these local heroes who beaver away to keep circle pits humming and hair flying well into the night…..

Last year they released their second full-length album Disillusions and Resolutions. Thirteen years in the business and The Wrath [Tommy Creeper (lead vocals), Spectre Deano and Carina Aquarola (guitars), Jase Hand (drums) and The Count (double bass)], can truly say they have stood the test of time, “provoking mayhem everywhere they tread.” Follow the journey, go to gigs and get music at thewrath.net.

Darkc3ll

Redstarborn

There is no-one else like Darkc3ll - on the Gold Coast or elsewhere. With charismatic frontman Jesse Dracman at its helm, Darkc3ll had a massive 2015, visually and musically proving themselves as a world-class outfit. And I mean world-class. Last year, they crowdfunded $13,000 to tour the USA (which included $666 for eyeliner and makeup) and they left a lasting impression everywhere they went.

Redstarborn have been a dominant force in the Gold Coast music scene since 2012, providing a much-needed dose of positive energy and constantly flying the flag to show that Gold Coast is rich with musical talent.

An underground sensation, recognised by their fans but also the industry as a "high energy modern powerhouse of creativity", Redstarborn’s sound is built upon powerful driving beats with momentous riffs and hooks piled into the mix. With a bunch of lineup changes, the band is now being noticed for the sheer power and energy it creates on stage with only three members. And in their short time, they’ve already supported high profile touring acts including Twelve Foot Ninja, King of the North, Tilian and the Algorythm to name but a few. Their debut single Electricity and its accompanying video piqued interest here and further afield and they’re regulars on the Wallapalooza roster.Check them out: redstarborn.net

“We went there with the Rocky Balboa philosophy. We were the underdogs, very few people knew who we were and we went there with the mission of: we have to kick the shit out of every single show, every single night,” Jesse told Blank in an earlier interview. And kick the shit, they did. They gathered rave reviews everywhere they went – more than 20 shows through the USA. To say Darkc3ll have a “larger than life” sound is a gross understatement. With four albums under their belt in just four years, as well as tours supporting national and international bands, they’ve also been included on the Soundwave bill twice (one of them the illfated 2016 lineup) plus they’ve supported Wednesday 13, Otep and Combichrist.

Right now they’re in the studio between day-jobs, recording their fifth indie release due in November 2016. Stay abreast of tour and release details at darkc3ll.com and #spreadthedarkness at facebook.com/ darkc3llofficial.

four-piece can only go from strength to strength as they find their feet sonically and professionally. With their EP released in February 2015 and music videos produced for tracks Die Joe Boo and Devil’s Snare, they had a track included in the Fecking Bahamas’ international compilation album series, toured to Sydney and featured here in Blank. If you don’t know what math-rock is, you best explore napwars.com.au.

Napoleonic Wars | Lamp Photography

Samantha Morris Got local metal news? We want it. Email news@blankgc.com.au with ‘Metal Bytes’ in the subject heading.

The Wrath

Redstarborn

Darkc3ll

Napoleonic Wars Named after the wars fought under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800’s, the band’s namesake reflects its post-hardcore/math-rock sound of organised chaos quite accurately. On speakers, newcomers, Napoleonic Wars sonically express the emotional war zone that is the middle ground between bitter self loathing and arrogant hatred in their EP entitled You Disgust Me, But I can Relate. And with youth on their side, this

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CREAM OF THE CROP: GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS FINALISTS We’re so thrilled to announce finalists for the 2016 Gold Coast Music Awards. And with tickets to the awards ceremony close to selling out, this year’s celebration of local music has already been a ripping success. We’ve highlighted the talents of musicians spanning genres from opera to heavy rock and thrown a light on the locals who work behind the scenes to keep the industry ticking along.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR Our finalists for Artist of the Year, sponsored

by Southport Sharks, Cabana Bar + Lounge show the success of local bands. When we announced finalists none of them were available because they were all out of the country – most of them working. Amy Shark – recognised with a Queensland Music Award this year, Ella Fence – in Germany as we speak, Evol Walks – headed by the enigmatic Leah Martin-Brown and kicking goals all over the world, Hanlon Brothers – fresh from supporting The Cat Empire and Woodford Folk Festival sets and Hussy Hicks – teasing us with posts from their European summer festival tour. They’re all finalists for Artist of the Year and collectively show the strength of the local scene.

Dean Bowtell, CEO Southport Sharks said the awards are important in recognising the unique music scene on the Gold Coast and building its strength and diversity.

“Here at Southport Sharks we are proud to support local artists and have an ever growing line-up of acts set to perform within the club,” Dean said. “The 2016 finalists truly epitomise the incredible depth of talent on the Gold Coast, some of which have played live sets at Southport Sharks.”

“The Gold Coast Music Awards has helped forge connections between Gold Coast musicians and local supporting businesses including Southport Sharks and Cabana Bar & Lounge."

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR If there’s a category which shows the diversity, talent and SIZE of the local music scene, this one is it. No joke. Opera, soul, jazz, blues, metal, hard-core, math rock, indie, folk and psych all get a guernsey when you start to unearth the emerging talent here on the Gold Coast.

Sponsored by Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, the Emerging Artist of the Year category attracted 34 nominations.

The University’s Donna Weston said the Gold Coast has a lot to offer in the way of musical talent.

“We want to do whatever we can to support that and help our local music industry to grow,” Donna said.

“As an international leader in the education of popular musicians at Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium, we are passionate about supporting emerging artists as they forge their way into their musical futures.”

“This is why we fully support the GCMA, and specifically, the emerging artist category.”

Finalists for Emerging Artist of the Year include current and past Griffith University Bachelor Popular Music and Music Theatre students Benny D Williams, Ella Fence, Jenna Dearness-Dark and Aquila Young.

Aquila Young last year released debut EP Distance Echoes and received support from

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Griffith University to travel to Nashville and LA. She collaborated with a heap of artists locally and received both strong reviews for her live shows and airplay on Triple J and USA college radio for her studio work.

We don’t need to go into detail about Benny D Williams, because we put him on our cover and you can read about him in that feature. He’s also playing the Awards’ afterparty.

Electrik Lemonade smashed it with their EP Funklore last year, mixed and mastered

by Brad Hosking at Blind Boy Studios. It got picked up by radio stations here as well as Japan, South America and Europe and they’ve already shared the stage with The Black Sorroes, Toni Childs and 10CC. Ella Fence came out of the blocks firing in 2015 with debut EP Wanderlust recorded at Brighton Electric UK with Dan Swift and in Paris with Ken Stringfellow. Her debut video for the same song was produced by Double Deuce. The EP spiked interest in the Radio world, making the top 20 on New York’s Breakthru Radio and top 10 on 4ZZZ Brisbane and was also added to several community, college and independent radio stations in the USA and Australia – including triple j unearthed, 2SER, ABC Gold Coast, SYN Melbourne and was also spun on triple j. She’s also just been cast as Snow White in a collaboration between opera Queensland and La Boite Theatre Company for Brisbane Festival.

IVEY are pretty new to the scene but released breakthrough single Smell Of Smoke and intrigued the local and National music scenes in a big way for such a young band.

They’ve already attracted media attention from The Guardian, Triple J Unearthed, RAGE, Channel V, Pilerats and The Music.

Jenna Dearness Dark is an 18 year old opera singer with incredible international performances under her belt as well as the release of her own music. She’s performed at a sold-out Carnegie Hall in New York as well as at the famous St Mark’s Basilica in Venice and has performed for British royalty in Queensland’s Duke of Edinburgh awards as well as a stack of local events.

And finally, Leopold’s treat. After releasing their 2011 EP, they sold EPs and saved for three years to be able to record, master, press and release their first full length album. With their grass-roots and intimate approach, the band launched their first full length album, Cold at the Dust Temple, Currumbin, in October 2015 with some 150 people attended the sold-out launch.

SONG OF THE YEAR It’s an all-girl assault for this year’s Song of the Year finalists. The category, sponsored by NightQuarter received the largest number of nominations across the seven categories opened in this year’s awards.

But the girls have it. Amy Shark’s song Golden Fleece won a Queensland Music Award this year and it was named a finalist alongside Unknown Water by Ella Fence, which Bleach* Festival used for their promotional video. Jelly by Jesswar (with guest vocals by Sarah Frank) made the cut, pleasing the judges as well as the folk at Triple J who’ve had the song on rotation for the past 12 months and Blank favourites Hussy Hicks’ song That Old Heartache and Leopold’s Treat’s song Hounddogs and Bullfrogs were also included.

VENUE OF THE YEAR Nominations for Venue of the Year, sponsored by Blank GC, were so good, they all became finalists. Consistently serving up quality live music to very different audiences, Miami Marketta and elsewhere are both finalists for the second year running with Currumbin Creek Tavern and The Avenue in Surfers Paradise also scoring a finalist slot.

New-comers NightQuarter – flying the flag for the northern Gold Coast are also in the mix with stalwarts (and last year’s winners) Soundlounge Currumbin.

Chloe Popa, Blank GC and Gold Coast Music Awards co-founder said that the City’s venues regularly punched above their weight.

“From Holy Holy at elsewhere to The Cat Empire at NightQuarter and home-grown events like the Bowie tribute at Marketta, we are seriously spoilt for choice here on the Gold Coast,” she said. “While the City’s venues are always in a state of flux, there’s no shortage of intimate, outdoor and familyfriendly venues supporting emerging talent from Helensvale to Currumbin.”

“We want to make sure we’re supporting a music scene that’s regularly adding new and varied venues,” she added.

EVENT OF THE YEAR Can you imagine the Gold Coast without its world-class events? From Bleach* (which is a strategic partner of the GC Music Awards, rather than a nominee) to the grassroots mini-festivals that happen week-in, weekout, this city, the climate, and our landscape are made for events. No surprises that Blues on Broadbeach and Buskers by the Creek (last year’s winners) were named finalists.

Both contributing significantly to the local

economy and engaging scores of local Gold Coast artists.

Wallapalooza and Summertime Sessions in the Village – while catering to very different audiences, both call Mudgeeraba home and have delivered for the second year running.

And La Traviata at Spotlight Theatre totally punched above its weight bringing opera music to new audiences in 2015.

Category sponsor and official after-party venue, Hard Rock Café said they were thrilled to be behind the local music industry.

“As a brand that promotes bringing music and people together, it makes complete sense that Hard Rock Café is a proud sponsor of the Gold Coast Music Awards,” Marine Grandjacques said. “In our book everyone is a winner and we wish nothing but the best to all participants. Music is Life!”

MUSIC CHAMPION OF THE YEAR It’s not possible to acknowledge every person who has contributed behind the scenes to the local music industry in the past year.

And indeed, every single nominee deserves accolades for the work that they do. With a limit of five though, the judging panel put in the hard yards to short-list finalists for Music Champion of the Year, sponsored by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast.

Cindy Jensen, the brainchild behind Buskers by the Creek and responsible for scoring hundreds of gigs for emerging local acts was named a finalist alongside long-time industry worker Emily Holler, who in 2015 launched the Indie Now program to support local artists better manage the business side of their work. Cr Glenn Tozer made the cut for his work helping local artists and events

navigate local policies and being a voice for indie artists both within the city and externally. Guy Cooper, who created the first ever street press on the Gold Coast and has been credited with paying for international tours for artists, building websites, recording and marketing albums and making music himself was also named a finalist. As was Matt Webber, who most people will know as the Drive presenter on ABC Gold Coast, as well as a powerful advocate for local artists and their music both on his own network as well as through other avenues.

around Australia including being put on rotation on Channel V Music Channel.

Unknown Water by Ella Fence was directed and produced by the team at Double Deuce, which is Mike Calvino, Stuart Chapman and Jamie Brookes and filmed at The Spit, QT Gold Coast and The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

The One You Love by Casey Barnes, directed and produced by Wazza Bray (LMG Digital Media) and Michelle Barnes was shot for just $2000 in Tumbugum with an all GC crew and cast.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR And last but not least, we come to the newest category in the Gold Coast Music Awards, made possible with the support of Gold Coast Film Festival. This category was actually inspired by one of the videos that ended up a finalist. The talent and skill of those who produced the film clips as well as the artists starring in them is mind-blowing.

Apollo by Baltimore Gun Club was animated

by Anthony Hrymakowski and nearly entirely hand-drawn. It’s already come to the attention of RAGE and has been on rotation there since its launch.

The video for Baby It’s A Good Song by The Cheap Fakes was produced by Gold Coast based production team Smokehouse with virtual camera techniques and stopmotion animation and was filmed at Miami Marketta and King Tutt’s Putt Putt amongst other locations.

Golden Fleece was photographed, performed and edited by Amy Shark in the Cooly Hotel.

She’s also the recording artist. Amy ate paint to get the shot in the crescendo of the video.

LIKE SHE ACTUALLY ATE PAINT. Wild Heart was written and directed by Gold Coaster ROMY and received great press all

And finally That Old Heartache by Hussy Hicks was directed and produced by Hazel Schravemade. In their nomination, the band say it was “filmed in Burleigh by people who live in Burleigh for a song written on a couch in Burleigh by a band who lives in Burleigh.”

WINNERS OF THE 2016 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 16 JUNE AT A CEREMONY AT BURLEIGH BREWING CO. TICKETS SELLING FAST AND AVAILABLE AT GCMUSICAWARDS2016.

EVENTBRITE.COM. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS VOTING OPENS 27 MAY AND CLOSE 11.59PM ON SUNDAY 12 JUNE. VOTE AT GCMUSICAWARDS.COM.

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album reviews

How to Survive an Atomic Bomb

HOLLIE SMITH

Water or Gold

BENNY D WILLIAMS

Despite having been around the Brisbane live punk scene for years, Columbia Buffet have only recently released their first album, How to Survive an Atomic Bomb. It is an album that casually traverses an interesting line between punk, rock and pop. It’s a style reminiscent of bands like After the Fall, Something With Numbers or Kisschasy, and the album screams road trip!

New Zealander Hollie Smith first came to prominence in her own country in 2006 with Bathe In The River, a massive hit that stayed in the top 10 of the NZ charts for 22 weeks. The following year her debut album Long Player was released on both sides of the Tasman. I was instantly hooked by the soul drenched groove of Philosophy from that album, a song that could have easily sat on India Arie’s gorgeous Acoustic Soul set or one of the early Meshell Ndegeocello albums. Long Player was another chart topper in NZ and went on to achieve multi platinum sales.

Local one-man-band Benny D Williams, self professed multi instrumentalist, soulman and entertainer, has had a veritable grab-bag of musical monikers thrown his way to describe his dazzlingly rich tapestry of sound.

JAMES BLAKE

COLOMBIA BUFFET

The music to complement a maximalist, ultramodern painting: stark, glacial and crushingly sad. UK artist James Blake parallels his music to that of ruin and fog yet with his third album, The Colour in Anything, the former bedroom producer now steps ever closer to a larger, more impressionistic sound of personal melancholy.

The Colour in Anything

Following the almost inevitable trend of surprise release albums, (see also Beyonce, Death Grips, Radiohead) Blake releases this album amidst several single drops and he hasn’t come alone, either. Producing megamind Rick Rubin offered his talents, and his studio, to six of these tracks with guest appearances ranging from the R&B kingdom of Frank Ocean to the folk world with another collaboration from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon.

Impressively, no matter how many fingers are in the brew, Blake still retains his worryingly isolated feel.

James Blake’s previous work – particularly his breakout self-titled, debut album – was ineffable in the way it found nuance with negative space. A sultry, sweet gospel voice laid over wobbly sub-bass percussion; even embracing the tonal ambivalence of claustrophobic auto-tune. Put That Away And Talk To Me covers Blake in a digital coat as he ironically sings of social disparity over technology while My Willing Heart appears dangerously fabricated and plastic amongst the looping romanticism.

However it’s Blake’s ability to dynamically juxtapose those devilishly minimal electronics when he’s alone on a piano with his gospel vernacular that makes his music so beautifully discomforting. F.O.R.E.V.E.R is as chilling and fragile as Blake’s immeasurable cover of Joni Mitchell’s A Case of You. Speaking of the legendary folk artist, Blake pays a honourable homage to Joni Mitchell on album standout, Choose Me. In fact, it’s this track – as well as Modern Soul and Radio Silence – where Blake effortlessly merges the two worlds of harmonic electronics and soulful vocal swoops together which makes for a chilling experience.

Doubling down on the heavier R&B influence of his Overgrown record, James Blake has circled back and continued to experiment with tonal scarcity. There’s been no miscommunication between us and Blake; through the unsparingly personal mimicry he’s produced on The Colour in Anything, we’re closer than ever.

Jake Wilton 24

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How to Survive an Atomic Bomb kicks off fast with Atomic Bomb.and followed up by Shapes with lyrics ‘thank you for giving me hell, you made me who I am’ it seems anthem-worthy. With references to bands such as Jethro Tull, Pixies and Bad Religion, Shapes also gives you an insight into Columbia Buffet’s influences.

The next few songs bring a more pop nature to the album and they flow seamlessly into each other, while still maintaining their individuality. The track The Persistence of Memory rounds off this portion of the album with a more ballady feel.

This Hell signals a renewal of the energy and punk style that Daniel Rogan (vocals/ guitar) says is natural for Columbia Buffet. It was one of the last songs the guys recorded and by far my favourite on the album. Daniel claims lyrically it is a bit of an existential angst outburst, although with the driving beat and loose guitar it doesn’t sound angsty at all.

Things then went quiet for a few years as Hollie painstakingly worked her way out of her record deal. She resurfaced here in 2011 with a stunning cover of Weather With You on the Finn brothers’ tribute album They Will Have Their Way. The brilliance of Hollie’s version slowed down the bright and breezy original into a moving jazz tinged arrangement. It was a very bold interpretation.

One other stand out for me was Everything Small, the tune is pop punk but it’s the lyrics that caught me, the theme being ‘stop complaining about things in life and go change things, go help yourself’.

While her profile has been off the radar in Australia her new album could well change that. The disc contains the familiar soul and jazz influences, but now there’s something more – heavier beats, fatter bass, a few horns and she even rocks out with a little guitar distortion. Musically Hollie is traversing a lot of new ground here and with it potentially a whole new audience. This is not only a great album, but it sounds fantastic too – no doubt helped by Aaron Nevezie (Black Keys, Dangermouse, The Roots) mixing it in New York.

How to Survive an Atomic Bomb will bring you back to punk days and good times with its catchy and, at the same time, soulful tunes.

The album will be released in Australia on 17 June, with the title track out now. Hollie will also be touring Oz in July – a gig well worth checking out.

Erin Bourne Read more reviews from one of the city’s best music journalists, Trevor Jackson at sounddistractions.com

Digital Caveman

From the more obvious journalistic touch points of blues, roots, soul, hip hop and psychedelia, through to more rambunctious descriptors such as trip funk, Williams brews a rich and heady stew of sounds on his lonesome, usually involving shifting combinations of human beat box, psych laced keyboards, tribal/ethnic fused percussion, roots and funk guitar and future funk style treated vocals.

A hard working board treader with over 200 shows to his name in 2015, Williams' latest release, the contrarily titled Digital Caveman, was recorded live at Sunhouse in Coolangatta.

Lead off track Sumin Lil Warmup commences with Benny punching out a human beat box rhythm before leisurely unwinding the twine across it's eight and a half minutes of err..trip funk!?

Musically it bears passing similarities to the more accessible moments of Californian tripper Cameron Stallones and his wigged out musical project Sun Araw.

Cities of Gold starts with a Latin-tinged flourish before locking into an insistent guitar and drum groove underpinned with electronic and vocal effects.

Track three embraces human beat box and percussion, augmented by acoustic guitar flourishes, layered, echo laden vocals and trippy keyboards layered with what sounds like harmonica and South American pipes. It invokes epic travels or an alien broadcast beamed down to the peak of the Andes from a mythical musical constellation known as err...Gemini!

Prior to hearing the track Shoowop, I contemplated whether a futuristic doo-wop track would be next on the menu? And that wasn't too wide of the mark, with Williams conjuring a retro-future kaleidoscope of sounds, this time augmented with a funk inflected vocal performance (yep he can sing alright too!) melding the track across genres and decades with impressive seamlessness.

Where is the Love is a folk inflected, meditative finale, bringing to a close a pleasing sequence of head nodding sonic journeys to the outer reaches of that curious one man genre known officially forthwith as trip funk!

Anthony Gebhardt

LUCIANBLOMKAMP Bad Faith

MESCALITO BLUES

RADIOHEAD

HEAD CLOUDS

Moonshine Ochre is the latest musical offering from worldly (by way of the Gold Coast) rootsy blues practitioners Mescalito Blues. Main Mescalito Gavin Doniger is a real-deal musical journeyman who has frequented stages and traversed back-roads near and far since 1998, delivering travel worn tales together with a ragtag cast of support musicians on his wavelength who he happens to hook up with along the way.

Let me just declare upfront that I love Radiohead. Even when things started getting weirder following the phenomenal success of The Bends and OK Computer I remained an enormous fan.

Ex Gold Coast crew Head Clouds, who now call Melbourne home, feature the heavy duty talents of local musical luminaries George Carpenter and Karl S Williams, in addition to founding member Jayke Madison and bassist Mariano Trevino.

And these four ex-pats have delivered a scrumptious slice of indie rock/pop in the form of new single Black Ribbon.

Moonshine Ochre

The prospect of developing a fluid and cohesive set of tracks to shape an album was slowly losing its edge in today’s music market. LUCIANBLOMKAMP is quick to sever ties with that notion of album making with his opus, sophomore release, Bad Faith.

Calling Melbourne home, bedroom producer LUCIANBLOMKAMP sought a resurgence in negative space and ambivalence in his amalgamation of weighty and textured electronic music. However, you’d be hard pressed to label this music as electronic as LUCIANBLOMKAMP synthesises a conceptual relationship of technology and organic instrumentation. Bad Faith asks a lot from the listener; space, patience and acceptance. LUCIANBLOMKAMP demonstrates, and pleases, through sonic ambition and pure catharsis.

Intelligent instrumentation filters Bad Faith, creating an atmospheric tension through the record’s clever sequencing. Its melodies journey through pleasurable soundscaping and naturalistic onomatopoeias to crushing, machinated instrumentals that aim to polarise – as displayed from the very beginning with opener, Decay. Neither spectrum of the composition over stay their welcome creating a fixating dynamic throughout Bad Faith.

A record with a clear visual embodiment to it typically leads to everlasting impressions of its musical content.

Bad Faith’s accompanying album art – brilliantly designed by Samuel Burgess-Johnson – and music videos all direct a sense of the record’s encompassing subject matter. Ranging from strikingly forlorn and abandonment on From Afar or the realisation of one’s true ambitions on The Overman.

LUCIANBLOMKAMP immediately strengthens Bad Faith’s weight with him taking a more upfront approach to song writing and vocalising compared to his debut, Post-Nature. LUCIANBLOMKAMP’s motives are directly envisioned thanks to his reverbridden vocal duties, pulling us a little closer to his world. Eleven & 22 bucks this trend slightly to detail wobbly and incredibly synthetic realisation of woe meanwhile Copy of a Copy revels in the artist’s wild ability to play multiple instruments at once.

A dissonant and disjointed soundtrack to a vividly recounted story lies on LUCIANBLOMKAMP’s second studio album. It’s pulled together masterfully through ambitious, industrialised production values solidifying LUCIANBLOMKAMP’s pull on the plot twist of electronic music.

Jake Wilton

Doniger delivers the five weather beaten numbers which constitute Moonshine Ochre with gritty gusto, giving the EP an air of timeless authenticity borne from a love and respect of the real-deal source material being channeled. Although forging a reputation for dishing out heady doses of stompin' backwater blues, there's also plenty of musical light and shade to be found within these grooves.

Opening track Leapfroggin' Toad is a slow burner, perfectly showcasinng Doniger’s gravelly growl and economically impressive, blues inflected guitar playing.

Deep Sunshine delivers a dose of desert blues underpinned with a mystical folk undercurrent, demonstrating the musical variety and dexterity Mescalito Blues have embraced across their journey.

Pale Skin commences with a warm hum before flowering into a gorgeously moody, finger picked number, Doniger's contemplative vocal delivery and a heart melting organ interlude half way through delivering one of the high watermark moments of the EP. Heart Strings is all low slung hangdog blues, Doniger back in the role of grizzled troubadour, a grimy guitar riff complemented with simple percussion driving the point home as he delivers the chorus 'stop pulling on my heartstrings' in a measured growl.

And final track Dadda Mountain follows the template of Deep Sunshine but goes further beyond in channeling epic desert folk blues... this man walks misty valleys as well as dusty backroads.

For those with a penchant for authentically played roots and blues with a bit of dirt under the fingernails, Moonshine Ochre may be your ideal musical tonic this winter. Doniger and Co also frequently tread the boards around these parts, so be sure to also catch a dose of Mescalito Blues in the flesh as they jam it out across local stages.

Anthony Gebhardt

Burn the Witch

By the time they were moving deeper into the challenging and strangely syncopated electronica of albums like In Rainbows and King Of Limbs that had alienated a number of earlier fans I was still on board for the ride.

The intriguing aspect for me was how far could they go? After a fuve year hiatus (has it really been that long?) the early indications suggest that the band are charting a new course, so if you’ve been frustrated by their later sonic adventures you may be surprised by the new direction.

The first clue arrived late last year when the band posted the song Spectre on their site just before Christmas. Yes, it was to be the theme song for the Bond flick but the film’s producers decided on a Sam Smith number instead.

What a pity – a Bond theme from Radiohead was a bold and inspired idea, though it would appear not possessed of enough dramatic grandeur for the producer’s taste.

Listen to Spectre and note the sweeping orchestral arrangement – this was new territory for Radiohead. The question is, did it lead them down a new path of musical exploration? Burn the Witch suggests that the answer might be yes. Electronica is now replaced by a rhythmic string ensemble pulsating and building to a climax as the sinister tone of the lyrics unfold. While the sound is new, the theme is not, with Thom Yorke’s disturbing dystopia this time taking the shape of a “low flying panic attack”. Once again it’s his alienation that both rattles and resonates within.

Black Ribbon

Commencing with a warm and wistful guitar tone accompanied by the clearly emoted and melodic vocals of Madison, Black Ribbon heads off into an urgent canter around the one minute mark and doesn’t look back. Warmly nostalgic and underpinned with a melodically driving guitar riff, the track displays a few pleasing twists and turns along the way before increasing in urgency and blazing out without outstaying its welcome.

Literate indie rock illuminati Conor Oberst and Cass McCombs may be loose reference points, but the track has enough of its own unique smarts to ensure that Head Clouds elevate themselves above their influences and deliver substance to go with the obvious charm.

For a taste of Black Ribbon head over to Head Cloud's Soundcloud page, you won’t regret it!

In addition, the band are heading back up to these parts for a special one-off show at the Soundlounge Currumbin on Friday 17 June, so be sure to catch the lads on what is sure to be a triumphant homecoming event.

Anthony Gebhardt

The new album is expected soon with the band undertaking a world tour later this month.

Read more reviews from one of the city’s best music journalists, Trevor Jackson at sounddistractions.com www.blankgc.com.au

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MAY

THURSDAY 26 MAY

AKoVA | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (9.00pm)

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

Cherie Currie + Diva Demolition + Smoking Martha | The Triffid, Brisbane

FRIDAY 27 MAY Gangajang | Lonestar Tavern Leopold’s Treat + screening of Gold Coast Music Awards finalists for Video of the Year | Burleigh Brewing Co. SEED Series: Eliza Pickard + Aquila Young + LUATE | NightQuarter, Helensvale Claude Hay (8.00pm) | Milk Factory, South Brisbane Lure + Chelsea Rockwells + Tesla Coils + Stayclose | CurrumbinCreek Tavern Kenny Slide (1.00 – 4.00pm) | Pacific Fair Mark Wilkinson | Soundlounge Currumbin Fat Picnic with James Bennett | Miami Marketta Solent Green | Hard Rock Cafe Kenny Slide (6.30 – 8.30pm) | Genki Cafe, Palm Beach Platform: originals showcase | Southport Sharks

Infinity Dance Party: DJs + Sunset City | Ivory Tavern, 2.00pm – midnight Captain Wow (covers) | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 29 MAY Live at Bond: Karl S Williams + Deena | ADCO Amphitheatre, Bond University (3.00pm), all ages Sounds of Sunday: Former Angels | Broadbeach Tavern Little May + The Ruiins | Miami Marketta (ticketed) Benny D Williams | House of Brews (2.00 – 6.00pm) Danny Widdicombe (3.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Joshy Dredz (6.30pm) | Cambus Wallace Dan Hannaford | Beenleigh Artisan Distillery (12 noon) Free The Genie (2pm) | Mexicali, Nobbys

JUNE

WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE

Hard Rock Rising Band Competition FINAL: Tesla Coils (wild card winner) + three bands who won the heats over previous weeks TBC | Hard Rock Cafe

THURSDAY 2 JUNE SATURDAY 28 MAY The Badloves | Lonestar Tavern Jason McGregor | Helensvale Farmers’ Markets (8.00am) Claude Hay | Solbar, South Brisbane The Wet Fish | Miami Marketta Sean Fitzgerald | Cuisine On The Green | Surfers Paradise Golf Club

Jam Sessions (9pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Café

Matty Rogers | Beaches on Kirra (6.30 – 9.00pm)

GC Musos Jam Night 8pm (Hosted

by BB Factory Blues Band) | Wallaby Hotel

Purple Rain: A Prince Tribute jam | NightQuarter, Helensvale Christin Patey (2pm) + Andy Jans Brown (7pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal Jason McGregor | Jupiters Hotel (5.00 – 9.00pm)

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Thelma Plum | Soundlounge Currumbin Zookeepers (8.30pm) | Southport Sharks

Majora + Kodiac Empire + Day of Echoes | Currumbin Creek Tavern

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Fiesta de la Musica: The Gamelan and the Indonesian Experience | The Arts Centre Gold Coast (12 noon)

Th’Fika + The Ruiins + Aquila Young | elsewhere Double Lined Minority | Griffith Uni Drama Theatre (all ages) SEED Series: Angus Oastler + Pirates of the Tempest + Austen + Livvia | NightQuarter, Helensvale Big Blue Sea | Miami Marketta Kenny Slide | Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club Scott Dalton (7pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Cafe

MONDAY 6 JUNE Benny D Williams (9am) | Iron + Resin Garage Lloyd Saniel (6pm) | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE The James Street Preachers (8pm) | Cambus Wallace

Phil Brommers (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick

THURSDAY 9 JUNE

Jackson James Smith (6.30pm) | Genki Café

Zookeepers (8.30pm) | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 4 JUNE A French Butler Called Smith + Ivori | The Avalon Miami Mat McHugh | Soundlounge Currumbin Matty Rogers | Coolangatta Sands Hotel Benny D Williams | Genki Cafe (6.30pm)

Jam Sessions (9pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Cafe

FRIDAY 10 JUNE Hunt Muerto + Dirty Hearts + The Van Bams + Luke Houselander | Currumbin Creek Tavern Izzy Day (7pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Café

Louisahhh!!! | | elsewhere

Andy Penney (8pm) | Hard Rock Café, Surfers

Accidentally Perfect | Mandala Organic Arts Cafe

Jimmy Brine (6.30pm) | Genki Cafe Hunting Jade | Miami Marketta

Pete Allen and Chris Flaskas (2pm) + Kobya (7pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal

SEED Album Launch Concert Series: Mikayla J + Cadence + The Jake Fox Band | NightQuarter, Helensvale

SEED Series: Livvia + Jake Fox | NightQuarter, Helensvale GOLD, the ABBA Tribute celebrates Dancing Queen, 40th anniversary tour | Jupiters Theatre Rumours, Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Southport RSL The Angela Fabian Band | Southport Sharks David Barbara (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

SUNDAY 5 JUNE

Elisabeth Rose | elsewhere Dezzie D & The Stingrays | Southport Sharks The Firetree (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick Mitch King | NightQuarter, Helensvale

SATURDAY 11 JUNE Dan Kelly + Alex Gow | Miami Tavern Shark Bar

Benny D Williams | Iron and Resin Garage (9am)

The Unplugged Sessions featuring Brendan the Bard | Currumbin Creek Tavern

Minus One (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Craig Atkins (2pm) + Bill Jacobi (7pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal

FRIDAY 3 JUNE

Elliot Robert Baylis (10.30am) | Genki Cafe

Trapdoor + Tangerine + Wren Klauf + Wootton Major | Currumbin Creek Tavern

Dinkum Bohos (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Cafe, Nimbin

Taylor Band Acoustic (7.30pm) | Cambus Wallace

O.I.B | Southport Sharks

Matty Rogers | Chinderah Tavern Devil’s Kiosk | Southport Sharks

Caravana Sun (4pm) | Hotel Brunswick Deck Acoustic Sundays: Lisa Richards (3-5pm) | Currumbin RSL

Brendan Leggatt Band | Miami Marketta Tay Oskee (6.30pm) | Genki Cafe

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

Siobhan Corcoran (7pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Cafe

Street 66 + Emph n Treats | Miami Shark Bar

Jolanda Moyle (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Café, Nimbin

Yolanda be Cool | elsewhere

Push (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick Vaudeville Smash + Neighbour + WLVS + Sarah Frank | NightQuarter, Helensvale

SUNDAY 12 JUNE AKoVA | 3Blue Ducks, Byron Bay (2pm) Deck Acoustic Sundays: Doolie (35pm) | Currumbin RSL The Lyrical (4pm) | Hotel Brunswick Taylah Little (10.30am) | Genki Cafe Joshy Dredz (6.30pm) | Cambus Wallace

SEED Album Launch ConcertSeries: Athena Joy + Kirsty Abrahams + Keelan Mak + Phoebe Sinclair | NightQuarter, Helensvale Matty Rogers | Beaches on Kirra HIStory – Michael Jackson Tribute show | Jupiters Hotel & Casino Jax Haze (8pm) | Hard Rock Café, Surfers Allensworth | Miami Marketta Jackson James Smith (6.30pm) | Genki Cafe Loose Ends (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick Late for Woodstock (8.30pm) | Southport Sharks

17 – 19 JUNE MONDAY 13 JUNE

The Goldhearts (Album Launch) + BB Factory + Jackson James Smith + Josh Lovegrove | NightQuarter, Helensvale

SUNDAY 19 JUNE Borneo + Von Villains + Yes Sire Noceur | The Milk Factory, Brisbane Jason McGregor | Garden Bar, Jupiters (2.00 – 6.00pm) Parkway Drive | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Sounds of Sunday: Benny D Williams | Broadbeach Tavern Aaron James (10.30am) | Genki Cafe Boo Seeka | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Angelo Pash (7.30pm) | Cambus Wallace A Little Province (4-8pm) | Hotel Brunswick

The James Street Preachers (8pm) | Cambus Wallace

Broadbeach Country Music Festival: Casey Barnes + ADAM BRAND AND THE OUTLAWS, THE SUNNY COWGIRLS, CASEY BARNES, COL FINLEY, HALFWAY, HARMONY JAMES, LACHLAN BRYAN AND THE WILDES, MITCH KING, ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS, WARREN EARL BAND, THE VIPER CREEK BAND

THURSDAY 16 JUNE

SATURDAY 18 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE

Gold Coast Music Awards with Hanlon Brothers as house band + special guests | Burleigh Brewing Co. Tickets at gcmusicawards. com.au.

Candice Dianna | Merrimac Tavern Kold Creature + Dirty Brew + Twin City Riot + Upon a Falling Empire | Currumbin Creek Tavern

The James Street Preachers (8pm) | Cambus Wallace

Dinkum Bohos (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Cafe, Nimbin Marco (6pm) | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE

Gold Coast Music Awards AFTER-PARTY with Benny D Williams + DJs | Hard Rock Cafe with free cocktail on arrival for GC Music Awards ticket-holders.

The Beards (farewell tour) | Soundlounge Gavin Doniger | Sheoak Shack, Fingal (2.00pm)

The Strums + Skinwalkers | Brightside, Brisbane Borneo | Great Northern, Byron Bay Woodrow Wilson Funk Club | Currumbin Creek Tavern Head Clouds + Venus Court | Soundlounge Currumbin

MONDAY 20 JUNE Lloyd Saniel (6pm) | Southport Sharks

Kobrakai | Benowa Tavern

THURSDAY 23 JUNE

Gavin Doniger (2pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal

Mad As Hell Tour: The Funkoars + Birdz | Parkwood Tavern

Benny D Williams (6.30pm) | Merrimac Tavern

Prom Night ‘Discount Disco’ w/ special guests | elsewhere

Borneo + Von Villains + Yes Sir Noceur + Radolescent + GD FRNDS DJs | Miami Tavern Shark Bar

FRIDAY 24 JUNE

Red Cherries Band (covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 17 JUNE

Deck Acoustic Sundays: Jake Whittaker (3-5pm) | Currumbin RSL

Sarah Frank (6.30pm) | Genki Cafe The High Grade | Miami Marketta Phil & Tilley (7pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Cafe Asa Broomhall (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick Lou Bradley (12.30pm) | Phoenix Rising Cafe, Nimbin

Kobrakai + Unfinished Business + Nowhere Else + Cornerstone + Fly Agaric | Currumbin Creek Music

Platform: original music night | Southport Sharks Closing night party | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise Taylor | Miami Marketta Jackson James Smith (6.30pm) | Genki Café Nick Bampton (8pm) | Hard Rock Café, Surfers Totum (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick

SATURDAY 25 JUNE OMI | Parkwood Tavern Benny D Williams | Beaches on Kirra Push Play Festival: Eternal Thought | Paradise Country Parklands, Nerang Mitch King (2pm) | Sheoak Shack, Fingal AKoVA | Cardigan Bar, Sandgate (7pm) Closing night party | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise Captain Wow (covers) | Southport Sharks Sarah Frank (7pm) | Mandala Organic Arts Café Jimmy Brine (6.30pm) | Genki Cafe Devil’s Kiosk | Miami Marketta Dirty Channel (7pm) | Hotel Brunswick The Empresarios Band + Phil Barlow & The Wolf + Matthew Armitage | NightQuarter, Helensvale

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

SEED Album Launch ConcertSeries: Kimbal Imaz + Twelve Past Midnight + Electrik Lemonade | NightQuarter, Helensvale Benny D Williams | Poinciana Cafe (6pm) The Ruminaters + Donny Love + Radolescent | elsewhere

WWW.SEEDSERIES.BANDCAMP.COM

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Environment

SURFED IN AND SURFED OUT

Image: WSL

BK CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ON QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND Currently celebrating its 41st year at Byron Bay, the Byron Bay BK Classic is such a fun event to watch or compete in.

The greatest aspects of the event are that it is held over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend from 11- 13 June and that there are divisions from the under 10s to the over 60s, with boys, girls, mens and womens divisions. In many cases, mum, dad and the kids are all competing, maybe even up to 3 generations.

The event (originally named the Byron Easter Classic) was renamed 10 years ago after the passing of Byron Bay Boardriders legend Ben King, the man who brought back the club’s seahorse emblem and made it the strong surfing force it is today. Ben’s children Kurt and Maddy King will compete in the event as always.

The open division has a $5000 first prize this year, so you will expect to see the best surfers from all over the east coast of Australia going in to get the cash. There is a total of $20,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. There is also prize money in the open and junior womens events, and the junior mens.

Former world number two Danny Wills is the defending champion and will be out to claim his fourth BK title this year. It always seems to be a battle between the Byron and Lennox / Ballina tribes, but Byron has had the upper hand at the event for the last five years, with Luke Stickley winning in 2014 and Garrett Parkes winning 3 in a row from 2011 to 2013.

It is a much-valued prize just to get on that famous winners list, and the 41st winner will also get the greatest amount of prize money offered in the event’s history. The event is traditionally held in the Byron area, mobile from Broken to the Wreck at Byron Bay. Better get in ASAP to get your spot.

Entries are on the Byron Bay Boardriders website, and filling up fast. Visit byronbayboardriders.com to get an entry!

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FIJI NEXT FOR THE PROS After the small and average beach breaks of Rio, with many of the pros finding “personal reasons” why they could not compete, the next stop is Fiji, and I am sure no one will pull out from this pacific island perfection. You could not find two more different venues. This time there will be huge numbers on the sand watching, and friends and officials on boats. The waves will be a bit different as well. It won’t be backflips and chop-hops, but big barrels and power surfing.

The argument is coming forth that as the surfers are on the tour they should not be able to pick and choose events, and must compete in all events unless injured. Kelly Slater has been picking and choosing for years, and who is going to tell King Kelly what to do? I reckon he would rather be surfing his pumping wave pool in Florida. I reckon if surfers want to give an event a miss for any reason, say they are too scared to surf Teaupoo or they are worried about pollution or whatever the case may be, well they have qualified and earned their spot. If they choose to miss an event and do not re-qualify - well bad luck - that is the price you pay. As for injuries, I think Parko’s knee has healed quickly, and he will be back for Fiji. Last time Kelly pulled out of Rio injured he had a bad cut in his foot, but still surfed pumping Sharkies at Burleigh during the event window. Mmmm…. Next time they may need doctors certificates?

No pollution, no Zika virus. Just perfect weather and waves on a tropical island…. I know where I would rather be… It rhymes: Fiji.

Terry “Tappa” Teece

COMEDY: BASED AT SURFERS GOLF CLUB Our friends at Based Comedy continue to grow audiences across the Gold Coast, with Surfers Paradise Golf Club the latest venue to join their ranks.

Based Comedy will take place at the Golf Club on the last Thursday of every month and the inaugural event is shaping up to be a cracker.

Australian comedic icon Greg Fleet will come to the event from Melbourne for the first show, which takes place 30 June.

Fleety has been a staple of Australian comedy since the late 80s. His lengthy list of credits includes a three year stint on Neighbours, Full Frontal, The Comedy Channel's Stand Up Australia!, Underbelly, Spicks and Specks, Rove Live, and most recently the film Me and My Mates vs the Zombie Apocalypse alongside Jim Jefferies and Alex Williamson. You've seen him on Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas, performing all around the country. And Ellen Briggs is the host for the evening. Ellen is one of the sharpest comedians working. Outrageously funny, Ellen puts into words what most can't and what even more wouldn't dare - her stories and observations are always entertaining and always on point.

She's bagged first prize on Foxtel's Be a Comedian, earning her a spot on Stand Up Australia, she was a finalist in the 2007 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Raw Competition.

Her MC and corporate work includes QLD Health, The Australian Poultry Association, NSW Tourism Board and she can often be found performing her sold out duo-show Women Like Us to audiences around the country with fellow Mullumbimby comedian Mandy Nolan.

BASED COMEDY LAUNCHES AT SURFERS PARADISE GOLF CLUB THURSDAY 30 JUNE AND TICKETS ARE JUST $10. MORE AT SURFERSPARADISEGOLFCLUB.COM.AU.

OPEN FLOOR: CONSCIOUS DANCING

Lifestyle Image: Tom Judson Photography

Most people acknowledge the healing and restorative impact of daily physical movement such as yoga, regular exercise and physiotherapy on our mental health. Dance wouldn’t normally make it onto that list, however there is an international movement based entirely around dance therapy. Psychologist Tim Loughnan has been working as a psychologist and Family Therapist for thirty years and has been exploring the healing power of dance since 1983. He currently runs Open Floor Conscious Dance, a group dance / movement practice designed to facilitate physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Natalie O'Driscoll asked him to tell us a little bit more about the whole thing.

Tell us about Open Floor Conscious Dance...

Open Floor Conscious Dance was created by a core group of senior Five Rhythms teachers and has a global network of teachers and workshop offerings, particularly in Europe and North America.

It is not a therapy, but it is very therapeutic.

It promotes wellness, self awareness and the creative spirit. It supports us to anchor ourselves in our deepest purpose.

Open Floor is a dance movement practice that can be approached on different levels, depending on the needs of the participant.

In each session you can take the offerings that work for you.

On one level it is a spontaneous, wild, passionate, tender, dance /movement journey to an eclectic mix of global rhythms.

There are no steps to learn. The focus is on following your own internal response to the music. It is wonderful fun while at the same time supporting our connection to our deepest feelings.

Within that there are layered offerings to increase self awareness with the aim to enhance physical, emotional and mental resilience. We pay attention to our needs for connection, solitude, belonging and connection to spirit. We express, release and integrate our lived experiences and build our capacity to say “yes” to our lives.

How can a dance/movement practice do all this? Firstly we need to understand that dance tends to be devalued in our culture as some type of recreation. It would be

more accurate to use the term “re-creation”.

We re-create ourselves through embodied movement. It works because we are creating space and time to be present to ourselves and because we go straight to our body and our heart, by-passing our mental defences.

It’s a delightful, sweaty, self-inquiry that fills us up and lightens our load.

Can you share one of your personal experiences of the power of dance?

I still remember my first class in creative dance in 1983. I began moving with my arms above my head. This outwardly simple and unremarkable movement was a revelation. As a male raised on football and cricket, the only permission I had in my upbringing to raise my arms above my head was to catch a ball. In this movement I felt I was stretching into a new part of myself that I had never visited before.

Open Floor Conscious Dance is offered on a weekly basis during school terms at the Tweed Heads Public School hall just a few blocks back from Coolangatta beach (entry via Bay St Car Park). Tuesdays 7-9pm NSW time. $20/15 per session, $70 for 5 sessions (use within 6 months), $130 per term (35% discount).

You can join the Facebook Group “Open Floor Gold Coast” or call/text Tim on 0431 88 1760.

More information at movingsoul.com.au

How to Make a Monster – the art and technology of animatronics is exhibited over three levels at

YOGA DAY FESTIVAL FUN IN 2016

Last year we schlepped our mats and stretchy pants along to the Yoga Day Festival and had quite a bit of fun while we were at it. Who wouldn’t want to do downward dogs at the beach alongside hundreds of other Gold Coasters? With Yoga Day about to hit Burleigh once more we decided to have a chat to one of the festival volunteers Samantha Doyle about just why this team of ardent yogis chose this special way to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Yoga.

Tell us a bit about the team behind the Yoga Day Festival...

Why do you think this event resonates so much with Gold Coasters in particular?

The universal appeal of the yoga lifestyle is being embraced more and more by the health conscious. With the amazing weather, Gold Coasters love to get outdoors as much as possible and enjoy our beautiful beaches and parks. Thanks to the Gold Coast City Council and the crew from the Active and Healthy program we are able to provide the perfect venue at Justin's Park right on the Burleigh Heads foreshore.

What are some of the activities included?

The Yoga Day Festival team is built entirely from volunteers! The presenters are all local Gold Coast teachers. We have a team of about 40 Gold Coast helpers from the general public who have come through our Seva (selfless service) program of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone involved is volunteering their time and skills free of charge, out of the pure joy of sharing the amazing gift of yoga that has enhanced their own lives and giving back to the community. The core team behind the festival are The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga, who are one of the major sponsors of the event.

Yoga (of course!), meditation, relaxation, music, wisdom, free family fun, (kids yoga and meditation, eco art & craft, storytime, songs and yoga games), yummy food.

And, if yoga all day isn’t quite enough, and you’re feeling like you want to keep celebrating into the night, then float over to the Yoga Day Festival after party- hosted by Australia’s leading kirtan hub, The Mantra Room.

How much bigger is this year than last year?

THE YOGA DAY FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE FROM 10.30AM ON SUNDAY 19 JUNE AT JUSTIN’S PARK, BURLEIGH HEADS. THE AFTER PARTY STARTS AY 5.00PM AT THE MANTRA ROOM. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE EVENT FACEBOOK PAGE.

Last year we had one main stage where we held yoga asana classes and kirtan (sacred yoga chant) with around 600 people attending throughout the day. This year we have expanded the festival to include not only the main stage activities, but a separate meditation chill out area where there will be free meditation workshops, deep relaxation sessions and talks on yoga wisdom as well as a kids yoga zone. We have arranged vegetarian/vegan food marketplace to satisfy the hungry yogis.

Natalie O’Driscoll

www.blankgc.com.au

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Lifestyle

JUST THE ESSENTIALS Sarah Massey is a working mum to three kids. Like most Gold Coasters, she loves the lifestyle and the beach, and is keen to keep our planet as clean and beautiful as possible. Through constantly trying to problem solve for friends and family who wished to use natural products for their homes and bodies, she developed Health and Wellness Warriors, a group of passionate mums who love to educate about all things essential. Natalie O’Driscoll spoke with Sarah about her journey so far.

DEATH CAFE What is a ‘death café’?

A death café is a place where people come together to drink tea, eat cake, and talk about death.

The idea originated in the Swiss Cage Mortel movement and was then adopted for use in England by Jon Underwood in 2011. The ‘death café’ movement has since spread around the world.

Some people think it sounds rather grim and macabre but actually, it’s not.

Death cafés often set out menus of starters, mains, and desserts.

For ‘starters’ we might consider the following questions: “Cremation or burial? Nature taking its course or assisted suicide? Where would you like to be when you die?" These are all straightforward questions that are interesting and personal to our lives. Why shouldn’t we discuss these?

Next let’s look at the ‘mains’: “What things do you think make for a good death? What words do you want on your tombstone?”

These are a bit tougher and take us a little deeper into our beliefs and values. How would you answer them?

Finally there are ‘desserts’: “What song would you like at your funeral? How would you like to be remembered?”

I think these are the toughest questions of all. What song? There must be hundreds, but my favourite would have to be I Hear You Knocking.

Come along and try a death café. It might not be here the next time around.

Mark Weblin www.markweblin.com.au

VISIT PHILOSOPHY IN PARADISE ON MEETUP OR FACEBOOK TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE DEATH CAFES AND OTHER PHILOSOPHICAL EVENTS. 30

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MOUNT GRAVATT MARKETTA COMING SOON! If the top tunes and tasty treats of the southern Gold Coast’s beloved Miami Marketta have sometimes felt just a little too far out of reach, fear not! Northern Gold Coasters and Brisbanites alike can rejoice in the fact that its sister Marketta is finally arriving to the Mount Gravatt Showgrounds in late July or early August.

The final opening date is yet to be confirmed, however you can be assured that as the winter slumber breaks, a celebration of all things global food and fun will be bursting onto the South Brisbane scene, every single Saturday night of the year from 4.00pm.

We are told not to expect a fancy all-things-bling food market....

The Mount Gravatt Marketta is planning to take it on back old school style, when markets were about getting a great product for a good price cooked from a traditional family recipe, handed down from generation to generation to you! Delicious street food at its humble best.

The new Street Food Night Market will provide a perfect complement to the already existing Mt Gravatt Farmer’s Markets, Open every Sunday 6am – 12 noon – “rain, hail or shine”.

Specializing in fruit and vegetables, delicatessen, second hand goods and flea market stalls, the colourful Mt Gravatt Markets offer an overwhelming selection of produce and products.

Tell us a bit about the natural products workshops that you run.

The workshops in their current format have really only been running for three months but I feel like we are already making an impact. I work with several girls - we all have young children - and we work together to present different workshops. Our workshops are aimed at empowering people to embrace natural products and reduce waste in their homes.

What is the philosophy behind your business?

To educate people about the benefits of incorporating essential oils into their daily lives every day!

Can you tell me about a product that you recommend making?

One of my favourite workshops is teaching people how to make toothpaste with clove and peppermint oil and showing them biodegradable toothbrushes. Such a small thing can add up to so much waste. We have an Aromatherapy 101 and Toothpaste workshop on the 1st June if you would like to check it out on Facebook.

What motivated you to start these workshops?

I wanted to educate people on the benefits of using natural products for themselves, their families, their pets and in their homes instead of chemical and synthetic options. Mother nature is amazing and essential oils contain powerful compounds that we can harness to help remedy many household issues. The workshops include a lovely healthy morning tea/lunch from my friend Angela Tam Hall from Fresh Food Friday who caters for us.

Tell us some of the feedback you have received?

The feedback has been so positive! People are amazed how simple natural cleaning and personal products can be. Simple things such as a blend of essential oils to help calm their children for bedtime have an enormous impact on their lives. I love that every workshop we do is slowly reducing the amount of waste and chemicals used.

Natalie O’Driscoll

VISIT MTGRAVATTMARKETS.COM FOR UPDATES AND FURTHER INFO.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/ HEALTHANDWELLNESSWARRIORS

Lifestyle

IS PURCHASING ORGANIC MEAT A GOOD CHOICE?

There has been a marked increase in the purchase and consumption of organic beef in Australia over the past few years. People are happy to pay a much higher price for meat, which has been certified organic. But what exactly does this mean? And, in particular, what does it mean for the animals being raised and slaughtered on organic farms?

The Australian Certified Organic Standard has a number of criteria that farmers must meet in order to be allowed to market themselves as 'certified organic.' Some of these criteria are reasonable. Others seem well-intentioned at first sight, but are impractical in reality with ensuing animal welfare implications.

For example, antibiotic use appears to be strongly discouraged. There is no doubt that people are over-medicated and antibiotics in human medicine are probably overprescribed with knock-on resistance effects.

There is a growing school of thought that minimising consumption of antibiotics from meat may reduce antibiotic resistance among the human population. However, dissuading farmers from allowing vets to treat using antibiotics and other veterinary drugs is not good for animal welfare. It just isn't. It doesn't matter that it's specified that "treatments shall not be withheld where animal welfare concerns exist." If a farmer has to weigh up calling a vet to treat a sick animal against the risk of decertification of his entire stock then animals are going to suffer.

In addition, the logic behind some of these rules seems tenuous at best. According to the Standard, animals who are allowed to be treated with medications will require a quarantine period of three times the legal withholding period for the drug, or for three weeks, whichever is longer.

What? Why? Withholding periods have been carefully calculated to determine when the meat is safe to eat after treatment and a safety margin has already been included in that calculation. Why has someone decided to triple that time? And why three times the legal limit? Why not four or ten?

Treated stock must be quarantined from certified stock. Although it obviously makes sense to separate unwell and contagious animals from the rest of the herd, that's not actually what's enforced here. It is not unwell animals that must be quarantined.

It is treated animals. It seems as if medicine is what's being demonised. Have we really gotten to a point where medicine is more intimidating than disease?

Cows are gregarious animals. This means they like to be in groups and thus tend not to do well in isolation. They have evolved as a prey species and living in a herd environment provides feelings of security and safety. Quarantined animals will be isolated leading to increased anxiety and decreased quality of life.

Organic farming is not inherently bad. There are certain aspects of it that are undoubtedly beneficial. Reducing stocking densities will improve animal welfare. Improving animal husbandry in order to minimise the numbers of animals getting sick is excellent farming practice. However, weighing up the economic benefit of treating sick animals is not.

Organic meat production is great in theory.

Then again, so is communism. Both systems are inherently flawed because people are inherently flawed. Theoretically only treating animals that need to be treated and only doing so with drugs that are warranted is perfectly logical. In practice, when such stringent criteria are in place with such serious consequences for non-compliance at some point the question stops being "Does this animal need to be treated by a vet?" and becomes "Is it economically viable and practicable for this animal to be treated by a vet?"

I can't help but feel somewhere along the way economics has overtaken animal welfare in what, theoretically, should be a welfare-driven system. Organic and healthier are not synonymous. Sometimes "certified organic" is nothing more than excellent marketing.

Sarah Molloy

SITTING IS A DISEASE PART 2

The next installment in the Sitting is a Disease series looks a little further into the detrimental effects of sitting for extended periods of time without a break.

When you sit, the ideal is to have your abdominals about 20% engaged in order to hold good, healthy posture. How long do you think you can you maintain that 20% before muscle fatigue sets in? I’m guessing not an hour, let alone eight!

So at some point fatigue sets in, the abdominals switch off and we slump or slouch. This causes the shoulders to roll in and the back starts to hunch a little between the shoulder blades. When this happens over time, all the muscles in the front of the chest and shoulders get shorter, exacerbating the problem. As the muscles in the front of the chest shorten and it becomes harder for us to undo this posture at the end of the day, we start to become that shape all the time.

Who wants to stay in that shape all the time?

It doesn’t look great, and definitely doesn’t feel great.

So it is extremely important to keep those muscles at their functional length. There are numerous benefits to keep the chest and shoulders open. Breathing is deeper and more beneficial, the lungs have space to really open up when the chest is open.

Since breathing is kind of important to us, it makes sense we benefit from utilising more of our lung capacity.

pain. Basically, when one part of the body is out of alignment guaranteed the rest is going to be messed up trying to compensate!

Also psychologically we are more confident if we can sit or stand up straight, chest open and shoulders back. It gives us a more commanding presence and it is easier to feel positive in this body pattern.

So onto the shoulders we go. It's a simple one. You can even do it at your desk if you must. Remember the rule of four minutes of movement for every 30 minutes of sitting.

Sit on the very edge of your seat and reach the hands back to grab onto the back of your chair. Grab as high as your shoulders will allow and lean forward, not down.

Hold this for at least a minute. Hopefully it feels so good you will hold it longer! Do this everyday, often. Most of us understand the benefits of stretching after a strenuous workout so think of these postures like that, a stretch out for the body after the strain of sitting for too long.

As always, feel free to get in touch through www.aloka.com.au if you have any questions.

Erin Bourne

We can release tightness from the back of the body by staying open through the front.

The hunching pattern causes the muscles in our back to tighten in order to stop us from completely collapsing forward. This creates tension, which can lead to fatigue, compensatory patterns, headaches and back www.blankgc.com.au

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Lifestyle

HEARTS ON FIRE When I sit down with fire performer Neal Webb from Energy Entertainments in Little Mermaid, it’s been 12 months to the day since he participated in the World Fireknife Championships in Hawaii. He found himself doing so while travelling to discover the philosophy of fire.

“We wanted to get a deeper understanding of why Polynesian cultures hold fire so strong. Other cultures do too – but it’s so abundant there. Every island now, they’re all dancing with fire.

We wanted to find out why they’re so passionate about it.”

That desire to understand and document the roots of fire sparked the idea for Heart of Fire. It’s a new documentary Neal is launching this month. The project saw Neal travel to Hawaii with Gabrielle Fry and Elija Cavanagh. And while the goal was to find the heart of fire, Neal said the heart of Polynesians ended up being the real talking piece.

“I thought it’d be hard to get interviews with people and to get them to share their knowledge, but it was the opposite to that,” Neal said. “Everyone wanted to talk to us – everyone wanted to share their story.”

“After I flew back I got invited to the World Champions’ (Mikaela Ciloa) wedding. I was one of his groomsmen. There’s a small section at the end of the documentary about it. That connection we made was unbelievable.”

While fire was the catalyst for Neal’s trip and the documentary, he said that the whole trip was full of unexpected cultural experiences.

“I fought with the Maoris. I got my arse kicked. We played music with Tahitians and Tongans. Danced with Hawaiins.

There’s a place called the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawaii where real life culture is on show.”

“We went there to find heart of fire dancing – but there are so many things that Polynesians do that we couldn’t help but veer off the fire path – weaving, sticks, we went there for fire, but an abundance of cool things happened.”

It’s been 12 months since we last spoke to Neal about this project and he said the process has been so long because it’s entirely self-funded.

“It’s Elija (Cavanagh) editing it. I don’t have enough money to pay him to get it done in two weeks, so we’ll make a bit of money, and then put it towards the project. We have 80 hours of footage we had to compile down into 50 minutes.”

“I randomly bumped into the father of the world champion.

I was just out in Hawaii handing out business cards and then the world champion’s dad said come train with us, we’d love to teach you and I said “ok, I’ll be back in five months.”

So five months later, he was back. And now twelve months later he’s ready to launch the finished product. But it’s not the end of the journey. As Neal maps out his future plans it’s clear that Heart of Fire is just the beginning.

“The plan on the bigger scale is that we have a documentary we can screen. So now I can get all the Polynesian dancers from the Gold Coast and get them in a room and have a big night of entertainment.”

“After the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary night (the launch) we’re going to put another one on – at NightQuarter – with even more Polynesian dancers and play the documentary again, get the Polynesian culture together.”

“Then next year, we want to go to Africa. We want to make a documentary in Africa about fire tribes and people that celebrate fire and then bring back that culture to the Gold Coast and gather African dancers and cultures.”

“We can do this endlessly through the world.”

Neal shares some of the stories behind the film. The time Elijah fell off a cliff and was left dangling hanging on to a branch for more than ten minutes. Filming in forests and dressing in traditional gear. Participating in a naming ceremony (Neal was named Lefefe which means fearless in Samoan) and learning to perform with Polynesians.

“On the night of the launch we’ve got some Polynesian musicians and dancers - who will be doing anything from Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, Aotearoa. And from that we’ll do the screening. There’s be traditional fireknife dancers and DJ – Favourite Son (OKA). He plays a lot of smooth ukulele and island instruments within his DJ set.”

As well, Neal said there’ll be a bar open plus food, drinks and hopefully Coca Rasta handing out fresh coconuts and opening them for everybody.

Tickets are just $25 and families are welcome. As are picnic rugs and blankets.

“We’ll have a big screen under the stars with an indoor option for if it rains,” Neal said.

“We got all the sound from that video as well and have to push that sound down and match it to all the video.”

And after the launch? What’s next for Energy Entertainments?

He says first up is to find investors. “We need money.”

“I thought making a doco, well I was a bit light-headed about it. But really it’s quite a big task – especially for only three people. When you look at a documentary or film – when you look at how long the credits go on for – well our’s is just going to say Elija Cavanagh, Neal Webb and Gabrielle Fry.”

“We have the concept – we are able to make it – we’re able to produce it – it’s such a cheap production compared to a normal documentary. There’s only three of us involved and we’ve got everything ready. We have this ready to show someone and this is our pilot. We just need some money to do the rest of it – we want to make a series of nine from different cultures all over the world.”

The documentary goes for 50 minutes and includes some outtakes and funny stuff that happened to the trio and it follows the journey through Hawaii, finding the roots of fire, but also having those cultural experiences as well as sharing people’s stories and their love for fire.

“It’s mainly about the competition – that’s the basis of it all,” Neal said. “Day one to five of the competition.”

Neal explained that he didn’t compete, but did perform with a troupe in a five-star resort. And the story of how he ended up involved with that group is one of good luck.

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HEART OF FIRE LAUNCHES SATURDAY 4 JUNE AT CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND TICKETS ARE $25 + BF. ALL THE DETAILS, INCLUDING LINK TO TRAILER AT TINYURL.COM/ FIREGOLDCOAST.

And as well as those global visions, Neal continues to perform across the Gold Coast and further afield – private events, Buskers by the Creek and a new Freaks ‘n’ Beats concept, SWELL, weddings, openings, parties and creative branding for BMX, clothing brands and skateboarding. He’s also got the first ever 360 degree fire video coming out.

He’s literally setting the local cultural scene on fire.

Samantha Morris

Image: Lamp Photography

GOLD COAST & festival

03 june

opening night soirÉe

ENJOY PRODUCE DRIVEN CANAPÉS CREATED BY LUMINOUS GOLD COAST CHEFS VICTOR MARMYSZ (LURLEENS) AND GREG BENNEY (QT GOLD COAST), A SIRROMET CHAMPAGNE TOWER AND DOUGHNUT-INSPIRED CROQUEMBOUCHE TICKETS : $6O

18 june

bEer aPpreciation

A MUST FOR ALL BEER LOVERS! LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF BEER BREWING, AND TASTE DIFFERENT JAMES SQUIRE, LITTLE CREATURES AND A SELECTION OF OTHER AUSTRALIAN CRAFT BEERS. TICKETS : $35

GCFOODANDWINE.COM.AU 3 R D - 2 6 T H J U N E A T N I G H T Q U ARTER

04 june

caramel aPple workshop

STICKY DEES CARAMEL APPLES ARE DUNKED IN KETTLE CARAMEL AND ROLLED IN RAD TOPPINGS! LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN IN A FUN, HANDS ON WORKSHOP, THEN EAT IT! TICKETS: $10

18 june

aus vs usa barbecue wars

COMPETITION BARBECUE TEAM THE FLAMING MONGRELS REPRESENT THE AUSSIES, AND GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH NIGHTQUARTER’S OWN GRUMPI’S SMOKE AND GRILL REPRESENTING AMERICAN BARBECUE. TICKETS : FREE EVENT

10 june

progreSsive degustation

EMERGING FOOD ARTISANS AND CHEFS WILL USE LOCAL AND SMALL-BATCH INGREDIENTS IN NEW WAYS, DRAWING FROM THEIR RICH HERITAGE TO CREATE EXCITING FOOD EXPERIENCES PAIRED WITH WINE. SEVEN COURSE DEGUSTATION WITH A WINE RECEPTION. TICKETS: $120

25 june

cocktail making claSs

LEARN TO CREATE THREE MODERN AND CLASSIC SIGNATURE COCKTAILS AND THEN SIP PROUDLY ON YOUR CREATIONS AS YOUR PRIVATE BARTENDER TAKES YOU THROUGH THE TIPS AND TRICKS OF COCKTAIL PERFECTION. TICKETS : $50

11 june

sustainable seafOod

17 june

wine aPpreciation

A COOKING DEMONSTRATION FOCUSING ON THE PROCESS OF SUSTAINABLY COOKING WITH FISH, FROM CATCH TO PLATE. LEARN THE SECRETS TO EXCEPTIONAL SEAFOOD PREPARATION AND COOKING. WITH RHETT WILLIS AND JOHN SUSMAN. TICKETS: FREE EVENT

LEARN AND TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH AN INTIMATE APPRECIATION OF WINE WITH SIRROMET WINERY’S CHIEF WINEMAKER, ADAM CHAPMAN. TICKETS : $45

3-26 june

3-26 june

SIRROMET PRESENTS A VIP LOUNGE EXPERIENC WITH PREMIUM VIEWS OF THE NIGHTQUARTER STAGE. GOURMET HAPPY HOUR CANAPÉS, A FESTIVAL GIFT BAG AND A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF BUBBLES ON ARRIVAL. AVAILABLE EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT IN JUNE. TICKETS: $40

EVER WANTED TO HAVE DESSERT FOR DINNER? MAKE ALL OF YOUR DESSERT DREAMS COME TRUE WITH FIVE DIFFERENT DESSERTS IN ONE NIGHT! AVAILABLE EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT IN JUNE. TICKETS : $20

pop up wine lounge

deSsert safari

3 - 13 JUNE Cooly Rocks On Coolangatta coolyrockson.com

SATURDAY 4 JUNE Cuisine on the Green Surfers Paradise Golf Club 5.30pm (every Saturday)

3 - 25 JUNE Gold Coast Food & Wine Festival NightQuarter gcfoodandwine.com.au

SUNDAY 5 JUNE Tropical Sundays Marriott Hotel from 2.00pm (every Sunday)

SUNDAYS 29 MAY + 26 JUNE + 24 JULY Trucks 'n Tunes Beenleigh Distillery 11.00am - 2.00pm

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT US ONLINE COMEDY FOOD & DRINK MARKETS FILM ART THEATRE

SUNDAY 12 JUNE Sundays in Sicily Cabana Bar and Lounge from 1.00pm (every Sunday Jun - Aug)

THURSDAY 16 JUNE Gold Coast Music Awards Bureigh Brewing Co. | 6.00 - 10.00pm

TUESDAY 7 JUNE Open Floor Conscious Dance Tweed Heads Public School 7.00 - 9.00am

SUNDAY 26 JUNE Sunday Crafternoons Burleigh Brewing Co Tap House 2.00pm - 6.00pm (every Sunday)

FRIDAY 10 JUNE Comedy in the Basement The Arts Centre Gold Coast |8.00pm (every Friday)

SAT 25 - SUN 26 JUNE Mudgeeraba Show Mudgeeraba Showgrounds 8.00am - 4.00pm

SATURDAY 25 JUNE Isle of Capri Markets Surfers Paradise Primary School 8.00am - 1.00pm (every Saturday)

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE Bigger than Poetry Miami Marketta 5.00 - 9.00pm

FRIDAY 24 & SATURDAY 25 JUNE The Avenue 'End of an Era' party The Avenue Surfers Paradise from 7pm Proud presenting partner of the

Gold Coast

Music Awards

Food & Drink

17 Lavarack Rd., Nobby Beach

THE YARD CAFÉ Our beginnings don’t form our destiny.

For that I’m grateful. One of my first dates with my beloved was to put his dog down, and our first dinner date to the Workers’ Club was also a test of faith.

Having sold their chain of hairdressing salons, Simon Moulden and Tracey Hughes decided to follow their vision of a local café, which held their values: ‘A fresh approach to old lifestyle cuisine and dedicated service…paddock and patch to plate and bowl…’

Plain sailing it was not. Tucked halfway back on the beach side of the commercial strip, residential dwellings had encroached into the commercial zone where the café sits.

‘Good fences make good neighbours’ they say, but the adage is not always true. For The Yard Café, its first year was marked by difficulties. There were battles with council despite the zoning, as well as redevelopment of local properties which resulted in lots of dust.

But while many would have given up, Simon Moulden’s thirty years in the food industry saw him pushing through; not just surviving, but triumphing with a positive attitude.

Simon and Tracey’s persist efforts to develop relationships and share their vision with local residents has seen the café slowly turn a corner.

When we visited, it was smiles all round. With Tracey moving on with her business and speaking career, it’s Simon who’s managing the café, sharing the cooking with his brother Grant, the front of house very ably overseen by the charming Laurent Boutonne. Simon relates that people like being noticed and appreciated.

“We’re big on service,” Simon tells us, adding that he’s chosen staff with the same ‘can do’ attitude. “We do the very best we can for each individual diner. It’s why our regulars keep

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coming back.” Indeed, the obliging, exceptional service is a huge factor in our return visit.

Of course it’s more than that. Somehow, in creating this relaxed space, we’re entering a unique demographic-free zone. Long and narrow, the venue is an earthy place, grounded, as Australian verandas are, in wood and iron. It has a spot for everyone: a kids’ playground secreted away in one corner up the back enclosed behind pool fencing, a mid-range courtyard area for the outdoor types, inside for the comfort dwellers, and front windows or front pavement for the street-watchers.

There’s an all-day grazing menu divided into ‘egg’ items, dips and olives, proteins, other dishes, salad bowls, things to share and cuca tins. The range of dishes is huge, (enough to suit every budget and appetite), mostly Mediterraneaninfluenced fare, very well sourced unfussy food. Classic but different, too, which we like, with dishes we’d come back to enjoy again.

We’ve already been to The Yard for breakfast, enjoying Baghdad Eggs, a beautifully presented combination of thin potato bread, tiny slices of preserved lemons, dukkah and microherbs to garnish, as well as Pulled pork tacos with slaw, black beans, chipotle mayo, ‘salsa verde’ and an apple and green tomatillo sauce.

Around us a retired couple were enjoying a weekend brunch together in peace, two girls shared a Giant Wagyu Burger, (a wise move), and a young couple enjoyed breakfast and a relaxing read as their kids checked out the playground.

We’ve returned for lunch as guests. After starters in the courtyard, we move inside away from the great outdoors (good move) to try the Seafood platter – succulent prawns, a delicious Moreton Bay bug, a fresh fish patty and a neat pile of hot-smoked salmon devilled with mascarpone and dill, together with two Cuca tins (sardines, and

mussels marinated in a rich tomato sauce) to be spread on some Panya sourdough. It’s a great meal for two, easily supplemented by a side if you wish.

‘Tinned seafood on a platter?’ I hear you say. For the uninitiated, Concervas Cuca is the most sought after tinned seafood you can buy. Cuca sardines are fished at dawn, from July to December on the coast of north-west Spain and northern Portugal, the product cleaned by hand, processed and packed immediately to preserve freshness and flavour.

It’s the best money can buy, and so is the fresh seafood – plump and beautifully presented with one of the Coast’s favourite breads to mop it up.

We’re washing it down with Cape Grim water (the purest on earth), and a bottle of Jim Barry Riesling. What more could we ask?

Entertainment, and when singer Matt Armitage starts the Sunday Sesh at 2pm, we enter chill out zone – bluesy and relaxed. Couples arrive for an afternoon drink and nibbles, someone sets up their iPad to read a book, others are doing the Allpress coffee chat thing out the front, and by now we’re looking for a couch for a nap! With exceptionally friendly, attentive service from our waiter Tim, it’s been very relaxing to spend a few hours in this great little café.

Persistence and vision. There you are.

And here we are, the Main Squeeze and I, ten years after first meeting, without a club roast or a dead dog in sight. Like I said, lucky our beginnings don’t form our destiny!

Note: On one occasion, Marj dined as a guest of The Yard.

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast www.foodgoldcoast.com.au

explanatory and oh so trendy in its brevity and expression.

Short menus are the go, it seems. No room for food envy.

‘Crunchy Granola – Hung yogurt. Season fruit. Nut mylk……$12 We indulge in a couple of ‘Brunch’ dishes: Birds in a Nest (basically a reincarnation of Eggs bene in a hash brown nest $16.5) and Beetroot Brekky (think Avo smash made from beetroot relish with two poached eggs $16). Haloumi and greens optional. Both delish, of course, because these guys really know how to make their stuff… and this menu fits the clientele perfectly.

Then too, of course, there’s the excellent Blackboard coffee, made particularly well at Nest by Justin.

But I’m still in mourning. Pout!

I’m missing my ‘Perverted tastes’, as the Main Squeeze calls it, shaking his head dismissively at the mound of green, which regularly populates my breakfast plate.

NEST

Tree Tops Centre, 1/3 Classic Way, Burleigh Waters With the sale of Griffith Street Larder, it was time for the Blackboard crew to give Burleigh’s Larder a rebrand. Not only that, but with the menu exiting stage left with the name, ‘the larder was empty’. Consequently, a whole new concept and menu was born.

Nest.

Fresh and new, it’s as though the place has finally found itself. With beautiful branding comes a meaning and purpose.

Birds. Home. Nest. In Treetops.

This is a place where you can stop and rest awhile, nestle in and replenish, before you ‘fly’ off again. It’s comfortable, quiet and, dare I say, beautiful. Feminine, but simple. Not over-tricked. The new artwork on the wall takes in birds and books (two of my favourite things), the nest allusion continued in lampshades, menus, windows… subtle and welcoming…

Somehow, in building their Nest, the crew have come up with a more grounded, mainstream menu. Gone is the Cornmeal crusted soft shell crab for breakfast on a bed of Vietnamese salad and mayo, a Soft serve cookie sandwich for a snack with lunch… Righteousness for brekkie with a jar of Chai chia pudding in the morning, then Fried chicken with hand cut bad boys for lunch. It’s gone. Gone too are the donuts, but the cronuts remain.

It seems that not many of you share my passion for green mornings, for clean, fresh and salty. You’ve told me via Instagram: sugar is still your queen! Whether you have a quirky obsession about particular dishes or the way you like to eat them, we all have our own perversions. There’s not much sugar on this brekkie menu for you except as smoothies and shakes – no Acai or Pitaya bowls – but not much green either, unless we add it as an extra or dip into the lunch menu.

Maybe that’s the answer! The lunch menu contains a bit more excitement, such as the Crispy lamb bowl with hummus and tabouli served on a pannikin, or the Fresh chicken salad with quinoa, greens and stone fruit.

I’m in mourning for my Crumbed zucchini on a bed of mint, crushed pea, feta, chilli and watercress salad laced with garlic yoghurt. Sitting pretty in a metal pannikin before me, it was a green feast; a delicate and exciting balance of textures and flavours achieved through new combinations.

Clever! No more.

But, as it turns out, the dish was one of Larder’s least popular dishes.

Who would have guessed? It seems that I stand alone in my contempt for Smashed Avo and Eggs Bene. Nobody else wore green to the party.

But what I’m missing most is the Kiwi-born quirkiness Larder’s menu held; an unexpected random inventiveness that we can’t get enough of on the Gold Coast. It was an edginess that’s brought us new dishes and fresh approaches to modern food. Innovative cuisine washed down with local Pickled Pig cider and Stone & Wood ale (which are still available). No, it seems we’ve come back towards the table of righteousness with Nest’s menu because you asked for it.

SHAKERMAKER COFFEE DRIVE-THRU 117 Arundel Dr, Arundel

For many hardworking Gold Coasters, the trek to work each day can be an arduous one, fraught with road works, traffic jams and people who just don’t understand how their indicator works. Making your potentially road-rageinducing commute much more bearable is Shakermaker Coffee Drive-Thru, which is perfectly perched on Brisbane Road and ready to ease the pain of your journey with soul soothing coffee.

Opening mid-February, Shakermaker has proven very popular with commuters, especially tradies with an early start and people who work in Brisbane as it is open from 5am each morning, possibly the earliest of any café on the Gold Coast. To go with your coffee or The Cleanse Kitchen juice there are pastries care of Panya bakery, raw slices made by market favourite The Whoopie Lady and house made injectable donuts and bacon and egg rolls that are so good they fly out the drive through window.

Tim Westaway of ESPL. Coffee Brewers in Surfers is the man you need to thank for Shakermaker, which keeps a seasonal rotating blend of beans care of Blackboard on the grind in their impressively large La Marzocco machine. On our visit the espresso blend consisted of Brazil Divino ‘natural’ and Ethiopia Aricha ‘washed’ beans, and was tried in a variety coffees as our group was large and in need of caffeinating early on a Monday morning before the daily grind commenced. Taking a seat on the high stools along the long bench inside Shakermaker, the sweet smell of coffee starting working its magic and began to perk us up. The espresso is always the leader, with a rich earthy scent and sharp acidity that rolls around the mouth pleasantly with flavours of fruit and nut chocolate that are noticeably sweeter in a long black.

In the piccolo and the latte the milk enriches the creamy flavours of dried fruit and chocolate, with the piccolo still retaining the beautiful kick felt in the espresso and long black. For those wishing to enjoy their coffee later in the day, bottled iced coffee is also available for your convenience.

With generous opening hours of 5am to 5pm daily, forget the annoyance of parking and waiting at other coffee shops as Shakermaker Coffee Drive-Thru is guaranteed to keep you caffeinated all in the comfort of your own car.

Catherine Coburn

After all, it’s your nest.

Marj Osborne Read more of Marj’s reviews on Good Food Gold Coast www.foodgoldcoast.com.au

The menu has landed with the obligatory Smashed Avo, Granola and Bene for Brekkie; Salads, bowls and burgers for lunch. Safe territory, with nothing over $16… Yes, I’m being flippant, but on the upside, the menu is a lot more self-

www.blankgc.com.au

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Food & Drink

LITTLE BITES CELEBRATE THE FLAVOURS OF ITALY AT CUCINA VIVO With a day-to-day menu that showcases traditional Italian fare from a base of handmade pizza and pasta dough, the culinary team at Cucina Vivo will celebrate Italian Week from Thursday 26 May – Sunday 5 June. Across the 11 days, the restaurant will be offering a five-course degustation menu offering a tasteful sojourn around the flavoursome country including dishes and ingredients from Tuscany, Venice, Milan and Southern Italy. The degustation menu will be $110.

GC SET TO CELEBRATE THE EXPERIENCE OF FOOD & WINE Gold Coast is finally getting its own signature food and wine event. The inaugural event will be held across the month of June at NightQuarter. The Festival will be a signature event to celebrate the quality and variety of eating experiences on the Gold Coast with gastronomic experiences, degustations, cooking demonstrations, workshops, cocktail making classes, wine and beer appreciation, a VIP Lounge, competitions and signature dining experiences. The Gold Coast’s new foodie mecca, NightQuarter, will be the backdrop of the festival. With a focus on the theatre and the art of food… with performance art, sensory experiences and musical performances incorporated into the festival to pay tribute to the Gold Coast as Australia’s destination for entertainment.

A diverse program of food events will be held every Friday and Saturday night in June from 4.00 -10.00pm. More at gcfoodandwine.com.au. The festival runs 3 – 25 June.

HOUSE OF BREWS SERVES UP FLAVOURS OF THE WORLD The award-winning House of Brews has drawn inspiration from around the globe for an array of new dishes and share plates. Bar snacks are a big focus, with offerings such as fire-roasted bruschetta; edamame with sea salt and chilli; and Asian chicken and lettuce wraps bringing a fresh take on the existing range of Americana-inspired fare. Vegetarians are also well catered for, with a Southwest superfood salad or roasted pumpkin and quinoa burger. House of Brews is at 17 Orchid Avenue Surfers Paradise and houseofbrews.com.au.

SCENIC RIM’S EAT LOCAL WEEK Now in its sixth year, Eat Local Week is a time to celebrate the farmers and producers of the Scenic Rim. With agriculture and tourism contributing more than $400 million to the regional economy, Eat Local Week helps people trace food from paddock to plate and to celebrate the hard work of those primary producers. A huge range of products are produced in the area fringing the Gold Coast, our Scenic Rim - beef, pork, poultry, cheese, wine, craft beer, olives, relishes, jams, finger limes and dragonfruit. Eat Local Week showcases these foods and recognises the importance of agriculture to the region.

Last year’s Eat Local Week activities attracted more than 22,000 visitors to the region. The event runs 25 June – 3 July 2016. Visit eatlocalweek.com.au 38

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GC FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

EMERGING CHEFS PROGRESSIVE DEGUSTATION Emerging food artisans and chefs will use local and smallbatch ingredients in new ways, drawing from their rich heritage to create food experiences that are both nostalgic and exhilarating. Take a culinary adventure around the globe with flavours from Italy, Japan, Greece and Australia.

Drawing from rich family traditions and recipes handed down from generation to generation, food artisans will delight with a twist of innovation and culinary creation. Guests will be greeted with a wine reception, and enjoy a seven course degustation paired with wine throughout. The menu includes fresh handmade gnocchi with wild mushroom and truffle sauce; Shark Bay pink snapper pan-fried with asparagus with sauce Choron; porcini and truffle Arancini; and handmade karaage chicken baozi. A raw banoffee pie from Nude Sisters will end the evening on a sweet note. The food artisans will present their dishes and tell the stories behind their creations.

Featuring Executive Chefs; Rhett Willis, Rodger Graff, Costa Georgio, David Walker, Brian Meskanen, Hiroyuki Okubo and Nude Sisters. The event is at NightQuarter as part of the Gold Coast Food + Wine Festival, Friday 10 June, 6.00pm.

Tickets $120 from gcfoodandwine.oztix.xom.au.

To say we’re excited about a new food festival on the Gold Coast is an understatement. The fact that it’s happening at Helensvale is just the icing on the cake.

The GC Food and Wine Festival will run for a whole month at NightQuarter, from 3 – 26 June with food events every Friday and Saturday night from 4.00 – 10.00pm. With degustations, cooking demos, workshops, cocktail making classes and wine and beer appreciation and a mix of free and ticketed events, it’s shaping up to be a cracker.

Here’s some of the festival highlights:

3 June | opening night soiree. Sirromet

champagne tower and a croquembouche to die for. Canapés inspired by the Gold Coast’s abundant produce will be created by some of the Coast’s most celebrated Executive Chefs including QT’s Executive Chef Greg Benney; Dean Brewer from Atlanta Bar and Greek and Restaurant Lurleen’s Victor Marmysz. Tickets $60 + BF

3 – 25 June | Pop-up wine lounge. A bespoke pop-up wine bar created by Sirromet in The Paddock – a haven for wine enthusiasts and music lovers with the likes of Pirates of the Tempest, Dan Hannaford, Mitch King, Jake Fox, Phoebe Sinclair, Vaudeville Smash, Jackson James Smith, Athena Joy, Electric Lemonade and Phil Barlow & The Wolf all having sets over that period.

10 June | Emerging Chef progressive degustation. Emerging artisans and chefs using local

and small-batch ingredients in new ways. A seven-course culinary adventure with flavours from Italy, Japan, Greece and Australia and paired wines throughout. The menu is insane. Tickets $120 + BF.

18 June | Australia v America BBQ wars.

Since American style barbecuing has risen to popularity in Australia, how has the quintessential ‘Aussie barbecue’ been redefined? And who does it better... the Aussies or the Americans? The Flaming Mongrels represent the Aussies, and will go head to head with NightQuarter’s own Grumpi’s Smoke and Grill representing American barbecue. Free event from 5.30 – 7.00pm.

GET ALL THE DETAILS AT GCFOODANDWINE.COM.AU.

Image: Stryker Knight

THE EDIBLE COAST Our city has a food franchise chain you may not know of; native plants. They’re all around us right now, minding their own business, fruiting and flowering with joyous abandon. It's an intoxicating thought that we can walk through our suburbs and snatch a handful of food whenever we choose, from a secret supermarket visible to those with the right kind of eyes.

MARCHING POWDER, DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

With a knowledge of botany that extends little further than the spiny green whatsit, I am fortunate to have Paula Nihot of the Yugambeh Museum to guide me through the species that grow around Bundall’s Arts Centre.

“When I look at a plant, I’m looking for the four “F’s”; foliage, fruit, flower, and…fur,” she says this last one almost sheepishly.

“Fur?” “Bark,” she says, smiling. “I needed a fourth ‘F’.”

Image: Lamp Photography Krijn van Gils is a kite-surfing, krav maga practicing teacher, who happens to be a bit of a coffee nerd.

“We’re quite coffee the coffee snobs at our work,” he said, as we sat in Little Mermaid. “We weigh all the coffee shots and are always looking to improve our brew.”

And now he’s taken his love of coffee to the next level, launching MP Coffee. It’s a high-quality, roast-to-order coffee specifically for the home. Krijn said it became obvious people were demanding high quality coffee for home and office use and he’s determined to fill the gap.

The coffee is ordered online, roasted to order and then couriered to homes and offices.

“It’s so fresh we actually recommend people let the coffee mature for a week,” he explained. “It’s like a wine. It needs to mature for full-flavour development. It’s why they have those one-way valves on the bag, so the gases that come out of the beans can escape.”

MP Coffee (the MP stands for Marching Powder) will offer a subscription-based service where people can get their freshly roasted coffee home-delivered “If you want fresh coffee delivered every second week then we’ve got the system to provide that service,” Krijn said. “It’s automated but obviously you can buy the coffee one bag at a time too.”

“We do small batch roasting – it’s a specific roast, and it’s aimed at people who want the best possible coffee.”

“I’m not trying to cut corners here, I’m 100% confident in this product – it’s high quality coffee,” Krijn said.

The blends sound awesome too. There’s Columbian Marching Powder and there’s Good Morning Vietnam, with different roasting recipes and bean combinations for each. And it’s all small-batch roasted.

I tell Krijn I’m one of those gumbies who hasn’t invested in a ‘home coffee solution’ yet and he excitedly shows me the Aeropress, explaining that you can order 250g, 500g or 1kg bags from their website – ground for whatever machine you use.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but Krijn then explains how ‘into’ their Aeropress people get. “Yeah, you can get real nerdy with your coffee. You weigh it. You weigh the water you put in. Make sure the water you put in is around 80 degrees.

There are people all over the internet who’ve perfected the skill of using the Aeropress. There’s even Aeropress world championships.”

“I’ve been making coffee at home for many years and I’ve perfected it on my little domestic coffee machine – but the thing I struggle with is finding a really high quality coffee blend to produce my coffee with,” Krijn said. “I want to make the procedure really easy – home delivery, you can’t beat it.”

And it’s not just Gold Coast and Australia getting the MP Coffee treatment. Krijn has counterparts in UK and the European mainland.

“They do exactly the same thing we do here. In the UK they use the same blends, same recipe. And from Holland we can actually distribute all over mainland Europe,” he said.

Samantha Morris

The price comes in just below what you’d pay for coffee beans in a café – but postage is on top of that.

“The thing is, that most people in Australia either drink instant coffee or coffee in a café. You don’t know how long it’s been since that coffee has been roasted. If you buy coffee in a supermarket it could be three months old. And the used by date in supermarkets is often over a year,” Krijn said.

“It’s really fresh, which makes it really tasty, and it’s very much full-bodied.”

Let’s go shopping.

Bush ginger (Alpinia caerulea): “You can wrap food in the leaves, like a tortilla,” Paula says.

Blue Flax Lily (Dianella congesta): “When you see it you know there’s drinkable water underground.”

Midyim Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis): “This delicious fruit has more antioxidants than a blueberry.”

Lilly Pilly (Syzgium luehmannii): “Combined with apple, it makes a delicious sauce for pork or game.” Paula also reduces it until it is a pink cordial that her girls take to school. Of course, it can be eaten straight from the bush, as can the flowers.

Grevillea (grevillea): “There’s two ways to approach Grevillea. You can be greedy and pick the flower for yourself, or you can bang the flower on your hand, releasing the nectar, and lick your palm.”

Lomandra (Lomandra longifolia): Find Grevillea and you’ll usually find a cabal of Lomandra – the Simon to Grevillea’s Garfunkel. “We eat the base of the leaves, fruit and flowers, and the rest of the leaf is used for weaving,” Paula says.

Paperbark (melaleuca quinquenervia): If, like me, you cut yourself on the Lomandra, then Paperbark provides a natural bandage…along with a lot of other uses; from nappies to something to write your phone number on. Aside from edible flowers, it’s a means in which to wrap food.

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citrodora): “This plant has the highest citric content of any plant in the world,” Paula says.

Paula and the Yugambeh Museum are hosting a Native Food Grand Dinner at Dreamworld on 23 October. For more information visit the Yugambeh Museum (open Wednesdays 10am-2pm) or call 0738076155.

Benjamin Allmon

BLANK READERS GET 10% DISCOUNT WITH THE CODE BLANK10. YOU CAN ALSO GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN SIX MONTHS OF FREE COFFEE, HOMEDELIVERED. ENTRIES CLOSE 15 JUNE.

The full description of each tasty plant skilfully captured by guest writer Benjamin Allmon is at blankgc.com.au.

This story was originally published as a guest blog on ABC Open Gold Coast and has been synthesised for print. To read more or share your own local story on ABC Open, visit open. abc.net.au or contact Jeff Licence on 0427 216 114. www.blankgc.com.au

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Jupiters Hotel & Casino presents

TREE-TOP-CHALLENGEAND-A-HALF!

There is nothing like spending time in the rainforest, with the lush green leaves as a backdrop, and the birds as your soundtrack for the day. Living on the Gold Coast it's easy to take for granted that we not only have white sandy beaches and warm water year round, but we also have miles and miles of hinterland to explore. Right on our doorstep.

BEN HURLEY

GISH

JAMIE BOWEN

JUSTINE SMITH

BRENDHAN LOVEGROVE

MICHELE A’COURT

JARRED FELL

AARON PRATT

FRIDAY JULY 22, 2016 * $ TICKETS 49 Book now at jupitersgoldcoast.com.au

/jupitersgc

or 132 849

Today's adventure at the Tree Top Challenge in Mount Tamborine is something a little different. As I take to the first set of obstacles suspended in the trees, I begin to think perhaps it won't be much of a challenge at all. The swaying bridges, wobbly tightropes and zip lines all seem to be quite tame. Settling in for a gentle afternoon exploring the forest I was not prepared for what was to come.

I would soon be leaping between swinging logs, pulling myself up through huge plastic tubes and grabbing onto slippy monkey bars. Although enjoying being in the forest and the physical challenge of the course I was beginning to wonder if my tiny arms could carry me any further! A kookaburra sat mocking me from a nearby tree as I got myself together for one of the final obstacles. Kicking off from the platform I began descending the hundreds of meters into the trees on the giant 'flying fox' zip line. Just as I started to relax and enjoy the ride, I got close to the platform at the other end and I started to slow down. Not only did I slow down, but then began going back the other way! Once I finally came to a stop in the middle of the wire, stranded between the two huge trees, I started the laborious task of pulling myself up towards the final platform. Much to the amusement of both the kookaburra and my tree climbing companions.

Once on the ground I was patting myself on the back for completing the whole course, deciding whether to have a celebratory ice cream or celebratory beer, when above me came a group of 7 year olds laughing and joking and completing the obstacles with ease. I decided to treat myself anyway and stopped in at the Terrace Kiosk next door for a well-deserved cronut!

Note: Sarah was a guest of the Tree Top Challenge.

Sarah Loughlin To see more from Sarah visit itsonlyaplanerideaway.com

PERFORMANCE MAY CONTAIN ADULT CONTENT AND COARSE LANGUAGE. Subject to availability, change and cancellation. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times. *A $7.05 service/delivery fee and 1.95% credit/debit card payment processing fee applies to all internet and telephone bookings through Ticketek.

BOOK YOUR CHALLENGE AT: WWW.TREETOPCHALLENGE.COM.AU

BEENLEIGH ARTISAN DISTILLERY 142 Distillery Rd, Eagleby. Open: Wed – Sun 10am – 5pm There are some tours in our own backyard, which we shouldn't leave to the tourists, and Beenleigh Rum sure is one of those. We're a nation built using rum as the currency. In some ways it still is. There’s no need to go further afield to find it; we've got liquid gold right here on our doorstep!

Opened in 1884, Beenleigh Rum Distillery is Australia’s original rum, and the Gold Coast’s longest running hospitality establishment. Thanks to new owners, the distillery is enjoying a rebirth with a new Visitors’ Centre, which opened to the public late in 2015.

as an international tourist attraction. Focus has been placed on the artisan nature of the distillery’s small batch copper pot distillation (using the original copper pots), ageing of rum in handmade oak barrels, and its use of quality local ingredients, such as molasses from Rocky Point Sugar Mill.

For over 130 years, Beenleigh Rum has been handcrafting rum the traditional way in a stone convict-built building on the banks of the Albert River in Eagleby. The company is said to be the legal successor of ‘The Bosun’ James Stewart’s S.S. Walrus, which ran aground on the river’s edge adjacent to John Davy and Frank Gooding’s cane farm. Salvaging the still and not finding the owner, the farmers decided to diversify their business, gaining a rum licence and siting the still beside the sugar mill on their plantation, named Beenleigh in memory of their family estate in Devonshire, England.

Master Distiller Wayne Stewart has been working at the distillery for 36 years and has seen many changes over that time. While he says he ‘fell into the job by accident’, he’s passionate about a good drop or two, and is pleased to see it evolve over time. His favourite tipple, he tells us, is the limited release Port Barrel-infused rum, a delicious smooth drop to sip either straight or on ice.

The distillery has faced many challenges during its history, including being swept away in the floods of 1887, as well as many changes of ownership and consequently changes in direction. There were times when its very existence seemed unlikely, with the company lapsing into receivership for several years.

The tour begins in the Visitors’ Centre, which also acts as a museum for the distillery, before we look around the distillery itself. Visits are led by venue manager and mixologist Gavin Butler, whose colourful commentary laden with anecdotes and snapshots of history makes our tour a spellbinding pleasure.

Read the full wrap of the tour by Marj Osborne at blankgc.com.au. And get more of Marj’s other reviews at foodgoldcoast. com.au.

Its purchase by Vok (a subsidiary of Bickford’s) in 2012 has once again put the distillery on the map. Renamed Beenleigh Artisan Distillery, it has been relaunched

MEL BUTTLE

“She’s one of the funniest, a hilarious bundle of contradictions”

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Arts & Culture

DARK HUMOUR TAKES OVER THE SPACE WITH ALLEN The Arts Centre’s black box theatre, The Space, is fast becoming known for works that are edgy, raw and include many new works by Gold Coast artists. Allen, a dark humoured black comedy set to take over The Space in June, is the latest work from Gold Coast based production company …Awkward Productions.

Stewart J. McMillan, the writer and brains behind Allen, answered some questions for Natalie O'Driscoll.

It’s interesting that Allen is a prequel to Un Natural Selection. Did you know you would write it when you wrote Un Natural Selection?

The events in Allen occur along the same timeline as my first production Beautifully Dead focusing on the Psychiatrist character Dr Jeremy Roberts. So Allen actually links my prior two productions making this a trilogy…..I secretly just always wanted to write a trilogy [laughs].

But in saying that, no, I really didn’t intend on writing a prequel at all. When I was thinking of ideas for the new production and what I want to write about, I kept coming back to the character of Allen…the sociopath. He really intrigued me; where did he come from, has he always been like this etc?

The good thing about Allen is that you don’t need to have prior knowledge of the previous productions, it’s its own story about a psychiatrist seeing his psychiatrist.

What do you hope to achieve out of your residency and playreading?

Well we’ve got the season of Allen in the Arts Centre’s the Space theatre in June and you don’t always get the chance to test out a script prior to the production so this is a great opportunity to simply get the script as good as it possibly can be. See what works, what doesn’t in the script and also grow as a writer while working with an industry professional.

How do you hope audiences will respond to the work?

Well it’s a black comedy so laughter is always a preferred response. Both our prior productions were received really well and Allen is certainly along the same lines, there’s no hidden, subliminal message or political view. I simply just want people to come along and enjoy it as there’s no better feeling than sitting in amongst an audience and getting their honest response from your work, especially when they don’t know who you are [laughs].

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT Nipples are everywhere at the moment. Whether they are making appearances in tales of public breastfeeding, fighting for their rights at Free The Nipple rallies, popping up in Chrissie Teigen’s hilarious attempts to get around Instagram’s nudity policy or being shamed by MRAs who think that only men’s nipples are safe enough to display publicly, the fact is these tiny skin nubs are, for some bizarre reason, capable of creating quite a social stir. When Tessa Bergan was assigned an art assignment around internet artwork that engaged with net culture, she thought nipples might just provide a perfect subject. And why not? Natalie O’Driscoll asked her all about her pointy project.

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ALLEN IS SHOWING AT THE SPACE FROM 16 – 18 JUNE 2016. TICKETS AT THEARTSCENTREGC.COM.AU

How does Nipple Net work, exactly?

Nipple Net is a user-generated, internet artwork.

Anyone can submit a photo of their nipple and a short comment or story about their experience of their body to add to the work. The photos and stories are combined to create an interactive, collage-style artwork in which users can click the nipples to read about various experiences of the body.

What is the meaning behind it?

cultural constraints; the nipple acts a playful device to both equalise and promote diversity. In addition to challenging negative body image, the work promotes gender equality and may assist in desexualising breasts and de-stigmatising public breastfeeding. Through audience participation and internet presentation the work democratises the body and normalises difference.

How did it come about?

Nipple Net seeks to challenge negative body image by creating a playful, safe space to discover and celebrate the beauty that exists in the diversity of our bodies.

It started as a university assignment for a New Media Art course. With the directive to create an internet artwork that engaged with net culture, I considered that user-generated content, interactivity and a quirky idea were key qualities to incorporate into the work.

For many people, nipples are considered a private area of the body not generally shown in public, and especially not by women. In this space, the body is liberated from social and

In thinking about the context of the internet, I considered that it is a space that fuels negative body image through the often unrealistic images promoted by pornography and social media.

garden, and the rural, vernacular landscape. In my art practice I am trying to capture a moment in time that is actually now, that has an essence of the familiar, yet sometimes overlooked Australian landscape.”

AND THE BORDER ART PRIZE GOES TO…

“The often stage-like quality of my paintings can lend them either romantic or oppressive qualities, depending on one’s experience. The phenomenon of light and how it hits the flatness of built forms in the landscape creates a sense of drama and contrast. I aim to create a sense of the power of the life lived within the simple home that is situated and often overlooked by the roadside. The painting Oasis is based on a house in the coastal town of Ballina in northern NSW.” Robyn Sweaney is an artist with strong connection to her region and her environment. She loves living and being an artist in Mullumbimby with all it has to offer from the vibrant artistic community to its rural charm and liveliness.

“The only downside is that it has been a little harder over the years making connections in the art world and I do need to make an effort to get to the city and travel to other exhibition openings to keep in touch with people and what is going on,” said Ms Sweaney.

Our very own annual regional art prize has been awarded again and this year it was Tweed Regional Art Gallery’s turn to host the prize. Robyn Sweaney, a Mullumbimby based artist took the top prize with her work Oasis.

Art Border Prize is a joint initiative of Gold Coast City Art Gallery and Tweed Regional Gallery and is aimed to promote art in the South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The prize is open to 2D and 3D artworks and has no stipulation on subject matter.

“The [Border Art Prize] exhibition comprises a wide variety of styles and media from both well-known and emerging artists, one of whom is only eight years old!” Tweed Regional Gallery director Susi Muddiman said.

“You’ll see painting, photography, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and more. It is truly a celebration of the wealth and breadth of artistic endeavor in the region.”

This prize is a chance for the artists in the area to exhibit their work in the region’s public galleries. It is a rare opportunity for work of any medium to be entered and exhibited. And for two regional galleries to share the resources and the huge undertaking of administering and coordinating a project of this scale, the shared prize ensures an annual exhibition for the artists, the galleries and the public alike.

This year’s prize was judged by artist Euan Macleod. He is a New Zealand born, Sydney based artist with a prolific career

As this is achieved through its inherently democratic nature, it is also the ideal place to challenge such issues. And so Nipple Net was born as a means to promote better body image by showcasing diversity and sharing stories.

Can you explain a little further why you feel that the internet, social media and pornography can fuel negative body image?

The internet and social media are arguably the most pervasive media we experience today, and so have a huge impact on our personal and collective outlook. We're now bombarded with idealised images not only from advertisers ,but anyone who can employ angles and filters for their selfies. Such obsessive manipulation is confusing our sense of what's real and what isn't and is consequently warping our

expanding over 30 years. Amongst other achievements he has an Archibald Prize under his belt and artworks included in such collections as National Gallery of Australia, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Centre of Contemporary Art in Christchurch.

This is what he had to say about his decision and Robyn Sweaney’s winning piece: "Like the 3rd and 2nd prizes, this work is beautifully painted, but in a slightly detached, mechanical way that relates to the subject matter. We're confronted by a façade, which suggests concealment, but implies so much more. It has, for me, an eerie, otherworldly quality. A fabulous painting."

The Border Art Prize brings those opportunities and connections a little bit closer to home.

The exhibition is filled with worthy and magnificent artwork but it would be a shame not to bring out another piece.

Zom Osborne’s Swan Sisters took second prize and portrays two pre-adolescent girls circled by three black swans in a landscape of mist and water.

“I am interested in questions about our relationship, as part of the industrialised first world, with wild animals. We fear them, idolise and romanticise them - but few of us have any kind of relationship with them.”

Susi Muddiman has been a supporter and an admirer of Robyn Sweaney for a while now.

From realism from down the road to realism to true, yet unfortunate, fact of modern life.

“I love the work and have admired Robyn's practice for many years, and enjoyed seeing it evolve,” says Ms Muddiman.

The subject matters put aside, the Border Art Prize leaves you with a warm feeling of unity, shared love for the arts and the region without a border in between and a whole lot of pride for the talent and passion.

“Her recent exhibition in Sydney at Arthouse Gallery was excellent. The Tweed Regional Gallery has a number of works by this artist in our collection, and I am aware that the artist is also represented in the collection of the Gold Coast City Gallery.”

Robyn Sweaney described her work and practice.

“The subject matter of my realist paintings is generally sourced from my immediate environment: the home and

expectations of ourselves and others. This is also true of pornography, which is more readily disseminated than ever, via the internet.

Such fabricated (and ridiculous) images are increasingly seen as the norm, whereas real, imperfect bodies are denied representation and so, ironically, seem unreal, strange and wrong to us.

Do you identify as a feminist?

Yep, I certainly identify as a feminist. I think most people today believe in the concept of gender equality, but when you see statistics like the number of women to men represented in government or high management positions, or exhibiting artists, it's clear there's still more that needs to be done to make the idea of gender equality a reality.

Anna Itkonen

THE BORDER ART PRIZE 2016 IS ON EXHIBITION FROM 6 MAY TO 10 JULY AT TWEED REGIONAL GALLERY.

Have you had any feedback from users of the site? What is the overall response?

The overall response has been wonderfully positive. Most people find the idea quite funny, and humour seems to be a good way to break down some of the walls we hold up (sometimes without even knowing that we do).

Others have said they're a bit grossed out by it, which I think says a lot about our uneasy relationship with our bodies. Most responses show that gender inequality and body image are very real issues that people are dealing with.

I hope the process of sharing and reading these stories generates greater understanding and acceptance within ourselves and of others.

Why should people contribute to Nipple Net? It's a fun way to show your support for positive body image and gender equality; to get comfortable with our bodies in all their unique and beautiful strangeness, and see that it's our differences that can connect us. Also, your nipple may never again get the chance to sit amongst so many friends!

VISIT NIPPLENET.COM TO (ANONYMOUSLY) CONTRIBUTE YOUR PHOTO AND STORY TO THE ARTWORK. www.blankgc.com.au

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Arts & Culture

A FAIR OF THE ART Hillier and Skuse Gallery in Bundall is aiming to assist art lovers looking to purchase works for their homes with a six week long 'Art Fair' from 1st June to 15th July. Each of the fifty award-winning artists on show will be offering up to a dozen works at studio prices, making it an ideal time to look for that perfect piece.

"The growing popularity of Art Fairs world-wide is, I think, due to the convenience of being able to see the works of many artists together. We thought, well, why not hold our own Art Fair here on the Gold Coast and give the public the chance to look through a lot of art from some of our best local and regional artists?" said gallery director Susan Skuse.

Works will range through many styles, genres and mediums.

"We have works by landscape masters such as Brian Cook, Mal Leckie, Otto Schmidinger, Leisa O'Brien and David Ladley, to name a few, as well as figurative work from experts like Steve Hillier, Penelope Gilbert-Ng and Tony Duarte. Some of our very best watercolourists such as Jan Lawnikanis, James McKay and Annette Raff will be taking part, as well as abstract and semi-abstract painters such as Julia Godfree, David Warren and Ros Dux. There is such a long list of excellent artists that it is very hard to pick out names to mention," said co-director Steve Hillier.

The Art Fair will also include a variety of investment art by artists such as Pro-Hart, Hugh Sawrey, d'Arcy Doyle, Attasit Pokpong, Mark Schaller and others at reduced prices.

Hillier and Skuse Gallery is located next door (south) to Masters at 88-90 Bundall Road, Bundall and is open six days a week 10:00 to 5:00pm (closed Wednesdays).

VISIT HILLIERSKUSEGALLERY.COM

COOLY ROCKS ON LAUNCHES MISS ROCKABILLY 2016 The Gold Coast’s favourite 50s and 60s nostalgia festival Cooly Rocks On is in its sixth year already, if you can believe it!

The organisers are adding a new event to their action packed program for 2016. For the first time ever, the hunt is on for Miss Rockabilly 2016.

The iconic rockabilly style has shaped popular culture and without a doubt goes hand in glove with Cooly Rocks On. Dolls who live and breathe the rockabilly lifestyle were invited to enter this years’ inaugural competition.

The twelve finalists listed below will be judged by a panel on categories including rockabilly fashion, rockabilly performance and rockabilly personality. The 2016 overall winner will receive unbelievably exciting prizes, such as a return flight to Singapore courtesy of Scoot Airlines, a Sailor Jerry Rum prize pack, a Gold Coast Adventures Flights experience and more.

The event is set to be a riot and all are welcome to attend.

The twelve fabulous finalists are:

FROM RENT TO ROLLING Queensland native Kirby Lunn made her professional Australian theatre debut at the tender age of 18 in the hit musical Eurobeat- Almost Eurovision, after already having years of amateur theatre in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast under her belt. After understudying the character of Tracy Turnblad in the Australian Original cast of Hairspray The Musical, Kirby then travelled to London where she won the coveted role of Maureen in Rent. Following her work and studies overseas, Kirby is returning to Gold Coast stages as Sarah in the hit show Rolling Thunder Vietnam. We chatted with her before the show’s run in August.

Tell us a bit about the role of Sarah and why the character appealed to you.

I was instantly drawn to the character of Sarah because not only does she have the honour of performing a remarkable list of songs, she is also an incredibly strong young woman.

I'm very passionate about playing characters that are interesting and don't just play to a stereotype. It's also exciting for me as she has a wonderfully layered story arc in the show, which as an actor you just can't wait to get your hands on and start exploring.

What are some of the differences you've noticed between working in Australia and overseas?

1.

Miss Lucy Luxe

2.

Miss Angela Misfit

3.

Miss Diamond Divine

4.

Miss Mandy Mae

5.

Miss Rose D'Luxe

6.

Miss Natasha Burns

The biggest difference between performing in the West End and Australia is possibly the audience. Australians are never shy to really let you know if they love something, they'll laugh, clap and whistle. An English audience can be slightly more refined in the appreciation of your work. You might not know they are enjoying in until the very end of the show, you'll walk out for your curtain call and you can get a shock from a large applause you weren't expecting!

7.

Miss Rockabilly Bunny

Can you tell us a bit about your time in the West End?

8.

Miss Rockabilly Tam

9.

Miss Sapphire Siren

My time in the West End was invaluable as it taught me to focus on the craft and not just getting work. Training for an actor is very important in the industry over there and they encourage the constant learning and growing process of an actor. I felt a new-found freedom as an actor in London, as I stopped feeling too embarrassed to ask for help or to go to back to a beginner acting lesson to just really refine the basic skill. This profession is so uncertain and you can feel your life is in the hands of a panel, but with training and knowledge you get to take that control back, which allows you to take risks.

10. Miss Scarlett Summers 11. Miss Sharne Devill 12. Miss Madame Mason Natalie O’Driscoll

MISS ROCKABILLY 2016 FINALS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE COOLANGATTA SANDS HOTEL ON SATURDAY 4 JUNE. TICKETS TO THE EVENT ARE $10 EACH. COOLY ROCKS ON TAKES PLEASE FROM 3-13 JUNE 2016. VISIT COOLYROCKSON.COM

What's next for you after Rolling Thunder Vietnam?

After Rolling Thunder Vietnam I would love to go straight to New York and see the new shows of the season. I'm a huge Duncan Sheik fan so American Psycho - The Musical with the incredible original cast is an absolute must see for me!

Natalie O’Driscoll

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Arts & Culture

HOW AN EMOJI CHANGED THIS LOCAL ARTIST'S LIFE For most artists, reaching international fame for their work is an accomplishment that can take years, even a lifetime.

For Gold Coast artist Chanelle Rose, it became a reality overnight.

“This [phenomenon] has really only happened in the last two years, with the explosion of Instagram… [For some artists] now all you need is an Instagram and an email contact,” continued Ms Rigney.

At first, success was steady for Chanelle. Last year she was a finalist in both the Marie Ellis OAM Prize for Drawing and the City of Hobart Art Prize.

For Chanelle now, “It’s all American”. The majority of her drawings have been bought online in the US, with SwizzBeats and another famous rapper (whose name was not disclosed) purchasing her work for their own personal collections.

But as fate would have it, a single Instagram comment was the catalyst in transforming her from a local talent to exclusive international artist.

After a stress-filled day, Chanelle came to her mother's house exhausted and desperately in need of some rest and relaxation.

Before going to sleep, she was scrolling through Instagram's ‘suggested photos’ section and commented a single OK Hand emoji on a random photo of artwork that caught her attention.

The next morning, Chanelle woke up to a bombardment of notifications on her phone.

“500+ new followers, private messages, everything,” she explained “At first, I thought... “Had someone just bought a whole tonne of followers for me as a joke?’ I didn’t get what had happened.”

As it turns out, whilst Chanelle slept through the night, her comment was picked up by a man that operates under the handle SwizzBeats.

For those who don’t know, SwizzBeats is a prominent figure in the American music scene.

He has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Jay Z and Alicia Keys (who also happens to be his wife).

Swizz (as Chanelle now refers to him) saw the comment that night, checked out her artwork and was inspired to reach out to her.

“Chanelle Rose, your work is epic. I see you, keep up the good work," Swizz commented on one of her photos.

He shared a photo of her art on his personal Instagram page, directly exhibiting and creating a channel to Chanelle’s work with the 1.3 million people following his profile.

“I was really overwhelmed because my inbox was flooded and I still had to work over the weekend,” she said, joyfully reliving the experience.

“I was at work having to serve customers, meanwhile, my phone’s still going off and I’m standing there in a daydream”.

Chanelle’s humble start to her instant prominence is a phenomenon that has only recently been possible, and it's due to a continuing global convergence of social media.

Senior Curator of the Gold Coast Art Gallery, Virginia Rigney, expanded on this by saying because of the internet, artists here on the Gold Coast are able to make a career for themselves like never before.

“If [artists] had tried to stay and make a career here prior to the internet, it would have been very difficult. If not impossible,” she said.

For artists, the Gold Coast can present itself as a place of inspiration and influence. But there is little market for contemporary art and often artists are better off displaying their work in capitals like Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.

However, with the rise of social media and the internet, the game changes entirely.

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Rewinding back to her childhood, Chanelle inherited her artistic skills from her mother and grandmother, who were talented artists themselves and helped to hone her abilities from a young age.

She also spoke whole-heartedly about her mother as an influence in her life and also her art, inspiring the "Warrior Women" drawings she is currently working on; that reflect the strength the two have shared through life.

“I’ve been exposed to a lot of cool contemporary stuff from a very little age. So I feel that’s my style, a bit more edgy and cool because of my mum’s influence,” she said.

What is more, all of Chanelle’s drawings are done entirely with ballpoint pens. This form of art became her niche during her years as a university student.

“When I was a Uni student doing my art, I’d get paint everywhere and my mum wasn’t too impressed,” she said candidly.

“One day, I was sick of getting in trouble and I was playing around with a ballpoint pen, when I thought, ‘oh I can actually shade with this and I can do my work anywhere’... from there it became my main thing.”

“Normally I go through 40 or 60 Pens [in a single drawing]...

I’m really into trying to show the different textures that can be created with ink”.

Chanelle’s short career as an artist has not only been rapid, but also experienced and showcased in a range of vastly different creative environments.

Starting with the underground feel of Jugglers Art Space in Brisbane showcasing her work to friends; to a more prestigious event, exhibited in a room of critics at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery; to now being viewed on a global scale through social media and with some help from SwizzBeats.

Aside from social media's benefits, issues of plagiarism can arise for unknown artists and it’s an issue Chanelle found herself contemplating when she initially decided to post her work on Instagram.

“It was a big deal for me because I was scared of people copying my work and concepts before I can make a name for myself,” she said.

This is only the start of Chanelle’s career, although it may prove to be a blueprint of how the modern day artist finds success. Through utilising a global connection that social media can offer, whilst still finding recognition through traditional means, such as art galleries or art competitions.

That being said, her story seems like something straight out of a fantasy and it’s a wonder how a simple emoticon could turn into worldwide exposure for Chanelle Rose.

Josh Parreno

FROM BURNING MAN TO ROBINA TOWN CENTRE: AURORA Charles Gadeken is an industrial artist working in the Bay Area for over 20 years. His monumental interactive public artworks, which reimagine the world post-nature and include commissions by Black Rock Arts Foundation, Insomniac Events, Coachella, Absolut Vodka and the City of Palo Alto, have been exhibited internationally. His Aurora tree has come from Burning Ban to the Gold Coast, where it’s installed at Robina Town Centre to celebrate the destination’s 20th anniversary.

Charles was kind enough to answer some questions about his work.

You’ve had public art installations at Coachella, Burning Man, Seattle Winter Festival and the International Children’s Games. When you stand back and watch people interact with your pieces, what are you thinking?

I enjoy the smiles on there face as the realise they are able control the work of art. That this large interesting work of art is doing what they asked it to do. To be the colour they want it to be or to move as they please. I enjoy how the works of art can capture their imagination and hopefully ignite at the same time.

Your work seems to be at the interface between art and technology. How has technology changed your artistic practice?

I see the incorporation of technology as one of next steps in art. Technology controls so much of our lives these days; smart phones, smart cars so smart art seems like the next step. It is great to bring technology in to art to allow us to take control back away from the machines and into our hands. It is wonderful to use the power of technology to create works of beauty and awe in our lives and not more alarms telling us to work, but instead making a giant steel tree that asks us if we want to play for a few minutes.

City of Gold Coast has a major focus on public art at the moment. Can you tell me about some cool things you’ve seen other cities do with public art that we might learn from?

I have a seen a number of cities embrace more short term art installations, one to two year installations that allow the city to bring more daring works of art to the public. Wild things that could never make it through the grinding process of permanent installation can be embraced as a short-term installation. Allowing more artists to get the art in front of people and allowing people to see a more diverse selection of art.

What did you think when you got contacted to have Aurora installed in a shopping mall? It’s quite the journey from Burning Man to Robina, right?

We are thrilled to bring Aurora to Australia! To bring it to an international audience is a wonderful privilege. We were excited to bring it to Robina Town Centre because it was a shopping mall and this meant a lot of people would have chance to see it. A completely different audience than who has seen it before. The location on the promenade next to the lake is a perfect fit.

You’ve founded and collaborated on a bunch of awesome arts projects and organisations: QBox, Box Shop, Flaming Lotus Girls – how can we, as a society, use art for social change?

Through their expressive talents, artists can challenge cultural narratives, shift imagery and inspire emotions in a way that traditional political methods alone rarely do. You may work and participate in politics, but you also listen to music, engage with visual art, read books, listen to music and create your identity through culture. Artists are central, not peripheral, to social change.

BAZAAR SUNDAY LUNCH

All those events and places you’ve exhibited at … do you have a favourite?

Yes I do, it is Burning Man… out in the wide open desert is an amazing place to exhibit art… there’s nothing quite like it out there.

Samantha Morris

EXPERIENCE THE FAMED BAZAAR MARKETPLACE RESTAURANT FOR A LONG, LAZY SUNDAY LUNCH. Your plate is your passport as the Bazaar kitchen serves up cuisines from all around the globe.

Fresh seafood, wood fired pizzas, Asian dumplings steamed to order, exotic salads, an array of hot dishes, decadent desserts and the popular ice cream station!

Adults $59, Kids under 12 years $29, Kids under 4 years eat free.

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive a complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne for group bookings of 10 or more guests!

Bookings essential. Call 07 5584 1200 or book online at qtgoldcoast.com.au QT Gold Coast 7 Staghorn Avenue Surfers Paradise www.blankgc.com.au

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Winner for Best Male Comedian Brethan Lovegrove, will feature an extraordinary smorgasbord of talent including headliner GISH, Aaron Pratt, Ben Hurley, Jamie Bowen, Jarred Fell, Justine Smith and Michele A’Court. Tickets are on sale from Monday May 16 via ticketek.com.au or 07 5592 8303. For more information visit jupitersgoldcoast.com.au

Shout-out to Buskers and Street Performers!

Edward is Practically Perfect!

Happily Ever After Forever and Always Australian champion all-male champion chorus Sound Connection and award winning female chorus, Vocalescence, invite you to experience the magic of acappella harmonies as they take you on a ‘twisted’ journey to the Fairy Princess reunion. See your favourite fairy-tale characters as you’ve never seen them before; and wait for the twist at the end. Children are welcome to dress up as their favourite fairy tale character.

All costumed children will receive a small gift. Three shows over 18 and 19 June, and variety of ticket packages are available.

Shows will be held at the Helensvale Cultural Centre. Visit trybooking.com/200603 or call 07 3822 4142 (office hours) for tickets.

A cute little Jack Russell called Edward will make his stage debut in the role of Willoughby for The Arts Centre’s production of Mary Poppins. The 17 month old completed an 11 day live in training program with star animal trainer Heidi Mackay who is the Acting Horse Master and Dog Trainer at the Australian Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast. Mary Poppins is well on its way to becoming a Gold Coast sensation with plenty of amazing local talent cast, which now includes Edward who will appear in three scenes. Mary Poppins runs 17 – 25 June. Tickets at theartscentregc.com.au.

Exclusive performance by the legendary Terence Clarke AM On Saturday 25 June, Tweed Regional Gallery will host the legendary theatre director, composer and actor Terence Clarke AM for an exclusive performance of An Evening with Donald Friend. This enthralling one-man show captures the essence of Donald Friend, the man and the artist, and reveals incidents of Friend's exotic and colourful life. Donald Friend (1915-1989) was a painter, draftsman, printmaker, sculptor, illustrator, decorator and writer. This play narrates stories selected from the 44 extraordinary diaries written by Donald Friend and now held in the National Library's collection. Call 02 6670 2790 for tickets.

Open Floor Conscious Dance Open Floor Conscious Dance is happening in Coolangatta. Come and dance to an eclectic mix of global rhythms and ballads that will move you every Tuesday 7-9pm during school term. Drug and alcohol free, no steps to learn, building resilience and self awareness. At Tweed Heads Public School hall just a few blocks back from Coolangatta beach (Bay St entry). Cost: $20/15, $70 (5 session pass), $130 for 10 week term pass.

FB Group: Open Floor Gold Coast or visit movingsoul.com.au 48

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The Heart Beats by David Bromley at Gallery One One of the most recognised artists in Australia today, David Bromley is renowned for his distinct and unique style of painting that has seen him loved and exhibited around the world. This current exhibition provides an opportunity to observe one of Bromley’s first practices: his sought after and limited Bronze sculptural work. The exhibition will also showcase Bromley’s latest take on his popular nude portrait; a collaboration with a group of top models from LA, dubbed ‘LA Girls’.

David Bromley teamed up with Americas top modeling agencies and set up a studio in LA to photograph and paint some of the worlds most strikingly beautiful women. Returning this concept to its origin, these works are now on exhibit at Australia’s fine art gallery, Gallery One. This exhibition runs until the 10 June.

Va-va Vintage, Gold Coast-style

Monster Machinery Day Check out everything that digs, scoops, cleans and beeps at the 13th annual City of Gold Coast Monster Machinery Day. Come along with the kids and watch while they explore the equipment and imagine themselves as a landscaper, lifeguard, beach cleaner, fence builder, dune protector or construction worker. There’ll be some fantastic activities on offer including the little diggers competition, free rides, live machinery demonstrations and food stalls.

This year Po from Kung Fu Panda will be adding to the excitement along with Transformer’s Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime! Monster Machinery Day is held on Sunday 29 May from 9.00am to 2.00pm at Broadwater Parklands and is a free event.

Hold onto your poodle skirts! Australia's biggest 50s and 60s nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, is about to go viral on the Gold Coast. For 11 days (3-13 June), the streets of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads will transform into a Back to the Future-style revival of all things vintage, rock 'n roll and rockabilly.

Think high pony tails, glam tattoos, sock-hop dance moves, hip and happening bands, retro market stalls and a Go Greased Lightnin' line-up of more than 1300 vintage cars, caravans and even prototype pedal cars for the T-Bird tots. Visit coolyrockson.com for specific details about the festival.

All-New Zealand Line-Up to make you Laugh Your Pants Off Jupiters Gold Coast will celebrate the land of the long white cloud with a hilarious line-up of New Zealand’s best comedians at Laugh Your Pants Off, set to hit Jupiters Theatre on Friday July 22. The huge night of hilarity, hosted by the 2015 NZ Comedy Guild Award

Cavill Lane in Surfers Paradise is set to come alive with its first busking competition, held from 4pm onwards on Friday 1 – Saturday 2 July. If you have what it takes to entertain a crowd, bring your hat or case and be rewarded with tips, sell your merchandise and be in the running to win cash prizes – 1st $1000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250. Applications are essential and close on Monday 20 June. More at cavilllane. com.au.

Festa Junina Winter Fest Warms Up The Coast Festa Junina is a traditional event occurring every winter in Brazil. It is a family friendly, country-style, outdoors fiesta. Live country / folk / roots music (with lots of dancing of course), games, country bumpkin style costumes, amongst other things (traditional food, hot mulled wine, cakes, sweets) all make up this extremely fun and popular party - in Brazil it can go for up to two months! This year’s event will be held from 2.00pm to 10.00pm at Miami Marketta. Presale tickets are only $10 with kids under 12 free. Tickets will also be available on the door for $15. You can get more information from the event’s Facebook page or purchase pre-sale tickets from eventbrite.

Gold Coasters asked to paint the town green Green Week will hit its stride this year, with more than 100 inspiring, educational and engaging events for people of all ages and interests all over the Gold Coast. Full programs for the event, coordinated by Gecko, will be available at cafes, libraries, caravan parks and educational organisations across the city. Go the extra green mile with walking, running groups and educational treks, make new friends and explore some of the natural wonders of the Gold Coast, including rainforests, creeks, oceans, dunes and many more. Kayak along Currumbin creek and learn about native wildlife or join an interactive encounter with birds of prey, bats or whales. There are also cycling and other beachside activities to keep you active and healthy. There’s also permaculture and organic farming activities, tours of a local recycling plant or sessions to create art and craft from recycled materials. Get the full program for the event, which runs 28 May – 5 June at goldcoastgreenweek.com.

Communicating Doors opens at Javeenbah Opening at JAVEENBAH THEATRE, Nerang, 27 May, Communicating Doors is Alan Ayckbourn’s 46th play.

Described as an ingenious time-hopping bedroom farce played out in a swanky London hotel suite in twenty year time shifts, it’s directed by the Award Winning Director Annie Lotocki. This comedy thriller reveals Poopay Dayseer (Peta Simeon), a professional dominatrix arriving to service Reece (Adam Hellier), an elderly wealthy businessman.

Reece has spent life in despicable business and murderous practises in cohort with his sinister henchman and homicidal partner, Julian (Adam Skelton). Complications arise when the suspicious house detective, Harold Palmer (Dave Fraser) becomes involved in the escalating events surrounding a number of bizarre psychotic murders. Based in a complex hotel suite that holds many surprises, this play is promising to be the funniest Gold Coast comedy of the year. It runs until 10 June every Thursday – Saturday night from 8.00pm with a Sunday matinee at 2.00pm. More at javeenbah.org.au.

Professional Affordable Video Production www.theeditsuite.com.au Find us

Home essentials to reduce household toxins Join Health & Wellness Warriers for an essential oils based cleaning workshop and learn how to reduce chemicals and toxins used in your home. During the 2 hour workshop you will learn how to create simple everyday household products like toothpaste and general purpose spray from basic ingredients and essential oils. Workshops run Monday to Wednesday and cost $25 - $30 with morning or afternoon tea and glass bottles and jars to take your cleaning prducts home in. For more information visit facebook.com/ healthandwellnesswarriors.

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PRESENTS

COMMUNITY ART PROJECT

28 April – 17 July To celebrate Robina Town Centre’s 20th Anniversary and the arrival of the magnificent ‘Aurora’ tree, we’re inviting you to help us create our own work of art for the Gold Coast community.

Visit the Community Art Studio near Myer between 10am and 2pm daily and for just a gold coin donation to the ‘Make-A-Wish’ foundation you can design your own copper leaf to go on ‘little AURORA’.

robinatowncentre.com.au

Issue #34 JUNE 2016

coffee food culture art theatre surf enviro life