Blank Gold Coast issue #44 - May 2017

Gold Coast Music Winners AnnounAcward ed

May '17

issue #044

MUSIC Louie Shelton Allah Lahs Mickey Smoking Martha SEED Showcase

LIFESTYLE

GCMAs

FOOD

Borrowed Nursery Baby Give Back Six Pack Festival footprints e-waste

The Black Swamp

GC Food & Wine Fest Mervyn Roys Harry’s Steak Bistro Bonsai

Lane Harry x Ike Campbell Tesla Coils Mark Duckworth

CULTURE Go Suga at 19Karen Circa + Brandenburg Mur’bah Art Trails David Strassman Circus Oz

soundlounge presents

12

M ay 2017 0 2 $ r * Tix o , e n i $15+BF onl *Featuring *

r o o d e h t at

Deck Acoustics FRI 5 FRI 12 FRI 19 FRI 26

Flamenx Dallas James Nicky Convine Jerome Williams

Sat 6 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27

Fergo Candice Dianna Bill Jacobi Sarah Grant

Sun 7 SUN 14 SUN 21 Sun 28

Sarah Archer Josh Lovegrove Ben Hanna Luke Bennett

point

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Amy Shark announces ANOTHER national tour Amy Shark has announced her largest headlining tour to date, taking in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The tour comes on the back of her Night Thinker EP debuting at #2 in the ARIA charts and topping the iTunes charts on the day of its release. Amy just took out Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards, played to enormous audiences at Groovin’ The Moo and will hit Splendour in July. Amy Shark’s Night Thinker tour comes to Miami Marketta on Thursday 24 August and she’s supported by Fractures.

Tickets on sale 4 May.

Shakafest first release sells out Shakafest will celebrate its second year this year and it’s doing so with the most insane lineup announcement ever. And it seems we’re not the only ones who think so with early bird and first release tickets selling out licketysplit. Grinspoon are making a comeback and they’ve been announced as headliner for the destination festival which celebrates music as well as street and skate culture. Grinspoon will be joined by hip-hop legends Butterfingers and psych-punk duo DZ Deathrays. There’ll be shakas all-round as Tired Lion, Ivan Ooze, Goons of Doom, WAAX and local rockers Trapdoor and Radolescent are also on the bill.

Shakafest takes place Saturday 18 August at the Miami Tavern Precinct.

GD FRNDS acquire AAA-Backstage Gold Coast trio Jake Wilton, Chris Lamaro and Brett Sellwood announced last month their acquisition of online blog and social media brand AAA Backstage from prior owner Margin Media. The deal has been in negotiation for the early part of 2017 with the new ownership taking effect 10 april. Starting out as a "get to know the music industry" event in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, AAA Backstage quickly grew into a nationally adorned music news and reviews website.

Now garnering attention from thousands of readers a day, the blog is one of Queensland’s most recognised music platforms. Margin Media Director Mat Lewis said he was happy with the acquisition. “I feel very confident that AAA Backstage will grow leaps and bounds under their ownership and management," Mat said.

Being Jane Lane sign with Human Records Having just been announced People’s Choice at the Gold Coast Music Awards, the fivewoman strong Being Jane Lane have followed the win with a signing to Human Records.

Releasing their debut EP in 2016 and an unplugged EP, both with producer Guy

Cooper from Serotonin Productions, saw Being Jane Lane play some epic liveshows and tear up Australia on tour. They’re celebrating the People’s Choice win with a music video to their song Being Jane Lane with choice lyrics ‘fuck being me, fuck being you, fuck being anyone, I’m being Jane Lane.’ As well as a new video, Being Jane Lane will release a new single Sailboat in coming months – a powerful song about domestic and child violence. And if that’s not awesome enough, they’ve also just been invited to join the Dead of Winter festival in Brisbane, 29 July. To get your head around more Being Jane Lane awesomeness, head to beingjanelane.com.

Beats Cartel launches Little Wing Agency National boutique bookings and management agency Beats Cartel just days ago moved to the Gold Coast AND launched a new platform for up-and-coming artists and professionals entitled Little Wing Agency. Little Wing Agency's aim is to foster relationships between up and coming artists and emerging industry professionals, offering gig and tour bookings along with artist development and management. “We couldn't field all these requests at Beats Cartel,” said Manager Christian Tryhorn, “so we decided to start up a new agency where start-up (but awesome) bands could be teamed up with start up managers/bookers/promoters to grow together under the guidance of a team that's been around the block a few times.”

Red Deer announces dates Brisbane’s favourite BYO festival and infamous weekend sleepover party Red Deer Music & Arts Festival returns for its seventh year this Saturday 14 October 2017. The iconic ‘BYO booze ‘n couch’ festival will deliver a memorable day and night of astronomical entertainment at the Mount Samson amphitheater, as part of the festival’s 2017 SPACE ODDITY theme. And for the first time the festival will feature a third live music stage – with a focus on providing opportunities for regional, emerging artists. Stay tuned for imminent lineup announcements.

the music to the streets and parks, with free rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands, artists and buskers performing on outdoor stages throughout the Festival precinct. Get all the details at coolyrockson.com.

Baby Animals and Screaming Jets join forces Grenadiers’ punk-rock fury headed for Shark Bar For over seven years, Grenadiers punk/rock straddling fury has seen them rise above the tangle of middle-of-the-road domestic rock.

Everyone knows that Grenadiers are the real deal. And now the Adelaide rock warrior trio are hitting the road and have Gold Coast in their sights. See for yourselves what they’ve learned about delivering an all ruckus, no rubbish rock show when they bring their show to Miami Shark Bar on Saturday 6 May.

Feel good with San Mei San Mei returns with a spectacular first release for 2017, with brand new single Until You Feel Good and a national tour to follow. After the success of last cut Rewind, the Gold Coast multi-instrumentalist is gathering some serious momentum. Until You Feel Good takes San Mei's intoxicating vocals and molds them into lush harmonic arrangements, which glide seamlessly over fuzzy guitar riffs. Catch San Mei on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May supporting North East Party House at Brisbane’s The Brightside.

Bleeding Knees Club are back Australia's reignited garage-pop bad boys Bleeding Knees Club have unveiled the film clip for their latest sugar-rush single Chew The Gum, and with it announce national tour dates. Chew The Gum is the title track of Bleeding Knees Club's new 2017 EP, which the boys will launch throughout May and June. They hit Miami Shark Bar Friday 26 May and The Foundry on Saturday 27 May with Pinheads and Voiid in support.

Baby Animals and Screaming Jets, two of Australia’s finest rock bands, will hit the road together this June and July in the rock event of the year! Fronted by Suze DeMarchi and Dave Gleeson respectively, two of the country’s most dynamic performers, fans can look forward to a four on the floor night of rock from these incredible live acts complete with a massive set list. Both bands will hit NightQuarter on Saturday 17 June.

Lloyd Spiegel Announces New Album and East Coast Tour Australian Blues master and acoustic guitarist extraordinaire Lloyd Spiegel has announced the the release of his ninth album This Time Tomorrow and is headed on an extensive tour to celebrate. This Time Tomorrow was written as Lloyd travelled through Europe, Central and North America and delivers driving rhythms that return Spiegel to his gut bucket blues roots. Shady and colourful characters spread out over continents and decades, through places forgotten and familiar. You can listen to This Time Tomorrow on Soundcloud and lock yourself in for a visit to the Gold Coast when Lloyd lands at The Soundlounge, Currumbin on Saturday 22 July.

Cheap Fakes drop new single and tour dates They make Brisbane's best blend of soulsoaked, brass-fuelled pop, funk, and ska and this month, Cheap Fakes are ready to bring their unique and energetic music to masses of listeners and live audiences worldwide.

The free-wheeling, six-headed hydra of Cheap Fakes is a ready-made party absolutely primed to provide the best of times. Cheap Fakes are taking their infamous live show on the road for a string of tour dates in support of their new single Touch n Go. The tour will see them playing festivals around the country and playing to home town crowds for their biggest headline shows this year. Touch n Go is set for release, 19 May and will be the first offering from Cheap Fakes' upcoming fourth studio album. They’ll hit Blues on Broadbeach on 20 May and NightQuarter on 7 July.

Electrik Lemonade close Live at Bond for 2017 New EP announced for The Rich and Famous The Rich and Famous have announced that their five song manifesto, Take Us To Your Leader is soon to be released. Fronted

by Jeffrey Hoad (Kings Of The Sun), The Rich and Famous are a high powered merger of rock, glamour, satire and mind control in its purest form. With borderline contradiction, flamboyance and a heavy dose of hard core, the new EP is what the fans asked for. Take Us To Your Leader, the band’s fourth studio release will be difficult to ignore. It’s due to land June 2017. More at therichandfamousband.com.

Cooly Rocks On revs up for 2017 Buckle up for the ride of your life at Cooly Rocks On, Australia’s favourite celebration of 50s and 60s nostalgia, held beachside at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads from 7 - 11 June, 2017. Beaches, parklands, shops and cafes provide the perfect backdrop for around 1300 custom and classic cars and hot rods, outdoor music stages, rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands, buskers, , retro markets, and the much-loved Cooly Rocks On Street Parade. This year Cooly Rocks On also takes

Electrik Lemonade will perform the final Live at Bond for 2017, in conjunction with the university’s Twilight Open Day. Electrik Lemonade are nine individuals united by the cosmic collective boogie. They are renowned for their energetic, visual, and super fun live shows, which feature a repertoire of original energetic funk and hip-hop tunes, infused with blues, soul, and electronic elements.

Think Jamiroquai + Skunkhour but with their own unique blend merging disco, soul, funk, and hip-hop rhythms with some groovy rap vocals. Supporting performances will include a showcase of talented students from local high schools from 3:00pm, plus local DJ Ben Mason between sets. Electrik Lemonade will take to the stage around 6:30pm as the sun

sets. It all goes down Saturday 22 July at the ADCO Amphitheatre.

Ella Fence announces tour of motel rooms Ella Fence is set to perform her new tracks and new live show to fans, inside motel rooms in secret locations down the east coast of Australia. Ella's new single Dancer is a unique mix of cinematic-electro-pop with powerhouse vocals produced by Vinnie LaDuce. To celebrate its release, she hits the road this May, offering fans a very unique experience that gives insight into the life of a travelling artist – a life which can often be very random and transient, but also lots of fun, inspiring and full of surprises. Ella will perform tracks off her unreleased EP, giving fans the first taste of her second EP, due for release late 2017. Joining her “on stage” are Aquila Young and Lily Budiasa (Th’Fika), creating a three-piece all-female band of multi-instrumentalists, playing everything from guitars, to SPD drums, synthesizer to vocals, with Ella at the forefront. The tour hits Gold Coast 27 May. More at ellafencemusic.com.

National Indigenous Music Awards open nominations, announce first NIMAs album The National Indigenous Music Awards have opened nominations for 2017, in what has been a landmark year for Indigenous music in Australia. Celebrating their 14th anniversary, the NIMAs – one of Australia’s most important music events – will be held under the stars at Darwin’s historic amphitheatre on 12 August. It’s been a big year for Indigenous music with A.B. Origina’s win of the Australian Music Prie, a #1 ARIA chart position for Busby Marou and Jessica Mauboy’s soundtrack to her national TV series.

Troy Cassar-Daley took out Album of the Year at Tamworth Golden Guitars and Casey Donovan returned to national prominence via mainstream television.

Indigenous artists from across Australia and the Torres Strait are encouraged to submit their tracks which will be judged by a panel of Australian and International music industry members. As the nation commemorates 50 years since the national referendum to recognise Indigenous people, The National Indigenous Music Awards has also collaborated with Warner Music Australia to create the National Indigenous Music Awards CD which will be available for the first time, shining a light on the contribution that Indigenous Australia has made to the rich tapestry of Australian music.

To submit your music to the 2017 National Indigenous Music Awards or to get your tickets to this year’s awards night on 12 August, visit www.indigenousmusic.com.au.

GCMA WINNERS

Australia’s iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront lit up last week for the third annual Gold Coast Music Awards, with more than 3,000 people treated to a free outdoor concert while inside a VIP Marquee, the industry named the best in music for the last 12 months.

The talent pool was deep with many categories hotly contested, but firm favourite Amy Shark scooped up two awards, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for double platinum song, Adore.

ARE INDUSTRY AWARDS A WANK?

“Historically no other song by a Gold Coast based artist has ever received such national and international acclaim and for one very good reason – it’s brilliant,” said judging panel chair, Trevor Jackson.

“It’s been an incredible year for Amy and her success at the 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards recognises the consistency of her work and her outstanding recent success.”

Congratulations! You’ve made it through another music industry award season, which begs the question: Do they really present a worthwhile opportunity for the industry to connect, celebrate and showcase the music scene or are awards just a big wank - a hotbed for sycophants, wannabes and mainstream music?

Representing a diverse mix of genres, winners include Breakout Artist of the Year, dark electronic duo Tesla Coils; hip-hop pair, Lane Harry x Ike Campbell for Album of the Year, Youth; heavy metal outfit, The Black Swamp for their Video Common Crows; leading Live Music Venue, elsewhere; massive Music Event of the Year, Blues on Broadbeach; and the People’s Choice Award.

Some avoid awards nights like the plague, saying they are a waste of time and money; a pointless series of events created only to put predictably popular, label-represented artists and industry types on a pedestal and maybe make a buck or two for the organisers in the process.

“The debate can often be fierce between judges and reaching consensus can be a challenge,” said Jackson, “But with the wide representation of top industry professionals, musicians, journalists, educators, festival directors, artist managers, label owners and producers on the panel, we are confident and excited about this year’s results.”

Pictured: Top - Venue of the Year winners, elsewhere.

Bottom - People's Choice Award winners. Being Jane Lane.

Images courtesy of James Wills.

And the winners are….

With another sold-out Awards ceremony and packed live music concert, there’s no question the Gold Coast Music Awards’ bold move to Surfers was timely and prescient.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Southport Sharks)

“If you’d told me three years ago that the Gold Coast music industry would have its very own sold-out event, on the beach in the middle of Surfers Paradise with thousands of people turning out to see local bands, I just wouldn’t have believed you,” said organiser, Samantha Morris.

BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Griffith University, Queensland Conservatorium)

“The event’s success is testament to the strength of the local music scene, the incredible support of Surfers Paradise Alliance and City of Gold Coast, and the growing appetite for local, live music across the city.”’

“Not to mention all the other sponsors and partners who make it possible.”

“What a night!” said Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO, Mike Winlaw, “We offer our utmost congratulations to the winners, nominees, judges and organisers for an outstanding Music Awards. We knew this partnership would be a win-win and last night has truly set the stage for an exciting few years to come for Gold Coast music.”

The 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards were proudly presented

by City of Gold Coast in partnership with Surfers Paradise Alliance on Thursday 27 April at Surfers Paradise beach with live performances by Amy Shark, Hanlon Brothers, Aquila Young, Yes Sir Noceur and AGWA.

AMY SHARK

TESLA COILS ALBUM OF THE YEAR (sponsored by ALH) LANE-HARRY X IKE CAMPBELL – Youth SONG OF THE YEAR (sponsored by NightQuarter) AMY SHARK – Adore VIDEO OF THE YEAR (sponsored by QT Gold Coast) THE BLACK SWAMP – Common Crows EVENT OF THE YEAR (sponsored by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast) BLUES ON BROADBEACH

But it all smells a bit like tall poppy syndrome to me. While equally talented, yet less mainstream artists are sometimes overlooked, award winners are typically exceptional at their craft and deserve recognition. Because let’s face it, rarely is anyone successful in music, at any level, without a shitload of dedication, hard work and a team of like-minded professionals doing the same.

It’s true going to these events (and I’ve been to many) can be challenging and put even the most seasoned professional out of their comfort zone, however, I strongly believe they’re vital to the development of a thriving music community and the career of those in it. For example, in just three short years, the Gold Coast Music Awards has catapulted many local artists onto the regional and national stage, joining lineups like BIGSOUND, Australian Music Week, Surfers Paradise LIVE and Woodford Folk Festival as a direct result of the Awards. How awesome is that?

In my view, music industry awards are best embraced and supported at every opportunity, warts and all. Remember: •

Saying someone’s work is exceptional, doesn’t mean yours isn’t;

•

The success of your peers enhances the profile and opportunities of others - including you - a rising tide floats all boats, as they say;

•

You only ever get out of something what you put in; if you want to be part of a community, you need to show up, even to the initiatives that aren’t quite your bag baby or for which you aren’t nominated;

•

There’ll always be wankers and sycophants, just don’t be one of them - have a few drinks, choose to have fun with everyone and ignore those who either can’t or won’t!

VENUE OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Oztix) ELSEWHERE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD (Sponsored by Burleigh Brewing Co) BEING JANE LANE

By Kylie Cobb

PHOTO: SHOT BY HANNAN

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Image: James Wills

“

I’M BLOWN AWAY RIGHT NOW BY WHERE WE ARE AND WHAT WE’RE DOING. THE GOLD COAST IS LIKE THE NEW LA AT THE MOMENT – THIS IS SO EPIC.

”

out a room and playing to a home crowd. It was really special to me,” Amy said.

“I preach about the Gold Coast everywhere I go,” she said. “It’s not like it’s a secret where I live.

I’m proud of my hometown.”

A

my Shark has been catapulted into the national spotlight. Her kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. She’s done the hard yards, played taverns and cover gigs and self-promoted her own songs and live shows for years. Since Adore came to the attention of record labels and managers, Amy’s life has changed dramatically, but as we’ve come to expect, she’s humble and grateful for where things are at.

“Yeah, it does,” Amy laughs. “There’s certain moments where I’m like, woah, this is a lot bigger than I could have anticipated, and you can’t prepare yourself for it.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I can complain at all,” she told Blank Gold Coast, on the eve of taking out both Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards.

Amy says scheduling down time is also important and her management team are “insane” with the whole iCal situation.

“I went from working fulltime in a pretty crazy job to playing cover gigs and learning covers and squeezing in writing my own songs and now I don’t have to do that. I can just spend time on my own stuff.”

Amy had just returned from the USA when we spoke – a trip she said was intense and filled with nothing but business.

“I’m still getting used to talking about myself so often, you feel like a bit of a dick, especially in America. They want you to talk yourself up and I’m not built like that.”

“Promo’s a lot of fun because I’m just myself – I can’t imagine being one of those people who have to try to be someone else – it would be exhausting.”

“But everyone was so on board and I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have an American record label backing me,” she said.

Adore was certified double platinum just as Amy’s new single Weekends and EP Night Thinker hit the shelves. Straight from the Gold Coast Music Awards, Amy was off to tour with Groovin’ The Moo including a surprise main stage set when Tash Sultana was ill and she was recently announced on the Splendour in the Grass bill as well. Does it all feel just a little bit surreal?

“Even when I talk to other artists – everyone’s different, everyone goes through things differently. I’ve got Shane (husband) and he’s the biggest support network for me to keep me grounded. I think that’s important.”

“We see moments in the schedule where it’s like hey I should sleep then, or ‘I should call my parents’. Remembering to eat. There’s a scheduled time for every bit of movement for me at the moment.”

“Where there’s a free hour – I might go for a walk or check out what’s around. Every spare hour is crucial for me to soak it up,” Amy said.

On the back of Adore’s success, Amy embarked on a sold-out tour of Australia including a hometown show at elsewhere. I was in the crowd and remember being surprised at the number of people who were singing along to Amy’s back catalogue.

“Especially Spits on Girls, it really shocked me,” Amy said. “There’s a lot of oooohs, big singalongs. I’ve never stopped singing and let the crowd do it before then.”

“It didn’t even feel like a gig. It felt like a party – it felt like my house where I had a shit tonne of people around who were so supportive and everywhere I looked everyone was smiling and singing every word.”

“I was so pumped up. I always am, but this one was different – especially elsewhere. I’ve hung out there my whole life. Every artist loves selling

Amy received a similar welcome in New Zealand, after having convinced herself not to get excited about touring to a place where she didn’t really have a following.

“I only just started getting played over there and been really spoiled with the Australian tour. But everyone was singing Spits on Girls and Golden Fleece and even Middle of the Night.”

“It was a real moment I sat back and looked at myself in the mirror and thought – maybe I could be the villain: a moment of honesty.”

“And the rest is an epic drama series of events that have happened over the past ten years. I have cherry picked the moments that stick in my mind.”

“I’m very emotionally invested in every song.”

Night Thinker went straight to #1 on the iTunes charts and debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts.

But things don’t slow down for Amy just yet.

“I’ve got this run of festivals, the Milky Chance support and then I’m back in the States and I’m quietly packing myself about that.”

Amy and I reflect on the fact that her fan base was probably bigger than she knew and that a national tour was exactly what those fans were waiting for.

“That’s a big market and I played a couple of college radio stations. These are cool kids – they know their shit. They’re hectic taste makers in LA and New York. I feel like I’m playing with the big boys now.”

“It’s like there are secret crowds gathering,” she laughed. “I feel like we have this little army building – and everyone that comes to the show is really invested in everything.”

And on her double-win at the Gold Coast Music Awards? What does Amy have to say about that?

“It’s crazy how many people say ‘you know I’ve followed you for so long and I’m so happy this is happening for you’. I’ve been that person – I’ve watched people grow and met them at the merch desk. And now I get that back now.”

“You never think you’re going to hit that stage when you’re on struggle street.”

When you listen to Amy’s new EP Night Thinker, struggle street is the furthest thing from your mind. It’s her best work by far and fans – new and old – are in for a treat.

“A lot of bits and pieces of the EP were in motion before Adore and some songs were written right after,” Amy explained.

“I already had fantastic rough demos in place from being in Brad’s (Hosking) studio at Blind Boy and had done a lot of the work already. I was on a writing binge.”

“Drive You Mad is my favourite song I’ve ever written in my life, it’s so honest. It’s the first time I looked at myself and really thought hey, I’m not the easiest friend to have and not an easy person to love.”

“Gold Coast has just championed me the whole way and I couldn’t do it without you guys. It’s a tough slog and the main thing I want to say is that if you’re on struggle street as a musician and you feel like you’re getting nowhere, that’s the story of my life.”

“I’ve worked really hard but I’ve also had some key people who’ve helped me to where I am right now.”

“Gold Coast is home and this is awesome.”

Samantha Morris

AMY SHARK’S NEW EP NIGHT THINKER IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE. AND HER LARGEST HEADLINE TOUR TO DATE HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED WITH TICKETS ON SALE 4 MAY. AMY WILL HIT MIAMI MARKETTA ON THURSDAY 24 AUGUST. www.blankgc.com.au

9

ALLAH-LAS: HERE COMES THE SUN Californian practitioners of neo garage-psych par excellence, Allah-Las, are about to touch down for the first time on our fair shores to play a run of shows, including Byron Bay, Brisbane, and right here on the Gold Coast at the Miami Marketta.

Since 2008 the band have been steadily building a swathe of admirers off the back of three albums’ worth of harmony-laced, 60’s-inflected, guitar psych goodness. In the lead up to their eagerly anticipated tour, Anthony Gebhardt chatted with lead guitarist Pedrum Siadatian, currently holed up at home in LA.

I start out by asking Pedrum about the current political climate in the USA and how he’s finding the stark, dark reality of a Trump presidency from within a state as democratically progressive as California.

“To be honest I’ve just been zoning out the news as much as possible, because I feel like, I don’t know what to believe anymore, and it’s just too much of a bummer," he says.

"It just seems a bit hopeless, so I try to do other things. More than ever it seems like you can’t really trust what’s going on, none of the major news channels seem to have any idea what’s going on, everyone has their own agenda..I just don’t give a fuck anymore I guess.”

Putting us back onto a musical tangent, we discuss the band’s upcoming tour, one that Aussie fans have been eagerly awaiting for quite some time. And the band too it seems.

“Well we never thought we’d get to Russia and Israel before we made it to Australia! But that’s just the way it went.”

As it turns out, Allah-Las have a Byron Bay connection, to a band local music fans may well be familiar with. As Pedrum explains; “We just toured with The Babe Rainbow, who are from Byron Bay. They opened for us on our US tour, which finished just a few days ago. They might also open for us on our Gold Coast and Byron Bay shows, we’ll see.”

I ask Pedrum to elaborate on the band's embryonic days as a bunch of Amoeba record store guys who decided to make music together.

"I met Matt (drums) and Spencer (bass) working at (the massive) Amoeba record store (in LA) and they knew Miles (vocals) from high school. Me and Spencer started playing together first, we had a bedroom recording project for awhile and from there Matt figured out how to play drums, and joined. Then none of us wanted to sing, and we were like "I think Miles can sing!" So that's kinda how the band got together."

But with the growing profile and success of the band, their record store days are now behind them. As Pedrum explains; "We haven't worked at Amoeba for awhile. Once we started touring the band became the main thing, and it's been like that ever since. There not really a place that will hire us and will keep us on-board, because we'd always be leaving to go on tour!"

And as to what we can expect from the band in the live realm. "We'll be playing a bit from each record. We tend to feed off the energy of the crowd, it breathes new life into the songs, depending on the night. I have a feeling that, because we haven't played Australia before, and because this tour has been a long time in coming, that the shows will be really good and really fun."

As far as what the rest of 2017 has in store for Allah-Las, "It's mostly touring on and off for the rest of the year. We also have an EP of covers coming out later this year!"

ALLAH-LA'S MUCH ANTICIPATED DEBUT AUSTRALIAN TOUR KICKS OFF AT THE ZOO IN BRISBANE BEFORE TAKING IN THE GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL IN BYRON BAY AND MIAMI MARKETTA ON 14 MAY. TWO SHOWS IN SYDNEY AND THREE IN MELBOURNE ARE ALSO BOOKED.

www.blankgc.com.au

11

LOUIE SHELTON BRINGS BLUESLAND TO BLUES ON BROADBEACH You would know Louie Shelton’s guitar riffs and legendary solos, even if you’ve never heard his name. Lionel Ritchie’s Hello? Yep, that’s Louie Shelton. The Jackson Five’s ABC and I’ll be There? The Monkees’ Last Train to Clarksville and Valerie? They all include Louie Shelton’s guitar magic. There’s more too. He’s recorded with Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, John Lennon, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and… well, the list is massive… you get the picture.

As well as being a session musician with the greats, Louie Shelton has released six albums in his own name, the most recent being Bluesland (July 2016.)

What you might not know about Louie is that he calls the Gold Coast home.

“We wanted to get out of LA for a different lifestyle and checked out a lot of places and took into consideration climate and general social quality of life. We ended up visiting Sydney and lived there and our kids went to school there. When they finished school we moved back to the States.”

“And then our kids started having kids and they wanted to raise them in Australia. So they moved to the Gold Coast and we came with them.”

Louie Shelton is playing Blues on Broadbeach for the first time this year with his band called Bluesland – also the name of his most recent album.

“They really turn out for it,” Louie said of the music festival, that just scored Event of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards.

“That’s what I love about the Gold Coast.

They come out for stuff.”

“We have a very good Chicago blues singer Big John Tony – he’ll be at Blues with us. People are really going to enjoy his performance. And a good Australian singer Damian Black who also sang on the album, he’ll be with us too.”

It’s been nearly 12 months since Louie released Bluesland and he said he’s had a great response from Australian radio, which is critical in his mind.

“That’s our only connection with the listeners,” he said. “And also sales have been good over the internet, for Australia.”

“Having said that, it’s been very wide reaching as far as responses from Tokyo on one side of the world, France, a lot of European countries and a lot of the states over in the USA. “

Louie never set out to be an artist. He had a record deal handed to him by Warner Bros in the late 60s and he made one album. At the time it just wasn’t something he thought there was a future in because he was so busy doing session work.

“But the interesting thing is, back in those days when I was playing on all of these hit records and working with all of the top artists, I wasn’t really getting any recognition,” he said. “But today, and largely because of the internet, they find out that I’m the guy that played on so many of their hit records, I get so much recognition today.”

“And I play now some of the licks I played with Lionel Ritchie or Jackson Five or Boz Scaggs or the Monkees, it’s a thrill for people who aren’t necessarily huge fans of today’s music.”

And apart from enjoying the City’s fantastic lifestyle, what is it that keeps Louie busy these days?

“My whole existence is pretty much in the studio or doing live shows to expand my profile as an artist,” he explained. “I’m getting a lot of enquiries as far as performing overseas, for example in Europe and Japan, Tokyo, all these places, so I have a feeling that that will be something that’ll be doing in the near future.”

“On my trips to the States, I always plan ahead and there’s a lot to do. I let people know I’m coming over and they’ll put together sessions for me,” he said.

“And I’m working on new albums and working and producing local people - local singers and songwriters,” Louie said. “My new album is out in about six week’s time.”

Samantha Morris

LOUIE SHELTON’S BLUESLAND IS AT BLUES ON BROADBEACH ON SATURDAY 20 MAY FROM 5.10PM AT THE BROADBEACH MALL STAGE AND ON SUNDAY 21 MAY FROM 2.45PM AT THE GRIFFITH STAGE IN VICTORIA PARK.

GOLD COAST

MUSIC AWARDS

2017

Gold Coast

OH MICKEY Mickey is a Brisbane-based pop rock musician blending catchy vocals and an eccentric interweaving of orchestration and harmonies.

His first major single Clever Clones produced, mixed and mastered by Guy Cooper at Serotonin Productions is due for release this month, with live shows to follow, so it was timely to find out more about the troubadour.

Clever Clones is a catchy, but quite unique pop song. Can you tell me what brought you to this point and to this song?

I can’t help but love a catchy song. Having a tune stuck in my head all day completely envelopes me, and its the reason I began writing songs. When I find a melody that I can’t help but come back to, it feels like magic and I am completely addicted to that.

What was it like working with Guy Cooper?

Guy Cooper is an absolute legend and he is also an onion. What I mean is that he has many layers that make up who he is. There isn't much he cannot do. I could make a list of all the things he has helped me with but I can simplify it by saying EVERYTHING. You’ve got a couple of live shows to launch Clever Clones. What’s on the horizon for you after that?

I’ll be working towards the next single with Guy Cooper - getting it tracked, mixed and mastered for release in September which will be supported by a tour.

Why should people listen to your music?

I can tell you about people that shouldn't listen to my music. They are people who don't

BONNIE TYLER KEVIN BORICH BEADLE - HARTS IAN MOSS RAY CASH SAVAGE AND THE LAST DRINKS TRIO

SLIM JIM PHANTOM May 18-21, 2017

bluesonbroadbeach.com

JIMI HOCKING'S BLUES MACHINE - THE SHANE PACEY TRIO LACHY DOLEY AND THE HORNS OF CONVICTION CHEAP FAKES - DARREN JACK BAND - CLAUDE HAY HUSSY HICKS - BLUES ARCADIA

like to have fun, don't want to be excited and don't like honesty. I will always work to create something new and exciting, and most importantly I will always be honest with what I create. It’s something I feel is often missed in simple, catchy pop music and it’s something I want to create and share.

Samantha Morris

CLEVER CLONES IS OUT 19 MAY. CHECK MICKEYTHEBAND.COM. OR CATCH HIM ON TOUR. 6 MAY AT RIC’S BAR, 26 MAY AT CURRUMBIN PUB AND 27 MAY AT BLOODHOUND BAR (BRISBANE).

Image: Dan Maynard

After school he won a scholarship to study opera at the Conservatorium of Music but he hated it and pulled the plug to join a punk band with his mates. He soon found himself going into studios trying to make records but it was frustrating not being able to describe what he wanted.

“I could see the guys working, but as much as I explained the sound I wanted to hear I couldn’t get it. A few years later after we’d done some touring I moved into that space because I found it really interesting, particularly recording. I figured if I could study how to record music then it would be a cheaper exercise to make a record, so I enrolled at Griffith’s Bachelor of Popular Music course”.

Before long Duckworth was running a night club where he looked after production management and entertainment booking, investing in a PA that was good enough to lure bands in and it kicked on from there.

Since he began running Blues on Broadbeach there have been many highlights, when I ask him to choose one he nominates securing Eric Burdon.

TURNING GUILTY PLEASURES INTO A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS As a musician, songwriter and producer music has been Mark Duckworth’s lifelong passion, but it’s as a festival director where he’s really made his name.

For the past four years Mark has been the Festival Director of Blues on Broadbeach, which last week won Music Event of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards for the second year running. And while the event has been running for 16 years, it’s under Duckworth’s direction that the festival has exploded exponentially. When he took on the role four years ago Blues on Broadbeach attracted some 80 000 fans, by last year that number had more than doubled with over 166 000 attending the event.

Those big numbers bring big dollars into the local economy, to the tune of around $20 million. The festival was originally designed to boost local tourism during the slow winter period and with around 8 000 people turning up for the inaugural event it was an unqualified success, but today Blues on Broadbeach is the most profitable week for many local businesses.

30% of the festival’s visitors arrive from interstate, a chance to beat the winter blues. But without the right balance of artists in the line up it could so easily become a white elephant and that’s where Duckworth’s touch ensures Blues on Broadbeach as a festival has become a destination in its own right.

That balance includes a roster of local acts taking up a quarter of the available slots.

“As a local musician myself it’s really important to me that we support our own artists and let them showcase to a bunch of people that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to play for,” Mark said.

“I won’t just throw anyone on to the bill, it’s a genre specific festival so you have to stay true to that, but also you need people with runs on the board that will genuinely add something to the event.”

“Mason Rack for instance is clearly a leader in electric blues, we’ve also featured Felicity Lawless and others like BluesCorp.

Benny D Williams is on the bill this year and then there’s a really cool Brisbane band called Little Billy. You know it’s such a cool thing if you’re a musician to have a festival call you and say ‘we’d love you to come and play at our event’ – purely on the merit that you’re doing good stuff. I get a kick out of that.

On top of that they get to sell their own merch and for a lot of local acts it’s their best week of the year to sell their stuff.”

Mark Duckworth’s love of music began growing up in England with his parent’s record collection.

“My parents played vinyl all the time as a kid. Old records – 50’s and 60’s stuff – just classic rock n’ roll. There was early Beatles stuff but nothing psychedelic. I would play them over and over and sing along to them”.

The family emigrated to Australia when Mark was still a young lad and by the age of 10 he’d scored the lead role in a musical production of Oliver!

“I think I only got the part because I had a British accent, though at least I could hold a note!”

“When I took on the job of running the event the first thing I thought was: ‘who would I like to see?’ I went back to my parent’s record collection and when I started thinking of blues artists Eric Burdon came to mind. I fired an email off to his management in America and that process took three years to become a reality. When it finally happened and he was on stage wearing a Blues on Broadbeach shirt with the streets full of people singing it was one of those killer moments where you realise it had actually paid off and that it was all worth it”.

So what’s the secret behind the success? Can an event be all things to everyone and still maintain its cred? It’s something that Duckworth carefully considers when he’s curating his line up. Take this year’s festival, it’s a mix of big name draw cards (Bonnie Tyler, Ian Moss, Russell Morris and Slim Jim Phantom from the Stray Cats); but then you’ve also got exciting young talent like Harts, the gun guitarist who became a protégé of Prince - right through to a bona fide legend in the shape of Louie Shelton, who as a top session man with LA’s Wrecking Crew has played with James Brown, Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker and many more.

But it’s when I ask him what he’s personally most excited about that provides the kind of insight into his choices that really gives the festival some serious chops.

“I have a couple of acts that are essentially my guilty pleasure.

Personally I’m excited about Lachy Doley and the Horns of Conviction, Melbourne’s Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, but really I love any sort of jump blues or old school rockabilly – just that sweaty, late night pub stuff that I really dig. There’s Byron Short and the Sunset and then there’s 19-Twenty – the blues scene knows them well, but outside of that they’re a bit of an unknown quantity. Those guys will just tear it away”.

I’ve no doubt they will and that’s why Blues on Broadbeach will deliver once again and why fans are already making plans for next year’s festival.

Trevor Jackson

BLUES ON BROADBEACH RUNS 18 – 21 MAY, 2017

www.blankgc.com.au

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Discover your new favourite artist today.

Download SEED's latest album for FREE. Visit seedseries.bandcamp.com Featuring the cream of the crop from South East Queensland, SEED artists are not so quietly developing a reputation for smashing it. In the past 12 months, we’ve had multiple acts score spots on festival line-ups, win music awards and receive nominations in Triple J's Hottest 100.

Powered by the Queensland Conservatorium, SEED is an innovative artist agency that helps emerging musicians find their feet.

Support homegrown independent music.

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CHRISTOPHE KEREBEL CHRISTOPHE KEREBEL

CHRISTOPHE KEREBEL

Twitter : @chriskere MyMy Twitter : @chriskere

My Twitter : @chriskere

TOKYO BEEF BACK ON THE MENU AT KIRRA

at my instruments, and better at layering sounds. And then when we solidified the line up, just me and Chris, it was perfect. I did originally want more players in the band, to take care of other duties. But being a two piece makes things so easy. Just to call one guy up to rehearse. Or book just two flights for a tour, rather than five.”

Adds Chris; “It’s going great so far. When we started out we didn’t realise that it was going to get so big so fast. And we have plans and goals in place for the future. You can’t just take it day by day. You’ve got to push for something.”

Image: James Wills

Tokyo Beef join the lineup for a killer night of Gold Coast rock this month. Headlined by stoner rock gods Kobrakai and Fly Agaric alongside heavy hhitters Chrome Recliner, Tokyo Beef complete the rock offering by filling the “surf ” rock genre.

“We've played Sounds of Sunday at Liars Bar with Trapdoor. We’ve played with Goatzilla, Vahalla Lights and a bunch of others at The Backroom. Had another gig with Trapdoor at the Shark Gar,” Graeme rattles off the gig highlights for 2016.

It Ain’t Weak to Speak was released nearly a year ago, with EP 4220 released soon after and frontman for Tokyo Beef, Graeme Treanor says the response has been strong.

But he’s most excited about the upcoming show at Kirra Sports Club. As well as free entry, past band members will be dropping in. Old drummer Brendon ‘Fats’ Houghton is visiting from Austria and previous lead singer Benny D Williams will also jump in for a few songs.

“Several community radios got behind it and gave us much appreciated airplay,” Graeme said, rattling off stations like 4zzz, Riot FM and Great Lakes FM. “Definitely these days community radio is the way to go to get your music heard.”

As well as community radio, Tokyo Beef have had their music featured on a bunch of Coastal Watch surf videos (some clocking up more than 35k views) and the band have also migrated their songs to triple j Unearthed for the first time, where they came to the attention of Sailor Jerry who used their song President for a surf comp film clip, resulting in 100k views.

“We were lucky enough to have Idiot Box played on Short Fast Loud,” Graeme added.

It’s clear 2016 was a year of regrouping for Tokyo Beef, who’ve been around in one form or another on the Gold Coast for, like ever.

“Funny he used to be just Benny when he sang for Tokyo beef,” Graeme said.

Samantha Morris

TOKYO BEEF PLAY KIRRA SPORTS CLUB, 27 MAY. AND UPPING THE AMPAGE OF SERIOUS GOLD COAST ROCK, KOBRAKAI, FLY AGARIC AND CHROME RECLINER ARE ALSO ON THE BILL. TOKYO BEEF HAVE BEEN WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL, SO KEEP YOUR EARS PEELED FOR IMMINENT RELEASES.

TESLA COILS: COSMIC MONOLITH RISING Emergence Of The Cosmic Monolith, the debut EP by intergalactic heavy-electronica two piece Tesla Coils, made quite an impression when it detonated upon the Australian music landscape in August 2016.

Eight months later the duo, Jed Wølters on vocals and vintage synths, and drumming powerhouse Chris Dennis, have experienced a meteoric rise, culminating in them taking out the prestigious ‘breakout artist of the year’ award from a field of red hot contenders at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards. They were also nominated for song of the year, for their track Eyes.

The guys were understandably over the moon to receive this accolade. And while the rise of Tesla Coils may appear somewhat sudden, the band have put in the hard yards and undertaken plenty of development and growth prior to their current rapidly ascending status.

Explains Jed: “We’ve been going for awhile, but at the start we were still feeling our way through the songs. There’s a handful of songs that we don’t play anymore, just because I’ve become a better songwriter, and I got better

Speaking of the future, with the rapid increase in profile and exposure that the band have received recently, the rest of 2017 is shaping up to be a fruitfully hectic ride.

For fans eagerly awaiting new recorded material, a brand new five track EP is already in the pipeline, the name of which cannot be revealed just yet, but suffice to say, it’s in keeping with the band’s celestial mythology.

“I’ve already finished the drums for the next EP” chimes in Chris enthusiastically, while Jed says of the pending new release; “I won’t give away too much, but it’s the next phase of our adventure through the Tesla Coils universe.”

“It’s made up of songs that people who see us live know already, as we’re currently playing them in our set. And they’re already favourites too. It’s pretty much like our ‘Empire Strikes Back,’ laughs Jed. “It’s going to be full of despair, and loss of hope.” Adds Chris: “I love our first EP, but in my heart, this (upcoming) one is the pumping one. There’s a lot more anthems, that’s all I’m gonna say.”

And with further touring and talk already of a debut album beyond the horizon, it’s certainly an exciting time for the band, with much to look forward to for their ever growing fan base. We here at Blank GC are pretty damn excited to be joining them as they traverse the outer regions of the musical cosmos.

Anthony Gebhardt

TESLA COILS PLAY THE SEED ALBUM LAUNCH AT NIGHTQUARTER ON 19 MAY AND ALSO PLAY A GD FRNDS SHOWCASE ON 6 JUNE AT MIAMI SHARK BAR.

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Image: James Wills

THE DOORS TURN 50.

GOLD COAST CELEBRATES. Its been 50 years since the release of The Doors’ self-titled breakthough album. To celebrate the Soundlounge has put curated a lineup of some of the city’s finest bands to pay tribute to The Doors’ back catalogue.

Soundlounge’s Brad Inglis said a few things came together to make the show seem like a great idea.

THE BLACK SWAMP TAKE OUT VIDEO OF THE YEAR Gold Coast heavy hitters The Black Swamp have deservedly walked away with the coveted ‘video of the year’ award at this year’s GCMA’s off the back of their memorably idiosyncratic clip for the track Common Crows, one of the highlights from their debut album I Am. The video follows the plight of two mysterious stubbies and singlet type grizzled blokes as they trek through rugged bushland on a mysterious quest to find… well I won’t give the money shot away, but suffice to say, it’ll bring a knowing laugh to anyone who’s had anything to do with the evolution of communications technology over the past 10 years. It’s also a clip where the journey itself is just as captivating as the final destination, the engrossing, slightly disquieting narrative and ambiguous, tense relationship between the clips’ two main protagonists perfectly framing the hard rocking sounds the band expertly channel.

The band were blown away to take the gong and I asked lead guitarist Jesse Kenny if the band were expecting to make it through to the finals.

“With our clip, I was hoping that people got it and could take something home from it. I guess it’s a pretty odd clip, it’s open to a lot of interpretation,” he said.

“The relationship between the two lead characters is quite ambiguous. They could be brothers, or anything really. I knew the cinematography was good and I think it’s pretty unique. Even the decision not to be in the clip ourselves, was a bit different. So I thought we were a chance of standing out and getting a nomination at least,” explains

Jesse humbly. Mission well and truly accomplished, and then some!

The clip was shot in the idyllic Currumbin Valley (where Jesse grew up) and he explains that the tense vibe which oozes from the clip came about in part from the fact that the clip’s two main (and only) characters were actors who in fact didn’t particularly get on well in real life! Which made for quite a tense set, but worked a treat for eliciting the onedge, uneasy undercurrent on display.

“We are always aware that there's some seriously talented young local bands playing around the coast but we cant always get enough of a turnout to make a show for them at Soundlounge viable,” he explained.

“We have a great base of Soundlounge regulars who love live music, but also like to hear something they know.”

“So, we tried to work out a way to bring the two worlds together, and it’s looking like it'll be massive,” Brad said. “Local bands get to be seen by a much wider audience and our Soundlounge regulars get something right up their alley.”

Brad has curated Yes Sir Noceur, Thee End Less and Trapdoor to pull the tribute together.

Brad says the lineup came about after talking to people around the local scene.

With their debut record, I Am, still relatively hot off the press, and with the added momentum and exposure afforded by taking out ‘video of the year’, I ask Jesse how he sees the rest of 2017 taking shape and what making music The Black Swamp way means for the band.

“Yes Sir Noceur have been playing around the Coast for a few years now and have deservedly developed a solid following,” he said of the four-piece, fresh from playing Gold Coast Music Award’s LIVE lineup. “We've had them play Soundlounge a while back and were very impressed with their professionalism and solid skills.”

“For us, playing our music is a release from the day to day grind,” Jesse told Blank Gold Coast. “We’d all love to be out touring all the time and that sort of thing, but we’re all super realistic about our expectations.”

Nige Maunder, Thee End Less’ frontman brings a serious voice to go with the band’s heavy blues x psychedlie sound. “They definitely have harnessed the sounds of bands like The Doors in their own songwriting,” Brad explains.

“We’ve got a lot of family men in the band.

Really for us, the best part of it for us is just playing the music. It’s about our enjoyment, we just love being in the jam room. If that’s all we ever did we’d all still be stoked. We’re kind of the garage-metal band that could, in a way. In saying that though we have set ourselves goals, we’re not totally blasé. We’ll get busy writing again and really work at our songs, try not feel any pressure to release anything too quickly. We’ll also look to fit in a bit of touring along the east coast of Australia.”

Anthony Gebhardt

And Trapdoor, also fresh from the Gold Coast Music Awards after-party lineup are ‘top blokes’.

“It's not going to be easy trying to pull off these covers, but it's worth the challenge to pay tribute to such an iconic band,” say Trapdoor members. “We feel honored that we were asked

to play music of a band who have been such a big influence to us.”

Rory Switzer, drummer with Yes Sir Noceur agrees.

“We’re very stoked to be a part of a show celebrating one of our biggest influences,” he told Blank Gold Coast.

“We may have to have a little dress up on the night….”

“The Doors had an effect on all of us growing up, particularly Marc (Cowie, vocalist) who has embodied the psychedelic low tones of Jim in his vocals which really compliments our sound. And that hair….

“We are even more excited to be preforming alongside our BFs Trapdoor in one of the coast’s best live music venues. It’s going to be a night for the books,” Rory Said.

“We're really excited about this one,” Brad said.

I reckon it’s going to be like stepping back to the early days. These bands have so much spirit and passion and they all love The Doors.”

“We're also going to have each band play a couple of their own tracks... I reckon some Doors lovers will find some new favourite songs amongst the originals,” he said.

“We've got three of the greatest Gold Coast bands playing some of the greatest songs of all time, you really cant go wrong!

Samantha Morris

SOUNDLOUNGE’S TRIBUTE TO THE DOORS TAKES PLACE SATURDAY 12 MAY FROM 7.30PM. AND WITH A SET LIST THAT INCLUDES PEOPLE ARE STRANGE, ROADHOUSE BLUES, LOVE HER MADLY, LA WOMAN, BACKDOOR MAN AND BREAK ON THROUGH, TICKETS ARE MOVING FAST. WE RECOMMEND YOU HUSTLE FOR THIS ONE. VISIT SOUNDLOUNGE.COM.AU FOR DETAILS.

BIGSOUND EXPANDS ITS ARTS OFFERING

GOLD COAST DUO AGWA ON THE RED CARPET

Like many acts, Gold Coast duo Agwa was formed by its members meeting during their Bachelor of Popular Music degree at the conservatorium. Dan Booth and Eliza Pickard, also a real life couple, struck a chord with one another in their second year, and have now been collaborating for 12 months.

With the facilities offered at the university, they wasted no time producing a handful of promising demos, and last week provided the opening entertainment at the Gold Coast Music Awards. Described as the free movement of melody and hybrid textures of both land and water, Agwa counts Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, Jeff Buckley and St Vincent among their influences. We learned a little bit more about the duo.

What do you play in Agwa?

Eliza: Daniel plays lead guitar, and I am on rhythm guitar and lead vocals. We both have quite an equal amount of input into both chordal and melodic parts to the songs.

How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard you?

Dan: We dip into a range of genres, taking what we need out of them and applying the different tastes into a style of music that represents our sound. We are an alternative rock band with undertones of folk timbres and jazz chordal movements/ progressions.

SMOKING MARTHA ARE IN DEEP

Smoking Martha have been burning through venues with their crushing live show since their first EP in 2014, but when Tasha D emailed to say they’re on the cusp of launching their debut album, I was floored. So many gigs and so many killer songs and this is their first album?

“We went into the studio to record another EP but decided we had enough worthy songs to punch out an album,” Tasha said.

“We are in the best place creatively right now!”

As well as building a cult-like following as a result of their relentless touring, Smoking Martha have reached a whole swathe of new fans with recent support slots for bands like Everclear, Prophets of Addiction, Uriah Heep and Seether.

And May brings with it another tour for the female-fronted, riff-driven Brisbane rockers.

“We start our album tour in Sydney on 18 May and finish up at Grubfest Coolangatta on the 11th of June,” Tasha told Blank Gold Coast.

It’s been three years since their last EP so the band have a lot to draw inspiration from.

Visual artists are being welcomed into the BIGSOUND fold with a showcase and production workshops on offer for artists keen to work in music.

It’s no secret that BIGSOUND is the place to see and be seen when it comes to Australia’s music industry. But now BIGSOUND organisers have announced an open call for Australian visual artists of all disciplines who wish to exhibit their existing works to the music industry and public audience during the 2017 festival. Works will be exhibited either in the public realm or within live music venues in Fortitude Valley.

Accepted artists will have their artwork transported and installed by organisers, and receive a BIGSOUND full delegate pass worth $670.

The second opportunity gives artists the chance to develop their skills in festival production design through a series of workshops facilitated by Janne Scott, Senior Creative Manager of Splendour in the Grass. Janne will assemble a team of up to ten artists to work alongside her on the design of bespoke artwork for BIGSOUND Festival.

The workshop phase will be used to develop ideas, come up with new ones in collaboration with all participants, and identify which artworks are feasible to move through to the construction and exhibition phase. Participating artists will also receive a BIGSOUND delegate pass.

How do you feel about being asked to perform at the Gold Coast Music Awards?

Tasha D explains that the songs in the album describe a series of unwanted feelings and circumstances “that make us feel sometimes trapped but sometimes more passionate and therefore we get in so deep that it consumes us.”

Eliza: We feel really privileged to have been able to play at this event as a duo, which was our first gig of the year, followed by numerous gigs throughout the year with our full 4-piece band. It's a great opportunity to showcase our sound to a likeminded audience of musicians!

BIGSOUND festival organisers understand that visual artists are an important part of the Australian music industry and are keen to see BIGSOUND become a place where those artists also benefit from having so many of the world’s music industry in one place.

“Different members and a different producer changed the overall recording experience,” Tasha said of their time in the studio. “We were pushed to our full extent with performance and creativity. We love being in the studio and can't wait to get back in again!”

Eligibility criteria and date availabilities apply. The closing date for applications to the workshops is 7 May, and 30 June for the showcase.

Natalie O'Driscoll

Samantha Morris

LISTEN TO AGWA AT SOUNDCLOUD. COM/AGWAMUSIC OR CATCH THEM LIVE WHEN THEY PLAY A SEED SHOWCASE AT NIGHTQUARTER ALONGSIDE THEIR BACHELOR POPULAR MUSIC PEERS ON 16 JUNE.

SMOKING MARTHA’S DEBUT ALBUM IN DEEP IS OUT 19 MAY AND THEY’LL HIT EDDIES GRUB HOUSE IN COOLANGATTA ON SUNDAY 11 JUNE. MORE AT SMOKINGMARTHA.COM.

Samantha Morris

TO READ MORE ABOUT THESE OPPORTUNITIES AND PLACE AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST, VISIT THE VISUAL ARTIST SECTION OF THE BIGSOUND WEBSITE. BIGSOUND RUNS FROM 5-8 SEPTEMBER IN BRISBANE.

Image: Dan Maynard

Image: James Wills

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26

www.blankgc.com.au

OUR BIGGEST FAN HASN’T BEEN BORN YET Ordinarily that might seem like an audacious statement, but when it comes from the lips of Lane Harry you know that he’s not posturing, he really means it. As one of the most dynamic hip hop acts in the country you’d expect a lot of posturing and attitude, but with Lane Harry x Ike Campbell what you get is two intelligent and thoughtful guys who also happen to have a disarming sense of humour. It’s almost as if they’re unaware of their own stature within the genre and the high esteem in which they’re held.

They just took out Album of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards, highly regarded by the music industry – locally and further afield.

But that’s not their concern, they’re only in it for the music and the message.

It’s early Thursday morning just before Easter and I meet Lane and Ike at Serotonin Studios, the home of Guy Cooper - their producer, manager and owner of Human Records. Lane has just finished the nightshift at a hostel, while Ike is about to head off to his day job working in a surf shop. There’s no pretence, no rock star agenda. As Lane says: “if I was in it for the money I would have become a lawyer – I topped my law class in school but it didn’t interest me.”

Ike had previously enrolled at university in aeronautical and mechanical engineering, but with his dry sense of humour he says he quit because the best thing about it was Subway at lunchtime.

So why would an act struggling to make ends meet as artists offer their most recent album Youth to fans for free?

Lane: “We wanted everyone to get it. When I was 15 or 16 I couldn’t afford to buy my favourite artist’s albums, we just want to make our music as accessible as possible”.

It’s not only their product they want to make accessible, it’s the music they create as well.

Their cinematic approach with high end production values could include anything from sweeping strings to a beautiful melodic chorus with guest female vocalists - it’s hardly old school hip hop. When I ask them if they’re doing it to reach a wider audience their candid response is that they just do whatever works to make the song sound great. There’s no calculated strategy in what they do, these guys are the real deal.

So what separates Lane Harry x Ike Campbell from other hip hop artists? Ike: “We try to make every song not sound like the last song. A lot of people find a sound and they craft it and then they stick to it. They get really good at it, but it’s so limiting because you can only hear the same sound so many times.”

Lane: “I want to be at a point where people check out a song of ours because they don’t know what it’s going to sound like. When

someone like Kendrick Lamar or Childish Gambino puts out a record I can’t wait to hear it because I’ve got no idea what it’s going to sound like.”

A number of cultural icons are referenced on Youth with song titles including Winehouse, Matthew McConaughey and Keith Richards. The use of McConaughey’s catchphrase “alright, alright, alright” is cleverly built into the chorus and once that earworm gets into your head there’s no escaping it.

Keith Richards has a Caribbean dub flavour with a classic dancehall beat featuring Eliza Pickard singing the melody. The video has gained some serious traction online and is a hoot with Ike playing the fictitious TV talk show host Morty Martins, who interviews Lane dressed like Keith and asks him: “so Lane, what’s it like to be famous?”. Has Richards seen it? Not that they know of, but Steven Tyler has. He loved it and suggested they talk to Aerosmith’s manager about representation. Lane and Ike are chuffed, but they don’t let the idea of it go to their heads, it’s all part of the game in this business.

So does the idea of celebrity or being famous not appeal to Lane Harry or Ike Campbell? Lane responds nonchalantly: “I wouldn’t know, our biggest fan hasn’t been born yet.”

Trevor Jackson

YOUTH JUST WON ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS BUT THERE’S NEW MUSIC ON ITS WAY. YOU CAN LISTEN TO YOUTH FOR FREE AT LANEXIKE.COM.

It’s been a while since the release of In The Silence, what’s been happening?

ÅSGEIR’S SPLENDOUR AFTERGLOW What’s better than playing Splendour In The Grass?

Playing it twice! Åsgeir played in 2014 and loved it so much he is back this year. Don’t expect it to be the same show though, there’s a whole new album, Afterglow, to perform with a very different vibe than In The Silence. Erin Bourne had a chat to Åsgeir ahead of the release of Afterglow.

We toured for three years for that album and there isn’t much time to write or work on new music. Once I got home I focussed on the writing.

Did you feel any pressure to produce a particular type of album?

I felt pressure for sure but there were a lot of other things I was dealing with at the time. The whole process has changed because I’m actually in the music industry now, I know so many people are going to hear and criticise the album. If forgot for a while why I was making music, it took some time to get back into the process and enjoy it.

So why do you make music?

I make music for myself. I started to write when I was about ten and it infected my life. I used to write and want a specific person to hear it but mostly for myself. It’s difficult when you’re in the industry, when something you love becomes just work. It becomes like hamburger music, just doing the same thing over and over. It’s easy to get lost, you have to just not think about it or let it ruin what you have.

Do you still work with your dad to write the lyrics?

Yes. Dad helped with some lyrics, he wrote about five songs on the album. My brothers also helped with the writing.

Aside from your brothers and your dad, who are your current influences and inspirations?

It’s hard to find something for me to really get into recently. I was listening to Tame Impala a lot while making this album. I also really like Sampha at the moment.

You’re playing Splendour again, what brings you back for that festival?

I loved it last time. It’s really exciting and great to play a festival but it can also be a little stressful. There is no time for soundcheck.

You’ve been described as an introvert, how do you deal with being on stage and in the public eye?

I go on stage to play my songs, the music speaks for itself. I don’t have to try to say something funny or interact too much.

It used to be hard but I just had to get used to it. This show will be a little different with more visual aspects and different songs.

Afterglow has quite a different sound to In the Silence, what inspired the change?

Many things! Mostly just me evolving in that direction, I became really interested in the production side of things.

It’s been four years since the first album and I’ve changed, I’m human and always evolving. I originally started writing country songs, then folk songs (In the Silence), electronic songs (Afterglow) and now I want to get back to more stripped down.

Friday 5 May

PARTYWAVE, DIE FOR MUSHIES, SAV BLONK, CHARLESWORTH

Friday 12 May

STINGIN ROGERS, THE THREAD, THE GOLDHEARTS, LIAM WARD

Friday 19 May

THE ELLIOTTS (MELB), INDIGO PARADE, CATCHPOLE, RACHEL GILLIGAN

Friday 20 May

KINGS OF THE SUN WITH SUPPORT 2TONENATH

Friday 26 May

DR. DIRT "EP LAUNCH", GRAMECY, MICKEY, STREET LIGHT SPLENDOUR

8pm / $10 Entry 8pm / $10 Entry 8pm / $10 Entry

8pm / $15 Pre sale / $20 Door 8pm / $10 Entry

The way it should be

BE IMMERSED IN THE AFTERGLOW WHEN AT ÅSGEIR HITS SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS IN JULY. THE NEW ÅSGEIR ALBUM DROPPING 5 MAY.

STONE & WOOD BREWERY, BYRON BAY SUNDAY, 11 JUNE

TICKETS $15 – INCLUDES A SCHOONER OF THE 2017 STONE BEER

MUSIC : KINGSWOOD | POLISH CLUB | MT WARNING | BUNNY RACKET FOOD TRUCKS : JR SMOKEHOUSE, THE GRASSY BOWL, THE BACKYARD CHEF FO R TI C K E T I NF O R MATI O N, CHEC K OUT WWW. FESTIVA LOFTHESTONE.C O M o r C A L L 0 2 6 6 8 5 5 1 7 3 Celebrate the release of our seasonal Stone Beer at Festival of the Stone.

Kick back with live music, art, stalls, good food, good company and good beer...

All proceeds go to Liberation Larder and Bay FM through our Ingrained Community Program.

*SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

#festivalofthestone www.stoneandwood.com.au

BAY FM

IDIIOOOOO

JAZZ WITH JAMES Australian Jazz royalty, James Morrison is offering an incredible residency opportunity for young Gold Coast musicians at The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

PLANTING THE SEED

He’ll participate in a series of in-school workshops, teacher development sessions as well as Jazz Jam @ The Arts Centre.

Open to senior high school instrumentalists, Jazz Jam @ The Arts Centre is an exclusive five-day residency program designed by the master himself to give young, talented players a chance to immerse themselves in all elements of being a jazz musician.

Throughout the week, participants will also be mentored by students from the James Morrison Academy of Music (JMA), gaining insight and getting advice from the next generation of jazz stars, as well as receiving tuition and advice from James himself. A nationwide exclusive in 2017, this residency offers a rare opportunity for students to spend an extended period of time working directly with James.

But it won’t be all work and no play! There will be jam sessions, a movie night and dedicated ‘band hang’ time with the JMA band.

It’s not just about the talent either. James places a strong emphasis on passion and enthusiasm.

“So often young musicians can get caught up in whether they’re ‘good enough’ or skilled enough, but if you love doing something, you’ll keep getting better at it,” James said.

Unique to the Queensland Conservatorium, the Bachelor of Popular Music helps people transform their musical passion into a successful and sustainable career.

Powered by the Popular Music program, SEED is an innovative artist agency based on the Gold Coast that helps emerging musicians find their feet. Since launching in 2012, SEED has grown from a single compilation album release to an extensive emerging musician development program and May and June are big months for the program.

19 May sees the launch of the SEED album for 2017 with a live showcase including Gold Coast Music Awards’ Breakout Artist of the Year Tesla Coils headlining and fellow new SEED artists SEYKA, Sophia Koop and MONIQUE also on the bill. The show is the first in a six-week series of events which showcase the best cross-section of genres performed by current SEED artists.

The full schedule of showcases is as follows:

Making a name for yourself in the highly competitive indie electro music scene is a tough slog. Idiio, however, are breaking the mould thanks to their lush, atmospheric interpretation of soul-infused electronic bliss. One Night, is the group’s latest single and we asked Tyler Vivian (lead vocals / guitar) a few questions about the new track.

Tell me about your new single?

One Night is a calling from a higher energy that touches on a relationship that you are pouring your heart and soul into.

You'd grow with that person being the blossomed flowers on the tree that represents you. But the higher energy gives you insight to be weary about who this person really is, under all the roses. Put trust in that consciousness, put trust in your "gut feeling".

What’s been the response to the song so far?

So far everyone that has heard it has nothing but good things to say. All mixed reviews as well, not just... yeah that was pretty cool. Everyone seems to have painted their own picture around the song which is exactly what we wanted. It's one of those songs that you start to understand when you've listened to it a few times. The lyrics are very relatable.

•

19 May 2017: Tesla Coils + Sophia Koop + MONIQUE + SEYKA

You’re playing another GD FRNDS showcase next month, how are you honing your live show?

Morrison is excited to see what the Gold Coast has to offer.

•

“Jazz Jam aims to connect young people who truly love jazz and help them to delve deeper into their music. I’ve already met so many fantastic students on the Gold Coast through our recent in-school masterclass series,” James said.

26 May 2017: Lara Frew + Sarah Frank + ROYES + Kirsty Abrahams

•

2 June 2017: LIVVIA + Zoe Gelzinnis + Cadence + Jake Fox

“There is a lot of talent here and I can’t wait to see who else is out there.”

•

9 June 2017: Josh King + Hazel Mei + Athena Joy + Angus Oastler

We always look forward to these GD FRNDS showcases.

Gives us an excuse to drink copious amounts of beer and play a little bit of music at the same time. We like to give our live set a little more energy than what you may hear on record. We add live drums and fat electric guitars to beef it up a bit so you get a different experience than just listening to us on iTunes.

The residency will culminate in the opportunity of a lifetime, with participants coming together to form a big band that will feature alongside James and the JMA Jazz Orchestra during his public concert at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on 23 September.

•

16 June 2017: Jake Whittaker + Phoebe Sinclair (pictured) + AGWA + Lucalion

•

23 June 2017: The Vanns (not SEED artists) + Twelve Past Midnight + Tiahn Berg + Kimbal Imaz

Samantha Morris

JAZZ JAM @ THE ARTS CENTRE RUNS 19 – 23 SEPTEMBER. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Samantha Morris

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SEED, VISIT BIT.LY/BPMSEED.

What’s next for Idiio?

We have something different coming next. Our vision is becoming clearer on how we want to shape Idiio, sound-wise.

Visuals in sight also. Either way, it's going to be new and from a different perspective.

Samantha Morris

IDIIO JOIN TELSA COILS, DAILY HOLLA AND DISKODISCO AT THE GD FRNDS SHOWCASE, 6 JUNE AT MIAMI SHARK BAR.

www.blankgc.com.au

29

music reviews

ÅSGEIR

BODY COUNT Bloodlust

FATHER JOHN MISTY THE SMITH STREET Pure Comedy BAND

With Åsgeir’s signature ethereal sound and an overlay of staccato beats, opening track, Afterglow hints at an amazing album to follow.

It's been four years since rapper and actor Ice-T and his legendary and sometimes controversial metal project Body Count have released new material.

Joshua Michael Tillman, better know as Father John Misty, has graced us with another monstrous album and it’s just as weird and quirky as the previous ones.

And while I wasn't a big fan of the last album Manslaughter as a whole I was definitely intrigued to see what they would do next.

Known for his obscure outlook on cultural and societal issues, the new album does not disappoint making even the most self evolved humans take a look at their life and wonder if they could be doing better.

Afterglow

Lead single, Unbound, delivers more electronic sounds, a more upbeat melody and spellbinding vocals. The film clip is a complete trip so if you haven’t seen it, find it and lose yourself trying to decipher the meaning behind the French production.

The programming of the tracks means the album rises and falls in tempo, as do many of the songs, drawing you in and then setting you free. Here Comes The Wave In does exactly this, and matches the feel of waiting for a wave and the ride when it comes.

The album thoroughly delivers on the promise of the opening track. A coherent collection of magical moments and stopstart beats. Even through there are slower songs like Nothing and Dreaming there is still that edge of slick production.

The music is evocative, enhanced by the lyrics penned by Åsgeir and his poet father.

Despite the added electronic sounds and more energetic songs, Afterglow is still more chill than party, and is an absolutely beautiful album.

Erin Bourne

Since it was announced that the new record Bloodlust would be released this year fans young and old have lit up the Internet in anticipation and boy does this thing deliver the goods.

Ice-T's vocals are in top form, every word spat out with so much venom and ferocity that you can't help but hang on everything he has to say.

Combined with Ernie C's face-melting riffs you have a combination that rivals some of the greatest songwriting teams in metal today.

Body Count have been known to be controversial over the years and have tackled social and political issues that have ruffled feathers. Bloodlust is no different.

Black Hoodie, This Is Why We Ride and No Lives Matter examine issues of police brutality and street violence through Ice-T's insightful and intelligently written lyrics.

There is also a pretty mean cover of Slayer's Raining Blood which is executed almost flawlessly as a tribute to one of their greatest influences, inspiring even the most diehard Slayer fans to throw their horns up with respect.

The album includes impressive guests Max Cavalera (All Love Is Lost), Randy Blythe (Walk With Me) and Dave Mustaine on opening track Civil War which adds to the heavy sound of the record and will no doubt help introduce the band to legions of new fans that maybe weren't even born when the first Body Count album was released 25 years ago.

Everything people are saying about this album is the absolute truth. It is honest, thought provoking, heavy as hell and quite possibly their best album to date. It’s already being tipped to be the number one metal album of the year.

And with the announcement of their first tour Down Under in over 20 years - which will no doubt sell out in every city you can't help but agree that Body Count are at the top of the game and don't show any signs of slowing down soon.

Nev Pearce

30

www.blankgc.com.au

The album, Pure Comedy was named sarcastically, fuelling the idea that we live in vain and the problems we face, first world or not, don't actually matter. It’s a rude slap in the face for anyone listening not knowing what they are getting themselves into but the with small bouts of comic relief and the few tracks that are upbeat, it doesn't completely make you want to run to the monastery.

Most of the songs are not conventional in their structure and choruses are often forgotten, but ideas seem to take the front, begging to be heard, with the music often following the mood of the idea whether it be sarcastic or dismal.

More Scared of You than You are of Me

In contrast to their peers, there is no masculine, gaudy posing with The Smith Street Band. With an unmasked moreAustralian-than-thou vocal delivery and heart proudly on sleeve lyrics, the band have built their reputation on their sincerity, their fragility, the poetry in their lyrics and their impressive live shows.

More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me (henceforth to be referred to as More Scared) offers more of that and some adventurous changes with the addition of new sounds in the form of synths and choirs to their expansive story-telling, song-writing style.

In a recent interview, singer-songwriter Wil Wagner said that the album charts a relationship from start to finish and that explains while the album sounds like it’s been split in two. The first half providing a soundtrack to those euphoric early days of a new romance, while side two is darker as it deals with its inevitable unravelling.

The lyrics, quite like everything else on the album aren't your typical alternative love song and tend to lean more toward the obscure.

While Throw Me In The River starts slowly with Something I Can Hold In My Hands, More Scared comes steaming out of the gates with an unintelligible declaration from Wagner and the explosive punkrock of Forrest. The track is an exercise in sustained intensity and it sets an upbeat tone that’s backed up by the imagined first date of Birthdays and the anthemic new livefavourite, Death To The Lads.

Lines like “Not bad for a race of demented monkeys, from a cave to a city to a permanent party,” featuring in one of his more buoyant songs Total Entertainment Forever about the consumerism that has taken over our lives, while Two Wildly Different Perspectives offers something a little darker, with the lyrics battling as a two sided argument that couple be interpreted a two religions or two sides of a war.

Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful look into how his melancholy mind views the world and one of the first albums I’ve listened too this year that has made me think and reflect rather than just listen, and for that reason I’d recommend it to anyone.

The triple play from 25, It Kills Me To Have To Be Alive and Suffer mark the darkest moments of the album and it’s during these tracks that the band are at their most compelling.

During interviews and live shows Wagner pulls no punches about his own struggles with mental health and it’s in these moments that he appears at his most sincere and vulnerable – which is a large part of why this band have struck such a chord with Australian audiences.

Emma Whines

More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me is another one for the annals of Australian rock. If you’re expecting anything better to be released this year, you’re just being greedy. The bandwagon is ready, hop aboard!

Christian Stanger

It does hold a strong indie folk/rock vibe with catchy chords and strong melodies but each song is unique, and Joshua’s voice and lyrics are the glue between them all, bringing the album together to create a Father John Misty masterpiece.

MAY

GOLD COAST GIG GUIDE

THURSDAY 4 MAY

SUNDAY 7 MAY

Hanlon Brothers | QT Gold Coast Stingray Lounge

James Higgins | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (2.00pm)

Dan Hannaford | The Rails, Byron Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach High Distinction with Samin + Just Jessie + TRND + Damo Cox | elsewhere

FRIDAY 5 MAY Cinco de Mayo: Kallidad + Serenata Trio | NightQuarter, Helensvale Free the Genie | Southport Sharks PartyWave + Die For Mushies + Sav Blonk + Charlesworth | Currumbin Pub

Frank Sultana | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach Daniel Irwin | Southport Sharks Cabana Bar Los Scallywaggs + Crocodylus + Void + The Dollar Bill Murrays | Miami Shark Bar Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Pacific Fair (The Resort) Cheyenne Murphy | The Rails, Byron Hanlon Brothers (2.30pm) | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

MONDAY 8 MAY

All Strings Attached | Miami Marketta

Hayley Grace | The Rails, Byron

The Ninth Chapter | The Rails, Byron Tom West + James Brine | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre The Delicates EP Launch + Nice Biscuit + Moonlight Society + Audun and Rhys Bynon

SATURDAY 6 MAY The Animals, Backbone of the Blues | RSL Club Southport (tickets $45) Barefoot Friday | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (7.00pm) The Steele Syndicate + Hayley Grace | Miami Marketta Wayward Suns | Nimbin Hotel (NSW) Chris Flaskas Trio + Jacuzzi Masterpiece + Josh Lovegrove | NightQuarter, Helensvale Fergo (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Grenadiers | Miami Shark Bar Bill Jacobi (2.00pm) + Mapstone (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Jimmy Willing | The Rails, Byron

www.blankgc.com.au

Sarah Archer (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

Flamenx (5.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

Barefoot Friday (3.00pm | Burleigh Brewing Co

32

Luate + Mark Ridout | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

TUESDAY 9 MAY Tim Rossington | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

WEDNESDAY 10 MAY Kenny Slide | Pacific Fair James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Blues on Broadbeach showcase: Charlie A’Court + Cheap Fakes | NightQuarter, Helensvale Hayley Grace | Southport Sharks

Josh Lovegrove (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

The Elliotts + Josh Hamilton | Beach Hotel, Byron

Ragga Jump | The Rails, Byron

Chris Flaska | Miami Marketta Benny D Williams | Mudgeeraba Markets (6.00pm) Hellions + Endless Heights + The Brave + Introvert | Miami Shark Bar Dallas James (5.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Stingin Rogers + The Thread + The Goldhearts + Liam Ward | Currumbin Pub Spav Doniger (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Wongo Loading Tour | elsewhere Kimmy & Crew | The Rails, Byron Livvia + Isabel Wood | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Jason Delphin | The Rails, Byron

TUESDAY 16 MAY Pat Tierney | The Rails, Byron Jesse Morris | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY Stephen Lovelight | The Rails, Byron Jason Delphin | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

THURSDAY 18 MAY

Think Pink (tribute show) | Southport RSL

Tiahn Berg + Angus Oastler (1.00pm) | Uni Bar, Griffith University Gold Coast

Candice Dianna (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Gig Cartel | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (7.00pm) The Fergies + Scott Dalton | Miami Marketta

THURSDAY 11 MAY

Danidoo Butterfly & TK Bassdread (2.00pm) + Rosie Misschief Band (7.00pm) | Sheoak Shack Goodrich | The Rails, Byron

The Mescalito Blues | The Rails, Byron

Zed Butel + Tiahn Berg | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

SUNDAY 14 MAY

A 50th anniversary celebration of The Doors, featuring Yes Sir Noceur + Thee End Less + Trapdoor | Soundlounge, Currumbin

MONDAY 15 MAY

M:Fest, featuring Sista Moon + Susan McCarter + Byron Bound + Maryen Cairns | Springbrook State School

Purple Zain + Tesla Coils + Childe + Susannah Cherisse | Kirra Sports Club

FRIDAY 12 MAY

Katie Stenzel Opera recital | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

SATURDAY 13 MAY

Nicole Brophy | The Rails, Byron

Hanlon Brothers | QT Gold Coast Stingray Lounge

Benny D Williams | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Benny Hanna (12.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co McKenzie | Fisherman’s Wharf Herbie Walker | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach Allah Las + Donny Love | Miami Marketta Jock Barnes | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (2.00pm)

Hanlon Brothers | QT Gold Coast Stingray Lounge

Ooz | The Rails, Byron Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

THURSDAY 18 – SUNDAY 21 MAY Blues on Broadbeach: Bonnie Tyler + Ian Moss + Slim Jim Phantom Trio + Kevin Borich + Ray Beadle + Cash Savage and the Last Drinks + Shane Pacey Trio + Cheap Fakes + Lachy Doley and the Horns of Conviction + Phil Manning + Hussy Hicks + Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine + Harts + Darren Jack Band + Louie Shelton Bluesland + Juzzie Smith + 19 Twenty + Aaron West & The Custodians + Asa Broomhall + Nick Charles + Phil Barlow and the Wolf + Matt Stillert + Devils Kiosk + Tomcat Playground + Johnson Stompers + West Texas Crude + Byron Short and the Sunset Junkies + Wards Xpress + Mitch King + Bag O’nails + BB Factory + Kenny Slide + Richie Langford + Pop Standen and Dave Hoffman + Captain Dreamboat + The James Street Preachers +

DISCOVER GOLD COAST'S BEST NEW MUSIC

River City Aces + Tim Griffin + The Wet Fish + Johnny Devilseed + Kniki and Mike Beale + The Jacky Howellers + Mescalito Blues + Jason Delphin Music + Brad Palmer Blues Sessions + Claude Hay + The Turner Brown Band + The Vibrolators featuring Miss Peta Lee + The Flaming Mudcats + Blues Arcadia + Exra Lee + Austin Walkin’ Cafe + Little Billy

FRIDAY 19 MAY The Elliotts + Indigo Parade + Catchpole + Rachel Gilligan Currumbin Pub Tesla Coils + Sophia Koop + MONIQUE + SEYKA: SEED Showcase and album launch | NightQuarter

Ben Hannah (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

Benny D Williams | House of Brews (1.00pm)

Marshall O’Kell | The Rails, Byron

Ella Fence (motel tour) | secret location, Gold Coast

James Higgins | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (2.00pm) Leopold’s Treat (2.30pm) | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Running Touch + Sachi + Health Club | elsewhere Adam Brand (12.00pm, Ticketed) + Sean Fitzgerald (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Nicky Convine (5.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Pink Zinc | The Rails, Byron Jax Haze + Gabrielle Lambe | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Dogtags + Dream of Indigo | Nimbin Hotel (NSW)

Fintain Callaghan | The Rails, Byron

Bliss N Esso | NightQuarter

TUESDAY 23 MAY Chris Aronsten | The Rails, Byron Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Sarah Grant | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (7.00pm)

Ministry of Sound: The Reunion Tour 05-08 | NightQuarter Ondre Davis (12.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

FRIDAY 2 JUNE LIVVIA + Zoe Gelzinnis + Cadence + Jake Fox : SEED Showcase and album launch | NightQuarter The Rekindlers + Handful of Helmet + Wigg + Weather Permitting | Currumbin Pub Benny D Williams | Kingscliff Beach Hotel (8.00pm)

SUNDAY 4 JUNE

Herbie Walker | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Lisa Hunt | Advancetown Hotel (2.00pm)

THURSDAY 25 MAY

Benny D Williams | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise (3.00pm)

The Hillbilly Goats | Fisherma’s Wharf Tavern

Hanlon Brothers | QT Gold Coast Stingray Lounge

Luke Bennet (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL Josh Lee Hamilton (12.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Boo Seeka | Miami Marketta (ticketed) Barefoot Friday | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (2.00pm) Kimmy & Crew | The Rails, Byron

FRIDAY 26 MAY

Cooly Ukulele Players | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

MONDAY 29 MAY

The High Grade | Miami Marketta

Matt Armitage | The Rails, Byron

Ben Hanna | Southport Sharks Emma Beau + Angus Oastler | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Bella Marie | Fisherman’s Wharf

Dr Dirt EP Launch + MNVR + Mickey + Street Light Splendour | Currumbin Pub

SATURDAY 27 MAY

Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

FRIDAY 31 MAY Hayley Grace (12.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co SOO 1 | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Support local music.

Be in the know.

Follow @theseedseries

FRIDAY 9 JUNE

Ra Ra Ruby + Coastal Lights + Tone Circle + Jay & Jess | Currumbin Pub

Bohemian Cowboys | The Rails, Byron

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

Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Josh Lee Hamilton (3.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

THURSDAY 30 MAY

NightQuarter Every Friday 6–10pm 19 May - 23 June $3 Entry

Busby Marou | Miami Marketta (ticketed)

Benny D Williams | Sounds of Sunday, Liars Bar (7.30pm)

Jerome Williams (5.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

ALBUM LAUNCH

THURSDAY 8 JUNE

Josh King + Hazel Mei + Athena Joy + Angus Oastler : SEED Showcase and album launch | NightQuarter

Lara Frew + Sarah Frank + ROYES + Kirsty Abrahams : SEED Showcase and album launch | NightQuarter

Angelo Pash | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach Benny D Williams | Boatshed, Currumbin (1.00pm)

Turntable Thursday with DJ BRCKS | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Lisa Hunt | Fisherman’s Wharf

Northlane + Hands like Houses + Saviour + She Cries Wolf | Miami Shark Bar

presents

Birds of Tokyo | Surfers Beergarden

James Street Preachers | The Cambus Wallace, Nobby Beach

Polish Club + Maddy Jane + Eliza and the Delusionals | elsewhere

SUNDAY 21 MAY

Sam Buckingham + Tiami Nicolls | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

Hanlon Brothers | QT Gold Coast Stingray Lounge

SUNDAY 28 MAY

San Cisco | Miami Marketta (ticketed)

Jackson James Smith + Joza | The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

The Juke Joinway | The Rails, Byron

THURSDAY 1 JUNE

Fergo | The Rails, Byron

Dezzie D & The Stingrayz + Bronte Perkinson | Miami Marketta

BB Factory | The Rails, Byron

Sarah Grant (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

WEDNESDAY 24 MAY

Eastwood | The Rail, Byron

Bad Pony + Neighbour | NightQuarter, Helensvale

Brother Fox | North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club (7.00pm)

Jesse Morris | Miami Marketta

SATURDAY 20 MAY Bill Jacobi (4.00pm) | Deck Acoustics, Currumbin RSL

Kobrakai + Fly Agaric + Tokyo Beef + Chrome Recliner | Kirra Sports Club

MONDAY 22 MAY

Mark Divola | Southport Sharks The Lyrical | Miami Marketta

Bleeding Knees Club | Miami Shark Bar

JUNE

SUNDAY 11 JUNE Kenny Slide (2.00pm) | The Bearded Dragon Festival of the Stone: Kingswood + Polish Club + MT Warning + Bunny Racket | Stone & Wood Brewery, Byron Bay Smoking Martha | Eddie’s Grub House

* Catch these SEED artists playing at a venue near you

WWW.SEEDSERIES.BANDCAMP.COM

www.blankgc.com.au

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Environment ARTISTS IMMERSED IN TARKINE WILDERNESS 129 artists spent the Easter weekend immersed in Tasmania’s remote and threatened wilderness landscape, takayna / Tarkine, as part of an environment arts project coordinated by the Bob Brown Foundation.

Jenny said the aim is to take artists into the place to experience its beauty, while also raising awareness of the threat of logging, mining and off-road vehicle damage to the Tarkine’s natural and cultural values.

Soon after the artists returned, some 179 artworks, inspired by the remote region were exhibited at Salamanca Arts Centre Long Gallery, prior to moving to Melbourne for a major exhibition at the Australian Catholic University Gallery in July.

“Our goal is to use art in a challenging and inspiring way to raise the alarm that the Tarkine is threatened,” she said.

Jenny Weber, Campaign Manager at Bob Brown Foundation said Tarkine in Motion is one of Australia’s largest environmental arts projects.

“Our Foundation hosted 147 people into the Tarkine,” she said. “They were spread out from tourism hubs of Corinna, Arthur River and Tarkine Wilderness lodge, in forests threatened by logging in the north and south east of the Tarkine and in remote regions of the wild rainforests, coast and up rivers on kayaks.”

“The heritage coast is under pressure from rapid degradation by off-road vehicles ripping through middens and Aboriginal hut sites,” she said. “The globally significant rainforests and eucalyptus forests are threatened by imminent logging by Forestry Tasmania. Artists occupied and captured these forests still intact.

“Mining is an ever-present dangerous threat to the region and artists were able to capture the intact ancient forests that are threatened by mining proposals,” Jenny Weber said.

“New aerial footage of the threatened ancient forests in Frankland River was captured over the weekend by Trudi

Image: Artists having an Aboriginal heritage guide, Rocky Sainty, into remote Tarkine coast by Kelly Slater

Bird, showing the breathtaking beauty and rarity of these imminently threatened forests. [We] call on the Tasmanian and Australian Government to halt any proposed logging while these forests are still standing,” Jenny Weber said.

The environmental arts project was funded through crowdfunding where more than 500 people contributed $58,000.

Samantha Morris

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SEES LONG WEEKEND OF GREEN EVENTS A series of events, running Friday 2 – Monday 5 June and coinciding with World Environment Day, will give Gold Coasters a chance to reconnect with the natural environment.

Coordinated by Gecko Environment Council, the Gold Coast Green Weekend aims to inspire people to better care for the natural environment.

The handpicked, curated long-weekend of events includes a climate change actioneers forum, koala tree planting day, catchment crawl, wildlife expo and World Environment Day banquet at The Borrowed Nursery.

The program of events is as follows:

Friday 2 June Climate Change Actioneers Forum, Burleigh Heads, 5.30pm

Jenny Madigan from Gecko Environment Council is the event organiser and she said the Gold Coast Green Weekend offers people an opportunity to get to know and fall in love with our unique natural environment.

Saturday 3 June

“The calendar of events has a more serious side to it as well and doesn’t only showcase the wonderful work done here to preserve and better our natural environment, but to educate and inspire all event visitors to do their bit and understand the importance of protecting the environment,” Jenny said.

Sunday 4 June

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Koala tree planting, Tallebudgera, 9.00am Austinville Valley catchment crawl, 9.15am

Wildlife expo, Nerang, 10.00am World Environement Day banquet, Mermaid Beach, 6.00pm For more information or to book, visit gecko.org.au/gold-coast-green-weekend.

SOUTH STRADDIE CLEAN UP DAY

May 25-30, 2017

Murwillumbah Town Centre ANCESTRAL CUSTODIANS BY BARBARA SUTTIE

The Murwillumbah Art Trail (MAT) is an exhibition of contemporary art that showcases over 90 artists of the Tweed Valley and surrounds.

South Stradbroke Island is a well-known tourist destination, with thousands of holiday-goers enjoying its camping grounds and resort each year. This small slice of paradise is also home to its own native population of golden and agile wallabies - the latter of which are now found nowhere else – as well as some flora endemic to the area.

Several heritage listed sites on South Straddie preserve part of the island’s heritage, however the relatively small and unique environment comes under threat on a regular basis from one of the world’s biggest issues: pollution.

Enter the Surfrider Foundation South Straddie Beach Clean Up sponsored by Cleanwater Group, Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation and Climate Wave Enterprises. On 21 May 2017, the Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation vessel Sea World One will take volunteers over for a clean-up day on the Island.

Greg Howell, President & Sustainable Event Manager of the Surfrider Foundation, describes the event.

“It’s an epic day on the Island.

“We’ll collect rubbish and marine debris and sort for recycling, reuse and data-basing.

“Then we’ll all get together to have a bit of fun!”

For volunteers there will be a free BBQ, educations presentations, prizes, games and even live music.

“It’s a win for everyone, but most importantly for our oceans and beaches,” continues Greg.

Each year 100,000 marine animals and 1,000,000 sea birds are found dead from either entanglement of ingestion of plastic. The actual figures would be much higher.

The Tangaroa Blue Marine database will record the day’s efforts, furthering our understanding of the environmental impact of marine debris.

Over a 6-day period, Murwillumbah town and shops become the gallery and visitors are invited to follow the exhibition trail. This trail includes established galleries, artists’ studios, pop up galleries in empty shops, an architectural projection, experimental film shorts and public art as well as a program of exciting evening events.

MATOURS

25–30 MAy

DAILY GUIDED BUS OR WALKING TOURS

Enjoy a guided tour of Murwillumbah’s art, history & architecture with breaks at selected restaurants & cafes.

Opening Night ShOw

Thurs 25 MAy

REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

Be prepared for a fabulous night of performance and shiny fun as we celebrate the opening of our third Murwillumbah Art Trail.

VIP PROGRESSIVE GALLERY DInnER AND ARTIST TALKS

friday 26 MAy

FOR FOOD AND ART LOVERS

A very special evening degustation tour of the MAT 2017 galleries—indulging in a sumptuous menu from two of Murwillumbah’s finest chefs whilst enjoying featured artists’ talks.

BOOk

nOw

Celebrate Murwillumbah!

GROUP EXHIBITION OPENINGS & STREET PARTY. Main St, Murwillumbah, 5pm–11pm

sat 27 MAy

Join the community street party to celebrate as the charming art deco town comes alive after dark to showcase the region’s creative and culinary talents.

THe MURWILLUMBAH eXPeRIMENTAL FILM SHORTS (MeFS) REGENT CINEMA, 1PM The MEFS aims to promote the use of film sunday as a medium for artists and encourages 28 MAy experimental approaches to narratives, moving images and techniques.

ART WORKSHOPS

26-29

Dive in to your own creativity with guidance May from our talented artists. Workshops cater for beginners and experienced artists.

themurwillumbaharttrail.com |

Murwillumbah Art Trail

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Boats leave from Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport at 8.00am and 9.00am, and return at 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Volunteers can also paddle over themselves.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for details on how to register.

FLURO JUNKIE NORTEC / ELDERS

Natalie O’Driscoll www.blankgc.com.au

35

EXPLORE YOUR CAREER IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES STUDY MUSIC, SOUND AND LIVE PRODUCTION Practical learning at our state-of-the-art Coomera campus.

Proud sponsor of the 2017 Gold Coast Music Awards

ENROL NOW FOR JULY INTAKE

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140 GLOBAL STREET ART HOTSPOTS SHOWCASED

BY LONELY PLANET DEFIANT EARTH: THE FATE OF HUMANS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE CLIVE HAMILTON It’s a chilling prospect that we’ve reached the point of no return, and in Defiant Earth, Clive Hamilton presents a very tangible, forcible argument on a new geological epoch.

Which is kind of a big deal. It’s not like geologists talk about new geological epochs on a whim.

Hamilton argues that humans have become so powerful we have disrupted the functioning of the Earth, bringing on a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene.

The stable environmental conditions that allowed civilisation to flourish are disappearing.

The book starts by setting out the science, explaining the Gelogical Time Scale which divides the Earth’s history into ages, epochs, periods, eras and eons and sets out the principal reason for scientists’ belief that we’ve shifted out of our previous epoch, the Holocene.

Defiant Earth is an easy read for people who have been following the climate change debate whether or not they have a deep understanding of science and geology.

What does it mean to have arrived at this point, where human history and Earth history collide? Hamilton argues we need to rethink everything. The modern belief that we are free beings making our own future by taking control of our environment is now indefensible.

We have rendered the Earth more unpredictable and less controllable; a disobedient planet. And it’s too late to turn back the geological clock.

We must face the fact that humans are at the centre of the world, even if we must give up the idea we can control the planet. These truths call for a new kind of anthropocentrism, a philosophy by which we might use our power responsibly and find a way to live on a defiant Earth.

Samantha Morris Defiant Earth: The fate of humans in the Anthropocene is published by Allen and Unwin and retails for $29.99. More at clivehamilton.com.

ED BARTLETT Lovers of street art and travel have a new book to add to the coffee table pile. Lonely Planet’s latest gift book style offering Street Art explores the dynamic street art scenes of Melbourne, Adelaide, Chicago, Rome, Paris, New York and Christchurch along with 35 other cities.

“I added up the number of people living in the cities featured in this book,” Ed Bartlett writes in his introduction. Ed is the independent curator and founder of The Future Tense.

“The total came to over 150 million. That’s more than twice the combined annual visitors to the top 10 most visited museums in the world, all potentially being exposed to different forms of street art on a daily basis.”

There’s giant murals on the side of silos, Banksy’s stencils and Invader’s mosaics with the glue holding it all together being the accessibility of the art in question.

The insider’s guide provides practical details and maps of where to find secret stashes of street art and introduces artists, locations and festivals.

“Street art is now present in almost every city, town and village in the world,” Ed says. “Its true audience is measured in the billions.”

“And given that the first record of homo sapiens painting on walls is thought to date back around 40,000 years, it’s actually more surprising that street art has taken so long to flourish.”

With stunning photography of art works as well as the cityscapes that house them, it’s clear Street Art is the culmination of a heap of research. It includes insights from the scene’s important figures as well as a guide to each city’s street art hotspots.

“The proliferation of legal walls and organised festivals around the world makes it possible to encounter thoughtprovoking transformative art in the most unexpected of places,” says Ed. “People are travelling to the four corners of the globe specifically to experience street art, which can often mean meeting and watching the artists at work – a rare privilege among the contemporary visual arts.”

Samantha Morris Lonely Planet: Street Art is a stunning hard cover book and was published in April 2017. It retails for $29.99.

THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS M. R. CAREY Imagine an absorbing book about the qualities that determine humanness, the desire for connection and protection, and the vivid dripping beauty of the world outside. Now imagine that book is also an easy-read, fleshfeasting zombie tale...

Welcome to The Girl with all the Gifts.

It opens with wide-eyed, big-hearted Melanie, a little girl with exceptional intellectual abilities, who lives in a secured cell, attends class every day, has an insatiable appetite for learning, and is unaware of the dystopian world outside.

She dreams big, her imagination boundless, and vibrates with excitement whenever her favourite teacher, Ms Helen Justineau, leads the class.

Ms Justineau, a developmental psychologist, is growing more frustrated and protective of the kids by the day. Sergeant Parks is trying to run a tight ship and not get anyone killed, but countless ‘hungries’ roam outside the prison fences, as well as ‘junkers’: anarchist scavengers, bent on survival at all costs. Resident scientist, Dr Caldwell, is possessed with achieving post-apocalyptic glory by finding a cure for the mutated ant fungus, ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which has nearly wiped out the human race. To solve its mysteries, however, she needs... braaaains.

M. R. Carey achieves what seems unachievable with four kick-arse characters, clashing agendas, a ‘Goldilocks’ level of gore—not too heavy, not too light—and a heart-beating pace. His real weapon, however, is telling much of the tale through the perspective of a child. Melanie’s point of view pumps real blood into the story, cranks up the stakes, and produces a journey that’s unmissable and a universe away from other zombie tales. In particular, Melanie’s tingling descriptions of the unfolding world are a real treat: dazzling, often dizzying, and yet they never slow the pace.

The book is not without its faults: some scenes feel like every other zombie book-movie-cum-TV-series, but you forgive those and wait in a state of mild tension for the next distinctive round of horror and heartbreak.

Read it. Even if you hate zombies. This is the story to change your mind. Or braaain.

Nae Kurth www.blankgc.com.au

37

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Lifestyle

THE BORROWED NURSERY: BRINGING SPACES TO LIFE

Adding plants to a home or office, or an event adds something more than just visual appeal. Greenery helps create a calming effect, plants help purify the air and assuming you take good care of them, they look beautiful too.

The Borrowed Nursery capitalises on the importance of plants as well as the Gen Y’s resurgence of interest in indoor gardening and growing succulents.

As well as stocking a bespoke collection of potted plants in their retail space at Mermaid Beach, The Borrowed Nursery also provides plants for events and considered spaces.

Founder Lauren Lance says after she studied interior design she struggled to figure out what to do next.

“I always had an interest in design and started a business sourcing vintage and antique props and furniture that I sold at markets and hired out for weddings and events,” she said.

functions and events like weddings, exhibitions and property staging.”

“We also offer a design service for commercial spaces like retail stores and cafes and restaurants. It’s a juggling act at times.”

Lauren said the response to the new space has been better than she hoped with the front of the building getting a lot of interest in particular.

“It’s great to see people posts on Instagram. It’s amazing what a can of peach paint can do (Coral Blossom by Dulux to be specific).”

And what does Lauren think is driving this renaissance of indoor gardening?

“During that time I also worked in the the aviation industry for eight years.

“Young mums seem to be a large part of our customer base, but plant lovers stretch across a range of ages both guys and girls. People love adding greenery to their own space and they make great gifts,” she said.

“It definitely hasn’t been the “normal” progression to now owning a plant shop I guess but each job I’ve had and my studies have all helped in different ways.”

“I think people really love the additional benefits adding plants to a space can bring - whether it be increasing productivity or improving air quality,” Lauren said.

Lauren said the inspiration for The Borrowed Nursery came about when she was helping set up a wedding for friends with a Mexican / fiesta-styled street party theme.

I asked Lauren if there were any emerging trends following hot on the heels of the succulent fad and she said she doesn’t really like having favourites or identifying what’s trendy in plants.

“For table decorations, we decide to place succulents and cacti in mixed and matched vessels like old pots and vintage tins.

From there, I saw an opportunity to offer a boutique option for plant hire.”

The Borrowed Nursery’s warehouse is more than just a plant store. It’s part nursery, part plant-hire, part theming, part events space. Lauren started off two years ago in a space in Miami and searched hard for a larger space before settling on the Mermaid facility.

“Getting a larger tenancy has allowed me to add the venue hire element to the business in addition to plant hire and retail,” she explained.

And the idea seems to be a successful one. The space has been used for a range of events from yoga, corporate workshops, wedding ceremonies and photoshoots.

“As far as retail goes, more space has allowed us to increase our inventory. The hire element of the business continues to grow (pun intended) providing plants for hire for a range of

“I think its all about choosing a position in your space first, whether it be home or office, understanding what lightning conditions you have and what kind of care you are able to give to your plant and go from there.”

“That practical stuff sounds boring but its important… we have a big range to choose from with a range of foliage types with various sizes and colour variations.”

“We also have some great pots and vessels to pair our plants with so you can decide on what plants will work best for you.”

Samantha Morris

THE BORROWED NURSERY IS OPEN TUESDAY – FRIDAY, 10.00AM – 4.00PM AND SATURDAYS 10.00AM – 2.00PM. FIND THEM AT 42-44 CRONULLA AVE, MERMAID BEACH, RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO 19KAREN GALLERY.

WHO WANTS A SIX PACK? Sorry, I’m not talking about beer. I’m talking abs of steel with the definition to prove it. This, for some people, is seen as the ultimate in health and fitness. Men’s Health magazine terms it the “blue ribbon in weight room achievement”. Well, it’s not. And here’s why.

The six-pack muscles are the Rectus Abdominis, the most superficial - physiologically and functionally - of the abdominal muscles. They are responsible for flexing the trunk of the body (folding the upper part of you forwards towards the bottom part of you), and that’s it. It is the other, deeper abdominal muscles which provide your core stability, take care of your posture and spine, and improve your mobility, breathing and digestion.

Doing exercises that simply focus on the six-pack is neglecting the core; you can have a six-pack and a weak core at the same time. This is neither healthy nor helpful, creating muscle imbalances that can mess with posture and create neck and shoulder issues.

For most body types to show a six-pack it requires being ‘ripped’ or stripping the body fat. For most men to show a six-pack the body fat percentage need to sit between six and nine percent and for most women the range is approximately 16 to 19 percent. The healthy range for body fat for men is 15-20% and women 20-25%. We need a certain amount of fat in our body for our internal organs, vitamin and mineral absorption and storage. Stripping back too much can reduce our health and for women, mess with the menstrual cycle.

Achieving and maintaining this low body fat can create other issues. Would it require you being ‘hangry’ all the time? Do you want to count every calorie, ensure you eat certain foods at certain times, and, absolutely ditch all alcohol? This obsession can have a flow on effect to social life, mental health issues and over-training.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am 100% for being active and healthy; I am after all a pilates and yoga teacher! I can’t encourage enough people, often enough, to strengthen their core and eat a balanced diet. I’m simply dispelling the myth that a six-pack is synonymous with health and strength and the ultimate goal. You can be strong and healthy without a six-pack, and you can be strong and healthy with it. If you want to know more about the core and the muscles you need to work visit aloka.com.au.

Erin Bourne www.blankgc.com.au

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Lifestyle

Baby Give Back provides donations through social agencies and social workers, and is heavily involved with Pregnancy Support Agency Gold Coast Inc. In six months they have assisted five different social agencies with thousands of items of clothing, nappies, wipes and miscellaneous items.

With just a small number of volunteers handling everything themselves, the space required becomes an issue.

GIVING BACK, BABY! Baby Give Back is a Gold Coast charity which recycles much needed baby items for families in need. Gold Coast lawyer and mum of two Carley Fradgley was inspired by the work of St Kilda Mums in Melbourne, and with the help of four close friends, decided to set up a similar organisation on the Gold Coast.

“We feel privileged to be able to give our children everything that they want and need,” Carly explains.

“We wanted to give back to our community and help those who are not as fortunate.”

The Gold Coast is an affluent city, full of beautiful homes and exciting opportunities, but like everything, it has a flip side. A NATSEM study on Australian poverty conducted in 2013 indicates that at that time there were actually over 64,000 people on the Gold Coast living in conditions considered to be poverty, and 30 percent of households under rental stress. This equates to one in six Gold Coast children aged under 14 years experiencing poverty, or 14,000 children, a shocking statistic.

“The need on the Gold Coast is far greater than we even imagined when starting Baby Give Back,” says Carly.

“We are desperately in need of a warehouse space to expand our operations and make a serious impact in our community,” explains Carly.

“Sadly there are many families in need in our community for reasons ranging from domestic violence, poverty and financial hardships, sickness and disability, unplanned and underage pregnancy.

“Also we have migrant, refugee and asylum seekers in our community needing a helping hand to get their new lives started; those struggling with, or affected by life-controlling addictions; many kids living in foster and emergency care; and those affected by mental health issues. For some it is a long-term issue, while for others the stress may be the result of a recent and unexpected event.”

Natural disaster is also a cause of disadvantage to which the group responds. Baby Give Back were able to provide assistance to the Red Cross following the recent floods resulting from Cyclone Debbie.

“We filled the van they sent us with clothing, linen, toys and books for families who had lost most of their possessions,” Carly says.

“With one days’ notice we provided 23 small toddler clothing bags, nearly 700 nappies, 4 porta cots, 150 toys, 200 books, and a number of other objects that together totalled nearly 1,800 items; which were distributed from the Beaudesert crisis centre.”

“We receive and handle a large volume of donations and the lack of storage space and working space for volunteers is limiting the number of families we can help and how quickly we can get donations out to where they are needed.”

The team hopes to become a professionally run charity, in order to be able to expand their reach.

“We aspire for Baby Give Back to be well-respected within the region’s social services agencies and networks and to be a charity of choice for volunteering, donating and support by individuals, companies and community organisations,” says Carly.

“We believe that every baby deserves an equal start.”

Baby Give Back directors are Julie-Ann McBridge, Kylie Gregson, Ainsley McLaren, Carly Fradgley and Natasha Borbidge. They are trying to raise around $40,000 to enable them to secure and fit out a warehouse. Baby Give Back is a deductible gift recipient so all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

They are also constantly in need of the larger items such as cots, car seats and prams. If any readers have these items to donate, please email donate@babygiveback.org. Donations can be made via their website babygiveback.org or Facebook page. Queries can be directed to info@babygiveback.org Natalie O’Driscoll Pictured above, from left to right: Julie-Anne McBride, Kylie Gregson, Ainsley McLaren, Carly Fradgley and Natasha Borbidge.

1/37 Currumbin Creek Rd

COFF EE

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FRE S H GR A B & GO

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R AW TR E AT S

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Arts & Culture Image: Lamp Photography

so this makes it the first time I have started using brushes as well. It was a learning curve for me but it has turned out really well.”

Go’s current exhibition Time Traveller tells the story of Lord Hades covering the planet with darkness, and a time traveller being sent back to prevent it. The hanging follows the story and reveals the next chapter as effortlessly as a book does.

“I always make up these stories and what I have made this time, is the story of Hades, the dark forces and a time traveller who tries to save the world,” Go explains.

“In the first piece you will see a time traveller going back in time and the storyline follows from there.”

But as much as these paintings tell a fictional story, there are hints of contemporary times and the artist himself. You will see a female Hades and a little baby; the ruthless god has taken a female form and the baby is an indication of a muchawaited occasion in the artist’s personal life.

Sacha’s work tell the story of the inner longings that at times overcome us all. Her exhibition, entitled Make A Wish, includes a slim central piece depicting a genie and a lamp.

The many flanking pieces each represent a different wish.

THE TIME TRAVELLER AND THE GENIE In a show which promises epic battles, fantasies come to life, animal overlords and a nod to nature, 19Karen’s May exhibition brings together four disparate artists to amuse and inspire.

“I thought they were all different enough not to compete with each other, and to provide something for everyone to look at”, explains Gallery Director Terri Lew of her curation.

The “they” in question, are Ryuzo Kojima from Japan, PeterJohn de Villiers of Norway and Gold Coast artists Go Suga and Sacha Beverley.

Go Suga and Sacha Beverley both like to tell stories through their art. Like the Marvel comics or stories from ancient mythology, Go Suga’s art exists on the edge of current, contemporary pop art and the mystical depth of imagination, cultural exploration and the natural and unnatural world. But even though the roots for his art are still the same, a lot has changed in his art practice that has lead to this exhibition.

On the day we speak with her, I Wish For Love, and I Wish For Wealth and Security are displayed. Her style is abstract, her palette mostly muted; greys and mustards intermingling with splashes of pink from pale to hot. The eye slides and then focuses.

“This isn’t my usual palette actually,” she explains.

“I’ve decided to experiment for this exhibition. I usually use brighter tones, turquoise and red, fluorescent colours.”

I Wish for Love is a wistful, emotional piece, with more distortion and chaos than I Wish for Wealth and Security, which is more ordered and defined, a nod one feels to society’s systems and infrastructures.

Sacha seems happy to let her work speak for her, uncomfortable under the glare of the camera and the pressure of being interviewed. She discusses the rest of her exhibition which includes wishes for Freedom, Peace and Unity, Joy and Acceptance, all of which she completed in under five months.

As for her own wishes?

“To be a full time artist. That’s the dream, really.”

Anna Itkonen and Natalie O’Driscoll

“The style of my work has changed this time,” he says.

“My old work used to have a lot of symmetric shapes, circles and straight lines that I used to represent the human civilisation and technology. I wanted to really get away from that and get to something less artificial, more organic, more freehand.

“I have dropped the thick outlines off my illustrations. I am using brighter colours and I have switched to acrylic paint 42

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THE MAY EXHIBITION AT 19KAREN OPENS ON 6 MAY AND RUNS UNTIL 18 JUNE. OPENING NIGHT WILL HAVE LIVE MUSIC FROM 6.00PM – 8.00PM AND A CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH THE ARTISTS. ENQUIRIES TO INFO@19KAREN.COM.AU

CIRCA GOES BAROQUE WITH THE BRANDENBURG The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (ABO) and Circa will thrill Brisbane for the first time together on Tuesday 16 May with Spanish Baroque: Brandenburg and Circa, a fearless fusion of baroque music and contemporary circus at the Concert Hall, QPAC.

ABO Artistic Director Paul Dyer and Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz will bring together master baroque musicians and artists of the air for Spanish Baroque, a muscular and thrilling show where the strength and vigour of the music is matched by sensational acrobatic and circus choreography.

"The music is going to be bold and it is going to be sensual.

The audience will go away feeling like they've never, ever experienced anything like this before," says Dyer.

"We're excited to return to Brisbane as part of our national touring schedule for a third consecutive year, and this year's collaboration with Circa means our first Brisbane show for 2017 offers an exciting, powerful visual element."

Yaron Lifschitz is very excited to present Spanish Baroque in Brisbane as well as Sydney and Melbourne.

"This will be a hometown show for Circa, and it will be very special to perform with a major Australian orchestra for Brisbane audiences. It is a dream come true," says Lifschitz.

Lifschitz says the Circa choreography of Spanish Baroque will touch on love, death and rebirth mixed together with rich colours and sublime baroque music in a passionate ode to our humanity.

"Circa's bodies can lift and slam and fly through the air and hit the ground. I have asked our performers to channel the archetypes – the bull, the virgin, the upside-down man – and put them into elemental contact and conflict inside a bullring.

"Sometimes soaring love will win, at other times loss and despair will triumph, but ultimately it is a show made under the sign of blood – the rich red that runs hot through our veins and whose beating connects musicians, acrobats and audiences."

Natalie O'Driscoll

SPANISH BAROQUE: BRANDENBURG AND CIRCA WILL BE PERFORMED AT 7:30PM ON TUESDAY 16 MAY AT THE CONCERT HALL, QPAC. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.

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COOKING ACTIVATIONS RUNNING EVERY WEEK

LET’S STIR IT UP THEKITCHENS.COM.AU

Arts & Culture MURWILLUMBAH ART TOURS TO BRING THE TOURISTS IN With nineteen sites confirmed for the MAT, the tour (which incorporates morning tea and lunch) is anticipated to take 4-5 hours. Small groups of up to twelve people will all be wearing "on tour" badges so businesses should easily be able to recognise them.

The Murwillumbah Art Trail (MAT) is an exhibition of contemporary art that showcases artists of the Tweed Valley and surrounds. Now it its third year, the event will run over a six day period. The town and shops become the gallery and visitors are invited to follow the exhibition trail. It includes established galleries, artists' studios, pop up galleries and public art. The 2017 event has grown, with organisers now including a series of ticketed events, art workshops, an architectural projection and a Celebrate Murwillumbah Street Party. Guided Tours called MATours are now also available, which organisers expect will create a boom for local businesses, with 3,000 people expected to take attend MAT.

"When you go visiting a new town the best way to see the most of it is to take a guided tour. These tours are designed for those who have never been to Murwillumbah and want to learn and see as much as they can in a short time," organiser Natascha Wernick said.

"This is the opportunity to ask those aunties, uncles, cousins and friends from outside of Murwillumbah to visit. Invite them all! Let's bring as much money to this town as we can during this time of flood recovery!"

The MATours are designed for visitors to Murwillumbah who want to have the full MAT experience in a very short time.

Tourists will enjoy Murwillumbah and MAT2017 through the eyes of a local guide. They will meet the artists, hear about the history and art deco architecture, dine at selected restaurants, drink good coffee, relax and have a laugh, and delight in the full MAT Art and food experience.

Murwillumbah Art Trail runs from 25 to 30 May. Visit themurwillumbaharttrail.com Natalie O’Driscoll

The Star Gold Coast presents

Wil Anderson

Dan Rath Mandy Nolan

Kat Davidson Tommy Little

Dave Thornton

Lindsay Webb

FRIDAY 26 MAY 8PM TICKETS $50* BOOK NOW AT

OR 07 5592 8303

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 applies to all internet and telephone bookings through Ticketek.

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Bikes and Bulls

6 May Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Cnr Mudgeeraba & Worongary Road, Mudgeeraba (4pm-8.30pm) w:bikesandbulls.com.au

MFest a Celebration of Mother, Music, Mountain (free)

13 May Springbrook State School Grounds, Springbrook Road, Springbrook (10am - 4pm) w: mfest.com.au

Springbrook Mountain’s Annual

MFest

Celebration of Motherhood & The Creativity of Women - for all the family!

10am - 4pm

10

Year Anniversary

Lisa Hunt (Soul Superstar)

4 June Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road, Advancetown (1pm-4.30pm) f: Advancetownhotel

Free Entry All Welcome

8 Ball Aitken (Funky Foot Stomping Swampy Rock)

11 June Advancetown Hotel, Nerang Murwillimbah Road, Advancetown (1pm-4.30pm) f: Advancetownhotel

89th Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show

24 June 8am-9pm & 25 June 8am – 4pm Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Cnr Mudgeeraba Road & Worongary Road, Mudgeeraba w: goldcoast.qld.gov.au/events

d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards 2017 (free)

28 June – 9 July Exhibition 29 June (Official Opening and Awards Night) Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, Railway Street, Mudgeeraba (10am – 7pm)

Saturday May 13 Springbrook State School SPRINGBROOK QLD 4213

MAGIC SHOW

Free Workshops Yummy Food Men’s Shed Fire Truck “Little Squirt” kids ride maryen@maryencairns.com

Live Women-Led Music:

Sista Moon

Susan McCarter, Byron Bound, Maryen Cairns, & more! www.MFest.com for full details

www.MFest.com.au Stalls: mfest@selfhelpretreat.com.au

THU 4 MAY

MELLOW CELLODRAMA

MUSIC

FRI 5 MAY

THE STAMP SESSIONS

YOUTH

SUN 7 MAY

JAZZ ON SUNDAYS: A SWINGIN’ AFFAIR

MUSIC

WED 10 MAY LITTLE ARTLAB

ART + KIDS WORKSHOP

WED 10 MAY CIRCUS OZ: MODEL CITIZENS

CIRCUS + FAMILY

FRI 12 MAY

GOLD COAST JAZZ & BLUES CLUB

MUSIC

SAT 13 MAY

ARTLAB: FAST ZINES WITH JEREMY STAPLES

ART + KIDS WORKSHOP

WED 17 MAY STRASSMAN’S ITEDE

COMEDY ART + EVENT

SUN 21 MAY

INSTAMEET

TUE 23 MAY

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 2017 FILM

WED 24 MAY MOVIE REVIEW CLUB

FILM + EVENT

THU 25 MAY

DANIEL DE BORAH PLAYS SCHUMANN MUSIC

SAT 27 MAY - SUN 9 JUL

CHRIS BENNIE: ON TOP, IN FRONT

EXHIBITION

SAT 27 MAY

A MORNING WITH CHRIS BENNIE

ART + EVENT

SAT 27 MAY - SUN 9 JUL

BLACK MIST BURNT COUNTRY

EXHIBITION

SUN 28 MAY

THE DREAM DANCE COMPANY

DANCE

Arts & Culture MODERN CIRCUS TAKE FOR MODEL CITIZENS

iTedE BRINGS VENTRILOQUISM INTO THE MODERN WORLD

David Strassman is the avant-garde artist who brought ventriloquism into the 21st century. Led by the evil Chuck Wood and delightful Ted E Bare, David’s crew of mechanical puppets create a one-man, multiperspective live event like no other. Now heading to the Gold Coast with iTedE, an uproarious take on our technology-laden lives, Strassman took the time to chat to Natalie O'Driscoll about all things puppetronics.

“I’ve always been interested in robotics and mechanics, flying model airplanes as a kid and even now as an adult,” he says.

That interest led him to collaborate with a friend in the creation of his first mechanical puppet, the sharp-tongued Chuck Wood.

“One drunken night with a model airplane buddy, we thought of the idea of putting the same servos that control a model airplane into Chuck,” David remembers.

“We didn’t know how to complete a very unique part of the robotics so a buddy, who worked at NASA, helped me by machining this special “clutch”. This was after hours so we ended up sneaking into the NASA Ames Research Center in Berkeley, California, and he machined this part while I played with liquid nitrogen.

“After putting the robotics into Chuck, I thought of a routine where Chuck ‘sacks’ me, I leave the stage, and he comes to life.

This put me on the map. The rest is postmodernistic ventriloquism history.”

I wonder if David’s characters are actually his alter-egos.

“Funny you should mention that,” he says.

“A lot of people ask me if I suffer from multiple personality disorder... well, I don’t suffer from it, I enjoy it! Seriously, my characters are envisioned first, then their personality develops over many thousands of hours of writing and perfecting routines, hours of stage time interacting with them.”

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In iTedE, Chuck Wood and Ted E. Bare have been thrust into the world of social media, constantly on their devices. David discusses the pros and cons of the current techobsessed age. “[Social media] is a blessing because the world is instantly at our fingertips and knowledge, art, and social connection is only one ‘click’ away. How amazing is that?” he asks.

“It’s also a curse because the dark side of humanity is also one ‘click’ away and the amount of useless noise that pour out of our devices is an unwelcomed diversion from things that are truly important in life.”

99% comedy and 1% message, iTedE breaks the laws of puppet physics by putting David into a six-way conversation with his puppets for a full 25 minutes of the show. David summarises the evening.

“It’s a completely brand new, hilarious comedy show, filled with fun, twisted puppets, laughs, music, robotics, a very pissed clown, and a night you’ll never forget. iTedE is real, it’s live, and it’ll be one of the greatest nights out you’ll have in a long, long time.”

YOU CAN CATCH DAVID AND HIS CREW PERFORMING ITEDE AT THE ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST ON 17 MAY. TICKETS FROM THEARTSCENTREGC.COM.AU.

For 35 years, Circus Oz has been putting up irreverent, death-defying rock n roll circus performances with their all-human ensemble. Now they are set to explode back onto the stage with a new director and new cast in their latest high-octane show Model Citizens. The show explores the idea of what it means to be a model citizen, with some distinctly Australian references. We thought Circus Oz Musical Director Ania Reynolds was the perfect person to give us the lowdown on just what makes this show different from the rest.

“Model Citizens is the first Circus Oz show to be directed by new Artistic Director, Rob Tannion,” she explains.

“Rob has a background in contemporary dance and physical theatre, so there are significant elements of choreography and detailed movement in the show.

“There is also a lot of attention to visual detail - the show features an oversized model kit as the set, and larger-than-life everyday objects used as props, eg. giant underpants, a giant peg.”

Giant underpants are all well and good, but with the music forming such a crucial part of any Circus Oz performance, we wonder what’s changed in that department.

“Musically, rather than performing the score to the show entirely as a live band as in in previous years, this year we have incorporated pre-recorded elements of electronic music and sound design to augment the sound of the two-person band,” Ania explains.

“I would say that the score to Model Citizens has a more electronic aesthetic than that of previous years.”

A member of the Circuz Oz band since 2010 and Musical Director since 2014, multi-instrumentalist Ania is no stranger to the work involved in putting together a performance of this calibre. She likes to get started early on the show’s compositions.

“I find it is very useful to come into a creative development with a swag of pieces in various stages of completion,” she says.

“One of the reasons I enjoy composition work so much is that in a show like this you aren't restricted to one particular genre, which gives you a vast range of musical styles and emotions to play with.”

Circus Oz doesn’t just mix things up musically. Though thoroughly modern in design and tone, the piece makes space for older and more traditional tricks, according to Ania.

“One of the interesting elements of the show is seeing traditional circus skills such as acrobatics and Chinese Pole being performed on un-traditional apparatus, such as giant pegs and safety pins. “ Ultimately, Ania expects every audience member to be able to take something away from the family friendly event.

“I hope that for some it will be moments of joy and humour,” she says.

“For others moments of beauty - and also that the notion of beauty will be different for everyone, that some will find moments that are raw or even somewhat grotesque just as beautiful as moments of breathtaking skill.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

MODEL CITIZENS IS HEADING TO THE ARTS CENTRE GOLD COAST ON WEDNESDAY 10 MAY. TICKETS AT THEARTSCENTREGC.COM.AU

BEHIND THE ART BEHIND THE SPORT BEHIND THE ART

FEMALE FORM TAKES THE PLACE OF CANVAS AT EMERGENCE EXHIBITION Emergence is an event unlike anything you will have experienced before. A fusion of art, comedy, music and business, it is a showcase of Gold Coast artist Tracie Eaton’s business and creative energies, and the culmination of 10 months of her creative works.

The project began with Tracie’s decision to move away from traditional paintings on canvas. Instead she chose to paint them on herself, photograph them, print them on canvas, then texturise them to create a totally unique result.

“Body Painting is something I had never done before, let alone painting myself,” explains Tracie.

“Mixed media on canvas was not only a challenge but an artistic expression that showcased my vulnerabilities. It was an opportunity to bring 'real life', intense emotion, into my pieces.”

Tracie uses bold imagery and colour to draw the viewer in and challenge their perceptions.

“I anticipate people will feel passion, intrigue, empowerment, feel the beauty and power of femininity,” she explains.

“I also anticipate that some will feel somewhat challenged, perhaps a little out of their comfort zone.”

Even if you were one of the sad few who didn’t manage to get to a Bleach* Festival event this year, you probably saw some of the artwork, either on your social media or one of the ubiquitous programs scattered throughout the Gold Coast’s hotspots. The interface of sport and art was the theme for this year’s event, and the main event design showed extremes of human physicality, a blur of figures stretched to capacity.

Gold Coast Agency Guerilla was responsible for the eyecatching design campaign, and the questions they had to ask themselves was: What might the love child of art and sport look like?

Working closely with world-renowned photographer, Peter Theideke, the team used high speed photography and a high performance trampoline to capture Bleach* performers from dance and theatre companies in physical expressions of strength, passion, power, risk, grace, endurance and beauty.

The arresting images featured across the entire suite of Festival communications, and offered festival-goers an expressive and vivid taste of the 2017 Bleach* Festival experience.

Guerrilla has worked with Bleach* since its inception in 2012, creating work that reflects the innovative and artistic spirit of the Gold Coast’s premier arts festival. One can only imagine what heights they’ll achieve for next year’s campaign.

Natalie O'Driscoll

Emergence is an exclusive, red carpet event with limited tickets available. Tracie will have 40 works on display and for sale, with live music and comedy interspersed throughout the evening.

The event is fully catered with a selection of canapes and beverages. Tracie intends for it to be a feast for all of the senses.

“I also have six high profile Gold Coast and Brisbane women who are being body painted live throughout the evening by six Gold Coast artists,” she says.

“You will see our fabulous models transformed - showing their vulnerability, and becoming a creation inspired by the body art I completed.”

Tracie has pledged that 10% of Emergence profits from the sale of artworks will provide funds to Opportunity International Australia, which facilitates the provision of small loans through microfinance process gives women the opportunity to build a life for themselves, their family and the community.

“Emergence is an event that you will absolutely remember forever,” says Tracie.

Natalie O'Driscoll

THE EMERGENCE SHOWCASE IS BEING HELD AT SANCTUARY COVE ON 19 MAY AND TICKETS START FROM $127. BOOK YOUR SPOT AT TRACIEEATON.COM/EMERGENCESHOWCASE. www.blankgc.com.au

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#043 APRIL 2017

ENROL NOW FOR JULY

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE GREAT HAPPEN

Cultural Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll

WITH PRACTICAL HANDS-ON LEARNING

Design: Chloe Popa Advertising: Amanda Gorman Music Coordinator: Mella Lahina Money Coordinator: Phillippa Wright Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Lifestyle cover photo: Lamp Photography

BY A TRAINING PROVIDER YOU CAN TRUST.

Courses in Beauty, Business, Community Services, Creative Industries, Education, Fitness, Hospitality, IT, Nursing, Trades, Veterinary Nursing and more.

Contributors: Trevor Jackson, Anthony Gebhardt, Natalie O’Driscoll, Samantha Morris, Erin Bourne, Neville Pearce, Emma Whines, Christian Stanger, Anna Itkonen, Nae Kurth, Pip Andreas, Marj Osborne, Catherine Coburn, Leisen Standen.

With thanks to our Gold Coast Music Awards team: Phillippa Wright, Leisen Standen, James Wills, Dan Maynard, Josh and Kara Hamilton, Peter Wheeler, Danny Santangelo, Nadia Achiles, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Madie Shaw, Eden Tokatly, Mella Lahina, Kimberley Ferguson, Simone Gorman-Clark, Darrin Gorman, Matt Webber, Amy McDonald, Kylie Cobb and Marlena Katene.

Amy Shark cover image: James Wills Acknowledgement of Country We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music.

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

tafegoldcoast.edu.au/studynow 5581 8300 Information correct at time of printing 28. 04. 17 17-1029_Blank Mag Ad_April_04_17

TAFE Queensland trading as TAFE Queensland Gold Coast RTO No: 0083 CRICOS No: 03037G

Food & Drink Just like the metal letters and numbers spelling out the café’s name and address from Violet Town, where Gary had his last pub or Gary’s father’s saddle from his days as a jockey, every piece has a fascinating story, prompting many conversations.

“We took a good look around the coast when we returned 18 months ago,” Tracy says. “So many of the cafés were generic.

There was a feeling of sameness about them, and we really wanted to create something different.”

MERVIN ROY'S 169 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga

Mervyn Roy's takes us back to a time when family holidays were hot property. Mum, Dad and the kids would pile into the FJ Holden, tent and gear in the boot, and head to the beach for a week or two. There were no mobiles or iPads. Kids played in the sand while the adults vaguely supervised, everyone going back to the tent (or van for those wealthy enough) when they needed a feed. If you were lucky, Mum would give you some money to go to the shop for a few lollies or a milkshake.

Mervyn Roy's could have been one of those shops. Characterfilled and welcoming, it’s the sort of place where locals are greeted by name and smiles are free - exactly the feel that owners Tracy Valentine and Gary Paxton wanted.

“We wanted to recreate a beach house of the 1960s,” Tracy tells us, “just like it was in our childhood – a place where locals could relax and feel at home.”

For Gary, it was a return to family territory, his grandfather Donny Paxton being a local identity. Although Gary’s family hailed from Murwillumbah, they’d moved to the Albury/ Wodonga area, returning north to the coast for holidays. Old family photos on the wall help trigger memories: Gary as a child hanging out of the car window, the family playing in sand dunes, and the gathering at his grandmother’s wake at the Cabarita Hotel.

Scouring family treasures, op shops and second hand stores, the couple has assembled retro furniture and realia from the era to complete their vision: a picture-perfect period piece featuring the family Vespa ‘breadmobile’ holding Panya loaves for sale, laminex tables and chairs beneath gorgeous period wallpaper, an old school desk complete with ink well out front laden with papers for sale, and a Singer sewing machine over in the corner.

On a spot once occupied by an old convenience store on Golden Four Drive opposite the airport, the couple opened Mervyn Roy’s in June 2016, naming it after Gary’s grandfather. They’ve already reaped early success with their Reader’s Choice Award 2017 for Best Coffee on the Gold Coast, a four-bean mix roasted

by Ground Control Coffee in Tweed.

Food too is rustic and wholesome with the retro touch of homemade sauces and real scratch baking all adding to the flavour. There’s a menu of brekkies and burgers, with specials marked on butcher’s paper maintaining interest for locals.

Delicious cakes, or scones laden with jam and cream justify a stop at Mervyn Roy’s for brunch or afternoon tea. Daily cakes on show are baked by granddaughter Elle and Bree Denman (proprietor of the Goldtoast Supper Club); a formidable baking team that also (wo)mans the kitchen.

“Order up girls!” echoes out from the counter and our food is on its way.

Retro prices too, we note, with nothing breaking the $20 mark.

Bruschetta laden with smoked salmon comes in at $9.50 and a Big brekkie with the lot at $19. Lunch boasts burgers such as the vego Haloumi burger packed with roast zucchini, haloumi, tomato, mushrooms and leafy greens, oozing caramelised onions and spiced chilli mayo, served on toasted Turkish ($17.50) or try the Aunty Merle’s beef burger with a house-made patty, melted cheese, caramelised onion, beetroot, egg, sliced tomato, greens and chilli jam piled into a seeded charcoal brioche bun.

Spectacularly grand! GF buns are available for an extra $2.

The couple have also converted the cottage at the back of the café to accommodate overnight stays. Their ‘Pineapple Cottage’ is a cosy space with a queen size bed, bathroom and laundry and private outdoor area, bookable through the café.

Too good not to share, Mervyn Roy’s takes all the best things about vintage to give us something fresh, new and heartwarming.

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

ESPRESSO BONSAI 66 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island Framed by, and seemingly under the protection of a beautiful Poinciana tree, Bonsai Espresso is a place of contemplation and enjoyment, much like the miniature plants that were once grown and bought at the site before coffee became the precious commodity of choice for those who visit.

Opening two months ago, Espresso Bonsai has already become part of the daily routine for Chevron Island locals as they stop by on their way to work each day, whether to enjoy the coffee or feast on the delicious Providore wares stocked within.

Speaking with Karen, one of the three owners of Espresso Bonsai and a Colombian native who moved to the Coast five years ago, she informs us that their aim is “to bring the flavours of the farm to the city” and let people experience the great coffee of Colombia here on the Gold Coast.

As the first café to showcase the many complexities of Colombian coffee under the Urban Finca label, it provides another feather in the Gold Coast’s cappuccino (see what I did there?) as a flourishing coffee culture hub.

As an Urban Finca café, Espresso Bonsai’s single origin coffees come straight from the source, allowing them to select the best beans Colombia has on offer and roast them themselves. On our visit the Colombia Tabi was the single origin of the day, with the La Marzocco made espresso emanating a deep macerated berries and cacao scent, with a flavour that was high in acidity and had a unique savoury berries taste that ended on a deep cacao note. In cold drip form the flavours deepen, taking on a candied liquorice tone that is more mellow than the espresso, but somehow stronger as an overall drink.

Blackboard Coffee Roasters provides their seasonal blend as the house brew which currently consists of 40% Brazil Paraguacu ‘Semi-Washed’ and 60% Colombia La Norena ‘Washed’ beans, perfect for milk coffee drinkers. The scent coming from the espresso is an intoxicating earthy tinged, buttercream icing, with a caramel coated plum flavour. As a piccolo the addition of milk to the blend gave a condensed milk boost to the caramel and chocolate flavours of the coffee.

With the aim of educating coffee lovers about the journey of the coffee from farm to cup, Espresso Bonsai are more than happy to have an animated conversation about the adventure these glorious little beans have before they end up as your favourite caffeinated drink.

Open from 5:30am to 2:00pm Monday to Friday and from 6:00am to 1:00pm on the weekends Espresso Bonsai is well worth the visit to learn more about, and better still sample, the best coffee that Colombia has on offer.

Catherine Coburn

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Head to our website for more information and to subscribe to our mailing list | www.19karen.com.au

LITTLE BITES HARRY’S STEAK BISTRO AND BAR 1744 Gold Coast Hwy Burleigh Heads

THE STAR GOLD COAST INTRODUCES NEW BARBECUE SMOKER The Star Gold Coast is set to launch a brand new addition to its already popular Sunday Sessions, with an authentic American smoker taking up residence on the Garden Kitchen & Bar lawn. Officially launched at the end of April, the new smoker menu stays true to the American barbecue culinary tradition of cooking meat ‘low and slow’ over an indirect flame. The menu includes such favourites as Kansa City Pork Ribs in a brown sugar rub, beef ribs and brisket smoked on low heat for 14 hours, pulled pork and Southern-style sides.

Guests will be able to enjoy the delicious menu each and every Sunday from 1.00pm with live music kicking off from 2.00pm.

PARADOX BOASTS NEW CHEF Head Chef Stuart Long joined the Paradox team early in 2017, a great addition. Happily, the food has moved up several notches due to Stuart’s insistence on quality locally-sourced produce, with everything made in house.

Hurrah! Having worked in the London Hilton for a number of years, Stuart was chef in a 2-rosette (hat) restaurant in Bristol, managed a gastropub in Surrey, before emigrating to New Zealand, where he was Head Chef at Rydges, Queenstown. He comes to Paradox via Oskars at Burleigh, eager to bring a menu of wide appeal to diners. Paradox’s all-day-breakfast and lunch menu features superbowls, eggs your way, Hot smoked salmon fishcake, Hawaiian Poke Bowls, and a Slow-Braised Pulled Pork Burger on brioche. All well under $20 with specials to go with your Paradox coffee!

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Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar with its motto ‘beef, booze & banter’ is a clear tribute to good times – a steak house where you’re invited to meet with friends and to enjoy yourself.

BETTY’S BURGERS COMES TO PAC FAIR Betty’s Burgers, Queensland’s award-winning burger-shack, is opened its sixth venue in Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach on Friday, 21 April. Initially inspired by owner, David Hales’ grandmother, Betty Anderson, Betty’s Burgers patties are hand made using the finest local grain fed beef, which is selected because of its consistent marbling. Patties are intentionally pressed on the grill to create a thick crust and lock in their natural juices.

With a pastel-coloured design aesthetic that pays homage to the 1950’s, the 180m2 restaurant is bound to stand out and will have 100 seats. Pacific Fair in Broadbeach is one of four new Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. stores yet to launch this year.

INAUGURAL BYRON BAY FINE FOOD & BEVERAGE FESTIVAL Food Events recently announced the inaugural Byron Bay Fine Food & Beverage Festival to be held on Saturday 3 June 2017 in the grounds of Byron Bay's award-winning resort, Elements of Byron. The Byron Bay Fine Food & Beverage Festival program will run from 11am – 7pm and will include a line-up of Australia's top food artisans, ambassadors and chefs along with beverage companies.

The day will include complimentary beverage masterclasses, complimentary fine food masterclasses, producers' and artisans' marquee and more. Tickets for the inaugural Byron Bay Fine Food & Beverage Festival go on sale on Friday 3 March 2017. Tickets are $20 per person and must be pre-purchased online at samplefoodevents.com.

Harry’s is situated on the quietest corner of one of the busiest blocks in Burleigh overlooking a small park and its resident Moreton Bay fig tree. A large timber pergola out the front brings together a relaxed Burleigh vibe with the feel of a Mediterranean garden party.

Far more than your average steakhouse, there’s a fresh modern feel to the former TAB which tells us to expect a fresh take on steak. It’s not until you enter the restaurant, however, that the owner’s purpose becomes clear.

Harry’s Steak Bistro and Bar, from Justin Lane Establishment’s Adam Haralampou, (co-owned with Peter Taylor), is a tribute to Adam’s grandfather Harry, a cotton farmer who migrated to Queensland from Greece in 1939.

A great meat lover who would prepare the meat for extended family gatherings, Harry would have loved this ‘beefcentric’ venue, meat cleavers hanging from the doors as handles, butchers’ knives used as beer tap handles, and a frighteningly real life size Black Angus bull taking pride of place overlooking the wellstocked bar.

While the classy bar commands attention, there’s clever separation between the bar and dining area with a metre-high dividing wall denoting that family dining is also welcome.

Paying forward Adam’s Greek heritage and family values, this is the mid-range steakhouse which is classy, affordable and inviting for the whole family, the venue tells us.

While it’s difficult to miss the huge Black Angus installation, several other features quietly ask for attention. Surrounded by recycled bricks from Flinders Street Station, we note a meat ageing cabinet near the kitchen beside aprons hanging patiently in a row, a line drawing of grandfather Harry on a bicycle (he also graces our placemats), and a cathedral-like domed faux window adding its still life tableau of cheese, salami, sausages, olive oil and retsina to the narrative.

We are in a place of worship; a place paying homage to chefs and cooks, farmers and providores who have brought us this food.

Rounded out by menu wings entitled Small share plates, Cheeses and Desserts, the menu is a showcase for one dish alone: Parisianstyle steak frites (steak and French fries to us Aussies). Continuing Adam’s mantra of ‘simple

dishes done well’, there’s a choice of four cuts (which vary with supply): Angus grain-fed rump (entry level at a very affordable $19.95), grass-fed Scotch fillet, Grasslands grass fed free range eye fillet and AACO wagyu sirloin Mb 2 – 4 when we visited, all cooked to order and served with French batard baked in house, house-churned butter, a well-dressed green salad and bottomless ‘pommes frites’.

I order small (or not) plates to share: an excellent version of a classic Steak tartare accompanied by crispy toast (for me, a perfect meal in itself), succulent char-grilled Mooloolaba prawns simply dressed with lemon butter and parsley, and Beef Rolls - deep-fried pastry cigars filled with rich wagyu, a snack that would go down well with a beer.

‘The Farmer’ moves on to main course: a mediumrare Silver Fern Scotch fillet fed on the rich pastures of New Zealand’s South Island. Cooked to order and, again, perfectly seasoned by Chef Luke Reeves (exMoo Moo and Brisbane’s Cha Cha). No need, really for the gorgeous Athena steak knives. The steak’s a tender, tasty delight! Sure, you can order chicken, fish or vegetarian, but with steak the centrepiece of the menu, why would you?

If you’re feeling like a celebration, the ‘main event’ is ‘What Harry’s eating this week’ – a whopping Cape Byron Black Angus Tomahawk that at 1.2 or 1.4kg surely would demand sharing!

Add that to some top shelf ‘What Harry’s drinking’ from a hand-picked organic sustainable Australasian wine list and you could have yourselves a real party… which is what a couple of groups around us are actually doing!

Harry’s ticks the box for such a wide cross-section of diners: a quality experience, in a meaningful venue, attention to detail with knowledgeable staff and great service for a reasonable price.

This is the Gold Coast’s latest take on the much-loved Aussie steak! #beefboozeandbanter Love it!

NOTE: Marj dined as Harry’s guest on this occasion.

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

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Renew Fest returns in 2017 Renew Fest, a pioneering wastefree sustainability festival, returns to Mullumbimby in 2017 with a lineup that includes speakers and panels on humanity renewal, ethical economics, renewable energy, biodiversity and much more.

Located under the fig trees in Mullumbimby, Renew Fest presents an idyllic format for learning and celebrating the positive actions happening locally and globally, by bringing together a diverse spectrum of intellectuals, creatives, innovators and advocates. The main purpose of Renew Fest is to fundraise for investment in community-owned sustainable development projects. More at renewfest.org.au

Cooly Rocks On revs up the good times Buckle up for the ride of your life at Cooly Rocks On™, Australia’s favourite celebration of 50s and 60s nostalgia, held at the beachside destinations of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads from 7-11 June 2017. Beaches, parklands, shops and cafes provide the perfect backdrop for around 1,300 custom and classic cars and hot rods, outdoor music stages, rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands, buskers, Miss Cooly Rocks On™ and Miss Rockabilly pageants, retro markets, and the much-loved Cooly Rocks On™ Street Parade.

For more information visit coolyrockson.com.

The Walls brings a spell of temporal stasis THE WALLS is where divergent practices of dance, installation and the natural world converge. Now displaying its fourth collaborative installation, THE WALLS will explore residual energies of materials, ecologies, landscapes and site specificity through the talents of artists Brooke Stamp and Anna McMahon. The artists work between a visual art and choreographic logic to explore a multiplicity of embodiments unhinged from time and entropy. Spells of Temporal Stasis is open now until the 20 May.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is reaching new heights as it tours Australia in 2017 The world's most prestigious mountain film festival is coming back to Australia: the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour presents over 2 1/2 hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films that will have you on the edge of your seat. The tour is hot on the heels of the largest – and one of the most prestigious – mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Festival, which takes place every November in the mountain town of Banff, in Canada. To find out more, view the trailer and book tickets, visit banffaustralia.com.au.

MFest celebrates its ten year anniversary

Win Schubert AO honoured with dedicated exhibition

Physical and online art combine Locally based arts hub and initiative, Art Lovers Australia, and a Gold Coast contemporary art space, Left Bank Gallery, are bringing a series of art exhibitions to the coast. First of the series is Dual Elements introducing two Queensland artists Amica Whincop and Kurt Black. Art Lovers Australia and Left Bank Gallery have joined forces in collaboration between the physical and the online gallery space. The series is designed to create further opportunities for the artists and to transfer the online gallery experience to a physical space. Dual Elements runs from 1 until 22 May in Left Bank Gallery in Southport with an opening night and an opportunity to meet the artists on Saturday 6 May.

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The City of Gold Coast and The Arts Centre Gold Coast will honour the memory of prominent philanthropist and arts patron Win Schubert AO and her extraordinary lifelong generosity in The Art of Giving, a special exhibition of contemporary Australian photography from the Gold Coast City Gallery collection. The works on display include previous winners and works acquired from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award, as well as the Archibald prize portrait Stephen Mori with Win Schubert and my Greater Kudu by Michael Zavros. The Art of Giving exhibition is on display now until 21 May at The Arts Centre Gold Coast.

Gold Coast City Gallery exhibition celebrates abstract art Gold Coast City Gallery has launched a new exhibition Hard and Fast: Abstraction, Pop, Colour Field, featuring some of Australia’s most recognised artists working in abstract art. The international movement launched in the late 1950s and is known for its hard edges and lines in fast-changing times of society and culture. Gold Coast City Gallery is privileged to hold one of the most significant collections of Australian abstract art in regional Australia. Much of the work has been hidden away in storage for many years and the Gallery is excited to celebrate this aspect of the collection, along with prominent examples of pop and colour field in Australian art. The display runs until 21 May 2017.

MFest is a celebration of motherhood and the creativity of all women. A fun all-ages event, it now comes to stunning Springbrook mountain for its tenth outing. Springbrook State School hosts the celebration which includes free workshops on topics such as self-care and transforming feelings. Of course there will also be yummy food, a magic show, drumming circle, Men’s Shed and kids’ activities. Live women-led music will be provided by Sista Moon, Susan McCarter, Byron Bound, Maryen Cairns and more. Entry is free and all are welcome.

MFest is held from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 13 May. Visit mefest.com.au for more information.

Black Hops launch aptly-named Pale Ale Pale Ale. You can’t get any more to the point than naming your beer exactly what it is. For Gold Coast brewing operation Black Hops, deciding to launch a straight up Pale Ale and calling it exactly that, ended up being a no brainer. While there may be 101 pale ales already out there, the boys are confident that Black Hops Pale Ale will cut through and leave a lasting impression on the palates of novice and seasoned craft drinkers. In the words of head brewer Michael ‘Govs’ McGovern; “no need to overthink this beer, it strikes a quality balance of pale malted barley and tropical hop aromas. I like to think of it as the Black Hops beer for every occasion.”

The Gold Coast Food & Wine Festival 2017 will see 36 coast-wide events packed in one tasty weekend in June. The full program includes a range of events from free and family friendly to fine dining. We decided to take a look at three of the major festival highlights.

OPENING NIGHT

BARBECUE & BEATS COMPETITION

PICNIC IN THE PARK

Lyndey Milan OAM is one of Australia’s most recognisable food and wine luminaries, with eight TV series, a bakeware range and countless books to her name, as well as a long stint as Food Director of the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly magazine. As ambassador for this year’s Gold Coast Food & Wine Festival, she will be providing the official opening of the event at the QT Hotel.

Who doesn’t love a good barbie? It’s part of our collective national subconscious. And with so many glorious options for al fresco dining, the Gold Coast is the perfect location to host a barbecue competition. Fifteen of the City’s finest barbecue teams stand at the ready to smoke out the competition and snag their share of over $3,000 in cash and prizes.

A range of local cheeses sit in front of you. The sweetness of a perfectly fresh strawberry lingers on your palate. You sip your wine, and spread some dip on a cracker. You lie back, enjoying the feeling of the dappled sunshine on your arms as you gaze up into the waving trees. Is there any bliss greater than a picnic on a beautiful sunny day?

"I am thrilled to be speaking at the launch of the Gold Coast Food & Wine Festival,” she says.

Australasian Barbecue Alliance Co-Founder Adam Roberts shares his thoughts on the emerging culinary shift towards authentic wood fired barbecue.

“It's gratifying to see the ongoing evolution of the Gold Coast as a region, with its own personality for regional gastronomy. The expanded program and numerous locations for this festival are testament to this fact.

“I look forward to experiencing it firsthand."

Guests will dine on expertly crafted canapes and sip bubbles from local vineyards. Executive Chef Greg Benney has taken care with menu design; ensuring local and seasonal produce is highlighted and showcased at its best. Finally, expert entertainers the Hanlon Brothers will get guests up on their feet and dancing til they drop.

When: Thursday 1 June, 6.00pm Where: QT Hotel Info: Tickets $100, available now

"Low and Slow barbecue is a process of cooking selected cuts of meat over wood fire, usually in a barbecue smoker, on low heat for long periods of time.

“The meats are infused with an amazing smokey flavour and are quite often as tender and flavourful as anything you have ever eaten.”

Grab your friends and a blanket, because Sunday 4 June will see Lionel Perry Park transformed into a picnic paradise.

Enjoy the feeling of a full service outdoor dining experience with amazing food from all your favourite Surfers Paradise haunts being hand delivered by Uber Eats.

There will be cheese and antipasto plates available featuring goodies from local providores, wine masterclasses, a lineup of the Gold Coast’s best musicians and kids activities. Listen to music, share a bottle of wine, catch up with friends, and watch as the sun sets over the Gold Coast.

As well as the competition, there will be mouth-watering barbecue to sample from vendors, a huge range of street food eats and live music. If you’re crazy about barbecue goodness, come hungry, come thirsty and bring your dancing boots!

When: Sunday 4 June, 12.00pm Where: Lionel Perry Park Info: $2 entry. Picnic food available for purchase at the event

When: Saturday 3 June, 4.00pm Where: NightQuarter Info: FREE Event (Entry to NightQuarter $3)

Tours, masterclasses, fishing, tastings, fruit picking, degustations and so much more. This year’s Gold Coast Food & Wine Festival Program has something exciting for everyone, much like our beautiful City. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to partake in this signature event. Visit gcfoodandwine.com.au for the full program details and mark your events calendar through the event Facebook page.

Natalie O'Driscoll

4TH JUNE

PICNIC IN THE PARK SURFERS PARADISE

3RD JUNE

BARBECUE & BEATS NIGHTQUARTER

3RD-4TH JUNE

THE LONG TABLE TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

3RD JUNE

TASTE OF THE GC FOOD & WINE TOUR

2ND JUNE

LOCAL FLAVOUR BURLEIGH BREWING

2ND JUNE

LIVE ART X LIVE FOOD NIGHTQUARTER

35 EVENTS ACROSS THREE DAYS FULL PROGRAM ONLINE NOW WWW.GCFOODANDWINE.COM.AU 2ND JUNE

1ST JUNE

OPENING NIGHT QT GOLD COAST

DEGUSTATION SIRROMET WINERY

3RD JUNE

DEGUSTATION BALTHAZAR DINING

2ND JUNE

OYSTER MASTERCLASS YEAH THE BOYSTERS

4TH JUNE

CREEKSIDE PICNIC O’REILLY’S VINEYARD

2ND-4TH JUNE

SEAFOOD ADVENTURE CATCH A CRAB

Issue #44 MAY 2017