Blank Gold Coast issue #56 – May 2018

Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark House Photographer: Leisen Standen, Lamp Photography Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Marj Osborne, Danny Santangelo, Nadia Achilles, Leisen Standen, Glenn Tozer, Anthony Gehbardt, Tiffany Mitchell, Samantha Morris, Anna Itkonen, Erin Bourne, Sarah Tayler, Simone Gorman-Clark, Nae Kurth, Catherine Coburn, Pip Andreas, Peter Wheeler, Christie Ots, JD Garrahy, Anna Akacich, Dan Maynard.

Cover photo: BB Factory by Linda Angledal 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.

Printing: Blank magazine is proudly printed

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

Gold Coast

Applications to showcase at BIGSOUND closing BIGSOUND is back for 2018. Taking over Fortitude Valley from 4 – 7 September, the massive international music industry gathering has a new focus on disruption and creating change. You can read more about that on our website, but we mostly wanted you to know that applications to showcase at the important industry event close 10 May. With alumni like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, The Jungle Giants, Gang of Youths, Violent Soho, Courtey Barnett and truckloads more, BIGSOUND is a rite of passage for Australian artists breakout out onto the world stage. Showcasing artists are in the running for the $100k Levi’s Music Prize (which Stella Donnelly and Alex Lahey both took out in 2017), plus there’s the immeasurable value of industry contacts, showcase experience and also epic music that happens during the event. Hop to it at bigsound.org.au

Applications open to perform at Buskers by the Creek Multi-award winning Buskers by the Creek has opened applications for its 2018 festival giving local and visiting buskers the opportunity to perform for more than 20,000 people expected to flock to the October event. People came in droves last year, despite the torrential downpour and this year’s festival, with its carnival theme will boast musicians, mimes, dancers, circus artists, world-record attempts, daring performances, jaw-dropping tricks and all manner of twisted and quirky talents. The event is back for its fifth year on 13 and 14 October in Winders Park, Currumbin and applications can be made at buskersybythecreek.com.au/buskers.

Melbourne Comedy Roadshow comes to HOTA All the way from the UK, Brennan Reece will lead a stellar lineup of comedians including Dane Simpson, Gillian Cosgriff, Sam Tauton and more when the Melbourne Comedy Roadshow comes to HOTA on Sunday 13 May. It’s stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song – all in one side-splitting show! You won’t want to miss it when this bounty of belly laughs rolls into town. Tickets at hota.com.au.

QSO perform musical fairytales Join Queensland Symphony orchestra at HOTA for a fairytale-inspired concert which features: Tchaikovsky's elegant, lush ballet Sleeping Beauty; Strauss' waltz Fairytales from the Orient; Prokofiev's irresistible Cinderella; and RimskyKorsakov's Scheherazade (which is a must for fans of Aladdin and The Arabian Nights). One night only on Friday 4 May. Tickets start from $32 and are available at hota.com.au.

OH DONNY, MY LOVE Donny Love is developing close to a cult following here on the Gold Coast and that’s despite the fact that they’re in the existential maelstrom of their mid 20s and in their own words “making mistakes, learning, travelling, falling in and out of love and payin’ rent.”

Or maybe that’s BECAUSE they’re in that existential maelstrom.

Prada's Priscillas take you on a journey Flanked by gorgeous men, Australia's six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch & her 'girls', take you on a journey from where it all began with Les Girls in the 60's, across the Aussie outback with ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ in the 90's, & into 2018 with a celebration of today's music icons. The ninety-minute all-male revue direct from Sydney features some of Priscilla Queen of the Desert's greatest hits including ‘I Love the Night Life’, ‘Go West’, ‘Shake Your Groove Thing’, ‘Finally’ & ‘I Will Survive’.

Plus a few surprise hits from some of today's music icons & divas that have inspired drag performances around the world! One night only Saturday 26 May 2018, tickets via hota.com.au.

Drag Queens take over The Avenue Surfers Paradise venue, The Avenue is setting the stage for an electric night of Glam and Glitter with its new addition, DRAGALICIOUS. The Avenue have joined forces with two of Queensland’s most incredibly talented and glamorous Drag Queens. The self-proclaimed “Three Legged Beauty” Natasha St. James and “The Gender Bender” Terry Daktyl who are no strangers to The Avenue stage, will be serving up a blend of glitz and glam, risqué comedy numbers, captivating costumes and high energy performances that will illuminate and delight their audience every Thursday night. Tickets available on The Avenue website.

Whatever the reason, the band have been in a period of steady growth since we last spoke to them and that’s evident in their latest body of work, debut album ‘Sensation’.

Andrew Hodges AKA ‘Don Hog’ says the band has been busy “overcoming the various mental, financial and logistical hurdles of independently releasing this bloody album.”

It’s been a while between recording and releasing.

“It’s interesting to think that the debut album we would record today would be quite different, but the looming departure of several members of the band was a catalyst for us to record the album and capture that point in time,” Andrew says.

“Combine that loss with love and the various trials and tribulations of adulthood and you’ve got the thematic heart of the album.”

It’s impossible to pigeon hole Donny Love’s sound (they’re calling it Motel Bop) and they’re keen to remain outside of any specific genre labels.

“We try to exist outside of current trends and scenes,” Andrew explained, “pulling people in to our world, as opposed to tagging in.”

There’s something quirky and unique about Donny Love’s repertoire. And the same can be said of the fans who come in droves to their shows.

“Due to the character and nature of our music, our own quirks, and how much we demand from our audience when we perform, I’ve found we generally attract characters and weirdos,” Andrew said. “All the good and interesting ones. Cute spooks.

We love our fans endlessly and through peers, friends, the internet and touring we’re reaching more and more great people.”

Donny Love will deliver for their ‘cute spooks’ when they launch their new album at elsewhere in June. It’s a much-anticipated gig given the band’s recent headline shows and the fact that they spent time last year touring with the Allah Lahs and scoring a slot at Gizzfest.

“2017 was a year of expansion for us, and we were honoured to have been given meaningful opportunities and humbling experiences,” Andrew said. “There’s no secret in regards to our formula, just hard work and patience.”

“We’re passionate about the Gold Coast and never hide away from our roots here and we also try to not re-trace our steps too closely with regards to shows and typical venues.”

Samantha Morris

Donny Love’s debut album ‘Sensation’ is out 4 May digitally and in 12” vinyl format, (you can pre-order now via Bandcamp) and their latest single ‘Dysfunctional Lovers’ is out now as a taste. They’ll hit elsewhere on Friday 8 June before they take off on a tour of Japan with The Delicates in tow for one big family adventure.

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Last time we chatted to Gold Coast blueslords BB Factory, they’d just released single ‘Save Me’, crushed at Blues on Broadbeach, had an album 80% done and were supporting legend Lachy Doley at Soundlounge. I decided to visit the tricked out studio of guitarist Pedro Verhoeven to chat to him and frontman Harold Jackson about what progress the eclectic international quintet had made in the intervening months.

Pedro jumped straight in.

“Well both our singles (‘Save Me’ and ‘Blues For You’) went to the top of the iTunes blues roots chart, and an even cooler surprise was ‘Blues For You’ topping the AMRAP regional chart. As each one comes out it’s getting a bit more traction.”

The group is hoping that the upward trajectory continues with their upcoming album, ‘First World Blues’. We were lucky enough to get a sneaky listen, and we can tell you folks, it’s a fun ride. Something that particularly gave me the giggles was a lyric from track ‘Fantasy’: “I slipped on something and fell on my butt”. Wonderfully absurd fare from a band that champions a ‘no rules blues’ approach for sure, and I just had to find out the story behind it from Jackson.

“A friend of mine, Angela, I met her in North Carolina at my Aunty’s house. I was young, and I wasn’t as cool and sophisticated as I am now,” he chuckles.

“I went up to talk to her and I literally slipped and fell on my butt. I was fifteen, so you might as well have taken a pie and hit me right in the face.”

Angsty teen humiliation aside, he still got the girl.

“We were together for a while but then she went back to Virginia and broke my heart, so I had a broken heart and a broken butt.”

We all cackle, and I’m curious as to which of the tracks stand out for the guys themselves, and if they have any favourites.

Pedro thinks about it for a minute before replying.

“There are so many ways you can look at favourite. I guess in terms of the final surprise result that I didn’t see coming, it was ‘Sweet Refrain’, because it started as a really dark melancholy ballad and now it’s a feel-good, high energy celebration song.”

Jackson is chewing thoughtfully on his unlit cigar, and I have to prod him to respond.

“You just go with the flow. If you don’t resist it, it ends up being better,” says Pedro.

“Hmm, I can’t say,” he says.

Since we seem to be getting philosophical, I ask the guys about their musical philosophies.

“Songs affect me in different ways I can’t really say I have a favourite. ‘Like Fire’, that song there, that happened too.

Most of the stuff I write about happens.”

Pedro interjects. “‘Like Fire’ would be my number two choice, because it also transcended my expectations.” “...And the sax in it is outstanding,” continues Jackson.

“Whereas ‘Save Me’ keeps me on my toes cause it reminds me to keep running, to keep thinking of new stuff, keep it going.”

The group have also had a lineup change since we last caught up, with drummer Bevan Davison departing to work on different projects and new drummer Cvitan Barac taking up the sticks, and adding a Croatian vibe to the band’s already multi-national flavour.

“He’s played with everyone,” explains Pedro. “He’s a local guy, full time musician, played all the major festivals. He’s a really solid drummer, really reliable. Cvitan and Craig (Hamilton) our bass player are really locked together as a rhythm section... Bevan’s great too of course and we actually did a gig with him two weeks ago when Cvitan couldn’t make it.”

Interestingly, Cvitan was actually the first drummer who recorded with the band when they first got together in 2015.

But he ended up being unable to attend their first gig, so Bevan stepped in instead. The guys shake their heads at the symmetry of it.

“Old school,” states Pedro. “All about singing and musicianship not so much about style or trying to keep up with any trends.”

Jackson agrees. “It’s all about being real, honest with ourselves and to the concept of what we’re doing. There are a lot of people we’re following who have done this, so we need to pay homage and give some respect to that.

“But for me there’s also fun. I’m up here to enjoy myself and I feel like if I do that, then the audience is enjoying themselves. [Positive feedback] is all very embarrassing for me. I appreciate it, but I’m doing something I like, I’m not carrying bricks. I just like doing what I do, it’s the driving force for me.”

Pedro smiles. “Oh sure, give it a few more years and the number one diva in the room will be Jackson!” he jokes.

Well, we can wait and see I guess. BB Factory definitely isn’t going anywhere.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Catch Jackson, Pedro, Craig, Cvitan and Bruce Crouch (keys) busting out party vibes at the Advancetown Hotel for Mother’s Day on Sunday 13 May before they again make appearances at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach on Sat 19 May at the Oracle Boulevard Stage and then again on Sunday 20 May on The Park Stage (with surprise guests).

Visit bbfactorybluesband.com to keep up to date with what’s going on with single and album releases, and check out Reverbnation to have a listen to some tracks.

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LOCALLY CREATED ABORIGINAL CULTURAL RANGE FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES Local Tweed heads business Recycled Mats creates mats from 100% recycled materials that are also designed for sharing cultural stories, so they were a perfect choice to create a bespoke Aboriginal cultural range for the Commonwealth Games. For the mats, cushions and pod chairs they were asked to supply, they teamed up with Bundjalung artist Christine Slabb. Natalie O'Driscoll shot Christine and business owner JJ Stranan a few questions following the event to see how it all went down.

Can you please describe some of the themes / stories behind the artwork that was depicted on the items, and why those particular themes were chosen?

Christine: The story behind the artwork/ design is about Joongarrabah also known as Razorback Mountain, a peak that looks over the Tweed and Gold Coast Region. This

EXHIBITION DOCUMENTS A CULTURAL REVOLUTION The Gold Coast is often misjudged and scorned by out-dated beliefs that it’s just surf, schoolies and theme parks, but we know better here at Blank, and so do the amazing team at HOTA, who have put together a fabulous exhibition that visually explores our identity and sense of place. Featuring works by Lloyd Rees, Fred Williams, Albert Tucker, Vida Lahey, Michael Zarvos, Scott Redford, Chris Bennie, Anna Carey and many more, ‘We Are Gold Coast’ provides visitors with the opportunity to contrast the ‘old’ and ‘new’ Gold Coast and documents the vibrant cultural evolution of the area. Diana Warnes, head of Curatorial Projects at the HOTA Gallery answered a few questions for Blank's Natalie O'Driscoll.

Pictured: Anna Carey's 84 Frank Street, Surfers Paradise...now 2015

iconic landmark is a vital part of the local cultural landscape.

For many generations, this special cultural place has been significant in teaching "Garrima" respect. Respect for land, elders, each other and all things.

How did it feel to be a part of such a massive Commonwealthwide event?

JJ: A buzz, an honour, excited, amazed, blown away! Oh, my I don't have the words. It was truly a real thrill for us to think that such a large event (one that I have fond memories of watching growing up myself) would choose a little old business like us to work with them on something that's so special and unique to this area.

community organisations as this feels like my contribution to the community and will leave an ongoing legacy after the buzz of the Games has long left the coast.

For more information or to check out the range, visit recycledmats.com.au and christineslabbdesigns.com.au. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

Christine: It was a great achievement to be included in a massive event. I can only hope that the Garrima collection has been used to bring joy into the people’s lives not only here on the coast but hopefully some have taken a piece of cultural story and history with them back to their homes.

Personally, I love to see how the mats are being used right here within our schools, childcare centres and other

Can you please tell us a bit about how the ‘We Are Gold Coast’ concept came about?

The Gallery is keen to showcase as much of the collection as possible, and themed exhibitions like ‘We are Gold Coast’ allow us to do that. It follows on from the recent exhibitions ‘Hard & Fast: Abstraction, Pop, and Colour Field’ and ‘Across Country: Indigenous work from the collection’. These have been really well received, and it is great that Gold Coasters are embracing their collection and getting excited to learn about it.

Bit by bit it seems that the tired old stereotypes around the Gold Coast are being broken down. If someone who'd never heard of the Gold Coast before were to hear a very different kind of impression, what would you like it to be?

That the Coast is a place of entrepreneurship, opportunity, and creativity, where there is scope for great ideas to be developed and thrive. ‘We are Gold Coast’ shows that artists on the Coast value the heritage, beaches, and buildings of the region, so there would be a strong impression of pride in the past and optimism for the future.

How does the HOTA Gallery perceive its role in the cultural evolution of the Gold Coast?

This year work will begin on the construction of a purposebuilt $60.5 million HOTA Gallery. When completed in early 2021, it will be the largest public Gallery outside a capital city in Australia with the ability and ambition to present exhibitions and projects of national and international scale that focus on art and design, both indoors and out. It's an exciting time for the Gallery and we are looking forward to presenting Gold Coasters with some wonderful art experiences.

As a public gallery for the people of the Gold Coast, we are excited to collect work that captures the history of the region, but also art that can offer a contemporary commentary on the growing Gold Coast. The Gallery helps to capture our region's identity and sense of place.

Can you tell me about just three of the pieces in the exhibition that you're most excited about?

Anna Carey's 84 Frank Street, Surfers Paradise...now 2015 Carey hails from the Gold Coast, but currently lives in Los Angeles, California. She is inspired by the modern architecture that both cities offer, and in these model motels, which she then photographs, Carey contemplates how that architecture has changed over time. The reincarnated Starlight motel featured in these pictures shows the evolution of motel architectural design on the Coast.

Kenneth Macqueen's Snapper Rocks c. 1930s This is a recent, exciting acquisition for the Gallery. Macqueen was a farmer, but also a leading modernist watercolourist. He would use broad areas of colour and stylised forms to create his atmospheric landscapes. This scene from Snapper Rocks is quintessentially Gold Coast.

Michael Zavros Homework 2014 Gold Coast artist, but now Brisbane based, this photograph was inspired by a partnership with Rolls Royce Gold Coast who loaned Michael one their luxury cars. ‘Homework’ shows Michael's daughters Phoebe and Olympia absorbed in their own world, where textas and pencils threaten to mark the plush interior of the Rolls.

As the audience, we are challenged to confront our ideas on luxury, beauty, and wealth.

‘We Are Gold Coast’ runs from 12 May to 15 July at the HOTA Gallery.

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PRESENTED BY

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

Eliza and the delusionals

Benny Que

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

10.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Dezaster

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room) Underground Nightclub

11.00PM - 1.00AM

DJ Talk

11.00PM - 2.00AM

Sabien

Our House

Main Stage

11.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ Tiny

Rise Bar & Club

THURSDAY 3 MAY / GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS 6.00PM - 6.30PM

10.00PM - 12.00AM

7.15PM - 7.45PM

Hussy Hicks (Acoustic)

Main Stage

11.30PM - 2.00AM

DJ Jayden Took

SinCity Nightclub

8.15PM - 8.50PM

Bobby Alu

Main Stage

11.30PM - 2.00AM

DJ Matt James

Hennessy Nightclub

9.10PM - 9.50PM

Electrik Lemonade

Main Stage

11.30PM - 2.00AM

Jake Carmony

The Bedroom Nightclub

12.00AM - 2.00AM

Steve Frank

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

FRIDAY 4 MAY 11.30AM - 1.00PM

Elliott Hann

12.00AM - 2.00AM

DJ EA Kut

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

Vapiano Australia

12.00AM - 3.00AM

DJ Johny Laytex

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

4.45PM - 5.30PM

LANE-HARRY X IKE CAMPBELL

MAIN STAGE

1.00AM - LATE

Lost and Found

Cocktails Nightclub

5.00PM - 8.00PM

Open Mic

Rise Bar & Club

1.00AM - LATE

DJ Mr P

Underground Nightclub

5.30PM - 6.15PM

BLACK RABBIT GEORGE

CAVILL STAGE

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Andec

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

5.30PM - 8:30PM

Nik Conomos

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Rory

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

6.00PM - 9.00PM

LIVE DJ

SkyPoint Observation Deck

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Jake McGill

SinCity Nightclub

6.00PM - 9.00PM

LIVE DJ

The Sandwich Bros

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Five8

Hennessy Nightclub

2.00AM - 5.00AM

Kye Grant

The Bedroom Nightclub

6.00PM - LATE

DJ Corey

Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge

6.15PM - 7.15PM

JUSTICE CREW

MAIN STAGE

6.30PM - 10.30PM

Graham Hobson

Walrus Social House

7.00PM - 10.00PM

Maddy Zanatta

Wyndham Cruises*

11.30AM - 1.00PM

Candence

Vapiano Australia

7.00PM - 11.00PM

Jade and Lima

Waxy's Irish Pub (Rooftop Bar)

1.00PM - 5.00PM

Gregg Peterson

House of Brews

7.00PM - LATE

Brett Gannon

Helm Bar & Bistro

1.30PM - 2.15PM

SHAG ROCK

CAVILL STAGE

7.45PM - 11.30PM

Daniel De Niro

The Bedroom Nightclub

2.15PM - 3.15PM

AMISTAT

MAIN STAGE

8.00PM - 9.00PM

REECE MASTIN

MAIN STAGE

3.15PM - 4.15PM

BENNY D WILLIAMS

CAVILL STAGE

8.00PM - 10.00PM

Sabien

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

4.15PM - 5.20PM

HOT POTATO BAND

MAIN STAGE

8.00PM - 10.30PM

Remedy

Hard Rock Café Surfers Paradise

5.20PM - 6.15PM

PAT TIERNEY

CAVILL STAGE Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

SATURDAY 5 MAY

8.00PM - 11.00PM

The Green Sinatras

Lansdowne Road Irish Tavern

5.30PM - 8.30PM

Keegan Sparke

8.00PM - 11.00PM

DJ Andec

Our House

6.00PM - 9.00PM

LIVE DJ

SkyPoint Observation Deck

8.00PM - 11.00PM

DJ RK

Underground Nightclub

6.00PM - LATE

DJ Corey

Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge

8.00PM - 12.00AM

Those Guys

Waxy's Irish Pub (Main Bar)

6.15PM - 7.25PM

DARYL BRAITHWAITE

MAIN STAGE

8.00PM - 12.00AM

Jabba

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

6.30PM - 10.30PM

James Fox Higgins

Walrus Social House

8.00PM - LATE

LIVE DJ

Strike Bowling Bar & Holey Moley Golf Club

6.30PM - LATE

LIVE DJ

Cocoon Ultra Lounge Bar & Dining

9.00PM - 11.30PM

DJ Brent Dee

SinCity Nightclub

7.00PM - 10.00PM

Maddy Zanatta

Wyndham Cruises*

9.00PM - 11.30PM

DJ Owe

Hennessy Nightclub

7.00PM - 11.00PM

Kristie Roberts

Waxy’s Irish Pub

9.00PM - 12.00AM

Andrew Thompson

Steampunk Surfers Paradise

7.45PM - 9.00PM

JIMMY BARNES

MAIN STAGE

9.00PM - 1.00AM

Coldeed

Cocktails Nightclub

7.45PM - 11.30PM

Daniel De Niro

The Bedroom Nightclub

9.00PM - 1.00AM

DJ Tarmz

Central Lounge Bar & Dining

8.00PM - 10.00PM

Lost and Found

Cocktails Nightclub

9.00PM - 1.00AM

Jamel Boukabou

Kitty O'Shea's Irish Bar & Restaurant

8.00PM - 10.00PM

Sabien

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

9.00PM - 1.00AM

DJ Mick Ellen

One Cavill Beach Bar & Restaurant

8.00PM - 10.30PM

Remedy

Hard Rock Café Surfers Paradise

9.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ Hamma P and DJ Noiz

Melbas on the Park

8.00PM - 11.00PM

LIVE Music

Lansdowne Road Irish Tavern

9.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ Tricksta

Gilley's Surfers Paradise

8.00PM - 11.00PM

DJ Andec

Our House

9.00PM - 3.00AM

LIVE DJ

Retro's Cocktail Lounge

8.00PM - 12.00AM

Ramjet

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

9.00PM - LATE

DJ Raef

The Avenue

8.00PM - 12.00AM

9.30PM - 1.30AM

Agent 77

Fiddlers Green Irish Bar & Restaurant

8.00PM - 12.00AM

Reworked The Gathering Traditional Irish Music

Waxy's Irish Pub Fiddlers Green Irish Bar & Restaurant

gig guide

find out more at surfersparadise.com

8.00PM - 3.00AM

LIVE DJ

Retro’s Cocktail Lounge

4.00PM - 5.10PM

HUSSY HICKS

MAIN STAGE

8.00PM - LATE

Acoustic Juice

Helm Bar & Bistro

4.00PM - 7.00PM

Elevation

Helm Bar & Bistro

8.00PM - LATE

LIVE DJ

Strike Bowling Bar & Holey Moley Golf Club

5.00PM - 8.00PM

Tyson Faulkner

D'Arcy Arms

9.00PM - 11.00PM

LIVE DJ

Underground Nightclub Surfers Paradise

5.00PM - 8.00PM

Dual Frequency

Steampunk Surfers Paradise

9.00PM - 11.30PM

DJ Jayden Took

SinCity Nightclub

5.00PM - 8.00PM

Arian Persian Traditional Music

Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant

9.00PM - 11.30PM

DJ Owe

Hennessy Nightclub

5.00PM - 9.00PM

Yasmina Despot

KNOX Dining

9.00PM - 12.00AM

Cory Hargreaves

Kitty O'Shea's Irish Bar & Restaurant

9.00PM - 12.00AM

White Noise

The Surf Club Surfers Paradise

5.10PM - 6.15PM

CHEAP FAKES

CAVILL STAGE

9.00PM - 12.00AM

Growler

Steampunk Surfers Paradise

9.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Don

Rise Bar & Club

9.00PM - 1.00AM

DJ Kile

Central Lounge Bar & Dining

DJ Mick Ellen

One Cavill Beach Bar & Restaurant

9.00PM - 1.00AM 9.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ's Joanna Castro & IGOR Santos

Melbas on the Park

9.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ Tricksta

Gilley's Surfers Paradise The Avenue

5.30PM - 8.30PM

Leigh James

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre

6.00PM - 9.00PM

Mister P

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

6.15PM - 7.25PM

KATE CEBERANO

MAIN STAGE

7.45PM - 9.00PM

JON STEVENS

MAIN STAGE

8.00PM - 10.00PM

Sabien

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

8.00PM - 11.00PM

DJ Scottie V

Our House

8.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Kile

Central Lounge Bar and Dining

9.00PM - LATE

DJ Mickey D

9.30PM - 1.30AM

LIVE DJ

Clock Hotel

8.00PM - 12.00AM

Those Guys

Waxy's Irish Pub

10.00PM - 12.00AM

Steve Frank

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

8.00PM - LATE

DJ Pete Dawkins

Strike Bowling Bar & Holey Moley

10.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Ulahz

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

9.00PM - 11.00PM

DJ J. Alexander

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

10.00PM - 1.00AM

Coldeed

Cocktails Nightclub

9.00PM - 11.30PM

DJ Brent Dee

SinCity Nightclub

DJ Muz

Hennessy Nightclub

11.00PM - 2.00AM

Sabien

Our House

9.00PM - 11.30PM

11.30PM - 2.00AM

J DUBB

SinCity Nightclub

9.00PM - 12.00AM

Bella Paton

Kitty O'Shea's Irish Bar & Restaurant

Rush Hour

The Surf Club Surfers Paradise

11.30PM - 2.00AM

DJ Stevie

Hennessy Nightclub

9.00PM - 12.00AM

11.30PM - 2.00AM

Jake Carmony

The Bedroom Nightclub

9.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Talk

Underground Nightclub

12.00AM - 2.00AM

Benny Que

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

9.00PM - 12.00AM

Jake Carmony

The Bedroom Nightclub

12.00AM - 2.00AM

DJ EA Kut

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

9.00PM - 1.00AM

DJ Mick Ellen

One Cavill Beach Bar & Restaurant

12.00AM - 3.00AM

DJ Beksis

Rise Bar & Club

9.00PM - 1.00AM

Coldeed

Cocktails Nightclub

DJ Tricksta

Gilley’s Surfers Paradise

12.00AM - LATE

DJ Mikey D

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

9.00PM - 3.00AM

1.00AM - LATE

After G

Cocktails Nightclub

9.00PM - 3.00AM

DJ Don

Rise Bar & Club

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Scottie V

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

9.30PM - 1.30AM

Jax

Fiddlers Green Irish Bar & Restaurant

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Dezaster

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

10.00PM - 12.00AM

Benny Que

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

2.00AM - 5.00AM

J-Muz

SinCity Nightclub

10.00PM - 12.00AM

DJ Dezaster

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Five8

Hennessy Nightclub

11.00PM - 2.00AM

DJ Andec

Our House

2.00AM - 5.00AM

Kye Grant

The Bedroom Nightclub

11.00PM - 1.00AM

J. Mixx

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

SUNDAY 6 MAY 1.00PM - 2.00PM

THE WAVES

11.30PM - 2.00AM

DJ Owe

SinCity Nightclub

11.30PM - 2.00AM

DJ Matt James

Hennessy Nightclub

CAVILL STAGE

11.30PM - 2.00AM

Kye Grant

The Bedroom Nightclub

Steve Frank

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room) Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

1.00PM - 5.00PM

Angelo Pash

House of Brews

12.00AM - 2.00AM

2.00PM - 3.00PM

MISTRAM

MAIN STAGE

12.00AM - 2.00AM

DJ J.Alexander

2.00PM - 5.00PM

Benny Hanna

SkyPoint Observation Deck

12.00AM - LATE

DJ Mr P

Underground Nightclub

2.00PM - 5.00PM

Mikey Edwards

Hard Rock Café Surfers Paradise

1.00AM - LATE

LIVE DJ

Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden

2.00PM - LATE

DJ Corey

Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge

2.00AM - 4.00AM

DJ Andec

Shooters Nightclub (Main Room)

3.00PM - 4.00PM

THANDO

CAVILL STAGE

2.00AM - 4.00AM

DJ Rory

Shooters Nightclub (Republic Room)

3.00PM - 7.00PM

Chris Hutchinson

Waxy's Irish Pub

2.00AM - 5.00AM

J-Muz

SinCity Nightclub

3.00PM - 8.00PM

Dusk House DJ

Waxy’s Irish Pub

2.00AM - 5.00AM

DJ Five8

Hennessy Nightclub

3.00PM - 9.00PM

Youngkeys

The Avenue

2.00AM - 5.00AM

Jake McGill

The Bedroom Nightclub

CHAMPAGNE TALENT EXPECTED AT BLUES ON BROADBEACH With over 300 shows in the past 12 months, percussive guitarist and singer/songwriter Daniel Champagne could never be considered guilty of being lazy. His work ethic is perhaps only surpassed by his raw talent, as he travels the world drawing new fans from across north America and Europe.

A JOYFUL TIME FOR BANKS OF THE BEAUTIFUL

This year, Canada became a particularly strong market, as he drove from Victoria in British Columbia to Newfoundland for 28 dates, 24 of which sold out. Champagne described it as “a watershed” for his emerging career, always gently grateful for the “warm reception” his music has received, particularly the new album ‘Fault Lines’.

But the young man’s connections to the Gold Coast might surprise some. Playing festivals here and abroad, some ten years ago he bumped into fellow guitar prodigy, Julz Parker of the much loved local outfit Hussy Hicks and discovered they had both at times played with Phil Emmanuel. In October 2017, they made the acquaintance a little more familial, as he toured 20 shows across the USA together with Hussy Hicks in a project billed primarily as a guitar driven showcase. Champagne commented with a laugh he was brainwashed into a love of the GC during this time as the Hussy lasses spruiked their home city at every opportunity.

Recently, Champagne was announced for the 2018 Blues on Broadbeach, just as he returned to Brisbane on a support slot for Mexican guitar powerhouses Rodrigo y Gabriela. He’d been so impressed with the stage show of the duo, noting their two hour practices for every date despite rarely needing such on account of their incredible talent and familiar material, and committed to reshaping his own show.

“I’ve got a 56 date Aussie/NZ tour and I’m bringing new songs and new jokes and new banter. Everyone’s got a character on stage and that is part of the show. Rod and Gab are not just lovely people but they really connect with their audience. On this upcoming Snap Shot Tour I’m aiming to do just that.”

Before the tour, Champagne is excited about releasing a limited edition “mix tape”, recording 25 songs in three days with a few of his fave producers and collaborators, delivering a few favourites on the track list, closing the chapters on others, and introducing some new material. With such a heavy schedule recording and touring, Champagne laughs when asked what he does to switch off, emphasising he really is a pretty normal Aussie bloke.

“I watch the cricket overnight. Touring makes me tired but my sleep patterns mess up. I watch the cricket and AFL online.

“But guitar is not just my job, it’s my hobby. I love to play in my down time.”

It shows. His passion on stage for his music, ably demonstrated in his proficiency manipulating the acoustic guitar with only his fingers and a little electrical tape, is no doubt a product of his gruelling schedule and daily fascination with his instrument; so fingerpicking good. You must check him out!

Champagne plays at Blues on Broadbeach on the Mall Stage at midday on Thursday 17 May, from around 6.00pm on the 102.9 Hot Tomato Spotlight Stage on Friday night, heads back to the Mall Stage on Saturday at 10.00am and then hits Oracle Boulevard around 12.45pm to close out Sunday afternoon.

Glenn Tozer

He returns on his Snap Shot Tour to Black Bear Lodge in Brissy on July 5, hits Sol Bar on July 6, and finishes up his tour in a quaint, up-close-andpersonal show at Mt Nimmel Hall in Austinville on July 7.

Gold Coast indie pop duo, Banks Of The Beautiful, have delivered big with brand new single 'Joy', the second official offering from their debut album, ‘Unscheduled Departure’, due out later this year. ‘Joy’ was written by front-woman, Lou Star about giving birth to her first child and produced with established UK drummer, Andy Woollard, who together form Banks of the Beautiful. Natalie O'Driscoll caught up with both of them before the single’s launch.

Can you tell us a bit about how 'Joy' is a different experience to previous single 'Favourite'?

Lou: The process with producing JOY was kinda back to front in terms of how the other tracks were put together.

Ordinarily the process would start with me sending a vocal idea that a track would then be built around. With JOY however, it started with a loop that Andy had been toying around with a while before everything came together.

Andy: I had put together a bunch of loops when I was first trying to get Lou interested but had chickened out of sending them because I wasn't sure if it was her scene. After she started giving me the thumbs up on the other early stuff I thought, ‘what the fuck I'll just send it’. I'm glad I did, Lou found a melody instantly and it was just fine tuning from there.

Tell us a bit about the single launch at Mo's. Who else will be on the bill?

Lou: Mo's will be us, Gold Coast Legend Benny D Williams and DJ Eddie Retro spinning 90's hip hop and funk vinyl. It's our first time at Mo's but we just love everything about it. It’s tucked away from the mainstream, doing its own thing but creating something really awesome and unique and drawing in like minded people...similar to the Banks of the Beautiful approach. We will be releasing our new merch too so bring ya pay checks.

Catch Banks of the Beautiful at the launch party for ‘Joy’ on Saturday 12 May at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh.

To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

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NEW FUNDING FOR MUSIC PROJECTS Activate Music is a new funding opportunity being delivered through City of Gold Coast’s Regional Arts Development Fund. The grants will support the development of the city’s contemporary music artists and industry. Funding provides support for projects that build skills and knowledge, increase employment and create pathways to music careers. There’s a total pool of $70,000 available and the program aims to invest in the growth and long-term sustainability of the sector as well as build the City’s music brand, showcasing Gold Coast content locally, nationally and internationally.

There will be one competitive funding round a year and this round closes 14 May. Get more information at bit.ly/radf18.

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17

COSMIC PSYCHOS

Souped Up and Loud Mouthed

Aussie pub-punk legends The Cosmic Psychos are definitely one of a kind, their sound having once been described by Melvins lynchpin Buzz Osborne as “late '70s punk rock, played through a stereo, inside the muffler of a car driving down the freeway." And just like in the world of seminal New York punks The Ramones, not too much has changed when it comes to their sonic template.

The hard drinking and harder rocking trio, these days consisting of founding member, vocalist and bassist Ross Knight, guitarist John ‘Mad Macka’ McKeering and drummer Dean Muller, are currently enjoying somewhat of a second renaissance, with a new wave of up and coming young bands and punters igniting the fuse for The Psychos to play and record now more than ever before.

I pose the question to ‘Knighty’, who pulls over his trusty bulldozer to have an amiable chat when I call him, as to whether the band have been invigorated by the attention and respect afforded to them by the new, younger breed of fans that have latched onto the band recently.

“I think when our doco (the thoroughly entertaining ‘Blokes You Can Trust’) came out, it definitely raised the profile of the band. These days we’re probably getting just as much fun from picking good young bands to play with on the road. Hopefully our influence on young bands will be along the lines of; enjoy the moment, don’t give up your day job, and always say thank you at the end of the night after you’ve drunk a squillion free beers. We have a great time playing, we really do. And it’s great to see that the current flock of younger bands are just doing it because they love it too. And that’s a good thing, a real good thing.”

One of the tracks off their new record, ‘Loudmouth Soup’ (which we’ve also reviewed this month), happens to be a homage to good pals and young upstarts The Dune Rats, who The Psychos toured with not so long ago. I asked Ross what ‘The Dunies’ made of the track, ‘Rat On The Mat’.

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“When we did the tour with the Dune Rats, I basically came up with that song in the van with them, drinking stubbies at 9 o’clock in the morning, driving to Margaret River. We’d all had about one hour's sleep, and I just started humming that little ditty, because I was looking at these scraggly blokes, sweaty headed, stinking like the night before, all having a giggle and a laugh. They just reminded me of what you find on your front doormat when your cat brings home a dead rat. Luckily they’ve taken it as the true tribute that it was intended to be!”

The past few releases from the band have seen their two other members, ‘Macka’ and Dean, having more of an input into the vibe and sound of the band. I put it to Ross if this was a conscious decision to hand over some of the artistic reigns, so to speak.

“Oh mate, encouragement, encouragement, encouragement. Because the more stuff that they do, sing and play, the less I have to do.

It’s all about ‘passive income’ I think they call it. In fact I don’t tour anymore, I just send a hologram of myself, standing there like a bloody clown. That’s all I have to do now,” jokes Knight with his trademark deadpan wit.

Anthony Gebhardt

Thank your mum for the rabbits, because it’ll sure be a nice day to go to the pub, aka The Miami Shark Bar, on Sunday, 20 May, to catch the one and only Cosmic Psychos, as they bust eardrums and livers in equal measure off the back of their ‘Loudmouth Soup’ national tour.

For a full transcript of our interview with Knighty, visit blankgc.com.au.

LENS

Through the Looking Glass

Newish Gold Coast quintet Lens peddle a tasty line in psychedelic channelling guitar jams, delivering kaleidoscopic musical journeys equally in thrall of seminal forefathers like Hawkwind and The Grateful Dead as well as newpsych practitioners such as Pond and Fuzz.

Their track ‘The Narrow Path’, which you can check out on the band’s Bandcamp page, provides an enlightening peak into the wigged-out Lens sound-lab.

And in an exciting development for the band, Lens will be appearing as one of the special musical guests at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards after-party.

In the lead up, Anthony Gebhardt threw a few questions out to Luke and Liam.

You have a whole bunch of very cool influences, both contemporary and classic.

Did you find yourselves getting into seminal stuff such as Can, Neu and Hawkwind then latching onto the newer stuff, or did listening to bands like Pond lead you down this path?

I think it happened pretty naturally, everyone in the band has roots in all the old classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s, like Black Sabbath and Cream. That’s where it all started for us, which sent us down the path of more obscure rock and into the world of early psych, with bands like The Grateful Dead and Hawkwind having a pretty huge influence on us. With a lot of the newer stuff, it happens a lot more by word of mouth for us, as bands are releasing albums and playing shows, and often that’s how we find out about new bands.

Do you have a favourite venue/hang out here on the Gold Coast?

The Miami Shark bar is our favourite venue and is where we are most weekends. As a venue to play at, it’s heaps fun and there's always a pretty good crowd. Other than The Sharkie, one of the coolest venues at the moment is Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh, that’s run by legends Christian and Kimberly from Beats Cartel. And our second home is our jam space ‘Shed’ that houses Lens and a bunch of our friends who all play music.

You have your track 'The Narrow Path' up on Bandcamp at the moment. Do you have any plans for more new recorded music (EP or album) coming up?

Yeah we’re a couple of songs off tracking our first album and should have a couple of singles ready for May/June! We estimate the album to be released around August if everything goes to plan.

Any grand plans for the band moving forward/over the rest of the year?

Hopefully once we get those singles out we will have a launch party with a bunch of pals on the Gold Coast, as well as a little tour along the East Coast to go along with the album’s release. We don’t have anything locked in yet as we are all studying and working, but we’re definitely expecting a few shows for our new releases.

Catch Lens live Thursday 3 May at the Surfers Paradise Beergarden for the Gold Coast Music Awards after-party alongside The Mason Rack Band, Being Jane Lane and Peach Fur. Get the full interview by Anthony Gebhardt at blankgc.com.au.

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LIGHTFOOT HITS NIGHTQUARTER AND IT'S NO MISTAKE Much lauded Canadian singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot has announced that she will return to Australia for an East Coast tour in April and May and - joy of joys - she’s coming to the Gold Coast. Terra’s current album ‘New Mistakes’ featuring the new single ‘Pinball King’ has been critically acclaimed around the world. We took the time to check out her new stuff and we are so digging it. The vivacious songstress graciously answered a few quick questions for Natalie O'Driscoll ahead of her appearance at NightQuarter.

Loved the video for 'Pinball'. It's a lot of fun and reminds me of someone I used to know from the local arcade in my younger years actually!

Is it about anyone in particular?

Oh SURE it is. I mean the Pinball King could be anyone really. He's the pinball wizard once he's all grown up, maybe. Who's your younger years Pinball character?!?

We understand the reaction to 'New Mistakes' has been pretty spectacular.

How are you feeling about the reaction, and is critical response something that you consider when you're creating music?

Well, no it isn't. Getting nominated for a Juno Award was pretty rad. And it's always nice to have people say nice things about one's music... I think if you consider what the radio or what critics will think when you're writing music, then you're not really creating music at all. So I try my best to just stay inspired and create music from my heart. But again, it is so lovely when anyone tells me they are getting something positive from my music!

Where do you think 'New Mistakes' sits for you in terms of previous solo releases. Does it represent an evolution in your style / a reflection of where you are personally?

Yes totally. I spoke with Bernard Zuel the other day and he said that New Mistakes is sort of the record where I come out and say "#*%?! yeah!!!" , like I'm having a great time making music. I think he's totally right.

We're excited to have you back in Australia. Who is accompanying you on the stage for this tour?

I am EXCITED to be back - it's such an honour to be able to come back to this beautiful place to play music. I'll be heading all over the East Coast with my faithful rock power trio - which includes Maury Lafoy on Bass and Joel Haynes on the drum set.

We're doing a bunch of shows with my buddies in Letters to Lions as well as some shows with Chase the Sun. So I'm excited to meet and play with those guys as well.

Catch Terra when she hits NightQuarter on Friday 4 May. To read the full interview, visit blankgc. com.au.

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EILEN JEWELL WILL GET YOUR VOODOO WORKING With Blues on Broadbeach securing Idaho based singer songwriter Eilen Jewell for their May festival, Blank GC’s Tiffany Mitchell chanced a few minutes out of the American’s tour schedule to find out what blues style she’ll bring to our sandhills.

Much of the Gold Coast blues loving community will experience your music for the first time at Blues on Broadbeach. How would you describe your style of blues and where do your musical influences flow from?

My style of blues is right at the junction of classic country music, old time music, rockabilly, and early rock ‘n’ roll. I love anything with “early” in front of it, and I don’t mix well with much of anything past circa 1969. This doesn’t stem from a snobbery per se, but just an aesthetic I’ve had since a very young age.

You have recently released an album of vintage blues gems. Tell us about some of the songs you’ve given a new life to.

Half of my album, ‘Down Hearted Blues,’ is composed of tunes I’ve been madly in love with since I first realised I had an inclination towards the blues, when I was about fifteen.

For example, the Willie Dixon tune that Howlin’ Wolf recorded called ‘You’ll Be Mine’, the title tune as recorded by Bessie Smith, ‘Ain’t Nothin’ in Rambling’ by Memphis Minnie, and ‘Crazy Mixed-Up World’ by Little Walter. The other five or six songs are new loves. I’m still getting to know them. For example, the Charles Sheffield tune ‘It’s Your Voodoo Working,’ the Moonshine Kate tune ‘Poor Girl’s Story, and ‘Don’t Leave Poor Me’ by Big Maybelle. Some of them have a rural sound, some of them have a more electric, or urban sound. But all of them are tunes that I believe are worth bearing the torch for. I hope that my recordings inspire people to look back at the originals. Each tune is a homage to the music and the musicians that I love.

Having enjoyed songs from your past albums - ‘Queen of the minor key’ and ‘Sundown over ghost town’ - can we get a sneak peak of your set list for Blues on Broadbeach in May?

Sure. It will definitely lean pretty heavily towards ‘Down Hearted Blues,’ but I’m thinking it would also be a good opportunity to work in some of my bluesy originals from past albums. We might include ‘The Flood’ from our first album, ‘Final Hour’ from our third album, and maybe even some that will come as a surprise to me too.

Blues on Broadbeach has an array of American blues performers on the bill – have you performed with any of the other artists such as the Robert Cray Band, Charlie A’Court or Southern Avenue in festivals before?

I don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing a stage with any of those acts before.

But I’m really looking forward to it now that it’s on my radar.

Catch Eilen Jewell and her band, playing Saturday and Sunday at Blues on Broadbeach, which runs 17 – 20 May. Get set times at bluesonbroadbeach.com.

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BOBBY ALU WILL MAKE YOU MOVE

MIA DYSON IF I SAID ONLY SO FAR I TAKE IT BACK It is truly heartening to see Mia Dyson’s music finally being heard on a bigger playing field.

With no pun intended, people standing on the bruised paddocks of Tyagarah packed the Crossroads stage at this year’s Bluesfest and saw Dyson and her drummer/producer Erin Sidney pump out the tracks on her affirmationlike titled album, ‘If I said only so far I take it back.’ Heck, the album only released in March had the Easter crowd singing along to lyrics already familiar to them.

Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the songs are short, sharp with not a hint of fuss.

Firm favourites are; ’Gambling’ with the lyrics “It’s not a waste of time to play without a victory,” ending with sparks of electronica, and ‘Being scared’ - both telling songs referencing a musical career which has been silently simmering within a pot of perservance. Mia Dyson has kept her music integrity, even down to her artist style and it has paid her back handsomely.

On this album she has kept the music and lyrics honest, with limited waste. ‘Diamonds’, ’Nothing’ and ‘Fool’ all offer buzzy eighties anthemic sounds – sprinkled with synth elements that finish short of an unnecessary repeat. Less is more, and you are left begging for more. ‘Bleeding heart’ starts with the plinking of Beatles-esque piano chords and builds momentum into a big glorious chorus that shows off Dyson’s rock projection vocals.

There is some interesting electronica sparkle on ‘Beloved’ not unlike the production values of super star Sarah Blasko. ‘I defy you’ is accompanied by Dyson’s deftly touched guitar notes - a retrospective of Australian 20th century rock sounds.

In ode to Dyson’s ten-word album title we sum up - ‘Every song is worth listening to and we congratulate her.’

Mia Dyson’s sixth studio album is available at bit.ly/MDWWstore Tiffany Mitchell 22

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MATTHEW ARMITAGE DELIVERS LOVE FROM AFAR

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

Bobby Alu is back, baby. He’s got a new single and an epic run of shows across Australia and New Zealand. His new track ‘Move’, his first release since his ‘Bay Sessions’ EP nearly three years ago features snappy log drum rhythms which showcase his strong Polynesian heritage.

There’s island-time uke, smooth harmonies and tight equatorial folk-stylings. To support the song’s release, Bobby and his band head out on a 20-date tour that takes in Wellington and the Bay of Islands Festival, Western Australia, Magnetic Island, Tasmania and basically the rest of Australia. Local fans get a double-treat with Bobby Alu also performing at Gold Coast Music Awards on 3 May. Check out ‘Move’ at bit.ly/bobbyalumove.

Bluesman Matthew Armitage has released a rustic but beautiful new video for his latest single ‘Love from Afar.’ The low-fi offering, filmed at the old Tallebudgera Post Office on an iPhone provides a visual montage for the first track off Matthew’s upcoming album ‘New Tide’. The song is a redemptive tale of a lover done wrong, inspired by a time when the lines between gospel, hillbilly and blues were not so well defined. Matthew’s danceable blues riffs (which flow through to his own dance moves on the clip) will lead to serious foot stomping for all who listen. You can do so at http://bit.ly/ lovefromafar.

CASEY BARNES LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE 2018 Golden Guitar finalist Casey Barnes has released his new album ‘The Good Life’ which immediately rocketed to #1 on the iTunes Country Charts. It follows the release of his single ‘Ain’t Coming Home’ which has been added to commercial radio rotation. He’s had performances at the sell-out CMC Rocks festival outside of Brisbane, he’s got a bunch of shows with PBR Australia across the country and will hit Groundwater Country Music Festival in July as well. Check out the album everywhere: xelon.lnk.to/thegoodlife.

YT DiNGO (pron. White Dingo) is a music and dance hybrid project, spawned from the mind of Gold Coast choreographer and performer Travers Ross. Collaborating with five insanely talented local musicians and a worldly collection of inspiring dancers, the group’s shiny new song ‘Shipwrecked’ comes complete with a world-class video showcasing the project’s versatility. It’s the first in a trilogy of tracks with live shows expected to debut soon – and rumours of an inclusion in a mid-year Byron festival. Stay tuned. See the clip at bit.ly/ ytdingoGC.

MACHINE CLUB HELPS US WISE UP Gold Coast producer Machine Club AKA Brett Sellwood, is no stranger to making and performing music – but with ‘Wise Up’ – his first single as Machine Club – he’s delivered something a little off centre. It’s a daring mix of post-punk and heavy electronica – a divergent shift from the ambient electro sounds that Gold Coast artists have been delivering in heavy doses over the past year. There’s nothing minimalist about ‘Wise Up’. There’s mesmerising beats and deep synths. It’s the debut single off an upcoming EP and we’re pretty excited to hear what comes next. If you’re wondering how this all translates to the live setting, wonder now more. Machine Club is at elsewhere on Friday 13 April.

BELIEVE IN MITCH KING Mitch King had a big year last year. He sold out his first headline shows, toured internationally and had his single ‘Southerly Change’ debut at #2 on the iTunes blues charts. His followup track ‘Burning’ clocked over more than 1.5million streams on Spotify and reached #2 on the AMRAP charts. ‘Believe’ is the second single off Mitch King’s upcoming EP and its captivating video features stunning New Zealand footage with a grungy contrast between scenes from the south island and Auckland. ‘Believe’ is less bluesy than Mitch’s earlier releases, shining a spotlight more on his voice than his trusty guitar. It also shows his versatility across the blues and folk realms. It’s headed the same way as earlier tracks as well, clocking up some 65,000 streams on spotify since its release just a few weeks ago. Check out the new clip for ‘Believe’ at blankgc.com.au/ mitch-king-believe/.

YT DINGO’S HYBRID APPROACH TO MUSIC

YONDER FIND THEIR WAY New Gold Coast outfit Yonder are ramping up for their debut single launch this month.

The song ‘Way’ was written nearly a year ago and discussed the idea of uncertainty and incompetence in understanding eachother. The band worked with Fletcher Babb, Jared Adlam and Paul Blakey to bring it all together. The track will be released 3 April with the launch taking place at Currumbin Pub on 6 April. As well as catching Yonder live, you’ll also catch Kent Tonscheck, Gabrielle Lambe and the Harry J Hart Trio. Score!

AKOVA SAYS YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING Akova’s new song ‘You Can Have Anything’ is catchy, I’ll give it that. One listen and I was humming that tune for hours. The track, whose video features beautiful Gold Coast imagery is a playful montage with husky vocals and a passionate call to let your inner self free. With lyrics that encourage listeners to “play like children… every day,” it’s a timely call to down tools and do what makes you happy. Check it: bit.ly/akova18.

IT’S JOY TIME FOR BANKS OF THE BEAUTIFUL Indie pop pair Banks of the Beautiful have released their second single ‘Joy’ ahead of their debut album ‘Unscheduled Departure’, due later this year. Their first single ‘Favourite’ landed at #51 on the iTunes pop charts. This track dishes up a classic blend of indie pop and electronica with Lou Star’s vocals harking back to an earlier generation of female frontwomen.

There’s driving beats and soaring synths as well as catchy vocals which will make this a popular number on playlists. These guys are yet to debut their live show – which takes place Saturday 12 May at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse with tickets $15 at the door. Get your ears around ‘Joy’ now through all the usual digital outlets.

Samantha Morris

MUSIC

AC2468. Photography: Nadia Achilles.

ACTIVATE

Regional Arts Development Fund While it’s not all about the money, it certainly helps.

If you’re a Gold Coast musician of any genre or career stage, funding is available to develop and ACTIVATE your big ideas.

Applications close 14 May. cityofgoldcoast.com.au/radf The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

APRIL FRIDAY 27 APRIL Daneel & The Feel | Nimbin Hotel Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Felicity Lawless Band + Nick Cunningham (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Phil & Tilley (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | Steampunk Surfers Eleea Navarro (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Bluescorp | Southport Sharks Anny + Keeskea + Label + Mitchell Watterson | Currumbin Pub Hey Baby! + Syrup, Go On + Lens + Nudist Blog | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Matrix Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Simon Doe (4.00pm) | Balter Taproom Kenny Slide | Miami Shark Bar The Wayward Suns | NightQuarter Bakers Eddy + Serial Killer Dinner Party + Charlie Rebel + The Way We Were + IllNation + Monster Fodder (5.00pm) | Miami Shark Bar

Greg Bankx (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

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

Felicity Lawless (2.00pm) | Heritage Hideaway Cafe

Terra Lightfoot | NightQuarter

MONDAY 30 APRIL Michael Whitmore (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Gold Coast gig guide for MAY 2018

MAY WEDNESDAY 2 MAY AKoVA | Beach Hotel, Byron

3 – 6 MAY Surfers Paradise LIVE: Daryl Braithwaite + Jimmy Barnes + Kate Ceberano + Jon Stevens + Justice Crew + Reece Mastin + Bobby Alu | Surfers ParadiseTHURSDAY 3 MAY Gold Coast Music Awards live: Bobby Alu + Hussy Hicks + Electrik Lemonade + Eliza and the Delusionals, Surfers Paradise beachfront, free and all ages.

SATURDAY 28 APRIL

Gold Coast Music Awards afterparty: Mason Rack Band + Being Jane Lane + Peach Fur + Lens | Surfers Paradise Beergarden

Mark Divola | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Suga Owens + Sean Fitzgerald (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

FRIDAY 4 MAY

Salt & Steel | Sheoak Shack Captain Wow (Covers) | Southport Sharks Champagne Jam (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Big Boyz | Wallaby Hotel

SUNDAY 29 APRIL Adam Harpaz | Burleigh Brewing Co Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace Two Tears in a Bucket | Scottish Prince Kate McKay (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

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Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery Peking Duk | The Tivoli Trapdoor + Cactus + Goldblooms | Currumbin Pub Felicity Lawless | Elephant Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise LIVE: Reece Mastin + Justice Crew + Black Rabbit George + Lane-Harry x Ike Campbell + MORE | visit surfersparadise.com The New Savages + Sean Fitzgerald (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa The Mason Rack Band | Southport Sharks

Deck Acoustics: Luke Bennett (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

MONDAY 7 MAY Marco (Covers) | Southport Sharks Greg Bankx (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Captain Wow Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 8 MAY

Free The Genie + Lazy Ghost + Dagwood Dogs | elsewhere

Charlie Rebel + Forever Unclean + Pineapple Lazer (3.00pm) | Howl n Moan Records, Byron Bay

SATURDAY 5 MAY Butterfingers | Miami Tavern Mescalito Blues (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co New Savages | Sheoak Shack Surfers Paradise LIVE: Jimmy Barnes + Daryl Brathwaite + Pat Tierney + Hot Potato Band + Benny D Williams + MORE | visit surfersparadise.com Dave Orr Band + Amy Roberts (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta James Higgins | Watermark Hotel & Spa Sia Featuring Mirrorball Express (Tribute) | Southport Sharks Deck Acoustics: Sarah Grant (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Smokin Crawdads (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 6 MAY Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Ryan Murphy (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Kenny Slide | Mermaid Beach SLSC Surfers Paradise LIVE: Jon Stevens + Kate Ceberano + Cheap Fakes + Hussy Hicks + Thando + Mistram + The Waves + MORE | visit surfersparadise.com Forever Unclean + Charlie Rebel + Sweet Gold + Loud Goes Bang | Miami Shark Bar Hayley Grace (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Jason Delphin | Watermark Hotel & Spa The Dee Jays (Covers) | Southport Sharks Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Earcandy (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 13 MAY

THURSDAY 10 MAY

Alex Fietz (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Jay Hoad (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co

FRIDAY 11 MAY Herbie Walker (4.30pm) |Burleigh Brewing Co Chilluminati + Cameron Murray Trio + Joshy Dredz | Currumbin Pub Elska | Balter Brewery Benny D Williams | Chinderah Tavern Fish Out of Water + Jackson James Smith (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Goattram: Australian Kingswood Factory + Goatzilla + Cactus Dildos + Secondhand Toothbrush + Monster Fodder + Charlie Rebel | Snooker World Devils Kiosk (Covers) | Southport Sharks Lily Budiasa (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Tijuana Cartel | soundlounge Goran Sedlar (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 12 MAY Rosie MissChief Band (7.00pm) + ImanDan and Marky P (2.00pm) | Sheoak Shack

Felicity Lawless | Palm Beach SLSC Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Nowhere Else + The Lockhearts + Augusta | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse GD FRNDS Showcase: Nocturnal Tapes + Hot Coffee + Machine Club + Diskodisko | elsewhere Alex Fietz (11.30am) | Southport Sharks Ruby Montey (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks McKenzie (2.00pm) | Fishos Rhydian Lewis (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport BB Factory | Advancetown Hotel

MONDAY 14 MAY Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks Michael Whitmore (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

17 – 20 MAY Blues on Broadbeach: Robert Cray Band + The Screaming Jets + Backsliders + Lloyd Siegel + Jon Stevens + Eilen Jewel + Karl S Williams + Mason Rack + BB Factory + Benny D Williams + MORE | Broadbeach

Acoustic Soup (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Banks of the Beautiful + Benny D Williams + DJ Eddie Retro + Chuck Ruckus | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

THURSDAY 17 MAY

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

PC & The Biffs + Felicity Lawless (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Free The Genie + Lazy Ghost + Høt Cøffee | Scottish Prince

Benny D Williams | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Emily Jane + Angus Oastler (2.00pm) | Uni Bar, Gold Coast

FRIDAY 18 MAY Kenny Slide (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Dirty Hearts + Suicide Swans + The Liquid Eclectic + Vital Signs | Currumbin Pub Matthew Armitage | Balter Brewery The Ninth Chapter + Ondre Davis (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta James Fox Higgins | Watermark Hotel & Spa Late for Woodstock (Covers) | Southport Sharks Adam Brown (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Wally & The Gators (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 19 MAY Port Royal + Augusta + Mistram + Bones Rivers | Currumbin Pub Electrik Lemonade + Jackson James Smith (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Gemini Duo (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Mescalito Blues | Beatniks Record Store

MONDAY 21 MAY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Tommy Memphis (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

THURSDAY 24 MAY Benny D Williams | Burleigh Heads Hotel Zookeepers (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 25 MAY Phil & Tilley (4.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co The Lulu Raes | soundlounge Stingin Rogers + Die For Mushies + MNVR | Currumbin Pub Free The Genie | Balter Brewery

Alex Fietz | Watermark Hotel & Spa

Benny D Williams | Steampunk Surfers

FFOG (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Andre Kirwin Band + Anna & Jed (5.00pm) | Miami Marketta

Deck Acoustics: Kristie Lea (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Devils Kiosk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 20 MAY Cosmic Psychos + The Chats + Dicklord | Miami Shark Bar Chris Hutchison (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Nick Cunningham (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co The Wayward Suns (1.00pm) | House of Brews Chris Hutchison (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks Dean Gray (2.00pm) | Fishos Mudgeeraba Street Party (10.00am) | Mudgeeraba Deck Acoustics: Sarah Archer (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Mark Watson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Andy Jans-Brown & Cozmic (Covers) | Southport Sharks Eleea Navarro (5.00pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks The Lulu Raes | soundlounge Deck Acoustics: Jackson James Smith (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Matrix Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 26 MAY The Spirit of Churaki | HOTA Outdoor Stage Wayward Suns + Milo Green (4.00pm) | Miami Marketta Graham Hobson | Watermark Hotel & Spa Miss T & The Anchormen (Covers) | Southport Sharks Deck Acoustics: Matty Rogers (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Crossfire (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SUNDAY 27 MAY

SATURDAY 2 JUNE

Kate Derepas (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

The Wayward Suns (1.00pm) | House of Brews

Josh Lee Hamilton (1.30pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Busby Marou | soundlounge

SUNDAY 3 JUNE The Pacific Belles (2.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

Hillbilly Goats (2.00pm) | Fishos

Kate Derepas (12.30pm) | Cabana Bar & Lounge, Southport Sharks

MONDAY 4 JUNE

Deck Acoustics: Michael Eotvos (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Jet | The Tivoli

Russell Sprout (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

THURSDAY 7 JUNE

MONDAY 28 MAY Lloyd Saniel (Covers) | Southport Sharks Doubleshot (11.00am) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

WEDNESDAY 30 MAY Vera Blue | The Tivoli

THURSDAY 31 MAY The Whitlams 25th Anniversary Tour | soundlounge The Rubens | Surfers Beergarden The Whitlams | soundlounge

JUNE FRIDAY 1 JUNE Sook East Coast Tour | Miami Shark Bar

Spit Syndicate | Miami Tavern

FRIDAY 8 JUNE Donny Love | elsewhere

SATURDAY 9 JUNE Sea n Sound: Paul Kelly + Kingswood + Harts + Pierce Brothers + Angie McMahon + Sea Gypsies + MORE | The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba Whoa! EP Launch + Ultraviolet Fuzz + More | Miami Shark Bar

SATURDAY 16 JUNE From Jaws to Jurassic Park: The Music of John Williams | HOTA Outdoor Stage Peach Fur + Stingin’ Rogers + Lens + Ultraviolet Fuzz | Miami Shark Bar

SUNDAY 17 JUNE Lisa Hunt (2.00pm) | Fishos

FRIDAY 22 JUNE British India | Miami Shark Bar Bondi Cigars | soundlounge

SATURDAY 23 JUNE Outmoshyama Festival: Nowhere Else + MORE | Kirra Sports Club

SUNDAY 24 JUNE Radio Star (2.00pm) | Fishos Concert for Dogs | HOTA

THURSDAY 28 JUNE

Grubfest: Nowhere Else + MORE | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Lloyd Spiegel | Byron Theatre, Byron Bay

FRIDAY 15 JUNE

FRIDAY 29 JUNE

The Wayward Suns + Dreams Of Indigo + Daneel & the Feel | Currumbin Pub

Lloyd Spiegel | Soundlounge

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

Machine Club + Free The Genie + Høt Coffee + Diskodisco | Currumbin Pub Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | Burleigh Brewing Co Phil Jamieson | soundlounge www.blankgc.com.au

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GCMA AFTER-PARTY BOUND: HANGING FIVE WITH PEACH FUR Eclectic alternative rockers Peach Fur are part of the epic line-up of local live music that will be featuring at the Gold Coast Music Awards after-party. The four piece will no doubt turn heads and move feet in equal measure when they bust loose on the night of 3 May at the Surfers Paradise Tavern and Beergarden. In the lead up, we asked the lads to ‘Hang Five’.

Do you feel part of a 'scene' here on the Gold Coast when it comes to original music? And where can we typically catch you when you guys gig?

Yeah definitely, although the scene may not be as big as some of the other bigger cities. There’s heaps of brilliant bands that have come out of the Gold Coast over these past few years and we’re constantly seeing new talent arise. You’ll most likely catch us play at our home away from home, the Miami Shark Bar; our love, our bountiful lover, our favourite sticky floored watering hole!

You received a great response to your previous EP, 'Pleasure and Necessities'. And you're about to drop a new EP, 'Doreen Drive'. Can you tell us a bit about its genesis?

It’s been quite a long writing process for the new EP, which has given us more time to develop our song writing and sound. I was 16 when we recorded ‘Pleasures and Necessities’, so as I’ve grown up over these past few years it has seeped through my musicality, resulting in the band finding more of our own sound.

Have you got some upcoming tour dates lined up yet to support the upcoming release?

We are currently in the process of locking in the rest of the shows for our East Coast tour, which will begin with our launch party at the Miami Shark Bar on 16 June with our good mates Stingin’ Rogers, LENS & UltraViolet Fuzz. Plus we have heaps more other exciting shows to announce in the not too distant future!

Where do you guys see yourselves over the next few years, musically speaking?

Hopefully starting to travel the globe and do what we love most, creating music together and spreading the good vibes on and off stage. We plan to continue forever expanding our repertoire will all different styles and themes/concepts, based on what we experience and feel in our lives. So who knows what sort of music we could be making in a few years’ time we could be dabbling in Indian folk for all we know!

Anthony Gebhardt

What sort of style/vibe we can expect from the new EP when compared to your previous stuff?

We feel that ‘Doreen Drive’ is more like a mixtape in comparison to ‘Pleasures and Necessities’, where the songs were quite similar. This new EP has a plethora of different flavours, from a bit of blues to punk rock, laid-back pop and alternative rock. It will hopefully accommodate listeners who love all different styles of the universal language we call Music!

Catch Peach Fur at the Gold Coast Music Awards afterparty on 3 May and 16 June at Miami Shark Bar. Get the full interview by Anthony Gebhardt at blankgc.com.au.

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FREEING THE GENIE GAVIN DONIGER AND HIS MESCALITO BLUES Gavin Doniger, either in solo blues troubadour mode or as part of his ‘guns for hire’ band collective, Mescalito Blues, has been blazing a righteous trail of authentically crafted, real-deal blues across the local and international musical landscapes for over 20 years now.

The man with “more foreign stamps in his passport than many bona fide diplomats”’ is getting busy with the pending release of his brand new record ‘Tall, Tails, True’ just in time for his appearance at the upcoming Blues On Broadbeach festival, across 17 – 20 May, where he’ll no doubt be one of the highlights.

Gavin gave us the run-down on his new release.

Free the Genie are on a mission to bridge the gap between band and DJ, man and machine. With their robo-drummer in tow and mid way through an Australian tour, they’re about to lay down the psychedelic grooves for a hometown crew with a bangin’ lineup in support.

With elements of disco and acid funk, psych rock and indie, r’n’b and spontaneity, the Gold Coast band will bring their indescribable sound to elsewhere on 4 May and The Scottish Prince on 6 May, which is perfect for those of us too lazy to cross a goddamn creek for live music. But I digress.

The thing about both these gigs is that they take place over a long weekend. YES! Monday 7 May is a public holiday and given that Free The Genie’s live performances tend to have a twinge of party vibe about them, this is good news.

The other good news (apart from the fact that The Scottish Prince is a whisky bar) is that Lazy Ghost – all the way from Canada – will help get crowds moving with their own psych grooves. With layered guitars and vocal harmonies as well as tripped out rhythms, these guys have people talking for good reason. Gold Coast electronic duo Høt Coffee are also supporting for The Scottish Prince gig.

Samantha Morris

Free The Genie + Lazy Ghost + Dagwood Dogs are at elsewhere on 4 May and Free The Genie + Lazy Ghost + Høt Cøffee are at The Scottish Prince on 6 May. Listen to Free The Genie’s tunes at listentofreethegenie.com.

“I’m about to drop a new album just before Blues on Broadbeach. It’s called ‘Tall, Tails, True’. It was produced by local boy George Carpenter, who now resides in Melbourne.

We recorded it over two sessions at Woodstock Studios in Balaclava, Melbourne. Richard Stoltz was the engineer. Liam Bowditch, a young up and coming guitar guru, plays most of the lead guitar on this album. All the songs on the new album I wrote, except one very special song called ‘Oh Lord’, that I wrote with my 88 year old Great Uncle Jefferey, who lives up in the middle of bloody nowhere- Halls Creek W.A. It was a mission to visit the old bloke, he’s a classic old bushy complete with outback tales when he was a young boy living in the Tweed and the droves he did thru NSW, NT and WA. He is the face on my new album cover artwork and a lot of the songs were inspired by his stories.”

Their new album, ‘First World Blues’ capably demonstrates the band’s righteous approach to capturing their renowned live sound.

Opening number, ‘Call Me Baby’, rolls on out of the blocks off the back of a pumping 12 bar blues workout, driven by the band’s exemplary rhythm section, including Aussie bassist Craig Hamilton.

‘Save Me’ is an insistent blues-rock belter with organ driven, gospel undertones, carried on home by the powerfully expressive vocals of US born vocalist Harold Jackson.

Dutch guitarist Pedro Verhoeven steps up to the plate for the track ‘First World Blues’, providing the lyrics and music for a smoothly uplifting, gospel infused number featuring guest backing vocals from NY singer Onyie Nwachukwu.

Doniger says he’s really looking forward to perfoming at Blues on Broadbeach.

Meanwhile, ‘Howler’ grinds and oozes along to a bluesy swamp rock vibe, the track’s latter half elevating off the back of a stinging guitar break and some howlin’, funk infused vibes.

“If you see the Mescalito Blues come up and say g’day, we are a friendly bunch of blokes!”

Catch Gavin Doniger and his Mescalito Blues when they play Blues On Broadbeach on Friday 18 May at 1.25pm at Kurrawa Park , and on Sunday 20 May at 4.00pm at Broadbeach Tavern.

As an added treat, he’ll also be playing a sideline festival show live in-store at that rad vinyl hang-out, Beatniks Records, in the Niecon Plaza in Broadbeach, on Sunday 20 May. Anthony Gebhardt

For a complete transcript of our interview with Gavin, head over to blankgc.com.au.

BB FACTORY

Further album highlights include the percussive heavy, Latin-infused jazz-rock burner ‘Like Fire’, featuring a banging saxophone accompaniment from Jacob Scesney, who’s previously worked with the Black Eyed Peas, amongst others.

FIRST WORLD BLUES

While ‘Fantasy’ commences with a Led Zeppelin’ish homage before powering along off the back of a boogie rocking, good time vibe, augmented with tasty Hammond organs licks.

This month’s Blank GC cover stars, classy Gold Coast five piece BB Factory, have an impressive track record in channeling sounds from the authentically classic and gritty side of blues, funk, rock and roll and gospel. A cracking live band with seasoned international musos oozing from their ranks, they’ve become a bit of a fixture on vibey nights out at a bunch of local watering holes.

By the time the album’s final, slow burning blues number, ‘It’s Over’ (the first song the band ever collaborated on), comes around, it’s time to reflect on the realisation that BB Factory have delivered a dazzlingly authentic, real-deal manifesto of their ‘First World Blues’. Get onboard!

Anthony Gebhardt

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WORLD WHISKY DAY IS EVERY DAY AT THE SCOTTISH PRINCE The Scottish Prince has an impressive lineup of whiskies available at its Palm Beach bar and it seems local whisky fans are lapping up the opportunity to try such a big range. The whisky bar and live music venue, right on the highway at Palm Beach started its whisky appreciation evenings soon after opening in October 2017 and the feedback has been astounding. And little wonder. When I drop in to do some “research” for this story the bar is buzzing. With a drink list that includes local and national craft beers, cocktails, whiskies and rums, you’d be hard pressed to work your way through this drinks list.

Although I always did like a challenge.

When you enter the special whisky appreciation room at The Scottish Prince, the first thing you’ll notice is the stunning styling on the table. Honestly, I felt like I had been transported to some kind of hedonistic medieval feast. The walls are lined in American oak, previously used to age whisky in and there’s a shelf housing empty bottles of some of the best whiskies in the house.

The table is overflowing with pre-poured whiskies laid out, the bottles on display and grazing plates for sharing.

Dave Ferry is co-owner as well as Captain, otherwise known as the General Manager of both The Scottish Prince and The Cambus Wallace. He’s not the only whisky fan on the team, but he is the host of tonight’s whisky appreciation session and he talks fast. He’s got a LOT of information to get through after all.

We start with where the word whisky comes from and the early history of Scotch whisky – which is what tonight’s session is focussed on. From there we learn the difference between a single malt and a blended whisky before we look at Scotland’s whisky-making regions and the basics of distillation.

Over a 2.5hr period we taste six whiskies and talk about many more. Tonight we start with a 10yo Glen Grant which still uses the stills 32

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designed by Major James Grant in 1872. It’s a Speyside whisky, pale straw in colour and all vanilla and spice on the palette. It’s light and easy drinking and the perfect introduction to the rest of the whiskies already laid out before us.

We move onto a 12yo Highland Park whisky, a peaty drop with bright gold hues, then a 12yo Glendorach which is one for the sherry-heads (a term Dave drops on us while admitting he could fall into this category himself). We try a 15yo blended Dewar’s whisky – the first ever blended whisky to receive a royal warrant and then The Six Isles – a blend of single malts – one from each of the six whisky-producing islands of Scotland. We finish with The Hakushu Distillers Reserve – a Japanese whisky which blends 9 – 15yo lightly peated and heavily peated malts.

As well as a journey around Scotland (with a detour to Japan), The Scottish Prince’s whisky appreciation nights are a feast for the senses. With eyes, ears, nose and tastebuds stimulated, and full bellies, it’s also a decadent affair.

If you’re on a mission to understand the nuances of whisky, or you’re looking for new ways to excite your palate, you’ll love these sessions.

Samantha Morris

World Whisky Day is 12 May and so there’ll be two sittings on offer at 4.30 and 6.30pm before things return to their monthly routine with Introduction to Whisky on 25 May and 24 June. If you’re a little further along your whisky journey then you might enjoy a session on Sherry Cask Malts with Glendronach on Wednesday 16 May or a session on Irish whiskies on Wednesday 13 June. Get all the deets at thescottishprince. wordpress.com.

NAPOLI ZERO81 PIZZA BAR

58 Brooke Avenue, Southport

If you’re looking for a national treasure on the Northern Gold Coast, you don’t have to go far to find it. True Neapolitan style pizza has entered your ‘hood.

Napoli Zero81 Pizza Bar has opened in Southport, joining a clutch of eateries in the new precinct of Brooke Avenue, Chirn Park.

With plenty of parking in the area, for locals, this area’s an easy choice for dining. On its shady corner, with seating flowing outside the pizzeria to surrounding verandas, Napoli Zero81 is a very pleasant spot for an evening meal.

Napoli Zero81’s owner, Justin Palumbo, is already well known on the coast through his mobile pizzeria Wildfire Pizzas.

Named after Naples and its postcode 081, the pizzeria’s main focus is ‘Pizza Napoletana’.

With crusts as airy as cushions, their toppings light and flavoursome, making these pizzas was declared a national treasure

by UNESCO in 2017.

Justin says that, like many pizzaiolo, he learned to make pizza the hard way. Thrown in the deep end at his first restaurant, he learned to make real AVPN pizza by spending hours watching tutorials on YouTube.

Justin’s passion is obvious, the pizzas delicious in their simplicity. Either Rossa (topped with San Marzano tomatoes) or Bianca (with Fior Di Latte) based, there are sixteen toppings to choose from, including the most famous of all, the signature

Margherita ($19), named in honour of Queen Margherita and her love of a classic tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza.

While pizzas form the core of the menu, other street-style items are not to be overlooked: soft handmade pillows of potato gnocchi cooked in a Napoli Sauce, topped with Fior Di Latte, woodfired to finish ($25); crisp Aranchini balls hiding Bolognese, peas and mozzarella ($14); potato croquettes filled with pancetta, Grana Padano and Mozzarella, served with a tangy Gorgonzola cream sauce ($12); Seafood linguini ($28 - Frutti Di Mare), or traditional Polpette meatballs cooked in a Napoli sauce ($15), as well as salads and pastas.

There’s the option to order dishes per person, traditional style, or to dine from share platters – a great way to cater for functions or parties in the space.

Five delicious treats are offered for dessert: Nutella pizza, Profiteroles with gelati, Tiramisu, Cannoli and Nutella-filled Bombolini ($10 - $14).

While Central and Southern Gold Coast have gained an explosion of new talent and dining choices, it’s fabulous to see growth on the northern end of the coast, especially when the food quality is as much of a treasure as this.

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

ALLY CHOW If you pine for Asia, as we often do, then pop on down to Ally Chow, where you can savour a range of Pan Asian flavours under one roof.

Inspired by the depth and breadth of Asian cuisine, owner-chef Trent Scarr (ex-Songbirds and more recently Honeyeater Kitchen, Robina) and partner Leisha Novy have opened a purpose-built ‘Asian-eclectic’ restaurant with its own alleyway adjoining a darkly atmospheric dining room and moody bar.

Even before the food arrives we love it already for its ‘dare to be different’ demeanour. “We’re here with attitude”, the décor says, its dramatic wrought iron and dark colours medieval and post-modern eras, its ‘burnt’ wood panelling of the outer wall referencing both Japanese izakaya bars and the former occupant of the site, the much-loved Hugo’s which burned to the ground in 2016. The alley’s mural depicting life in a Japanese village painted by Stan’s son, artist Jordan Zaz, springs to life.

It’s a fitting setting for food brimming with the colours of the Asian archipelago. It pops up, bright and fresh, a palate of new flavour combinations. Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai all make an appearance, as does Trent Scarr’s classical training, together with modern Asian influences, such as the 63 degree-cooked egg, its silky orb of creamy egg white and rich, softly liquid egg yolk made famous by David Chang of Momofuku.

2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach comparison to the tongue-tingling flavours of the prawns’ hot bean sauce. Of course it’s not, but the addition of a hot and sour green mango salad with coconut rice ($13) provides some acidic balance as we eat the dish.

They’re dishes made to share, so we take a portion of each onto our plates and savour their flavours, as well as tasting dishes in combination.

There are no elements of these dishes we have not encountered before, however the magic comes in putting them together in a different way. That’s the excitement of Ally Chow, that it dares to venture onto new ground, applying the ‘known’ to the unknown.

We finish with charred mango and tapioca in a caramelised rock sugar syrup, accompanied by coconut sorbet ($13), an unexpectedly delicious sweet end note.

Finish? Even as the last spoonful of dessert enters our mouths, we’re looking back across the menu with desire.

Which dishes will we try next time? Beef short rib with coconut and banana flower salad and nam prik ($29), perhaps? Vanilla bean panna cotta with dragon fruit, plum wine broth and fairy floss ($13)? Banh mi for lunch with a Viet coffee?

Deciding to ignore the banquet options (from $45 - $65 per person), we launch into the task of choosing on our own feast.

When can we fit in an evening visit to sample a few Asianinspired cocktails, an Asian beer, or a cold drip gin-infused tea creation?

We start with a couple of ‘Pieces’, a tender bao filled with karaage-dusted chicken and herbs with spicy gochujang sauce ($7 each), and heart-shaped betel leaf holding sweet kingfish in coconut cream, its richness offset by the zing of salmon pearls and shredded kaffir lime leaves ($11).

Our Asian nostalgia appeased for now, we realise that we’ve just created a different hunger: the need to return to Ally Chow. Like each trip we make to Asia, there are new discoveries to be made, new surprises to be enjoyed as we sample from the kaleidoscope of flavour.

Next come a dish each from the sea and land – Wok-tossed prawns in their shells soaking up a hot bean sauce laced with garlic and ginger, so rich that we’re licking our fingers ($19).

Simply put, it’s addictive!

Beside the prawns, the pulled duck with shallots, cucumber and egg noodles topped with 63-degree egg ($27) has a completely different flavour profile – almost bland in

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

HYMN COFFEE Shop 24, 99 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads Tweed Heads locals have no doubt been singing to the heavens with the recent opening of Hymn Coffee, a beautiful café serving a fresh take on coffee and food in the SoGo area.

The interior is basically my dream home with exposed concrete, white walls, wood accents, overflowing greenery and the crowning glory: a beautiful dried flower centrepiece hanging from the ceiling from Gather Store, who I am hitting up immediately for one of my own, please and thank-you.

Owners Kaycee and Kelly Hapi have been in the hospitality industry for many years and felt it was “time to get into our own shop”. On naming the café, Hymn stuck out to them, with Kaycee reporting, “Hymns are songs that were written hundreds of years ago and are timeless, much like gathering in a café with family and friends”.

“An amazing tasting coffee is the number one thing for us”, Kaycee informs me, and what better coffee bean supplier is there for Hymn than that of a saint? Utilising Melbourne based ST. ALi Orthodox beans as their house coffee, prepare yourselves for an ethereal espresso with a gorgeous chocolate apple scent and crisp apple taste with matching acidity to perk you up for your day. In a piccolo, the blend is pure chocolate fudge with pops of apple crispness jumping through. If you prefer a milder cup, a long black is the way to go, as it is light and sweet apple jam tasting with a chocolate undertone. With ST. ALi also providing rotating single origin coffee every fortnight, on offer during my visit was coffee from the Boana Plantation in PNG, a floral scented espresso of which was crisp and juicy, like a candy apple with a bite of acidity.

The food offerings also warrant a mention, with their Hawker Roll ($11/$18) made up of bacon, eggs, mum’s apple sauce, crispy onions and condensed milk mayo wrapped up in some roti bread absolutely blowing my mind with its delicious flavour.

Hymn is open for food and coffee-related worship from 6:00am to 2:00pm every day of the week.

Catherine Coburn Follow more of Catherine’s food and coffee adventures @ goldcoastfoodie on Instagram and Facebook.

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

CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS AND BACHELOR DEGREES

ART-LOVERS REJOICE Exhibitions, hands-on art and an incredible art trail. There’s plenty on offer around the Gold Coast and northern NSW for lovers of art. Check these May events out: FROM ONE ARTS TO COLLECTIVARTS From landscapes to nudes, abstract to classical, The CollectivArts Group show running at One Arts on Isle of Capri is sure to have something to appeal to every audience.

Artists Nicholas Broughton, Marie France Rose, Barbara Suttie, Ian Tremewen, Lorraine Abernethy, Susan Skuse and Steve Hillier will have a selection of their best works on display until 24 May.

Animal Studies, Health and Nursing Beauty and Hairdressing Building Design and Engineering Business, Events, Hospitality and Tourism Creative Industries Community Services and Counselling Early Childhood and Education Trades

MO’S OFFERS UP A LAND OF ENCHANTMENT Life Drawing Sessions teams up with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse to bring you 'The Land of Enchantment': A life drawing salon featuring five life models and the full band from the Ondre Davis Experience. The night will present both roving and still poses over two sessions with an intermission.

Proceeds from the night will be donated to Scar Stories Inc., a charity that focuses on fostering positive body image to young adult cancer survivors through creative initiatives.

Immerse yourself in art and music on Wednesday 16 May from 6-9pm. BYO materials, all welcome. Tickets $45, purchase at mosdesertclubhouse.com.

MAT18 IS MOVING ON It’s nearly here! The Murwillumbah Art Trail 2018 (theme: ‘Moving On’) is all set to kick off on 18 May, with pop-up galleries in vacant tenancies throughout town, cocktail parties and socialite gatherings, family picnics and progressive dinners awaiting every kind of art lover.

Running until 27 May, there are plenty of opportunities for a visit (or three!). See Facebook or themurwillumbaharttrail. com for full program deets.

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

THE TABLES ARE SET AND THE CHAMPAGNE IS ON ICE...

GOLD COAST FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR IT’S THIRD SEASON! THE GOLD COAST IS SET TO BECOME A FOODIES PARADISE WITH A HUGE LINEUP OF EVENTS TO BE RUN OVER FOUR EXCITING DAYS! FOR MORE INFORMATION HEAD TO

NO FOREIGN LANDS IN DUST TEMPLE Peter Cederig-Evans might be new to the Gold Coast but he is certainly making himself at home here. The England-born painter is now preparing for his first solo exhibition in Australia, ‘No Foreign Lands’, which opens this week at Dust Temple, Currumbin.

Peter grew up in Cornwall and found his calling for art at a young age. Coming from an artistic family, he held an easel before he started school and his love affair and passion for arts carried on through the years. After finishing school, he went to Bath School of Art and Design to gain a more formal art education and continued from there to complete his Masters degree in Bristol.

Even though Peter initially held a corporate job to support himself, art was always the true love in his life. A contemporary gallery bought his final year show as a student, and gallery representation in London was to follow. Peter continues to be represented by several galleries in England, exhibits frequently and regularly sells both in Europe and internationally.

In 2017, Peter needed ‘a change of scenery’ and moved to Australia. Nowadays Peter calls Currumbin home. While working and living in Australia his art has remained thematically much the same and continues to explore the human experience. Australia has had an effect on his art though; the physical scale has gotten bigger and the colour palette is filled with earthy tones and bright light.

“I love the basic aesthetics of abstract painting.

But with illustrative connotations,” Peter describes his style. He notes Rothko, Pollock and Picasso amongst his greatest artistic influences and his art is often described to have strong base in abstract expressionism. Saying this, his art is soft with a dream-like quality to it. It is not overwhelmingly masculine, confronting or aggressive but rather gently luring and complex.

The 15 paintings exhibited in Dust Temple have been painted since he has moved to Australia. These paintings represent new aspects in his art; the desire to paint large scale paintings and the new colour palette, and the desire to dive into the essence of the country. He has deliberately steered clear of painting the coastlines with its familiar themes but has gone deeper underneath the surface to find the hidden faces of Australia.

This exhibition might not depict Australia in all its iconic beauty but it truly offers you an insight into the experience, feel and familiarity that is this country..

Anna Itkonen ‘No Foreign Lands’ opens at Dust Temple on 21 April. The Dust Temple on Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters is open Monday to Friday 6.30am – 4pm and Saturday & Sunday 7am – 1pm

WOMEN LIKE US GOES FROM STAGE TO PAGE Standup comedians Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs have spent the last three years touring the country with their smash hit comedy show Women Like Us, and now the girls take it from the stage to the page with the release of their co-authored book also titled ‘Women Like Us’. It’s been described as a no-holdsbarred, tell-it-how-it-is comedy by women who are tired of the messages being fed to women that they’re too fat, too thin, too old, too young. Mandy and Ellen met thirteen years ago at a comedy course run by Mandy in Mullumbimby, where both women reside.

“I did the course because I was writing a book and I thought her comedy course might help me with the structure,” recalls Ellen.

“Then she bullied me into doing standup.

You can’t say no to Mandy!” she laughs.

After years on the comedy circuit and feedback from audience members who strongly related to their content, the friends decided to combine their efforts.

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

MEET YOUR REAL MATCHMAKER

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It's a jungle out there.

“Comedy is a lonely life. You’re on stage on your own, backstage alone, drive home on your own. [Mandy and I] were really good mates, and we just thought, ‘there’s something in this for us’. We were getting such good responses from women. The stories we were telling weren’t getting told… I think it’s refreshing to hear real life stories from real women.”

The real stories told by the talented duo in their show and the book cover reflections on their failure to parent, the beauty industry, strange surgeries, special diets, feminism, obsessions, frustrations, and at the end of the day the serious politics of ‘who unpacks the dishwasher’.

After sitting down and talking about the subjects they thought were important to cover, Mandy and Ellen each wrote their own chapters in the book.

“We come from things at a very different angle,” explains Ellen.

“I’m a gentle feminist, she’s the loud, protestgoing placard-wielding angry one. I’m angry too but I keep it to myself… sit and quietly seethe kind of thing, haha! We’ve live quite different lives too. I write about my ageing parents and my mother who’s now in a nursing home in a pretty bad way, and Mandy has a daughter who has a mental illness. I haven’t lived that, and she hasn’t lived what I’m going through. We share – I’m loath to use the words expertise, I don’t think we’re experts in anything other than being idiots!”

As for what she’d like readers to take away from the book, Ellen says “I would probably say to not take things so seriously… It’s what underneath is what you’re going to have with you forever.”

Natalie O’Driscoll

‘Women Like Us’ gets a national release into bookstores via Harper Collins on 1 May, and the duo are performing their full two hour show at Currumbin RSL, followed by a book signing on 24 May. Grab tickets on the Currumbin RSL website. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

Councillor Glenn Tozer is speaking on how his time as a politician has shaped how he’d run his business

MAY 19 GOLD COAST DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CONNECTION DAY CARRARA COMMUNITY CENTRE, NEILSENS ROAD 10.30am – 1.30pm For Neighbourhood Watch groups across the City to learn more about their local activities.

mudgeerabachamber.com.au MAY 3 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS 21018 SURFERS PARADISE BEACHFRONT SummerTime Sessions in the Village has been nominated in the Event of the Year category gcmusicawards.com.au MAY 5-6 HOME AND GARDEN EXPO, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS 200+ exhibitors goldcoasthoomeexpo.com.au

MAY 20 MUDGEERABA STREET PARTY & AQUATIC CENTRE OPENING 10am – 2pm Mudgeeraba CBD – Free family fun day Come along and celebrate Mudgeeraba’s heritage. Visit the newly refurbished Aquatic Centre.

Live entertainment, market stalls, community displays, street parade, with lots of children’s’ activities including rock climbing wall, jumping castle and pony rides - and much more. division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

MAY 26 MUDGEERABA RURAL FIRE BRIGADE OPEN DAY 415 SPRINGBROOK ROAD, MUDGEERABA from 10am glenn.owen@rfs.qfes.qld.gov.au MAY 26 WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY STREET, MUDGEERABA 8pm The iconic Wallaby Hotel celebrates its 135th birthday facebook.com/thewallabyhotel EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA PARKRUN D’ARCY DOYLE PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA 7am free 5km timed run

Sunday 20 May 10am – 2pm Come along for a fun day with the family and celebrate Mudgeeraba’s heritage: • • • • • • •

live entertainment street parade heritage walk and community displays pop-up library rock climbing wall and jumping castle pony rides children’s activites.

For more information P 07 5581 7684 E division9@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

parkrun.com.au/mudgeeraba JUNE 23-24 2018 MUDGEERABA SHOW - looking for volunteers If you love your Mudgeeraba community and want to give back, this is the perfect opportunity. mudgeerabashow.org.au/ volunteering-at-the-show.html

CGC13608

APRIL 27 MUDGEERABA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREAKFAST THE GLADES GOLF CLUB, ROBINA 6.30am

Councillor Glenn Tozer Division 9

facebook.com – Glenn Tozer for Mudgeeraba and Hinterland

GOLD COAST GREEN WEEKEND

Gold Coast Green Weekend is a sustainability festival hosted by Gecko Environmental Council with a specific focus that shifts slightly from year to year, depending on the theme for World Environment Day. This year, the theme is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. The 2018 festival calendar consists of around 12 events that include nature walks and tours, wildlife expos, tree plantings and more, all hosted by local business and organisations. Natalie O'Driscoll caught up with Gecko president and event co-ordinator Anna Itkonen and some of the participants ahead of the weekend.

green weekend 1-5 June 2018 A handpicked calendar of events to celebrate and showcase our local environment For more info visit: gecko.org.au/gold-coast-green-weekend/ GeckoGoldCoast GeckoGoldCoast

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Anna explains why the event is so important to the Gold Coast.

“Gold Coast is a biodiversity hotspot and world heritage listed forest and through this calendar of events we wish to foster a love and appreciation for the unique environment that Gold Coasters inhabit. And obviously not just us, but the visitors that come here to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that is Gold Coast. We also firmly believe that the more people engage with their environment, the more they take ownership over it, make sustainable lifestyle choices and find the value and importance in preserving and protecting our natural environment.”

One of the ways in which the community can engage with the environment over the weekend is with the Preston Park Habitat Tree Walkthrough, run by Habi-Tec. “[Habi-Tec is] an arboricultural and Consultancy firm dedicated to researching and improving wildlife habitat quality, health and diversity in urban and natural areas,” says Anna.

“They started as arborists but took their business to new direction with starting to prune dead trees in a way that would enable natural tree hollows and by starting to create artificial tree hollows to make up for loss of habitat. They are now working with private landowners, animal rescue organisation and councils alike. For Green Weekend they are organising a tour in one of the council parks where they have been able

to successfully create habitat for wildlife. It is a great success story that the community wouldn't even notice even though they probably use these parks daily. We want to showcase this kind of work, get the community to marvel in their everyday natural environment and celebrate the great, innovative work done by companies like Habi-Tec.” Jenny Madigan of Greenhouse Canteen and Bar in Coolangatta is not only the Vice President of Gecko Environmental Council, but will also be hosting the second annual World Environment Day Banquet at the popular venue.

“The dinner will be a celebratory banquet and will also include inspirational speakers on the topic of plastic pollution which is the theme of this year’s World Environment Day,” explains Jenny.

“I think events like Green Weekend are extremely important to the Gold Coast as a way of raising awareness of environmental issues and also in celebrating the environment as a community, in particular because we are a community that often values the almighty tourist dollar over the pristine environment that we are lucky enough to call home.”

Gold Coast Green Weekend runs from 1 until 5 June. The full listing of events is available at gecko.org.au/gold-coastgreen-weekend.

LEARN HOW TO COMPOST IN MAY Currently Aussies generate around 7.6 million tonnes of food waste per year which is being buried in landfill and contributing to our greenhouse gas emissions. Landfill areas are slowly diminishing and there is a crucial need to create sustainable and cost effective alternatives to it.

Composting is a sustainable way to divert our food waste away from landfill while helping the environment at the same time, and the good thing is you don’t have to be a farmer to do it.

6-12 May marks the 13th year of International Composting Awareness Week (ICAW) which is the largest education initiative of the composting industry to raise awareness of the benefits of using compost to improve soil quality, protect the environment and to reduce the use of pesticides and fertiliser.

If you have been put off composting in the past, thinking it may be difficult, you may be surprised to find it is easier than you realise. A composting bin outside, a Bokashi bucket under the sink, a worm farm on your verandah or a small compost heap in your backyard; there is a range of options to suit a variety of lifestyles and available spaces.

As part of ICAW, The Edible Landscape Garden Project supported by Botanical Bazaar Garden Festival is hosting a composting workshop at Country Paradise Parklands Nerang on Saturday 12 May from 8.30am – 10.30am. The ‘Hot Composting Workshop – Compost in 18 days’ will show you how to break down your household waste and save landfill space in a hands on workshop. You will be armed with information to immediately start preparing your compost heap in your backyard space and in just 18 days can produce delicious compost ready for use in your garden.

Bookings are essential and you can include in the workshop for a gold coin donation. For more information and to book your space head on over to botanicalbazaar.com.au.

Simone Gorman-Clark

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READY. SET. UPGRADE. *

RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF $3,800 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES* DURING THE MINI HATCH RUNOUT. ENDS JUNE 30.

UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY. MINI Cooper variants advance to Wired package adding Navigation Pro and 8.8" hi-res monitor.

UPGRADED WHEELS. Includes 18" Vanity Spoke wheels on MINI Cooper S models and 16" Victory wheels on MINI Cooper variants.

UPGRADED UPHOLSTERY. Interior styling becomes even more premium with MINI Cooper S upgraded to full leather upholstery. MINI Cooper models elevate to a cloth/leather combination.

UPGRADED PAINT. Complimentary metallic paint on both model variants.

Contact Gold Coast MINI Garage to arrange a test-drive.

GOLD COAST MINI GARAGE. 82-84 Nerang Street, Southport Qld Telephone: 07 5557 7999 info@goldcoastminigarage.com.au www.goldcoastminigarage.com.au *Based on manufacturer’s recommended prices including GST but excluding any associated duties and statutory charges. Offer applies to MINI 3-Door and 5 Door Hatch models including MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S model variants ordered between 1 May 2018 and 30 June 2018 at Gold Coast MINI Garage. Not to be combined with any other offers. While stocks last. Excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. BMW Australia Ltd reserves the right to change or extend this offer.

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Image credit: Danny Santangelo

COAST GETS GOLDEN AT THE GAMES

LEARNING TO FLY Who would have thought that in 2018, not only can humans fly off a cliff and out of planes, but we can also fly indoors too!

Skydiving has been a popular pursuit of adrenaline junkies for a number of years, but with the modern technology available at iFly centres (downunder. iflyworld.com) all over Australia and the world—even onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship—flying is no longer limited to the risk-takers among us.

On my visit to iFly in Surfers Paradise, I was lucky enough to fly with Joel, age 9, who was given the experience as a treat for his birthday. Alan, another member of the group, was a Surfers Paradise resident in his 80s who had recently taken up the hobby and goes flying every week. Last but not least, Lucy from WA, who had epilepsy and couldn't actually jump out of a plane for medical reasons, came to iFly to experience flying safely.

If you haven't tried skydiving—indoor or outdoor—before, there is nothing quite like the feeling. As you step into your flight suit and strap up your helmet you feel a little nervous, but the friendly crew soon put you at ease. As you take a seat on the bench inside the wind tunnel waiting area, nothing but excitement runs through you.

Being guided into the tunnel itself for the first time is amazing. As you lean into the wind it picks you up, limb by limb and levitates you off the ground. The smallest movement has you zooming around the tunnel like Superman. With the help of the iFly instructors, you can soon control your direction and learn to go up, down, side to side and round in a circle on command.

Still not sure if it's for you? There is a free viewing area and small café selling ice creams, snacks and drinks at the iFly in Surfers Paradise, so pop in and check it out for yourself.

Sarah Tayler 42

To see more from Sarah go to itsonlyaplanerideaway.com www.blankgc.com.au

As the city recovers from an absolutely spectacular event (closing ceremony aside), we thought it would be fun to look back at some of the medals that will be remaining in our Golden City. This list is based on athlete bio information that was available at the time and may not include athletes who were members of Australian teams who won matches, and may not take into account those who have left the Gold Coast and moved elsewhere.

ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS

LAWN BOWLS

We had two amazing female artistic gymnasts who competed both individually and in the Australian Women’s team which won Bronze overall. Georgia Godwin also took out the Silver in Women’s Individual All-round and Bronze in Women’s Uneven Bars, while Georgia Rose-Brown won Silver in Women’s balance beam.

Lawn Bowls saw quite a few Gold Coasters on the green. Aron Sherriff nabbed a twofer with Silver in Men’s Triples and Silver in Men’s Fours, while Brett Wilkie got Silver in Men’s Fours. Jake Fehlberg proudly wore the Gold for the Mixed B2/B3 Pairs, and Kelsey Cottrell also struck Gold in the Women’s Fours, while Nathan Rice also doubled up with Silver in Men’s Triples and Silver in Men’s Fours.

ATHLETICS An absolutely epic effort by Gold Coaster Michael Shelley saw him take home Gold in the Men’s Marathon while Dani Stevens saw Gold in the Women’s Discus Throw.

SWIMMING

Katrin Garfoot was our own Gold Coaster to take a medal in the Cycling, winning Gold in the Women’s Individual time trial.

It would seem that Butterfly is our City’s stroke, with Emma McKeon winning Gold in the Women’s 100m and Bronze in the Women’s 200m Butterfly, with other butterfly winners including David Morgan (Silver, Men’s 200m), Madeline Groves (Silver Women’s 100m, Bronze Women’s 50m), Laura Taylor (Silver, Women’s 200m) and Grant Irvine (Bronze, Men’s 100m). Our share of the swimming spoils continued with a Silver in Men’s Backstroke for Ben Treffers, Bronze in Men’s Freestyle for Cam McEvoy, Bronze in Women’s 100m Breaststroke for Georgia Bohl, Bronze in Women’s 50m Breaststroke for Leison Pickett, and Bronze in the Women’s 800m Freestyle for Kiah Melverton.

DIVING

TRIATHLON

Domonic Bedggood put on a crazy good show throughout the diving, winning Gold Men’s 10m Platform in a nail biting fight with Matt Dixon from England, and Bronze in the Men’s 10m Synchronised Platform.

Our PTWC superstars Bill Chaffey and Nic Beveridge took home Bronze and Silver respectively in the Men’s competition.

HOCKEY

Know of any Gold Coast athletes we missed?

Feel free to let us know at cultural@blankgc. com.au

BOXING Yatala resident Skye Nicholson defeated Northern Ireland's Michaela Walsh by split decision to bring home the Gold in the final Women’s 57kg match.

CYCLING - TRACK

Our men’s and women’s Hockey teams both medalled, with Dylan Wotherspoon getting to wear the Gold in Men’s Hockey, and locals Gabrielle Nance and Savannah Fitzpatrick claiming Silver in the Women’s Hockey.

Natalie O’Driscoll

YOGA FOR SURFERS Want to surf like a pro?

Ok, so I can’t claim yoga will make that happen but I can say it will make it a little more likely. From your paddle form to your snaps, yoga can help in numerous ways.

For a start yoga is strengthening. Yes, really. This does depend on the style but just about any Vinyasa, Iyengar or Ashtanga class will build all-over body strength. The poses make the body move in so any different ways that every part benefits. Particularly core and all the little muscles we need active for great balance… kind of important for surfing.

As well as strengthening all of our stabiliser muscles, yoga trains the nervous and fascial systems. This improves our body awareness, proprioception and coordination, all of which contribute to excellent balance. Our balance is also much better is we are completely present in the moment, and yep you guessed it, yoga has it covered. Mindfulness teachings train the mind to stay on task and focussed, super important when performing in a constantly changing environment.

The deep breathing practice, Pranyama, improves breathing patterns. We engage proper breathing techniques to really utilise the lung capacity and control the breath. We start to utilise the diaphragm for deeper breathing with less effort. Breath retention techniques begin to train the body for long breath holds when required in hold down situations. The poses also open the body for better breathing. Yoga poses encourage space through not just the chest, but the back and Psoas which also contribute to breathing efficiency.

The meditative aspect of a yoga practice teaches us to be calm in more stressful, challenging or painful situations. If we can sit in a tough pose and slow the breath, and find some peace in it, we can better handle other tough situations.

Finally, what is an article on yoga without mentioning flexibility and mobility? If you want to make your manoeuvring easier, from popping up to squatting low for teeny barrels, you want flexibility. Explosive cut backs are easier with better rotation through the spine, a bigger range to wind up and tension in the fascia will give a much more powerful move when you release the twist. Flexibility also helps to prevent injuries. We’ve all had one foot slip and found ourselves unintentionally doing the splits, or we’ve been tumbled and twisted while the leg rope pulls one leg the other way. If we’re flexible we bend and go with it, if not we break.

Surfing and yoga really are a perfect match. If you’re still not convinced, ask the pros if they include it in their training. Everybody’s doing it, maybe it’s time you did too.

Erin Bourne

HANDS-ON AT HOTA FOR CREATIVE KIDS Not only is HOTA a home for the city’s creative workers, it’s also the home for kids wanting to explore hands-on art. Over past months there have been all sorts of workshops targeted specifically at the young cultural consumer.

Basically most of the major exhibitions and events at HOTA are offering ARTLABs alongside.

Well known local artist Byron Coathup is one of the facilitators of an upcoming workshop. DIY Sunshine Domes takes places alongside Gallery at HOTA’s We Are Gold Coast exhibition, which will showcase some of the art it holds in its own collection.

Fresh from running family workshops during Festival 2018 and Bleach* for his Super Souvenir project, Byron will help children design and make a tiny, shimmery and sparkly Gold Coast sunshine dome. The workshop will get kids to think about what the Gold Coast means to them as they create a fantasy land to treasure and take home.

“It's our job to design and make new, interesting and fresh approaches to how we absorb this city's culture and atmosphere,” Byron said. “I like how this city can be whoever it wants to be.”

Byron says the city has a lot of layers, but personally, he chooses to live here for the freedom and lifestyle.

“It's a place that has a really fast evolving culture and landscape - a place that will likely keep doing so for quite some time. It's important for artists like myself to live and stay here as the city needs creativity and critical thought, particularly during this rapid expansion.”

A far cry from shimmery domes, but just as hands-on is a workshop focussed on hi-fi and lofi musical instruments and how sound is used to conjure meaning and tell stories. Local musician,

producer, sculptor, acoustic technician, record studio and label owner, Guy Cooper will help kids discover the beginnings of sound and music technology using everyday objects to make sounds and inspire drawings, colour and movement.

“It might be some leaves that when touched take us aurally to a rainforest and through microphones we can all add to and become part of that environment. Kids will also be given harmonicas to join in a musical soundscape adventure as they mimic the rise and fall of waves in the ocean or a bird soaring through the mountains,” Guy explained.

“Children take in so much visual content these days through the internet and screens, storytelling through sound and music alone can show us all how to close our eyes and use our imaginations again.”

Sound Stories ArtLAB with Guy Cooper, which supports ‘Musical Fairy Tales’ by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra takes place on Saturday 12 May with a 10.00am session for 5-10yo kids and a 1.00pm session for those 11-16yo.

Sunshine Domes ArtLAB with Byron Coathup which supports the free exhibition We Are Gold Coast takes place Saturday 9 June with a 10.00am session for 5-10yo kids and a 1.00pm session for those 11-16yo.

Samantha Morris & Natalie O’Driscoll

Get details at hota.com.au.

STONE & WOOD BREWERY, BYRON BAY LOCK IN THE DATE! SAT 9 TH JUNE, 2018 #festivalofthestone stoneandwood.com.au

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COSMIC PSYCHOS LOUDMOUTH SOUPBACK Influential Aussie pub-punk stalwarts the Cosmic Psychos have been belting out their distinctly unique ruckus for over 30 years now.

So unsurprisingly the band's latest album (and 10th studio album overall), 'Loudmouth Soup' is very much more of a good thing; riffs in turn frenetic and lumbering colliding with monster fuzzed-out bass, augmented with wah-wah infused lead guitar and doused in profanity riddled, funny as hell lyrics, whose underlying wit belie their 'tossed off ' veneer.

They also manage a few left field detours to keep us on our toes. This is displayed early on in the track 'Feeling Average', which channels more of a souped-up, melodic punk vibe than the band's typical fare, without it being anyone other than the Psychos. It's a catchy belter that's sure to slot seamlessly into the band's live set.

Guitarist John 'Mad Macca' McKeering takes lead vocal duties on 'Dog Shit', his broad Aussieyob vocals spelling things out bluntly, while musically it's not too far removed from his other band, breakneck punk rockers The Onyas.

Bassist and founding member Ross Knight delivers yet another killer riff with profanities combo in the form of 'Better In The Shed', a track sure to be chanted back with glee by the lubricated masses at the band's upcoming live forays.

'Too Dumb To Die' (a play on The Ramones album 'Too Tough To Die' perhaps?) chugs along on an insistent, one chord riff, while 'Rat On The Mat', with its cheeky reference to recent tourmates The Dune Rats, is another wildcard in the pack of the band's oeuvre, with its 'ooh la la la' backing vocals and stripped back verses.

'Loudmouth Soup' is mostly more of the same of a good thing, with just a few new additives to the tried and true recipe, and is yet another worthy addition to the rapidly growing ranks of classic Psychos releases.

Anthony Gebhardt

44

www.blankgc.com.au

What happens to old surf equipment on the Gold Coast? We’ve all got battered boards in our garages. I do, and I don’t even surf.

Now a Gold Coast engineering firm, which dabbles in cultural events is filling space in a container headed to South Africa with your unwanted boards. And they’re going to be put to VERY good use.

Share the Stoke Foundation was formed in the USA but spread its wings five years ago.

Rory Heard heads up the South African arm and explains that they gift surfing equipment to help change lives for the better.

“After all, it’s changed ours and because we are so passionate we feel obligated to share the stoke,” he told Blank Gold Coast.

Rory has partnered with 14 independent programs in South Africa that use surfing as a form of therapy for severely disadvantaged youth.

“Our partnership involves the gifting of new and used surfboards and wetsuits, fins, leashes and deck grips and we host an annual tag team surfing contest where all of our partner programs participate,” he said.

Antony said, “and our hope is that most of them will feel the stoke and take up surfing as a sport just like any able-bodied surfer, and who knows, maybe they will experience the healing power of the ocean, even if it is just in a small way.”

“They’re orphans, or they’ve been deserted, they’ve lost parents to AIDS or been forced out onto the street for other reasons.

Unemployment in South Africa is through the roof - these kids are out there begging for survival.”

Antony said the demand was hard to keep up with. They need surfboards – the bigger the better – and soft tops especially, as they often need to support a coach and student.

“Organisations like Share the Stoke are helping to break the cycle, giving these kids mentors and self-confidence. It might seem like a really small thing, but having access to surf boards and learning to swim and surf, and having a small community of people around them is life-changing,” Roland added.

“The more boards we have, the more people we can take surfing in more areas around South Africa,” Antony said.

Rory said that by gifting surfing equipment to both organisations, people were changing a human’s life.

“And we all know how great that is.”

“The demand for new and used surfing equipment simply can’t be satisfied,” Rory said.

“Our mission is to get every one of these little surfers onto a board that they can call their own and therefore assist in changing their lives.”

Antony Smyth won a Gold Medal at the Stance ISA Adaptive World Championships.

He also heads up Adaptive Surfing South Africa – a close partner to Share the Stoke and he’s another man on a mission to change lives using surfing as the catalyst.

Rory said over recent years they’ve worked with organisations such as Waves 4 Change, Surfers not Street Children, 9Miles Project

“Our goal is simple and two-fold,” Antony told Blank Gold Coast. “To show people with disabilities that surfing is a possibility and to make it a possibility.”

“They all work in keeping kids off the streets and out of informal settlements,” he said.

“They all provide a safe, secure environment that helps in creating the stability that’s so needed in all of their lives.”

Antony does that by hosting adaptive surfing clinics where anyone with a disability can try surfing with professional coaches who are trained to support people living with disabilities get into the ocean in a safe and dignified way.

“The end users [of donated boards] will be people who are just starting out in surfing,”

and Surf Outreach – all programs that use surfing as a form of therapy.

Roland Mork is with The Avalon Miami and driving the campaign for board donations locally.

“I grew up in South Africa and I’ve seen firsthand how some young people are forced to live,” Roland said.

Surf boards donated on the Gold Coast will be shipped to South Africa in a container already scheduled for departure in June.

Share The Stoke will manage distribution on the ground and you can follow the journey via The Avalon Miami’s Facebook page.

What we need?

Surfboards (including soft-tops), wetsuits, leashes, deck grips and fins (new or used).

Where to take them?

Between 7.30am – 3.00pm to The Avalon Miami, 7 Avalon Parade (next door to Miami Marketta)

More details Contact: roland.omengineering@gmail.com

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