Blank Gold Coast issue #63 - SUMMER 2018/19

LET THERE BE ROCK

Live and Local exhibition at HOTA until 17 February

Gold Coast

Saturday 26 January 2019 Broadwater Parklands, Southport 4pm – 8pm Live music

MASON RACK BAND • WAYWARD SUNS • MISTRAM • KATIE WHO

Family fun • FIREWORKS • FOOD TRUCKS • JJ RICHARDS AUSSIE ACTIVITIES ZONE

SUPPORTING AUSSIE FARMERS

#wearegoldcoast cityofgoldcoast.com.au/australiaday Proudly supported by

OFFICIAL EVENT CHARITY

COGC14091

• FREE KIDS’ FUN

Image courtesy of Nadia Achilles

CoSpaces launches quarterly gigs in Southport This month CoSpaces in Southport are launching Sounds in the Station that will see quarterly live music acts hosted in the Gold Coast’s first ambulance station. The Station itself is almost 100 years old and can be found in the heart of the CBD at 45 Nerang Street, Southport. Kicking off the program is Tennyson King from Canada on 15 December at 7.30pm. Tickets are $10 on the door with all ticket proceeds donated to OzHarvest Gold Coast. Visit Sounds in The Station on Facebook for all the details.

BBQ Bazaar’s big summer lineup Editor in Chief: Samantha Morris Cultural Editor: Natalie O'Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships: Simone Gorman-Clark Contributors (print and online): Samantha Morris, Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Marj Osborne, Catherine Coburn, Leisen Standen, Glenn Tozer, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Prue Clark, Pip Andreas, Amy Gould, Nae Kurth, Nadia Achilles, Simone Gorman-Clark, Paul Whelan, Alicia Kent-Rooney, Tarni Eastwood, Sam Gilmore, Tiffany Mitchell, Dan Maynard, Leigh Kelly, Erin Bourne, Peter Wheeler, Danny Santangello

As well as dishing up superb smokey meats in its permanent night market space, BBQ Bazaar is also fast building a name for dishing up superb live music and the coming weeks provide a perfect case in point. Hussy Hicks play one of their highlight shows for summer on Saturday 15 December, followed by a rockabilly beer BBQ the following night.

There’s also a massive show planned for 27 January – the long weekend – with none other than The Delta Riggs providing the tunes.

Hat Fitz & Cara bring Hand It Over to Mo’s It’s hard to imagine a more high-energy duo than Hat Fitz and Cara. Nor one that is more enduring, popular and talented in the blues and roots scene. While based in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this couple have toured the world with their soulful and sometimes frenetic blues / Americana / folk set, clocking up ten years of festivals and album releases. Now they’ve announced the release of their fifth studio album ‘Hand It Over’ (out 11 December) as well as a summer tour. They’ll take in Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on Sunday 10 February. Tickets at bit. ly/hfac-gold-coast.

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au Cover image: Eliza and the Delusionals photographed at the 2018 Gold Coast Music Awards by Nadia Achilles.

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.

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

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Tennyson King returns

The Growlers are Marketta-bound California’s radical sons, The Growlers, are bringing their swirling, psychedelic glory back to Australia this summer. The Australian leg of their Beach Goth tour will see the group perform their hypnotic, sun bleached, riff laden rock n’ roll across the country and Miami Marketta is first cab off the rank. They’ve spent the past five months on tour selling out epic shows in the USA, UK and Europe, so we’re pretty pumped for this one. Tickets at lovepolice.com.au/the-growlers-2019/.

Tennyson King has some serious runs on the board. He’s toured the world with his music, supported a bunch of high profile headliners, had stints at Canadian Music Week, won a bunch of awards, had global media coverage of his music and signed to label MusicDish for distribution and bookings in China, Taiwan and Korea. His sophomore album ‘Coast’ has just been released and it features the title track, which was inspired by his time here on the Gold Coast in 2017. Since that visit, he’s been kicking goals all over the world: Canada, Brasil, Hong Kong and Mainland China. But he’s back, and he’s rolling out a threemonth tour which includes a heap of local dates: 15 December at the Old Ambulance Station in Southport, 16 Decemver at Alleygator, 18 December at The Cambus Wallace, 19 December at The Scottish Prince and 22 December at Mr PP’s. You can check out the video for his single ‘Coast’ on Youtube.

Tia Gostelow’s Thick Skin at Marketta Tia Gostelow is kicking big goals and if you haven’t been paying attention, it’s probably time to get across her work. New album ‘Thick Skin’ has had six songs added to triple j rotation, which is no mean feat and she’s based out a Like a Version as well as appeared on ABC’s The Set alongside Ball Park Music just last month. She’s a star on the rise, that’s for sure, and her music is already reaching ears all over the globe. You can see what all the fuss is about when Tia hits Miami Marketta on 1 February with MANE and Benny Nelson in support.

The Delta Riggs are back

Women in Music mentoring program launched

Gold Coast faves The Delta Riggs are back with a banging new single ‘Out of Place’. It’s the second offering from their upcoming album. The song really drives home the band’s unwavering authenticity, focusing on the importance of real, candid connection in a digital age. ‘Out of Place’ follows in the vein of ‘Fake That’ which also served as a wake-up call for this age of insta-fame. See for yourself how The Delta Riggs have managed to stay true to themselves while staying busy on the road and making lots of real connections when they stop in at BBQ Bazaar, 27 January from 1.00pm. Get tickets at bbqbazaargc.com.au.

QMusic is ensuring that Queensland leads the way in encouraging and supporting women in their participation, innovation and dedication to creating the music business of the future and last month announced a new mentoring program for women in music. The program provides mentees with resources to not only inspire them but also to improve their skills and provide networking opportunities with women in leadership roles. Designed completely by women for women, the program takes place in early 2019 with mentees given the opportunity to determine mentorships and choosing learning opportunities as well as pitch for a share in $16,000 for further professional development. Applications close 13 January the QMusic website.

The Pinheads a must-see Born out of friendship, bowling, sci-fi movie marathons and literal brotherhood, The Pinheads formed out of what is now colloquially known as the Leisure Coast, spread out among the northern suburbs of the Illawarra and Wollongong region. They quickly established themselves as one of the area's must-see live bands; no mic stand was left unturned, no face left unmelted, no speaker stack was left unclimbed. Fans don’t leave Pinheads shows with fond memories – they leave with battle scars and folkloric tales to last the ages. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

They’re at Miami Shark Bar, Sunday 3 February.

Earthless bound for Gold Coast California psych lords Earthless are on their way back to Australia this March, bringing two new albums with them; 2018’s studio album ‘Black Heaven’ and their new live album ‘From the West’. They’re at Miami Marketta Wednesday 6 March.

Spellbinding songstress Montaigne is set to wow crowds at the new Justins Park hub of Bleach* Festival in 2019. The ARIA award winning musician, who sported Stop Adani jewellery to this year’s ARIA awards is one of Australia’s most outspoken and captivating young lyricists.

She’ll headline the closing event for Bleach* at Burleigh on 28 April as part of the 12-day festival. More at bleachfestival.com.au.

GD FRNDS return to Shark Bar

Twelve Foot Ninja are touring They’ve got near cult status thanks to their genre-fusing heavy music and they’ve got the accolades to prove it; US Golden God Award, #1 on the ARIA album charts and an ARIA nomination, not to mention the 16 million views of their videos on youtube. Twelve Foot Ninja are the real deal. And they’re Gold Coast bound. They’re landing at Miami Shark Bar on Friday 15 March. Get more at twelvefootninja. com/shows.

Blues on Broadbeach drops first lineup announcement

Psych City comes to Mo’s If the cerebral sounds of psych, infused with lashings of shoegaze, garage, surf and exotica sound like your musical elixir, be sure to mark down the date of Saturday, 15 December, when Mo’s Desert Clubhouse zones out to the next instalment of the renowned psychedelic club night known as PSYCH CITY. It promises to be a “heady concoction of sights, sounds and heavy vibrations.” Headlining on the night will be wigged-out and woozy Brisbane psychlords, Sacred Shrines, with Adelaide’s Sons Of Zoku, Ultraviolet Fuzz, Echowave and Love Banana also taking the trip. PSYCH CITY, here we come.

Montaigne is Bleach bound

Dylan Cattanach scores Pete Murray support Just finding his feet as a solo performer (he’s previously been with KB Theory), Gold Coast’s Dylan Cattanach has landed on his feet, nabbing a sweet support slot for Pete Murray’s Gold Coast shows. He’ll be performing the songs he wrote for KB Theory solo whe Pete Murray’s ‘PM3 Summer Sessions’ tour hits Nightquarter on 5 January and Kingscliff Hotel on 6 January. Get all the details at fb.com/ petemurray/events.

Returning for its 18th year, award-winning Blues on Broadbeach has announced its first artists for 2019. The much-loved event has grown to become one of the largest music festivals in the country. Against the backdrop of Gold Coast’s unparalleled beaches, fabulous dining scene and endless blue skies, some of the world’s best musicians congregate to shred, howl, stomp and wail their way through four epic days of live music awesomeness. And it’s FREE. Canned Heat, Eric Bibb, The Bamboos, Harts, Tami Neilson, Eric Steckel Band and the Lachy Doley Group are all bound for Broadbeach next year alongside Z-Star Trinity, The Kate Lush Band, Cherry Divine, Kallidad and Slips and the Flamin’ Whippersnappers.

Blues on Broadbeach runs from 16 – 19 May, 2019.

It’s been a while between drinks for our good friends at, well, GD FRNDS. But a little birdie tells us that they’re back on the GC and bringing all the power of Nocturnal Tapes to Miami Shark Bar this December. The uplifting electronic duo from Yamba will bring forth a night of lights, music and rhythm on Friday 21 December, so prepare for heated dance floors, skittering strobe lights and washed out memories the following day. The good times will roll on with the electronic hip hop stylings of Høt Coffee and – no doubt – plenty of tunes from their new EP. They’ll be joined by one of their own good friends and recent newbie on the scene, producer and songstress DVNA for what is shaping up to be night to remember.

Tickets ten bucks at the door.

Carol Lloyd Award now open for women Queensland Music Festival is calling for female singer songwriters from Queenslan to apply for the Carol Lloyd Award. Winners take away $15,000 to either record a full-length album or record and tour an EP. Applications close 1 March and more information is available at carollloydaward.com.au. www.blankgc.com.au

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LET THERE BE ROCK 1970 - 1999

a snapshot of Gold Coast’s purpose-built live music venues

By Samantha Morris and Anthony Gebhardt for HOTA – Home of the Arts The 1970s through to the turn of the millennium is remembered by those that lived it as a glittering heyday for live, original music on the Gold Coast.

On any given night, you could catch a band of local, national or even international repute at any one of the city’s established ‘big ticket’ venues and indeed at any number of smaller pubs, bars and clubs. In the words of ‘Dog’ Williams, musician and owner of 90s Broadbeach venue The Doghouse, “we had live venues like we have golf courses now.”

Of course times were different then. This was prior to nightclubs as we now know them, when going out on the town entailed one dollar drinks, ringing eardrums and the knowledge that your clothes and hair would reek of cigarette smoke for days. There were no Responsible Service of Alcohol laws, no random breath testing, no major music festivals, no internet, and no social media.

But boy, were there gigs. Touring bands came to the Gold Coast in droves and local bands in both supporting and headlining roles, gigged across the city full-time.

“Back in the 70s, we worked six nights a week,” says musician Peter McFarlane, who moved to the Gold Coast in the mid 1980s after touring with bands like Sherbert, Skyhooks and Dragon in the preceding decade.

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Long-time Gold Coast musician and producer Rick Hollis (The Talk, Pumperknickels) remembers the same in subsequent years. “You could play at a different place every weekend and not play the same place twice,” he said.

dollar redevelopment plan that included the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre area. The grand old dame of the Gold Coast live music scene had been issued a death sentence and was to be demolished to make way for a… carpark.

“All these young bands from down south, whether The Johnnys or The Models, whoever wanted to get out and play their shit, they could get gigs on the Gold Coast,” said Dog Williams. “But the obvious number one, spiritually, for everyone, was The Playroom.”

Archie Cox went down swinging, taking the fight to remain open to the Supreme Court, but it was not to be. It’s nearly twenty years since that happened and Archie Cox is still animated when he talks about it.

THE PLAYROOM: END OF DAYS It was March 1999 when the curtain was drawn for the last time on the iconic Playroom.

At the time of closing, the venue (which was “going really, really well” according to its owner) was being run by Archie Cox, who managed and ran security at the venue from 1992 to 1995 before taking ownership of it from 1996.

In March 1999, Archie was served an eviction notice. The site’s owners, the Xanthopoulos family, sold the land to the Queensland Government, who in their infinite ‘wisdom’ decided that the site would form part of a multimillion

“It was about three months from when we got served the eviction notice to then going to the Supreme Court. We had the Supreme Court case on Thursday and we were evicted by 12 o’clock Monday morning,” he recalled.

“Well I had bands booked, I was contracted. I did a media conference to the state headline news for all commercial TV stations outside the courthouse. Basically I drove back with the solicitor, got back to The Playroom and it was absolutely packed, all the locals had come down in commiserations.”

“I addressed the crowd in a sense of ‘we’ve done our best, we tried, we’ve got to accept the ruling and for God’s sake whatever you do, don’t let the police or government win and do something stupid and get arrested’.”

Media interest was at an all-time high. Tim Friedman spoke about the venue’s closure on Triple J, there were local radio stations broadcasting from The Playroom’s roof and there was national news coverage across all major cities. There was public outcry from legions of fans across the Gold Coast and further afield. But it wasn’t enough to save The Playroom.

By this time, Fisherman’s Wharf, affectionately known as Fishos, had also met its match.

While Gold Coast music lovers fondly remember the Violent Femmes concert in 1991 which had a little-known band from Seattle by the name of Nirvana in support (and an estimated crowd of some 14,000 people), the venue had been a hub for live music on the northern Gold Coast for 15 years before being redeveloped as Palazzo Versace.

During its short but remarkable life Fisho’s hosted both big-ticket gigs as well as local, originals and covers bands at its infamous Sunday sessions and through the week. Barnsey played the venue’s final show to a crowd of some 10,000 and INXS, Midnight Oil, Joe Cocker and Johnny Diesel all stopped in at Fisho’s during its tenure.

There were other venues in the 90s that contributed immensely to the live music scene here on the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise Beergarden played host to Suicidal Tendencies, Painters and Dockers, The Sleepy Jackson, Dallas Crane and Dan Brodie. Coolangatta Hotel saw bands like Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, INXS and Powderfinger pass thorugh and the surf clubs were important breeding grounds for all kinds of genres – both local and international. Blink 182 had an early gig at Surfers Paradise Surf Club and Henry Rollins also performed there with the Hard Ons. And Miami Shark Bar, with its sticky carpet and rock and roll pedigree, still continues to carry the torch of sweaty, real-deal rock and roll. Even the schools were in on the act with Miami High hosting AC/DC in 1976 and much later, Merrimac State High School hosting local punk legends The Julian Date in the late 1990s.

Unlike the dinosaurs of yore, rock and roll will never die and the dawn of the new millennium saw new venues, such as The Palladium, which then became The Trocadero and The Chophouse (in a repurposed medieval restaurant known as King Arthurs Table) step in to fill the breach for a brief snapshot in time in the early 2000s.

But nothing, really compares to those three decades of uninhibited, unregulated and unmitigated live music for Gold Coast’s biggest and most fondly remembered music venues.

Perhaps Dog Williams sums it up better than anyone.

“For live music it was just wonderful. We were in a golden era of being spoilt for good shit.”

The full story of Gold Coast's purpose built live music venues by Samantha Morris and Anthony Gebhardt is included in the LET THERE BE ROCK catalogue, available to purchse at the HOTA gallery for $10.

Acknowledgements: This essay was produced for HOTA – Home of The Arts and its Let There Be Rock Exhibition, which runs until 17 February. Deepest thanks to those who spoke to us for this story: Archie Cox, Brett Carnell, Dean Cogle, Dog Williams, Faye Montaine, Gary Carnell, Gerry Noon, Jo Burdett, Mick Kempshall, Julz Parker, Leesa Gentz, Margie Tol, Mark Duckworth, Peter Dowdell, Peter George, Peter McFarlane, Rick Hollis, Tammy Stoneman, Terry “Tappa” Teece, Warwick Hall. Any errors or omissions, contact sam@ wombatcreative.com.au.

Top left: Playroom neon sign c.1980-1989 , maker unknown, neon, electrical component, steel. Collection, Gallery at HOTA. Gifted by the citizens of the Gold Coast to future generations 2017.

Above: Barry O’Callaghan, The Angels at Fisherman’s Wharf, 1991, digital reproduction, courtesy Barry O’Callaghan

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WHAT MAKES A GREAT LIVE PHOTO? Gallery at HOTA exhibits some of the city’s best live music photography in concert with ‘Let There Be Rock’ As part of HOTA’s Let There Be Rock exhibition, ‘Live and Local’ will showcase local music photography – where music and photography fuse seamlessly.

Six Gold Coast music photographers: Nadia Achilles, Leigh Kelly, Dan Maynard, Danny Santangelo, Leisen Standen and Peter Wheeler all have striking images included in the exhibition. These six share a passion for photographing the Gold Coast live music scene that is rivalled only by the musicians they document.

Each photographer has turned their lens to the stage to capture in concert a roll call of some of our hottest musicians – both local and touring talent. We’re thrilled here at Blank to consider each of these photographers a valued member of our content creation team. Their passion for local music and culture is obvious in the stunning images they capture and share in print and online.

The Gold Coast is brimming with creative talent. Local musicians cut their teeth performing at the likes of Miami Marketta, Shark Bar and NightQuarter, bringing a home-grown sound to a new generation of Gold Coasters. The national touring circuit too, brings leading acts to the Gold Coast, who fire it up the stage to deliver cracking shows.

The Live and Local photographers have dived in, to get amongst it and preserve the raw energy that comes from performing and enjoying live music at venues of all sizes, as well as festivals.

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We asked the photographers included in the ‘Live and Local’ exhibition to share with us what makes a great photo.

“For me a great live music photo is one that captures the atmosphere and transports the viewer to the gig just by looking at the image. Capturing emotion in the musician/ artist is important too. Music can be something you feel (not just hear) so if you can capture that visually, you’re onto a winner.” – Leisen Standen “A great live music photo is the one that warms your heart if you were there or makes you envious if you weren’t.” – Peter Wheeler “For me what makes a great live photo is the feeling when you look at it. Your imagination immediately transports you to the magic and the mood of the moment. It's like you have to capture and bottle energy and spirit.” – Nadia Achilles “A great live photo to me is when you have captured a moment when the artists are letting loose and leaving it all on stage. When you nail the light, shutter speed and composition it makes an awesome image.” – Danny Santangello “It should capture a moment of emotion, whether that be via facial expression or movement. The viewer should feel as though they were there. The image should feel almost like it’s moving.” – Dan Maynard.

Samantha Morris

Live and Local is part of ‘Let There Be Rock’ which runs at Gallery at HOTA until 17 February. Get more at hota.com.au/let-there-be-rock.

Featured images, clockwise from top left: Regurgitator, Peter Wheeler; Eliza and the Delusionals at the Gold Coast Music Awards, Nadia Achilles; Electrik Lemonade at the Gold Coast Music Awards, Nadia Achilles; Hussy Hicks at Miami Marketta, Danny Santangelo; Amy Shark at the Gold Coast Music Awards, Nadia Achilles,: Kent Steedman of the Celibate Rifles, Peter Wheeler; Cat Empire at Miami Marketta, Danny Santangelo.

“You want to create a shot where the viewer can lose themselves in the music and the moment.”

- Eminem

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SHARKS

THE HUB HARKS IS S T R O P H E GOLD SOUT IC ON TH S U M E V I FREE, L

E D I U G G I G

OF COAST.

N A J C E D & 2018

2019

SAT

26

AUSSIE

FRI 7 & FRI 4 PARIS

southportsharks.com.au

DEC JAN LANE

&

FRI SAT MARK

21 26

DEC JAN

DIVOLA

FRI RUBY

JAN

PRIDE

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JAN

MONTEY

Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155

HERE

IS

A

TASTE

OF

OUR

LIVE

ACTS

ON

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS THIS SEASON!

FRI

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SUNSET

DECEMBER 2018

JANUARY 2019

SAT 1

FRI 4

8.30pm

Manu Music

FRI 7

CITY

Paris Lane ACOUSTIC

RNB

JAN

6.00pm

8.30pm

Agent 77

6.00pm

Paris Lane

PARTY ROCK COVERS

ACOUSTIC 8.30pm

&

FRI FRI

ELEEA

28 18

DEC JAN

Late for Woodstock

SAT 5

SAT 8

8.30pm

FRI 11

Miss T & The Anchormen

Marshall & the Fro

Brooke Supple

BLUES ROOTS

ACOUSTIC

Funk n Wagnells

SAT 12

POP, ROCK, DANCE, REGGAE

SAT 15

8.30pm

Taylor Swift Tribute

FRI 18

McKenzie 8.30pm

Living in the 70s

POP, FUNK, ELECTRONIC, SOUL

SAT 19 FRI 25

ACOUSTIC

FUNK

N

14

SAT

DEC

WAGNELLS

LIVING

*Entertainment subject to change at any time.

IN

22

DEC

THE

70’S

SAT 29

6.00pm

Kris Wason 8.30pm

Madison Kat

FUNK + COVERS

SAT 26

4.30pm

Mark Divola

8.30pm

ACOUSTIC

Devils Kiosk

8.30pm

8.30pm

AUSSIE ROCK TIBUTE

BLUES

FRI

Krush

ACOUSTIC

6.00pm

Eleea Navarro

8.30pm ROCK, 80S, POP, DANCE

CLASSIC ROCK TRIBUTE SHOW

FRI 28

Eleea Navarro Sunset City

COVERS

SAT 22

6.00pm

8.30pm

Mark Divola 8.30pm

The Hodads

ACOUSTIC

6.00pm

ACOUSTIC

8.30pm

COVERS

TRIBUTE

FRI 21

Ruby Montey 8.30pm

6.00pm

8.30pm

6.00pm

ACOUSTIC

COVERS

FRI 14

Katy Perry Tribute TRIBUTE

WOODSTOCK ERA

NAVARRO

8.30pm

Captain Wow

60S, 70S, 80S, 90S

Aussie Pride

THEREFORE COFFEE ROASTERS

1/48 Machinery Dr, Tweed Heads South NSW Hunter Brookes could possibly be the Archimedes of caffeinated beverages, but as he gazed upon three perfectly placed cups of coffee, it was not ‘Eureka!’ he cried, but ‘Therefore’: the perfect pairing of caffeinated symbology and the logical, scientific approach to coffee. Thus began Therefore Coffee Roasters.

Coffee has been running through Hunter Brookes’ veins since he started in the industry at the age of 18. If he looks familiar, it’s because you have no doubt seen him over the years working in some of the Gold Coast’s finest caffeinated establishments.

After developing a passion for coffee, he went on to open his own café and now his own roastery.

“The Tweed coffee scene is really good, I’m excited to be a part of it,” he tells us.

“I wanted a place where people can come in, see where their coffee is roasted and sample the different offerings.” Hunter chats while he pours us a batch brew of his current offering Ethopian Guji, which is beautifully crisp with flavours of peach, raspberry and a big mandarin citrus hit.

Therefore truly offers a speciality coffee experience. After Hunter has received some samples from coffee merchants he will roast a small batch and then do a cupping with a couple of other coffee lovers to have them taste each sample and decide which ones he likes and wants to feature.

“We just do it right, we don’t cut corners, we get good coffee and we roast it, that’s it” Hunter informs us as we dive into a flat white that has a beautiful salted caramel taste with a mandarin acidity peeking through with each sip.

If you are wanting to experience Therefore Coffee Roasters for yourself, their brew bar is open Monday and Tuesday from 8.00am to 11.00am with cupping occurring every Tuesday.

“It is a way for coffee lovers to come in, talk about coffee, learn a little bit and have a good coffee experience” Hunter says. “It sells itself, you’ve just got to try it.”

Catherine Coburn follow more of Catherine’s food adventures @goldcoastfoodie

BBQ BAZAAR Friday night. Done with the working week, it’s time to kick up our heels and get down and dirty!

There’s no better place to do that than BBQ Bazaar.

It’s everything we love together in one place: great food, a relaxed casual atmosphere, a live band playing to set the mood, and drinks that won’t break the bank.

A permanent night market housed in Burleigh’s warehouse area, BBQ Bazaar takes the iconic Aussie barbeque to a new level. We’re talking huge charcoal grills and smokers, giant rotisseries and hotplates…all in a marketplace with plenty of room to move. There’s seating for 250 under cover near the bar plus more outdoors (totalling around 500 seats), as well as space for 500 to groove to the band.

I’m needing some ‘help to forget Friday’ when we rock in to BBQ Bazaar early on a Friday night. The chefs are already at work and the band is setting up when I find BBQ Bazaar’s owner Michael Salay prepping a side of ribs.

Despite his solid background in food manufacturing, opening BBQ Bazaar proved a challenge, he says, pushing through 18 months of red tape and council regulations.

But the results are spectacular: a permanent music venue come food market specialising in grilled, charcoaled, barbecued and smoked food; a venue unique in its variety of ‘barbeque’ styles from round the world.

In the laneway of street food, we discover a whole bunch of new vendors we haven’t seen before: Burgers by No. 74 with all sorts of meat in buns.

Yummo Bratwurst, whose crusty French rolls are stuffed with smoked bratwurst, cheese kransky and knackwurst sausages made from sweet Bangalow pork.

Rosticceria, a charcoal grill specialising in the South American cut picanha, or rump cap cooked the parilla grill, as well as pork belly, charcoal chicken, lamb and souvlaki.

Fire & Smoke, who cook a 6-hour Cape Byron Bay short rib, pork belly burnt ends and chicken wings, all smoked on site.

K & D Pizza, their wood-fired oven turning out crispy thin crust pizzas with yummy toppings.

Billy from Billy’s Mighty Feast shows us his commercial size spit roaster that can take a whole pig on the spit or 24 chickens on a rotisserie. This is his sanity job, he tells us, a

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18 Junction Road, Burleigh Open: Fri 5 – 10pm, Sat 4 – 10pm, Sundays for special events

private passion that drove him to build the huge spit roast himself, extending his cooking from family to friends and then to the general public. When we visit, he’s roasting a pork shoulder, leg and loin to be served with his potato bake.

Gold Coast Meat Buns not only bake their meat-filled milk buns on site, they also make delicious bao and Reuben spring rolls (not to be missed!) If you’re starving, try their Hunger Abductor.

I Love Pedro’s gives us a taste of Colombian cuisine, such as roast corn on the cob, picada (meat and sausage), chozopan and mazorkada, a chicken and corn dish, washed down with South American soft drinks.

Chef Ryan Kane, from Stix + Stone Street Grill has moved from being a restaurant chef to his own catering and market business with a street grill and charcoal BBQ cooking ribs, chicken and beef. Not sure what to order? They why not order the whole menu plus all the sides! Love those sweet potato fries!

While there’s a whole lot of meat going down, vegetarians are catered for with a vego option offered on most stalls, such as pizza, bao and charcoal corn… and of course there’s dessert!

Beside the laneway, BBQ Bazaar features a huge undercover warehouse-styled bar area, serving craft beer and cider both on tap and bottled, wine and cocktails beside the deliciously enticing sweet vendors: La Cannoleria serving authentic Sicilian cannoli, a French crêpèrie, Meli Mou’s Greek doughnuts, Don Churros’ delights dipped in chocolate or Brazilian caramel, or there’s a sneaky slice of home-baked cake from Fourt4. Out back there’s a fenced kids’ zone with play equipment and toys to keep the young ones entertained.

“What this venue brings is authentic barbeque, more real than a barbeque restaurant,” says Michael’s mother, Esther, as we chat over a drink. “Woodfired, charcoal and big smoker cooked, there’s real theatre out there.”

She’s right, of course. The action, smell and smoke all add up to atmosphere. With live music every night and free entry, BBQ Bazaar kicks off from 5pm until 10pm on Fridays, and 4pm until 10pm on Saturdays. Keep a lookout for summer Sunday sessions and special ticketed band events. They’re not to be missed!

Marj Osborne read more of Marj’s reviews on foodgoldcoast.com.au NOTE: Blank dined as guests of BBQ Bazaar.

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A snapshot of the Gold Coast’s very best new music, curated by Samantha Morris

No pretending for Chavez Cartel

Evol Walks brings The Fire

A vastly different sound to previous single ‘Bipolar Express’, Chavez Cartel’s new single ‘I can Pretend’ sees the band take their rock roots down a different road. This track is full of raw emotion, focussing on loss and love. It’s a tribute to the band’s friend Ashley Salkel. It’s the second song off the band’s soon to be released EP, with Govinda Doyle again weaving his magic into the track. You can take a listen via Soundcloud.

Gold Coast’s Leah Martin-Brown is back, this time collaborating with Tim Henwood (The Superjesus). ‘The Fire’ is a raw rock number with a dash of dirty blues. It’s a return to the rock sound that helped launch Leah’s band Evol Walks in 2014 when they played Polish Woodstock and turned heads across the globe with their brash riffs and powerful vocals. Written in Brisbane and produced in LA where Leah is now based, ‘The Fire’ is out 14 December.

People Luminous deliver Garms Round Mountain Girls collab with John Williamson Round Mountain Girls last week released the video for their single ‘Magical Mix’, featuring Aussie icon John Williamson. The song celebrates Australia because, as Williamson says, ‘A magical mix makes a magical race and a magical mix makes a magical place.

That’s how we all feel about this place. To be an Aussie, all you have to do is appreciate it and protect it.’ Footage was shot for the most part on the Tweed Coast of SW with the iconic Wollumbin Mt Warning in the background and interspersed with shots of the recording session the band had with John Williamson. It’s a classic piece of Australiana with all the imagery and lyrics you’d expect.

Watch now on YouTube and catch them live at Cabarita Sports Club, 22 December and Kingscliff Hotel ,19 January.

Gold Coast hip-hop collective People Luminous certainly know how to make an entrance. Their debut live show in Byron Bay sold out and the first of two singles shows a maturity that belies their short-lived existence (although the group does include Travy P, who has worked alongside huge names in Australian hip-hop such as Manu Crooks and 360). These guys are passionate about fostering a new hip-hop culture on the Gold Coast and regularly throw warehouse parties, which have been described as ‘epic’.

This new song ‘Garms’, released ahead of their debut EP, slated for launch in 2019, is a perfect slice of hip-hop excellence, and that’s all that needs to be said. Listen now via Spotify and keep your ears and eyes peeled for one of those secret warehouse shows on 22 December.

Hold Up Maximo

Loose Leaf’s Frames is out now It’s been an interesting journey for Rory Switzer, since he quit his day job to focus on music. His new project Loose Leaf launched its debut EP earlier this month with a house party at Nobby Beach. Loose Leaf sees Rory step out from behind the drumkit to take on the role of singer and frontman. He wields a mean guitar as well. To my ears the EP is full of sunny vibes and sees Rory experiment with wailing yet bright guitars, vocal harmonies and simple story-telling.

The five-track release is a testament to Rory’s fast-developing songwriting talent and willingness to experiment vocally and instrumentally. There’s a lot of diversity to be found on ‘Frames’ and each song surprises in its own way. Listen now via Soundcloud.

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Formerly Gold Coast / SEED artist Maximo has delivered a lazy, groove-filled R&B number just in time for summer. Having spent the past few years writing, producing and touring with fellow artists, this new track ‘Hold Up’ is laced with rich harmony, talkbox and a fleeting ambient-trap breakdown with an obvious nod to Maximo’s influences of hip-hop, funk, neo-soul and modern R&B. Take a listen on Spotify.

PurpleZain returns with 3rd full-length EP Supervision II

Gracie release for Leopold’s Treat

Ladia delivers debut Feel The Same

With their divine new single, 'Gracie', treasured local collective Leopold's Treat have delivered a gently ebbing slice of moody folk with countrified undertones.

Resplendent with the shadows of the late afternoon sun filtering through gently swaying branches, Kate Leopold delivers her words with moving grace and goose bump inducing clarity, while the band fall in behind her, colouring its steady, acoustic driven tempo with evocative washes of lap steel and finger picked guitar gorgeousness. Listen at soundcloud.com/leopolds-treat.

Recent Griffith Bachelor of Popular Music graduate and Gold Coast producer Eunice Ladia has emerged with a brand new electrosummer jam under new moniker Ladia. With R&B undertones, ‘Feel The Same’ is a sugary pop song with a unique take on electronica. It’s crammed full of wistful lyrics, at once sweet and sassy. Brimming with quiet confidence, this young starlet appears to be in her element on her up-tempo first release, which is polished and professional and while full of sugar and light, contains just enough heartbreak to be interesting. Listen now via Spotify.

PurpleZain launches ‘Supervision II: The Psychopathology of Angelica Deathray’ this month. Not one to shy away from pushing creativity to its limits, Zain Constantine describes his third album as an “EDM punk rock opera mash up,” and honestly, I couldn’t have described it better myself. It follows on from the first ‘Supervision’ album, released in 2014 where a psychiatrist learns of a form of psycho-surgery that allows him to travel into his own mind to find the meaning of life.

In ‘Supervision II’ he travels into the mind of Angelica Deathray’. Mixed by Govinda Doyle and starring long-time collaborator Jodie Maloney (Nowhere Else) as well as members of The Wrath, Men Machines, Filth Dimension, Nowhere Else and Harry Naps, you know this is an album you need to experience, not hear. It’s out 15 December and being celebrated with a launch at Eddie’s Grub House.

Mad Marla Saint Upcoming Gold Coast indie artist and producer Marla Saint has released a debut track, 'Saint', that she wrote and selfproduced. Already clocking up an impressive number of Spotify streams, the single is a dark slice of dreamy pop with hypnotic beats and a haunting aesthetic. Listen now on Spotify or follow at instagram.com/ marlasaint.

Day N Nite for Rhea Robertson Gold Coast Music Song of the Year finalist, Rhea Robertson is forging her own path as an alt-pop singer/songwriter. Her music captures audiences with a fusion of melodies that linger in the mind, dreamy jazz undertones, poignant lyrics and dreamy alt-pop sounds. With songs charting on triple J unearthed and 4ZZZ, Rhea has also had airplay with commercials stations and has spent a bunch of time in LA working on collabs and as a ghost writer. She’s this month released a cover / remix of Kid Cudi song ‘Day n Nite’ which she says takes her back to her time living in Europe. It’s not the first cover she’s recreated. “As an original artist it's been a challenge and an amazing inspiration to create these "reimagined" covers (as I like to call them!) and it's heavy influenced my original project coming out early 2019,” she said. You can listen to ‘Day N Nite’ on Soundcloud now.

Bones Rivers debuts Setting Sun Luke Houselander has re-emerged with a new name and new music. Now known as Bones Rivers, his debut single ‘Setting Sun’ showcases Luke’s unique guitar stylings as well as a fierce and driving beat, and inspired by blues legends of days gone, Bones Rivers is living up to the name of the Wolfman. This one man band has been treading the boards on the Gold Coast for more than ten years, and his adaptable style has seen him play a diverse range of venues. He’s focussed now on invading festival stages and giving music fans something fresh and new. ‘Ready to Go’, which was seven months in the making and sees Bones Rivers work with Benny D Williams on its production, does all of that.

Listen via soundcloud.com/bonesrivers/ setting-sun.

Bobby Alu reveals Other Side Bobby Alu has given us another taste of his third album, due for release early in 2019.

‘Other Side’ which was released in November, is a fresh slice of island vibes. It’s a gentle pop anthem and like much of Bobby’s music focuses on the journey to fulfilment and connection. It’s perfect timing for new music too, because Bobby is about to hit the road for a 25-date summer tour supporting The Beautiful Girls around Australia. He’ll be with them at The Northern on 3 January and Kingscliff Beach Hotel on 5 January and then he’ll hit Nightquarter supporting UB40 on 1 February. Check out ‘Other Side’ now on Spotify.

Little Georgia’s debut studio album is out Australian folk duo Little Georgia, which features Gold Coast’s Ashleigh Mannix have captured the ears of listeners across the globe with their debut studio album ‘All The While’.

Recorded in Byron Bay with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Didia, the album is full of soaring vocals, impeccable guitar and blues-country vibes which flit between alt-country and Americana with ease. ‘All The While’ is one of the best Australian albums this year, in my opinion. There’s something about the voices and chemistry that Ashleigh and bandmate Justin Carter share that’s beautifully captured on this release (and really comes into its own in a live performance). Listen to ‘All The While’ now on Spotify and catch Little Georgia at Bluesfest 2019 if not prior.

Hollow Coves in the studio San Mei EP Heaven is here We All Drive release Jack The Ripper After a short but frenetic year of existence, Gold Coast rock duo We All Drive, have released debut EP ‘Jack The Ripper’. They’ve settled on a winning sound over that time, with music that sounds deeper and more complex than that produced by a two-piece.

It’s modern rock and it’s not fancy, but it’s all big bass and drums and sometimes that’s all you need to whip a crowd into a frenzy. This three-track EP doesn’t pull any punches. It showcases We All Drive’s great work ethic and talent for straight-up rock. Listen now via Spotify

Make no mistake, San Mei is a star on the rise, and her new EP ‘Heaven’ just reinforces that ascension. The new EP contains four indie pop rock numbers, full of San Mei’s blistering guitar hooks, lush vocals and songwriting dexterity. On this EP, San Mei worked with producer Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy), recording the tracks over a fourmonth period. The release follows the success of singles ‘Heaven’ and ‘Wonder’ which have both been championed by triple j, resulting in San Mei being the sixth most-played unsigned artist on the youth broadcaster in the weeks after its release. You can listen to the EP ‘Heaven’ now on Spotify.

Atticus Chimps release self-titled EP A new five-track release from Gold Coast alt-rock-grunge threesome Atticus Chimps is packed with energy. Already releasing three tracks off the EP ‘Bee Stung Lips’, ‘Lead, Pretend’ and ‘Illusion’, the three-piece have shown in this release that they’re dedicated to honing their craft while releasing hardhitting rock songs full of big riffs and fist-pumping energy. There’s the rhythm and hooks of pop songs that sit alongside antiestablishmentarianism ideals and fastpaced and melodic themes. Listen to the new self-titled EP via Spotify.

We have it on good authority that Hollow Coves are buckling down in chilly south-west UK at Chris Bond’s (Ben Howard, Xavier Rudd) studio, recording a bunch of new tracks that “expand their sound”. The debut full-length album is expected August 2019.

Got new music from the Gold Coast that you want to share with the world? Email news@blankgc.com.au with your track and EPK and we’ll take it from there. www.blankgc.com.au

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For Faulkner, it’s a case of the two bands sharing a friendly rivalry as well as a deep seated mutual respect, which tends to bring out the best in both bands.

“We’ve had a long association with You Am I,” Dave said. “They toured with us on our fifth album, back when they brought out their first album - they’ve probably caught up to us since then! But as always happens at these type of festival shows, everyone wants to be king of the castle and blow everyone else off stage. So Tim (Rogers) and the (You Am I) boys don’t give us any quarter, we both try and out-do each other, and the audience is the winner.

“And this is true of every band.”

UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS Like Wow, Wipeout!

The countdown is well and truly on for the Gold Coast leg of the much anticipated Under The Southern Stars travelling rock extravaganza, at the Broadwater Parklands on Saturday 19 January.

It was recently announced that both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast shows have been expanded as all-ages events, which will no doubt please the legion of young fans of Sheppard, one of the major drawcards appearing on these two legs of the tour.

The bumper line-up also features Oz rock royalty The Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I,

British India, The Superjesus, The Getaway Plan, Eskimo Joe and Scott Darlow.

In the lead up we’ve already thrown the spotlight on long time Aussie legends You Am I. So this time around, I took time to chat with affable Hoodoo Gurus front man, Dave Faulkner.

With the Under The Southern Stars (UTSS) tour taking in a number of regional areas nationwide, in more far flung locations such as Shoalhaven, Port Adelaide and Port Macquarie, I ask Dave if he enjoyed getting ‘off the beaten track’ of the capital city tour treadmill and taking the rock to the people.

“Sometimes I wonder if the regional areas are actually the ones spoilt for choice these days! A lot of these travelling festivals are decentralised now, it’s kind of a lot of where the action is. We’ve played regional areas since the very beginning of the band. We’ll play wherever anyone wants to hear us. We’ve never been hiding away in enclaves, we just want to get out where the people are and have fun. We recently just played in Parkes, NSW for the first time ever. So there are still places to be conquered,” he said.

The Hoodoo Gurus have a rich touring history with fellow UTSS heavyweights You Am I, having toured with them extensively both in festival and joint headlining format.

“When we played with (60’s garage rock pioneers) The Sonics, which is a band we’ve admired all of our lives, they were trying to really kick our arse up there on stage every night. Everyone’s friendly backstage and says nice things about each other, but when you get out on stage you just want to win, you know.”

Rock and roll will indeed be the winner when The Hoodoo Gurus, together with the rest of the UTSS contingent burn up the stage at the Broadwater Parklands leg of the tour on 19 January. Interest in the festival has been strong, so be sure to get your tickets beforehand. And if you do so before the 31st of December, you’ll also go into the draw to win an electric guitar signed by a bunch of acts on the bill.

Anthony Gebhardt

Under the Southern Stars is at Broadwater Parklands on 19 January. The Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, British India, The Superjesus, The Getaway Plan, Eskimo Joe and Scott Darlow are all on the bill. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

KATIE WHO JOINS LOCAL TALENT FOR MASSIVE CITY CELEBRATION City of Gold Coast is hosting a rather large day of celebrations over the January long weekend and they’re celebrating with live music, fireworks and a heap of kids activities to boot. Gold Coast Music Awards 2018 Best Live Act Mason Rack band takes out headlining honours for the event, which runs through Broadwater Parklands on 26 January.

Wayward Suns and Mistram are also on the bill and they’re joined by the inimitable Katie Who, who’s been spending a considerable amount of time focussing on rediscovering why she plays and creates music of late. She spoke to us ahead of the one day festival.

“I’ve been doing a lot behind the scenes… letting go of ‘trying to make it’,” she said. “Remembering who I am before conditioning and trying to become the best possible version of myself.”

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“I’ve also been doing music in other ways, at well-being retreats, running mantras and vocal / movement activation workshops. I’ll be doing a couple next year in Vanuatu and Nepal! So I’m really excited for that.”

As for the Katie Who Band, Katie says the format has been a bit rubbery of late and that depending on the gig, she’ll pull anything from a three to five piece together.

“Lately though playing as a three piece has been working really well,” she said. “We are heading into the studio this month. There’s a lot of new material I can’t wait to share.”

Despite that winning three-piece formula, it’ll be the full five-piece that Katie Brings to Gold Coast’s celebration on 26 January.

“We will launch the single and an EP [on that date],” she said, adding that the coming year will be a busy one.

“We will play as many amazing shows as we can get our little hands on. 2019 is a time for us to release a bunch of music and tour as much as possible. Write, record, play, repeat. We are diving in, and I love the water,” Katie said.

Set time are as follows: 4.00 – 4.30pm | Katie Who 4.45 – 5.25pm | Mistram 5.40 – 6.20pm | Wayward Suns 6.35 – 7.35pm | Mason Rack Band Samantha Morris

Council’s 26 January celebrations run from 4.00 – 8.00pm with fireworks, food trucks and fundraising for Rural Aid Australia, as well as a mini Commonwealth Games zone for the kids and plenty of space to roll out a picnic rug.

TOYKO BEEF Getting Beefy at Vinnies

DZ DEATHRAYS Shredding For Summer At The Best Night Ever

Fresh from blowing minds and bursting eardrums at the recent Snooker World Xmas Bash, old school garage punkers Tokyo Beef will be bringing down the curtain on 2018 with all amps blazing when they pump out some PunkMass cheer at new Southport venue Vinnies Dive Bar on Saturday, 22 December.

Tokyo Beef mainstay Graeme Treanor, who’s been kicking out the jams under his Beefy moniker for over 12 years now, is pumped for what the night will have in store. If you’ve yet to experience the amped-up thrills of a Tokyo Beef gig, here’s Graeme’s take on what you can expect: “We have been compared to a lot of old school Aussie rock/punk/ garage bands like The Celibate Rifles, Radio Birdman and The Lime Spiders. We love to play live and loud and try to channel their energy into our performances.”

They’ll also be joined on the evening by likeminded acts The Dangerous Folk, Monster Fodder and The Screaming Platypuses, who Graeme describes as thus: “The Dangerous Folk are a Celtic Punk band that love a good time. You can definitely hear the influence of (Boston legends) The Dropkick Murphys in their music. We haven't played with them before but are really looking forward to sharing the stage with them.

Monster Fodder are great mates of ours.

We've played several gigs with them this year, the most recent of which when we both supported The Acca Dacca (AC/DC tribute) show. That was a fun night. If you like Motorhead, you'll like ‘The Fodder’.

The Screaming Platypuses are also on the bill.

I love this young band. We've played with them before. They are cool. They are just one of many up and coming bands coming out of the Gold Coast at the moment.”

We also asked Graeme to give us a bit of a rundown on the Tokyo Beef story, what’s kept them going across the journey and what we can expect from the band next..

“Yeah time flies, hey. ‘The Beef ’ have been around for about 12 years now. We've had a few line-up changes along the way. Myself and Peter Punk are the main stays of the band and write the majority of the songs. But the band and the music is a passion for all of us. The engine room (Jonny on bass and Rusty on drums) is rock solid as and really brings out the best in our songs. And the most important thing is to keep it all FUN. You can see that in our playing.

2018 has been a good year for us. We released a new album, called ‘Kamikaze’, which has received airplay on 4ZZZ and recently on Rebel FM. Music from the album has also been used on (FTA digital channel) 7mate and also as part of the Sailor Jerry Surf Tag show. And we’re currently working on some new songs for our next release.

When I asked Graeme what he was hoping to achieve in 2019, his wit came to the fore when laying down the gauntlet on a very Beefy outcome!

“In 2019 we’d really love to win a Gold Coast Music Award. We would like to nominate for a new category, that of The Loudest Band With The Most Amount Of Offspring.”

So there you have it! The stage has been set for what promises to be a night of merry musical mayhem when Tokyo Beef and cohorts Punk It Up at Vinnies Dive Bar on 22 December.

Respect The Rock and get along for a good time!!

Anthony Gebhardt

Rambunctious Brisbane party-rock machine DZ Deathrays are going out in an amped-up blaze to round out the year as part of the Best Night Ever at Nightquarter, Saturday 29 December.

With other like-minded ‘in the red’ acts such as The Dune Rats, The Gooch Palms, WAAX, RAAVE TAAPES, Crum and Totty also on the bill, this event promises to live up to its lofty title.

And junior rock fans can also rejoice, with the show being an all-ages event, as long as they have someone over the age of 25 to accompany them.

The DZ Deathray deadly-duo of Shane Parsons (guitar/vocals) and Simon Ridley (drums) are one of the biggest live drawcards on the Oz touring circuit, and recently celebrated their 10th anniversary as a band.

And in the lead-up to their upcoming Best Night Ever performance, Anthony Gebhardt fired off some questions to the lads.

How does it feel to be ten - did you have grand plans of reaching this milestone way back in 2008?

It feels good! We have learned a lot in these past ten years. Back when we started the band we were looking for nothing more than an outlet to make noise and play a house party, now we treat this project like a full time job and it’s the best job in the world.

How was September’s ten year celebration tour?

The last tour was one of the best we have ever done, playing those massive rooms in Sydney and Melbourne was such a buzz! It's almost like playing a festival and the rooms felt really great.

I think a major highlight was wrapping up in Brisbane and having Violent Soho open that show (as special secret guests). It meant a lot to us that they would do that. They have been great mates of ours for over ten years. Also watching PUP smash it out before us every night was awesome, it was a real honour to have them along for the tour.

You guys are gearing up now to Shred for Summer with The Best Night Ever event at Nightquarter. Do you guys get on well with the other acts on the bill, and what's the chances of any random stage sharing antics or guest appearances in each other’s sets?

They are some of our best friends! Of course there's always room for a collaboration at a Dunies show - it's complete chaos up there and everyone has a blast.

I suspect it'll be a bloody hot, as well as a Bloody Lovely show - do you recall the most insanely hot (temperature wise) show you've ever played?

I think it was probably a couple from our European tour earlier this year; 36 degrees in Prague and we played a basement with no air con to 200 crazy Czech people. Paris was also a scorcher - not as hot outside but the room was just a big black box filled with drunk Parisians getting loose and taking their clothes off on a Monday night. It was such a fun show!

2018 has been a big year for the band. Do you have any grand plans in place yet for next year?

Totally, we are going into the studio in January so keep an eye out for some new music very soon.

Early bird tickets for Nightquarter’s all-ages event, Best Night Ever, on Saturday 29 December, are all gone, but you can still grab general admission tickets and special ‘ticket and hospitality’ packages in the lead up. It promises to be the Best Night Ever, so don’t snooze.

Tickets via Oztix. www.blankgc.com.au

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Hoodoo Gurus Sheppard British India

You Am I The Superjesus The Getaway Plan Scott Darlow

Saturday January 19th t s a o C ld o G s d n la k r a P r e t a Broadw ALL AGES

11 years & under FREE* Family tickets available //any Ing paR EnT/guaRd Ian *VIa REd EmpTIon wITh acc omp

FREE Transport

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Tickets from underthesouthernstars.com.au | ticketmaster.com.au | 136 100 In person at RSL Club Southport

Images by Lamp Photography

Image by Lamp Photography

IN THEIR ELEMENT

an animal circus with a twist

DUSTY PEOPLE UNITE! Dusty People is the brainchild of awardwinning local artist Dion Parker. It’s a project which brings together artists, songwriters, illustrators, poets and scribes in a collaborative exhibition celebrating the amazing creative community that has grown around Dust Temple in the last five years.

The project includes both the exhibition and an accompanying book.

“The idea for the book came about as a way to bring together [creatives] that became part of the Dust Temple community in some way or another and wouldn’t normally work together,” explains Dion. “It’s a coming together to acknowledge another year of creative genius from the underground of GC art.

“It is also intended as a ‘thank you’ to John and Isla [Wilson, owners of Dust Temple] for all their hard work creating such an amazing venue.”

Poets and songwriters submitted pieces of work which were then visually interpreted by artists, in what promises to be a unique celebration of Gold Coast talent.

“The idea is that the exhibition is an extension of the book,” Dion says. “Each collaboration is framed together, with the poem/lyrics in the same frame as the artwork inspired by them.

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“All artworks and poems/lyrics are in both the book and exhibition.”

There are over twenty collaborations between around forty artists within the project and a diverse range of incredible original work on display, making choosing a favourite hard for Dion. However he finally lands on one.

“One of my favourite collaborations is between Karl S Williams and Rebecca Cunningham. Karl’s soulful words have been interpreted into a stunning landscape by Rebecca.”

Other contributors include: Kellie North, Peter Ceredig Evans, Louise Moriarty, Benjamin Wild, Felicity Lawless, Harry Macintosh, Simon McLean, Jade Peterson, Natpop, CRT, and Amy E Roberts.

On the opening night of the exhibition, Dust Temple will be presenting the Dust Temple Artist Award to a local artist whom they feel has contributed to the creative growth of the area in ways unmeasurable.

Natalie O’Driscoll

The exhibition at Dust Temple runs until Sunday 6 January 2019, and entry is free.

In case you haven’t heard, animal circuses are out, baby. In their place are innovative human experiences such as Elements and the World Famous Animal Circus Show, hitting NightQuarter on 12 January.

We chatted to show co-producer Neal Webb about the animaltastic times that await.

What can crowds can expect on the night?

Expect circus performances from chimps, mandrill monkeys, lions, zebras, birds, flamingos and giant gorillas! All of these animals are part human but morphing into animals through a strange smog that’s lingering around the Gold Coast. These part human and part wild animals are being spotted everywhere at the moment flipping and dancing in public places. If seen, please approach with caution, as they are extremely friendly and highly talented.

The night will be split into two parts. Part 1 will consist of fun upbeat animal circus acts with a strong message about pollution and deforestation to finish. Part 2 will be the exciting and extremely funny human Elements show. Guests will also have the chance to be painted as their favourite animal to really get into the theme of the night.

The Elements show is a unique blend of circus and fire, acrobatics and stunts, highenergy performances and hilarious slap-stick comedy.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

In the lead up to the show the Elements circus crew are holding school holiday children’s workshops on Friday and Saturday 9am to 4pm both 11 and 12 January at NightQuarter. 1-hour workshops will be held in acrobatics, tumbling, martial arts and tai chi, hula hoop, dance, juggling, clowning, balance, handstands, flow arts and movement. Each student can choose individual 1-hour workshops or pay a discounted rate for the whole day.

The whole team feels strongly about the welfare of animals and humans and wanted to make a difference while showcasing the NightQuarter Spectacular Extravaganza. We do not support exotic animals in circuses in Australia or Worldwide and would like to share with you what you can do to help.

Natalie O’Driscoll

To sign the pledge visit animalsaustralia. org. All information about the workshops can be found on the NightQuarter website or Facebook.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

it’s goodbye from Samantha Morris “When I launched the first Blank GC magazine in print, nearly five years ago to the day, I never for a moment thought about what the business might look like half a decade later, or the role I would be playing in its day-to-day management.”

Since 2013, we’ve worked our arses off to keep Blank GC running and to ensure it’s not just a viable business, but an ethical and heart-filled one. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve attracted such a committed and passionate group of contributors – many of whom have been with us since that first magazine. We’re much more than a magazine.

The impact we’ve had on the city’s cultural landscape is immeasurable.

Before I launched Blank GC, I was already running a busy consulting business (Wombat Creative Pty Ltd) with a niche market in conservation and regional sustainability but both that business and my own health suffered as a result of the relentless workload and lofty goals we set for Blank GC and its sister project Gold Coast Music Awards. I wouldn’t change anything about the past five years, but it is time to refocus my work on sustainability projects as well as a better work-life balance over coming years.

Big outcomes for local music In five years I’ve personally written more than 1700 stories – just for Blank GC – about local artists and the Gold Coast creative scene. That’s one story for every weekday that Blank has been in existence. I’ve also given more than 200 songs by Gold Coast artists radio play on 91.7 ABC Gold Coast through the weekly ‘new music’ segment on the Drive program.

But of course, my role at Blank GC has gone much deeper than that. It’s been a constant rollercoaster ride of managing advertiser expectations, supporting the growing team of writers and photographers, finance and flat-plans and content plans and budgets, personally managing all social media and SEO, manually updating the gig guide, creating, running and growing the Gold Coast Music Awards and being a friend and comrade to plenty of people in the local creative scene. And none of that includes the ongoing job of advocating for better policy, more funding and strategic investment in the local music scene that’s happened simply because there was no-one else to do it.

Extending the team Enter Natalie O’Driscoll. Natalie has been a member of our team for more than four years. She started out as a voluntary contributor and over time has grown her involvement becoming our Cultural Editor about two years ago, not long after she had her first child. The juggle is real. Natalie first came on board because she wanted to write about the cultural experiences she was having as a temporary resident of the Gold Coast. She never thought she’d stay. But years on, she’s still discovering new food, art and cultural experiences across the city and doing an incredible job of telling those stories.

She’s also been helping behind the scenes with social media, administration, systems and processes since she came on board. She’s a great friend, a fearless feminist, an exceptional writer and a passionate mentor to our team of writers (including me). She’s also a brilliant editor. Much better than I am. So, from 15 January, I am thrilled beyond words to be handing over the Managing Editor’s reins to Natalie.

Marj Osborne (Blank food writer since day 1!)

We printed 3,500 copies of that first magazine, and myself and co-owner Chloe Popa personally delivered it (with the help of some awesome friends) to a hundred or so outlets across the Gold Coast. We were very hands on. That launch magazine was the first design project Chloe had ever worked on since finishing her design course. We’d never written anything about music before, and we’d never considered things like social media, SEO, google docs and how intimate we’d become with those things over the next years. We’d certainly never published a magazine or dealt with publicists and record labels before. Hell, when Chloe took maternity leave in 2015 and we engaged a new designer they asked us how we flat planned. Until then, we’d never even heard of the term.

One of the reasons I had to do all those things, was that Blank GC simply couldn’t afford to pay anyone else to do them.

But the whole team has worked incredibly hard to make our business sustainable and efficient. And most of that work comes down to genuine partnerships and great content.

Anthony Gebhardt (now our Senior Music Writer)

Look how far we’ve come

Pictured L-R: Amanda Gorman, Samantha Morris, Natalie O'Driscoll, Chloe Popa

I’ll be around until 30 June, writing the ‘new music’ column and taking the odd interview that the new Managing Editor throws my way as well as coordinating the 5th annual Gold Coast Music Awards.

So, it’s farewell from me and a big hearty welcome to our new Managing Editor Natalie O’Driscoll.

But wait, there’s more That’s not the only change afoot. Come January, we’re welcoming another new addition to Blank. In the form of a brand new human. My co-founder Chloe Popa is having her third child and is taking some time to grow the bonds.

So until 30 June, we’re welcoming back Kylie Cobb as our designer for Blank GC and publicist for Gold Coast Music Awards.

We’re also excited to extend the hours and responsibilities of our Partnerships and Admin Coordinator, Simone Gorman-Clark as well as our Senior Music Writer, Anthony Gebhardt. They join Partnerships Manager Amanda Gorman as our core Blank management team.

If you’re thinking, that sounds like a team of bad-ass women and men, you’d be right.

See you on the flipside.

Samantha Morris Co-founder Blank Gold Coast INSTA: @samanthamorriswrites www.blankgc.com.au

27

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DECEMBER THURSDAY 13 DECEMBER Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace

Rockabilly Beer & BBQ Festival: Sugar Shakers + B daddy + double d’s | BBQ Bazaar

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

Felicity Lawless Band | Advancetown Hotel

Vera Blue | Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Chris Hutchison | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Jeff Rosenstock | Vinnies Dive Bar (Ticketed)

Sally Sa | Cambus Wallace

The Swamps | The Northern, Byron Bay

Raku One O’Gaia | The Scottish Prince

The Dirty Channel | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Michael Eotvos (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL

FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER

Deck Acoustics: Hayley Grace (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Festival of Small Halls: Old Man Luedecke + Lucy Wise | Springbrook Community Hall, Springbrook

Sex on Toast + Cactus Band | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

Mojo Rising | BBQ Bazaar

Radio Star (2.00pm) | Fisho’s

Flaskas + Jasper Davis + Marshall Okel + Elska + NightQuarter Spectacular | NightQuarter

Royce 5"9" + The VikingN3 + Indigenoise | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Funk n Wagnells | Southport Sharks

Late for Woodstock + Boo Seeka | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Brooke Supple | Cabana Bar & Lounge Silk n Oak + Adam Harpaz | Miami Marketta Greg J Bryant | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Pink Zinc Duo (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Pierce Brothers | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Gallery Up Late | HOTA Hurricanes & Echoes + Verum + Anarchy Hearts + Odd Socks | Currumbin Pub

James D’Khan (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

MONDAY 17 DECEMBER Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

Ziggy Alberts | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Jerome Williams | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Chris Palmer (5.00pm)| Currumbin RSL

4’20 Sound Reggae Night | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Push | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

TUESDAY 25 DECEMBER

The Babe Rainbow | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed)

Nocturnal Tapes + Hot Coffee + DVNA + GC Friends DJ’s | Miami Shark Bar (Ticketed)

Tony Kruger | Southport Sharks

Mescalito Blues | North Kirra SLSC

WEDNESDAY 26 DECEMBER

Paces | Elsewhere Bar (Ticketed) Living Colour | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed) Jon J Bradley + Nicky Bomba & Friends | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Julie Hayes | Hidden, Tugun

Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks Lisa Hunt + Haydn James | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

THURSDAY 27 DECEMBER Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

Sex And Chocolate (1.00pm) | Fisho’s Maddy Thompson | Aviary Rooftop Bar The ABBA Show | The Star Gold Coast Wharves 2019 Outro Party: Wharves + Cactus + Echowave | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed) Craig Atkins | Cambus Wallace Sarah Archer (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace

Felicity Lawless Band | BBQ Bazaar

The Living End | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Deck Acoustics: Benny Hanna (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Ben Camden (2.00pm) + Jessie Morris Band | Sheoak Shack

Kingswood | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

Scott Day-Vee | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Happy Rayz (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

Colt Seavers Band + NightQuarter Spectacular + Magnetic Force + Elska | NightQuarter IVEY | Miami Shark Bar (Ticketed)

My Happy Place | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

FRIDAY 28 DECEMBER

Hayley Grace and The Bay Collective + Sean Fitzgerald | Miami Marketta

P.C and The Biffs + Felicity Lawless | Miami Marketta

TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER

Ziggy Alberts | Miami Marketta (Ticketed)

Paul Vercoe | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Tennyson King | Cambus Wallace

Slips & The F.W’s | Currumbin RSL

Days n Daze | Vinnies Dive Bar (Ticketed)

Stephen Lovelight | The Scottish Prince

Parents Night | Elsewhere Bar

Tuffy | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Deck Acoustics: Kristie Lea (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Vera Blue | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER

SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

Living in the 70’s Tribute Show | Southport Sharks

4’20 Sound Reggae Night | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

DJ Longtime + Dean Chorny | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Thirsty Merc | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Ragga Jump + Ninja House | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay The Swamps | Byron Bay Brewery Mason Rack Band | The Bearded Dragon, Mount Tamborine

MONDAY 31 DECEMBER

Tennyson King | Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop

Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery The Youngkeys | BBQ Bazaar

Falls Festival: Anderson Paak and The Free Nationals + Catfish and the Bottlemen + Vance Joy + Chvrches + Hilltop Hoods + Toto and Interpol + Flight Facilities + Amy Shark + Ocean Alley + many more! | Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Sametime + Colt Seavers Band + Elska + NightQuarter Spectacular | NightQuarter

Polar Bears + Cadence + Rackett | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed) NYE Havana Nights | Skypoint Observation Deck

The Screaming Jets | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Leigh James + Pink Zinc | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER

Brooke Lambert | Rivea Italian Dining, Broadbeach

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Round Mountain Girls | Cabarita Sports Club

SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER

Tennyson King | The Scottish Prince

Tokyo Beef + The Dangerous Folk + More | Vinnies Dive Bar

Felicity Lawless Band | Miami Marketta

Gavin Doniger | Hidden, Tugun

Eleea Navarro | Cabana Bar & Lounge

Killer Queen Experience + Jet Club Effect | Seagulls

THURSDAY 20 DECEMBER

Seaside + The Violent Monks + Bedclub + Sophie Ozard | The Northern, Byron Bay

The ABBA Show | The Star Gold Coast

Chisel Revive Band Tribute | Southport Sharks

Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

Rhythm & Cutloose | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

The ABBA Show | The Star Gold Coast

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace

Kingswood | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Tora | Byron Bay Brewery

Cath Simes Band | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER

Du’East + Motez | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

The Hussy Hicks | BBQ Bazaar Chad Wilkins (2.00pm) + Vaggaphonics | Sheoak Shack Shelley May Evans (3.30pm) | Rowan Robinson Park, Kingscliff Nightquarter Christmas Carols + Nicole Parker Brown And The Late Show + NightQuarter Spectacular + Jewells And The Wolfe Pack + Emily Brieger | NightQuarter Beach Club Festival: The Jungle Giants + Confidence Man + Bullhorn + Alice Ivy + MORE | Sunshine Coast

Jock Barnes | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince Treachery Cove + We All Drive + Verum + More | Vinnies Dive Bar Gold Coast Vice: Absinth3 + Gryff + Dream Coast | Miami Shark Bar (Ticketed)

McKenizie Band (2.00pm) | Fisho’s Jessica Odgers | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Devils Kiosk | Southport Sharks

OKA | Byron Bay Brewery

Taylor Swift Tribute | Southport Sharks

Swamp Cats | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace

27 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY

PurpleZain’s Supervision II Album Launch | Eddie’s Grub House

Kallidad | Byron Bay Brewery

Two Tears In A Bucket | The Scottish Prince

Woodford Folk Festival | Woodford (Ticketed)

PSYCH CITY: Sacred Shrines + Sons of Zoku + Ultraviolet Fuzz + Echowave + Love Banana | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER

Dave Orr Band + Izzy Day | Miami Marketta

Tijuana Cartel + Kallidad | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

Salseros | Currumbin RSL

Paul Kelly | Riverstage (Ticketed)

Kristie Lea (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Jason McGregor (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Daryl Braithwaite | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Jack Casey (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER Best Night Ever: Dune Rats + DZ Deathrays + WAAX + Raave Tapes + The Gooch Palms + Totty + Crum | NightQuarter (Ticketed)

The Ballad of Lynn Howl | Vinnies Dive Bar

Mckenzie (Covers) | Southport Sharks

The Mason Rack Band | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Bootleg Rascal | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Mark Divola | Cabana Bar & Lounge

Easy P | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

DJ Longtime + Mood Swing & Chevy Bass | Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Mo’s Xmas Spread: Cheap Fakes + Hemingway + Transvaal Diamond Syndicate + Katie Who + Hell and Whiskey + Joshua Swan + Psuedo Mind Hive | Mo’s Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

MONDAY 24 DECEMBER

Jason McGregor Trio | Currumbin RSL

Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

30

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Drunk Mums + Dump Punts + Good Dogs + Perve Endings + MohnDoo + Russell Smith and More | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed) Vaudeville Smash | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Harts + Kolsch + Benson + Human Movement + Bec Sandridge + Taya + Tropical Zombie + MORE | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed) Mason Rack Band | Coolangatta Sands Hotel

JANUARY 19

Tennyson King | Cospaces Southport

Jolley Wild (2.00pm) | Alleygators

DJ Kirby | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Benny D Williams | Broadwater Parklands

Mason Rack (2.00pm) + Shem Reggae | Sheoak Shack

Kayso Grande + NightQuarter Spectacular + Matty Rogers + Liv Heyer | NightQuarter

BB Factory + Ben Camden | Miami Marketta

Drapht | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

The Superlove | The Lennox Hotel, Byron Bay

Gavin Doniger | Tupe Aloha, Kirra

Cadence | Hidden, Tugun

Deck Acoustics: Kristie Lea (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

The Zookeepers | BBQ Bazaar

Mo Groove | BBQ Bazaar

Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

DJ + Thump Band | Currumbin RSL

Captain Wow (Covers) | Southport Sharks The ABBA Show | The Star Gold Coast Crescent City Players + Humblet | Miami Marketta

TUESDAY 1 JANUARY Mode Duo (covers) | Southport Sharks Ben Jansz | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

WEDNESDAY 2 JANUARY Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks Mescalito Blues | Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince River Matthews + Colin Lillie | Vinnies Dive Bar (Ticketed)

Burger Joint | Cambus Wallace

Austen Tayshus | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

Vanilla Duo (Covers)(1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport

Burger Joint + Jade Peterson | Miami Marketta

Mark Divola (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Jason McGregor (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Pete Murray + Dylan Cattanach | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

THURSDAY 3 JANUARY

Chel Bell (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

Gavin Doniger | Eddie’s Grubhouse

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace Two Tears in a Bucket | The Scottish Prince The Beautiful Girls | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

FRIDAY 4 JANUARY Hot Potato Band + Colt Seavers Band + NightQuarter Spectacular | NightQuarter Cadence | BBQ Bazaar Agent 77 (Covers) | Southport Sharks The Smokin’ Crawdads (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Slips and The F.W’s + Ash Rishke | Miami Marketta Unlocking the Doors | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Benny Hanna | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Nicky Convine (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL The Jungle Giants | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Pist Idiots + The Chats | Miami Shark Bar (Ticketed) Foals | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed)

SATURDAY 5 JANUARY Micka Scene Pacha Mama Band | BBQ Bazaar Pete Murray + Garrett Kato + Dylan Cattanach + Dual Frequency | NightQuarter (Ticketed) Katy Perry Tribute | Southport Sharks Elska | The Scottish Prince Bone Lazy Duo (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Hello Tut Tut + Sean Fitzgerald | Miami Marketta Shake n Bake + Gold Member + The Moving Stills | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Pink Zinc | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Brooke Supple (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

MONDAY 7 JANUARY Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks Tommy Memphis (Covers)(11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 8 JANUARY Matt Armitage | Cambus Wallace

WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks Raku | Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 10 JANUARY Zookeepers | Southport Sharks Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace The Growlers + The Babe Rainbow | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Tex Perkins | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Pub Chior | HOTA Parcels | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

FRIDAY 11 JANUARY Wayward Suns + Magnetic Force + NightQuarter Spectacular | NightQuarter Conversations with Nick Cave | HOTA (Ticketed)

Funk Club | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Luke Bennett (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Tane Tokorangi (2.00pm) + Andy Burke and the Sundowners | Sheoak Shack Fozzy Bear | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Greg Bankx (1.00pm) (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Sarah Grant (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Michael Eotvos (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue Happy Rayz (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina Live at Bond: Electrik Lemonade (5.00pm) | ADCO Amphitheatre, Bond University BenJam (1.00pm) | Fisho’s The Growlers | Byron Bay Brewery

MONDAY 14 JANUARY Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks Abbigayle Anderson (Covers)(11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

TUESDAY 15 JANUARY Matt Armitage | Cambus Wallace Summer Series: The Jacksons + KOOL & The Gang + The Pointer Sisters + Village People + Sister Sledge + MORE | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (Ticketed)

WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY Alex Fietz | Southport Sharks James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Ruby Montey | Cabana Bar & Lounge

1927 + Psuedo Echo | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Devils Kiosk (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

THURSDAY 17 JANUARY

Deck Acoustics: Josh Lovegrove (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace

Hell Aint A Bad Place To Be | HOTA

Benny D Williams | Coolangatta Sands

Fleetmac Wood | Soundlounge (Ticketed)

Gavin Doniger | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Dougy Reggae (2.00pm) + Manoa | Sheoak Shack

GANGgajang + Machinations | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

SUNDAY 6 JANUARY Lisa Hunt (2.00pm) | Fisho’s Hayley Grace | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Pete Allen Music Tour | BBQ Bazaar Animal Circus + Trombone Kellie + Liv Heyer | NightQuarter John Rowles | Southport Yacht Club (Ticketed) The Hodads (Covers) | Southport Sharks Stoneage Romeo’s (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

SATURDAY 19 JANUARY

Ice Cream Festival + Sunny Coast Rude Boys + NightQuarter Spectacular + Dual Frequency + Liv Heyer | NightQuarter

The Beautiful Girls | Kingscliff Beach Hotel

The Chats | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Madison Kat (Covers) | Southport Sharks

Danny Dyson | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Marshall & The Fro | Southport Sharks

SATURDAY 12 JANUARY

Jimoein | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed)

The Wet Fish | BBQ Bazaar

Zookeepers | Southport Sharks

The Black Sorrows | Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

FRIDAY 25 JANUARY

Chisel Revived Tribute | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed) Herbie Walker | Cambus Wallace

Deep Sea Arcade | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

Mescalito Blues | Pottsville Sports Club

SUNDAY 13 JANUARY

Brooke Supple | Currumbin RSL

POWER + Spiritual Mafia + Liquid Face | Vinnies Dive Bar

Gallery Up Late | HOTA

Under the Southern Stars: Hoodoo Gurus + You Am I + Eskimo Joe + The Superjesus + British India + The Getaway Plan + Scott Darlow | Broadwater Parklands | Tickets on sale now

Mason Rack Band | BBQ Bazaar

Manoa Music + Liv Heyer | Miami Marketta

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

Kris Wason | Cabana Bar & Lounge Rocks Cover Band | BBQ Bazaar Goran Sedlar | RSL Club Southport The Scrims + Adam Scrivan | Miami Marketta Kristie Lea | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Jock Barnes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Benny D Williams (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery

Krush | Southport Sharks

Mescalito Blues | Kingscliff Bowls Club

Captain WOW (Covers) | RSL Club Southport

The Delta Riggs | The Northern, Byron Bay (Ticketed)

American Hall of Fame Icons | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed)

Tora | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

ITES + Humblet | Miami Marketta

Hein Cooper | Byron Bay Brewery

Salseros | Currumbin RSL

Australia Day Eve Concert: Dragon + Brian Mannix + Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera) + Scott Carne (Kids on the Kitchen) | The Star Gold Coast (Ticketed)

Deck Acoustics: Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Round Mountain Girls | Kingscliff Beach Hotel Gavin Doniger | Lennox Hotel, Byron Bay

SATURDAY 26 JANUARY

Pat Coyle (2.00pm) + Tin Parlour | Sheoak Shack

Australia Day Celebrations + Prime Ministers of Australia + Magnetic Force | NightQuarter

SUNDAY 20 JANUARY

Straya Day with Runes + After Grog Aussie Karaoke | BBQ Bazaar

Sunny Coast Rude Boys | NightQuarter

Aussie Pride Tribute Band | Southport Sharks

Chris Hutchison | Aviary Rooftop Bar

DJ Mark Divola | Cabana Bar & Lounge

Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace

City of Gold Coast Australia Day Celebrations: Katie Who (4.00pm) + Mistram (4.45pm) + Wayward Suns (5.40pm) + Mason Rack Band (6.35pm) | Broadwater Parklands

Anni M Fables | The Scottish Prince Eureka Funk (Covers)(1.00pm) | RSL Club Southport Fergo (12.00 noon) | Currumbin RSL Deck Acoustics: Pink Zinc Duo (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

The Influence (Covers) | RSL Club Southport The Ultimate Experience | RSL Club Southport (Ticketed) Bearfoot | Miami Marketta

Benny D Williams (2.00pm) | The Boatshed

Slips & The F.W’s | Currumbin RSL

James D’Khan (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

Deck Acoustics: Kristie Lea (1.00pm) + Jerome Williams (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Gavin Doniger | Balter Brewery Who’s Charlie (1.00pm) |Fisho’s

Fire n Stone (2.00pm) | Cafe Catalina

The Fergies | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Adam Scriven (2.00pm) + The Knotts Family Band | Sheoak Shack

MONDAY 21 JANUARY

SUNDAY 27 JANUARY

Marco (Covers) | Southport Sharks

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

James Street Preaches | The Scottish Prince

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY Eleea | Cambus Wallace

Acoustic Soup | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 18 JANUARY

Rhydian Lewis (Covers)(11.00am) | RSL Club Southport

Ruby Montey | Aviary Rooftop Bar

WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARY

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

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Jason McGregor (12.00 noon)| Currumbin RSL

The Yams | The Scottish Prince

Deck Acoustics: Chris Palmer (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue

Electrik Lemonade + NightQuarter Spectacular | NightQuarter Mojo Rising | BBQ Bazaar Sunset City | Southport Sharks Eleea Navarro | Cabana Bar & Lounge Kate Kelly (Covers) | RSL Club Southport Andy Jans Brown + Clay Western | Miami Marketta Chris Palmer | Currumbin RSL

Free the Genie | Cambus Wallace Zookeepers | Southport Sharks James Street Preachers | The Scottish Prince

The Delta Riggs | BBQ Bazaar (Ticketed)

Great Aunt | Cambus Wallace

Phil and Tilley (3.00pm) | Cafe Catalina Bullhorn | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

www.blankgc.com.au 31 Polish Club | Byron Bay Brewery (Ticketed)

All taste. No compromise.

Delicately hopped. Subtle fruit characters.

Find out more @ burleighbrewing.com BREWERY AND TAP HOUSE | 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads Qld 4220

SANDBAR

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL 2019

If there was a dining ‘Hall of Fame’ on the Gold Coast, then Jo-Anne and Greg Short would be among the first to be inducted.

It’s twenty years since the couple opened the Broadwalk Café, the forerunner of today’s Sandbar, the iconic café which delivers some of the best views of Surfers Esplanade.

Migrating from NSW with their young family, the couple were excited to start their own new venture in the famous tourist town.

“We had a passion to bring good food to the area, to be proud of it,” says Jo, who had previously worked in both silver service and on cruise ships.

It was a very different dining scene back twenty years ago, with main dishes of calamari, pizza and pasta.

“We started with half a dozen beers, the cocktails of the day being Brandy Alexander, Pina Colada and Fluffy Duck,” Jo tells us, laughing.

Jo and Greg’s three children (Jake, Liah and Casey), who all work in the restaurant today, grew up in the famous beachside café. Beginning with a step-down bar and coffee machine, plastic table and chairs, booths and kids’ games, it was a far cry from today’s sophisticated venue, and a very different Surfers Paradise dining scene now compared to when the Shorts’ restaurant first opened.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in our two decades in Surfers,” says Jo, adding that today’s diners place a far stronger emphasis on quality fresh food, on-point cocktails, craft beer, organic wine and stand out coffee. Economic viability and waste factors also played a part in the decision to update the restaurant.

With that in mind, Sandbar was relaunched in late 2016 as a more contemporary venue catering for up to 300 people, with on-trend food and service topped off with a great view.

With new menus crafted by Executive Chef Maxie Hill, a protégé of celebrity chef Rick Stein, there’s an emphasis on health-focused inclusive modern menus: brekkie bowls, favourites of smashed avo, pulled pork benes, local steaks and gourmet burgers, maintaining a beachside feel with grilled salmon, poke bowls (Sandbar was the first to introduce these on the coast), trawler-caught seafood and the all-time favourite, fish and chips.

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Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is calling for artists for the 2019 event.

51 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise On our visit we feasted upon the restaurant’s most popular burger, the Royale with Cheese ($17), Jo’s Proper Fish and Chips ($25), a giant slab of snapper served with rustic chips, house-made tartare and mushy peas, the Kauai poke bowl ($16), absolutely brimming with fresh tuna, and our personal favourite the King Prawns ($29), an unexpected combination of grilled prawns with sweet chilli garlic sauce, rice, corn fritters and guacamole that had our tastebuds singing.

The portion sizes impressed, particularly when taking into account the location and prices, and we highly recommend one (or three!) of Sandbar’s Infamous Coconut Margaritas to round off your meal.

When asked what it takes to survive twenty years of change in the industry, Jo explains the necessary qualities: resilience, patience, being adaptable to change, being hard working, having the knowledge and doing the research and reading necessary to meet the market and cater for everyone.

“It takes a very special person to be in hospitality,” she says.

She’s rightly proud of the family’s two decades of service to guests in Surfers Paradise.

“Our family and our team (who have a combined work experience of more than 500 years between them), have added a significant contribution to the city in both economic and tourism terms and, as locals, we’re very proud of that achievement.”

“We established Sandbar with the tagline ‘Good times. All the time’, and our plan is to keep on providing a place for simple daily enjoyment; to make memories and create good times for another 20 years to come.”

Sandbar has 50% of their food menu on Friday nights. No tricks, no ifs, no buts. Just 50% off every food item on the menu. What are you waiting for?

Marj Osborne and Natalie O’Driscoll

SWELL Sculpture Festival has officially invited all emerging, mid-career and professional sculptors and creative minds to apply to be a part of something extraordinary on Currumbin Beach from 13 - 22 Sept 2019.

Artist submissions can comprise of completed works, works in progress or concepts, and the successful entries will find themselves a part of one of the largest and most exciting outdoor events on the Gold Coast calendar.

SWELL Sculpture Festival has been running for 16 years and has grown into a beloved celebration of all things innovative, gobsmacking, heart-wrenching and downright strange, offering national media coverage and a major award of $15,000, with a further $11,500 on offer for the smaller awards.

The major SWELL Sculpture Award is the most coveted prize of Queensland’s largest outdoor exhibition which sees artists exhibit their awe-inspiring works along a onekilometer stretch of Currumbin Beach each Spring, creating dazzling silhouettes against the skyline.

Previous memorable entries have included a giant barbed wire teddy bear, a tower made from pool noodles, a giant crab, gargantuan deck chairs, a urinating dog and a bus stop, so if one thing is for certain, it's that the entries are limited only by the artists' imaginations.

The dazzling barefoot gallery is a family-friendly event that includes talks, workshops, masterclasses, meet-andgreets, twilight walks, school programs and of course, ice-cream! SWELL Sculpture Festival is Queensland's largest outdoor exhibition that showcases up to 50 sculptures by local, national and international artists, and is an excellent platform to promote your work. SWELL connects people, art and place.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Entries close 31 January 2019, so jump over to the website to get submitting for the 2019 event, held from 13 to 22 September 2019 on Currumbin Beach. SWELL Sculpture will provide installation support and an artist subsidy of $500 per artwork.

Image above: Major prize winner 2018 'Prickles the Unhuggable Bear' by Dion Parker and Andrew Cullen. (C) Rowly Emmett.

SNEAK PEEK AT HOTA 2019

FROM JACOBS WELL TO TAMWORTH Brooke Lambert’s country journey Brooke Lambert grew up in the small town of Jacobs Well surrounded by music throughout her childhood. It’s no wonder she found her place in storytelling and in the Country/Pop genre.

Brooke’s debut EP ‘Right Now’ charted at #4 on the iTunes Country charts following singles ‘I’ll Wait For You’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’ which both play on CMC and enjoy airplay across KIX Country, 98.9, Hot Tomato, Juice and The Wolf Australia. Brooke is currently working on her second studio EP with producer Jared Adlam from Machine Lab Studios on the Gold Coast and a busy performance schedule will see her at the next Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2019. We thought it was time to get the low-down on this rising country star.

HOTA, Home of the Arts released an official sneak peek of their 2019 program, and we’re pretty excited.

As always, the annual program will offer locals and visitors alike the chance to see a diverse range of events and experiences, including modern classics, iconic family favourites and standout performances.

Kicking off from 5 January with ‘Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be – The Story of Bon Scott’, this narrative concert and quintessential rock’n’roll story stars Nick Barker who sings the story of the AC/DC singer in conjunction with the ‘Let there be rock!’ exhibition and program of events.

Standouts in the 2019 program include the sold-out Nick Cave concert, a phenomenal urban circus performance from 360 Allstars, and Opera Queensland’s ‘Verdi’s Requiem’ under the stars, a special collaboration with Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival.

‘Dangerous Liaisons’, Queensland Ballet’s dramatic and vivid new work based off a classic tale, and Opera Queensland’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ join Bell Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ in the line-up of classics.

For family fun there’s the theatrical telling of renowned children’s books Possum Magic and The Gruffalo. The famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus are back with JUNK and The Young King and Hitler’s Daughter offer thought-provoking theatre for kids.

Music lovers will enjoy The Sapphires, Vince Jones and the psychedelic fun of Lady Beatle. To top it all off ‘Wicked the musical’ is flying into HOTA in June and July.

HOTA’s sneak peek into the diverse program planned for 2019 is just the beginning, with more to be unveiled over the coming months.

And not to be missed is the program of events in January around the ‘Let there be rock!’ exhibition. From Up Late at the Gallery where you can get up close and personal with musicians, writers and industry insiders, to the rowdy fun of Pub Choir and a unique kids show by Brisbane’s quirky crew Regurgitator.

Natalie O’Driscoll

For more information on HOTA, Home of the Arts or their 2019 program go to hota.com.au.

Most people wouldn’t associate the Gold Coast with country music. What was it like growing up on the Gold Coast and being so passionate about country?

Honestly, it wasn’t very easy, especially throughout my schooling years. I got teased a lot for it and the people I went to school with couldn’t understand why I wasn’t into what everyone else was into. I ended up becoming so passionate about country music, the storytelling in particular, that I spent a lot of time alone, writing, practicing and thankfully, never giving up.

2019. I’m hoping to show people a completely different side to Brooke Lambert as my new music has a completely different feel to the music I’ve released in the past.

What’s on the cards for Brooke Lambert for 2019 and beyond?

One word comes to mind. TOUR. I’ll be releasing my second single off the new EP in February 2019, the EP itself in March 2019 and following that, I am planning to tour the country as much as possible. I’ve received so much support from people over the years and I just can’t wait for what’s ahead!

Samantha Morris

You can catch Brooke here on the Gold Coast Saturday 22 December at Rivea Italian Dining in Broadbeach before she hits Tamworth big time. Brooke has 14 shows in Tamworth over twelve days. No mean feat. Visit blankgc.com.au for all of Brooke’s Tamworth dates.

I understand your new video ‘I Don’t Wanna Hate You’ was shot around the Gold Coast?

Yes! The beach scenes in the video were all shot at The Spit.

I really wanted people to see how beautiful the Gold Coast is and it meant a lot to me to include a stunning view of my home in the video. The house scenes in the video were shot at the director’s house, also on the Gold Coast. I wanted to shoot the majority of the video in a home as that’s where all of my memories are with the person I wrote the song about.

Something I couldn’t get past when the relationship fell apart was that he was never going to be in my house again. The music video, much like my songs, is very honest and a true reflection of how everything went down over that year. I’m very proud of what we put together.

Your new song hit #35 on the itunes country charts. That’s a wonderful achievement. That must help with feeling validation for the choices you’ve made to get you where you are now.

This was honestly the best thing to wake up to. I had a pretty hard year last year and took some time off to look after myself. I was so afraid that leaving almost 2 years between releases would be detrimental to my career so to wake up and see that not only did I crack the Australian iTunes charts but that my song had come in at #35 was incredible. So much time, money, gigs and late nights went into making this new record and to have the first single pay off like this definitely makes me feel like everything I’ve done up to this point was completely worth it!

You’re headed down to Tamworth in January, along with the rest of the nation’s country music stars. What’s it like being in Tamworth at that time? What are you hoping to achieve?

I absolutely love the Tamworth Country Music Festival!

It’s such a buzz being surrounded by country music fans from all over Australia and also other musicians. We are one big family and it’s one of the few times a year that everyone is in the same place at the same time. I’m really looking forward to showcasing my new EP which is set for release in March www.blankgc.com.au

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OUR ALTERNATIVE XMAS SHOPPING LIST FOR 2019

SOUTH BRISBANE CULTURAL PRECINCT With holiday traffic more often than not heading in the other direction, we decided it was high time to drive south to north up the M1, take a day and night trip to Brisbane – South Brisbane specifically – and enjoy everything the cultural precinct of Queensland’s capital city has to offer.

First off was our painless check-in at the new luxury property Novotel Brisbane South Bank, a modern and elegant structure with a cool, welcoming interior, high ceilings and top notch service. We left our bags at reception, parked underneath and grabbed a map of the local sights. We didn’t end up needing it as it turned out, with a few quick left and rights taking us straight to our first stop at the Queensland Museum.

After wandering through the ANZAC displays and marvelling at the Lost Creatures exhibit (dinosaurs of Australia – fascinating), we strode by the rushing fountains, twinkling river and random modern sculptures of South Brisbane towards Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), only to accidentally stumble into the lobby of Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) instead. As we arrived during the 9th Annual Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary art (APT9), all galleries had free entry, so we decided to check it out.

Fortuitous timing, indeed!

GOMA gets a great deal of attention, but we were floored by the quality of art on display at QAG and would most definitely return.

The gallery showcases some of Australia’s finest Indigenous pieces as well as a range of delightful contemporary works, lovingly curated. Due to APT9, there were many fine examples of Asian art on display as well. The APT9 runs until 28 April 2019, and is well worth the visit.

Finally we made it to GOMA, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring every nook of the sprawling building. Of particular note was the stunning moving wallpaper video work by New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana, entitled ‘in Pursuit of Venue [infected]’. It alone would have made the trip worthwhile, and you need to see it.

After our epic day we strolled back to the Novotel and enjoyed a couple of hours lying in air conditioning on the single most comfortable hotel bed I’ve ever lain in. We struggled to get up for dinner, but ended up being extremely glad that we did, as the hotel’s restaurant Spice Central Kitchen and Bar was definitely worth the effort (if you can call catching an elevator downstairs an effort). Our mussels, calamari, steak and chicken were cooked to absolute perfection; seasoned beautifully, tender and fresh, well portioned and with colourful spring twists that delighted the eye. My frozen nougat with candied orange was very nice, but the dark chocolate crème brulee definitely won the dessert round. We thought we probably wouldn’t eat again for two days, but there we were again at the breakfast buffet, plates in hand, stuffing our faces with bacon, sausages, eggs, cheese and crackers, granola, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Hey, it was a holiday!

Natalie O'Driscoll

Check out the Accor Hotels website for bookings at Novotel Brisbane South Bank, and be sure to hit up Brisbane’s cultural precinct before the APT9 ends on 28 April 2019.

Disclaimer: Blank GC were guests of Novotel Brisbane South Bank

If you’re anything like us, you still haven’t finished (or started) your Xmas shopping. Now here at Blank, we feel that generosity of spirit rather than the wallet - is what Christmas is supposed to be about. So in the interest of promoting a fabulous, pocket-friendly and socially conscious festive season for everyone, here are four unique alternative Gold Coast Christmas shopping options that support our community, the environment, or people who aren't quite so fortunate as ourselves.

1. Help Oxfam help others

3. DIY garden goodies

Most of us don’t need more “stuff ”. You can buy a goat, chicken, pig or duck or even clean water or seeds for a family in difficult circumstances by donating money through the Oxfam website. You receive a physical or emailed card which you can then gift to a family member or friend at Christmas to let them know they are helping people out of poverty.

Watch Millie Ross on Gardening Australia to get ideas about recycling your tip shop finds into useable garden gifts. She's the one who makes no-dig garden beds from tip waste, tool racks from discarded pallets, and plantable seedling pots from newspapers.

The Gold Coast has two tip shops at Reedy Creek and Southport. Gardening Australia is on Friday nights but if you're out attending office Christmas parties you can watch it on iview or the repeat is on Sunday. You can find lots of ideas for growing your own gardening presents here.

2. Get ethical with Outland While you're online, we have to mention THAT Mt Tamborine business that supplied THOSE jeans to Meghan Markle when she and Prince Harry were in Australia.

Outland Denim is a social enterprise that provides fair wage work for young women in Cambodia who have been rescued from sex and human trafficking. Built around ethical manufacturing in Cambodia, the brand employs around 45 seamstresses and provides them with a safe working environment, ongoing training and career opportunities. You can buy gift cards here.

4. To market, to market You can barely walk for fifteen minutes on the Gold Coast without stumbling across a market, day OR night. Clothing by local designers, bespoke jewellery, hemp products, local jams and preserves, all manner of greenery, unique homewares and vintage pieces can all be found, from north to south, at one of the City’s many markets and car boot sales. Markets are a great opportunity to support local businesses, shop for environmentally-friendly items (with your nanna trolley of course – no bags here!) and get all your gift shopping done and dusted in the one spot. So get googling and find your local.

Pip Andreas and Natalie O’Driscoll

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NO FRIEND BUT THE MOUNTAINS BEHROUZ BOOCHANI Behrouz Boochani grew up in Iran, where he worked as a journalist and wrote of protecting the Kurdish culture, when his magazine’s offices were stormed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Boochani escaped to Indonesia, where he battled starvation and homelessness. He flung his hopes on two precarious boat trips to Australia in an effort to seek political asylum. The book opens with his second attempt.

“One imagines one’s own death differently to the death of others. I can’t imagine it. Could it be that these trucks travelling in convoy, rushing towards the ocean, are couriers of death?

No / Surely not while they carry children / How is it possible? / How could we drown in the ocean? / I am convinced that my own death will be different / It will take place in a more tranquil setting.

What follows are the horrors that only those who have fled death, only to endure worse human atrocities, can know.

Boochani and the other asylum-seekers nearly drown, but they are rescued by a British tanker. Their troubles worsen: days earlier, the Australian government chose to send all ‘boat people’ to Manus and Nauru to make an example of them: come to Australia, and you will be detained indefinitely, despite it being legal to seek asylum.

This book is horrifically stunning. You can see, smell, and taste every experience. Boochani is a sensitive narrator, a harsh selfcritic, and an astute observer of humanity and the psychology of trauma, torture, and despair.

The mind boggles as to how this book was written, let alone that we can hold it in our hands. Encouraged by Janet Galbraith, Boochani’s Farsi was smuggled out in snatches by phone and painstakingly translated by esteemed lecturer Omid Tofighian.

Five years on, the Nauru and Manus detainees remain, having witnessed violence, torture, sexual assault, self-harm, and suicide, with no hope of a future and nowhere to run.

In his foreword, Australian writer Richard Flanagan echoes Boochani: off-shore or not; Australia, this is what we have become.

Nae Kurth

www.blankgc.com.au

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Curious Creatives Children’s Holiday Workshop

Love ART? WIN $1000 worth!

Our fave online gallery Art Lovers Australia is giving you a chance to WIN $1000 worth of Art to kickstart or add to your collection.

As part of the The Art Lovers Prizes which includes a People’s Choice, voters go in the draw to win the Voting Prize, a $1000 voucher for the online shop. All you have to do to enter, is become and Art Lovers subscriber and then vote for your favourite pieces in the People’s Choice Award. You can vote for more than one piece - in fact the more the better. Winners announced 2 February 2019. Visit artloversaustralia.com. au to get started.

Southport Yacht Club host the 2017 Gold Coast Marine Family Festival Southport Yacht Club are hosting the third annual Gold Coast Marine Family Festival and Open Day on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 January 2019. From 9.00am to 5.00pm, the Club will be open to members, guests and visitors, it is going to be an action-packed day full of everything marine related, plus exhibitions, marine demonstrations, face painting, entertainment and much more.

There will be plenty of on-water things to see and do as well, with a regatta commencing on the Sunday. The Marina will be open for visitors to view magnificent racing yachts as they prepare to set sail for four days of action-packed racing on the Gold Coast shoreline. Visit southportyachtclub.com.au for more.

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Curious Creatives is a specialised artist-led school holiday program designed for active bodies and enquiring minds. Designed and facilitated by local artist Alicia Jones, curious creatives explore our unique Gold Coast history through contemporary art practice.

Set within the lush, hidden gardens of the Gold Coast Historical Society Museum, creativity comes alive through performance, paints and pastels, film/video and enhanced storytelling. The volunteers of the Gold Coast Historical Society Museum will be on hand to provide specialist knowledge about the collection, including the working settler's hut and the amazing, ancient littoral rainforest. Workshops are limited to 10 young artists per day. Bookings are essential.

The workshops run 17-21 December, 7-11 January, and 14-18 January. Book via Alicia Jones on 0405 288 981 or cre8veunltd@ gmail.com.

Get Active and Healthy these summer holidays

It’s a hot Havana Night at Skypoint this NYE

Dust off the running shoes, roll out the hula hoop, grab your basketball or skateboard and get excited by the school holidays. The Active & Healthy summer holiday program is happening across the city and provides a huge variety of sport, movement and lifestyle activities in our parks, pools and community centres. Division 9 is hosting a range of activities across Mudgeeraba including Parkrun, water wars, interactive sports, Oztag, touch footy, circus arts, and more!

Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/schoolholidays to see what’s happening near you from 15 December to 28 January.

Transport yourself to Havana for your New Year celebrations this year at Skypoint - the hottest fiesta in town with the best views of the Gold Coast fireworks. Enjoy 3 hours of canapes, including a cheese and antipasto station, a 4.5-hour beverage package, including beer, wine, champagne, and soft drink and cha-cha the night away with DJ Andrea Tenille, a Cuban band, salsa dancers, stilt walkers and fire performers to keep you entertained throughout the night. $199 per person, and limited tickets are available. Visit skypoint.com.au to grab yours.

Life Apparel Co celebrates Indigenous artists with new range Life Apparel Co has released their most anticipated new series of summer collections yet, in collaboration with some of Australia’s finest Indigenous artists. Life Apparel Co commissions artists to create artworks which tells a personal story. Working closely alongside the artists, they then create collections using the paintings or drawings as a print across various clothing and apparel products. After several years working successfully with artists from urban areas to remote towns, Life Apparel Co was recently approved by the Indigenous Art Code - the first apparel brand in Australia to be recognised under their constitution, designed to preserve and promote ethical trading in Indigenous art. Though based in Currumbin, Life Apparel Co is purely an e-commerce business - selling all garments online. The new range can be shopped at: lifeapparel.co.

The Art of Fish comes to One Arts Artist Andrew Lansley has a passion for the ocean and everything in it; a passion he translates to the canvas in his unique and expressive works, The Art of Fish. You can experience the vibrant energy and bright iridescent colours of Andrew’s show at One Arts gallery in Surfers Paradise from 2 to 29 January 2019.

Official opening day will be 12 January.

Bluetooth and 1 line input Line record output with gold plated sockets Ortofon OM5e cartridge, pre-mounted IR remote control included Available in high-gloss black or white

www.blankgc.com.au

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LIMBO UNHINGED ANNOUNCED FOR BLEACH* 2019 It’s ba-ack! The iconic Spiegeltent gets its very own program in Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival’s program for 2019.

Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival 2019 has recently announced its headline act for the Spiegeltent season, and excitingly, it's Helpmann Award-nominated circus-cabaret sensation, LIMBO Unhinged. Audiences are invited to delve into an exploration of crazed and hypnotic proportions with this show from the creators of sassy sensation Blanc de Blanc.

The international cast features Coney Island's sword swallower and vintage beauty, Heather Holliday (USA), gravity-defying Chinese Pole and beatboxing master Mikael Bres (FRA), hand balancing extraordinaire Antonio Montiel (SPA), dancing sensation Hilton Denis (AUS), aerial sensation Marco Motta (BRA), hand to hand experts, Charlotte O'Sullivan (CAN) and Nicolas Jelmoni (MCO), alongside the acrobatic expertise of Rémi Martin Lenz (GER).

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Prolific Sydney musician Mick Stuart (AUS) will lead the live ensemble, performing haunting ethereal melodies, irreverent electro-acoustic noise and playfully sexy beats, composed exclusively by New York's Jank maestro Sxip Shirey (USA).

Expect all the sexiness, sizzle and edge-of-your-seat spectacle of Strut & Fret Spiegeltent shows. LIMBO Unhinged is a show you will not want to miss.

Natalie O’Driscoll

Come for the party when the Spiegeltent returns to Broadbeach 17 April to 12 May 2019. Tickets are on sale now at spiegeltentgoldcoast.com.

FROM LEARNING NOTES TO PERFORMING ON STAGE The only Gold Coast based Bachelor Degree in Music CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Sound Production CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry - Performance 306JA.2 Bachelor of Contemporary Music Practice

Learn more about our course offerings at our SOUTHPORT OPEN DAY 15 JANUARY 2019 | 12 NOON - 6PM REGISTER tafeqld/events

SEE WHERE TAFE CAN TAKE YOU TAFE QLD RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E | TEQSA PRV13003

THE CREATORS OF BLANC DE BLANC, STRUT & FRET PRESENT

“DON’T MISS THIS EXOTIC, MESMERISING EXPERIENCE” THE ADVERTISER

LIMBO UNHINGED TICKETS ON SALE NOW

17 APR - 12 MAY

FULL SPIEGELTENT PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 2019 GOLD COAST BULLETIN CENTENARY PARK SPIEGELTENTGOLDCOAST.COM

THE BEAUTY OF ROPE, BUOY Get ready to fall hook, line and sinker for the beautifully handwoven mats and baskets of Rope Buoy.

The new ethical lifestyle brand create homewares out of recycled crayfishing rope. Bold, functional designs meet retro beach vibes, made right here on the Gold Coast. Currumbin local Neddy Van Dyck sits at the helm.

“I was always interested in rope” he tells us.

“When I was really young, my parents bought me books on how to tie knots.”

Neddy’s been weaving with rope for around four years now. He combines traditional rope work, cultivated by fisherman and sailors for centuries, with weaving techniques and his own distinctive style.

“Since launching, I’ve woven hundreds of items and the business is continuing to grow. It’s very exciting.”

Polyethylene fishing rope spends a short season hauling up heavy cray pots from the ocean.

It’s then swapped out for fresh and reliable replacements.

“The rope’s tough. It’ll outlive me, so I thought it best to recycle it and put it to good use” he says.

Neddy sources the rope from Western Australia, either buying it or salvaging it from the coastline where it is a threat to marine life.

So far this clever buoy has turned thousands of kilograms of plastic rope into useful household items.

Not only is Neddy a trained marine scientist and fisherman, but he has environmentalism in his blood. His father and grandmother both had careers as conservationists. So it’s no

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surprise that he’s woven sustainabil-ity into his business model.

“Our product is made from 100% recycled materials…our packaging is eco-friendly,” he explains.

“The carrier we chose already has carbon neutral postage set up. We are continuously working towards re-ducing our footprint.”

Neddy recently became a dad and believes that has furthered his commitment to a low impact lifestyle.

“Becoming parents has made both my wife and me think a lot harder about the footprint we are leaving.”

Rope Buoy is excited to be part of a growing movement towards conscious consumerism.

Neddy believes there’s a sea change on the horizon.

“I think we are about to see a huge shift in business going green out of consumer demand.”

If you have a penchant for socially and environmentally responsible brands then visit Rope Buoy’s online store at ropebuoy.com.au and view their range of all Australian made, 100% recycled and handmade prod-ucts.

Amy Gould

PLEASURE YOUR SHELF: BOOKS, BEATS AND BANTER The Pleasure Your Shelf podcast and written Q+A features regular interviews with a range of local musicians and authors about their reading habits, and any other juicy tidbits that take our fancy. This month we asked Si, from innovative drum ‘n’ didj dance band Wild Marmalade, what books we’d find on his shelf…

Do you want to start by telling us a little about yourself and Wild Marmalade?

So our show is all about books, are you reading anything at the moment?

oh my god, fantasy is reality and absolutely extraordinary things are possible.

Sure, so when I was about 21, I quit everything and for some reason, decided to dedicate my life to learning and playing the didgeridoo, which went down with varying levels with my parents and friends! However, for me, there was no turning back and I guess I’ve been following this intuition ever since.

After a few years of playing solo, I met the two Matts, also in the band, who could drum way better than I could and we went on to officially form Wild Marmalade in 2001.

I am re-reading what is possibly the most influential book I have ever read called ‘The Holotropic Mind: The Three Levels of Human Consciousness and How They Shape Our Lives’ by Stanislav Grof. He was one of the first psychologists to conduct experiments with LSD, and documented the experience of every one of his subjects for over two decades. He documented and categorised all those years of research and showed how someone’s past life experiences are pressed into them throughout the birth process and are then extrapolated out into their lives. When it eventually became illegal to use LSD, he went on to develop his own breathing technique called Holotropic breath work. It truly is a fascinating book.

A world without books and music would be…

How would you describe your relationship with music?

There is, without a doubt, an alchemical relationship and fusion between the didgeridoo and the drums...traditionally in Australia, the didgeridoo was performed with clapsticks and singing, so I guess my relationship to the music of Wild Marmalade could be described as a modern-day fusion of both old and new. The past and the present.

Have any books inspired your music?

I’d say that a book that continues to inspire me is ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda. Before this, I was more of a fantasy genre kind of guy, but after reading this incredible story, I was like,

A very quiet and unimaginative place... the right book at the right time can peel back the illusion and let a deeper level of reality stand forward- that is what I love about reading.

Prue Clark

For the full interview, tune into Pleasure Your Shelf, a podcast hosted by Byron Bay book babes Katie B and Prue C. You can listen to episodes on Soundcloud (pleasureyourshelf) follow them via Instagram, Facebook and email them at pleasureyourshelf@gmail.com.

So until next time, when you think about books be sure to go home and PLEASURE YOUR SHELF.

There’s enough to think about at Christmas, keep it simple with our Green Coast Lager.

CLEAN & CRISP, NATURALLY REFRESHING.

BORN & RAISED IN BYRON BAY BREWED AND BOTTLED IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS

stoneandwood.com.au

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NEW YEARS EVE

Lakeview

A Welcome

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TIM MINCHIN

SEED is now on Spotify!

Follow @seedgriffith to discover new music by students and graduates from the Popular Music program at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Visit seedgriffith.com to find out more.

F R I 3 & SAT 4 MAY

T H E STAR G O L D COAST

OLD SONGS, NEW SONGS, YOU SONGS F

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livenation.com.au

2019ESFESTIFFID BLU HE TR AT T

SUMMER SERIES

HABITAT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CREATE A WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY AUSTRALIAN GARDEN

WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL THE TRIFFID

27th DECEMBER

The Screaming Jets 28th DECEMBER

Drapht NYE

‘Habitat’ is a practical guide for those who want to encourage wildlife into their garden: insects, reptiles, frogs, birds and other animals. Written by AB Bishop, a horticulturalist, landscape designer and writer, the beautiful book shows readers how to design, plant and maintain fauna-friendly landscapes with a focus on how all aspects of the backyard ecosystem are interlinked to create an authentic and effective habitat.

‘Habitat: a practical guide to creating a wildlife friendly Australian gardens’ is indeed a practical guide. It will appeal to anybody hoping to turn their backyard into a haven for wildlife – whether urban or rural, and it’s beautifully presented with a heap of stunning images capturing wildlife in gardens as well as landscapes that are under threat as a result of inappropriate land management.

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about nest boxes, compost tea, frog ponds, insect hotels, megabats and microbats, then you’ll love poring over this wonderful book, which is just as handy for people with big backyards as it is for passionate gardeners in apartments.

Samantha Morris ‘Habitat: A practical guide to creating a wildlife-friendly Australian garden’ is out now through Murdoch Books.

Daryl Braithwaite The Living End

As tracts of land continue to be cleared for urban development, it stands to reason that what people plant in their gardens is critically important for wildlife that is displaced from their homes.

What’s most useful is that the book does a thorough job of connecting the importance of biodiverse backyards with Australia’s disappearing biodiversity hotspots, really driving home the fact that the way we manage our landscape is critical to sustainability.

14TH DECEMBER

23RD DECEMBER

AB BISHOP

The book starts out with background to the rationale for habitat gardens and their role in protecting biodiversity before moving on to how backyards can function as an ecosystem, what sorts of plants to consider, how to lure pollinators, a plant directory for different parts of Australia, the critters you might encounter and what to do about undesirable visitors. As well as practical tips, the book also includes real-life case studies from people who’ve done the work.

Pierce BROTHERS

31st DECEMBER

The Jungle Giants 4th January

n e l l A ne o t S FID F I TR AY E H T RSDIL U H OW T TH APR LE N A S ON 18 ENTS PRES

to fo go.au re in d mouring.com u n .a a s m ket stto d.co for tic bluesfe thetriffi

The Beautiful Girls 5th January

Pete Murray 6th January

Tex Perkins 10th January

1927 & Pseudo Echo 16th January

All Tickets Available via Oztix 102 MARINE PARADE, KINGSCLIFF NSW 2487 (02) 6674 1406 | KINGSCLIFFBEACHHOTEL.COM.AU

SUNDAY 10TH MARCH BROADWATER PARKLANDS GOLD COAST

CHARLOTTE DE WITTE OLIVER HUNTEMANN . MOTEZ TOTAL GIOVANNI LIVE . LEFTFIELD DJ SET . MANUEL DE LA MARE TIM ENGELHARDT LIVE . SUPERNOVA . NOIZU . CC:DISCO! GAVIN RAYNA RUSSOM (LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) . ROB HES TORREN FOOT . BANOFFEE LIVE . JOLYON PETCH . ANTHONY PAPPA MADE IN PARIS . CASSETTE . IVEY LIVE . PEACH FUR LIVE . TAGLO MARK JAMES . PENELOPE TWO FIVES LIVE . AUDUN . RATTLESNAKE DJS MITCH GREY . JAMIE GRENENGER . BATCHELO . TIM FUCHS . GIV CTRL ALT DEL . CHRISTIAN KERR . RASCAL . LATOUR . TASHA LOSÀN MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

TICKETS ON SALE NOW OUTIX.CO/CIRCUSPARADISE OVER 18YRS ONLY ID MAY BE REQUIRED

C I RC U S PA RA D I S E . C O M INSTAGRAM @CIRCUSPARADISEFESTVAL

BALTIMORE GUN CLUB

ELECTRIK LEMONADE

MY DAYS

SING WITH ME

Carry-over ‘people’s choice’ champions at this year’s Gold Coast Music Awards, punchy Gold Coast three piece Baltimore Gun Club have been rapidly building their bona-fide rock-chops throughout 2018, blazing stages both here and abroad off the back of their alt-grunge template.

And going by the strength of their power-packed new single, ‘My Days’, the coming year is sure to win them a whole new swathe of swooning admirers.

A masterful amalgamation of loud/quiet dynamics bursting open into a memorably

anthemic rock chorus, ‘My Days’ lives by the punk rock creed of short, sharp and shocked, packing a fistful of crunch into it’s streamlined, 2:20 minute duration.

Gold Coast groove-collective Electrik Lemonade have just dropped a zing-tastic new jam just in time for the festive break, in the form of ‘Sing With Me’.

The single serves as a mighty fine introduction to their upcoming, self-titled second record, which is due out in early 2019, to be preceded by another new single soon. For aficionados of quality homegrown rock, Baltimore Gun Club is a name to keep a mighty keen eye on heading into the new year.

The sizzling octet have been laying down their hot-buttered funk/soul/hip hop shtick for more than eight years now, and ‘Sing With Me’ oozes confidence and authenticity of the highest order.

Anthony Gebhardt

The song pedals a real-deal disco-funk vibe across its four minute duration. About two thirds of the way through, a sizzling guitar solo

morphing into a funky keyboard jam sends things into orbit, before jetting off into the sunset.

Tailor made for cruising down the esplanade with the windows rolled down and the stereo way up loud, ‘Sing With Me’ is a funky, good time number that impressively adds to the band’s ever burgeoning legacy and is sure to be on high rotation at many a gathering over the long hot summer.

Anthony Gebhardt

Image by Lamp Photography

TREACHEROUS TRAJECTORY Hard hitting alternative rock four piece Treachery Cove, while still relatively new on the local music scene, are starting to build a burgeoning groundswell of momentum.

Earlier this year the band took out first place in a hot field at the Greenroom Battle Of The Bands. And on the strength of their latest single, ‘Mr Devil’, this upwards trajectory is bound to continue into the New Year and beyond.

Commencing with a souped-up surf guitar riff, ‘Mr Devil’ motors along off the back of a classic alt-grunge template, its impassioned vibes, powerhouse drumming and the confident and striking upfront vocal delivery of front man Dominic Laing serving as a head turning statement of intent.

The band also released a self-titled EP earlier this year, a power packed five track affair that perfectly encapsulates Treachery Cove’s impressive use of tension and dynamics and judicious incorporation of head turning sonic diversity, such as the opening piano instrumental ‘Intro’, and the growled vocal interjections in the track ‘A.I.E’. Meanwhile, songs such as ’Parasite’, S.O.S’ and ‘Sailor Man’ serve to highlight and bands core strength as carriers of the altgrunge flame, with lashings of hard rock pummel to seal the deal.

Recently we delved into the world of Treachery Cove, finding out where they’re from, what they dig and where they’re heading.

Treachery Cove are relatively new to the local live music scene. Can you tell us a bit about the history of the band?

Since the start of 2017 Treachery Cove have driven one long road, originally as a four piece, then undergoing a few lineup and instrument changes. When we started out the band was mainly in the ‘indie-rock’ category, but going through lineup changes, we are now powering on as a three piece, and consider ourselves as an alternative band. Our bassist, Monique, is the only founding member remaining, as both Dom and Steff came onboard in around June of last year.

Steff was originally on the guitar, but our previous drummer had other interests in life, so Steff moved to the drums, and Dom was asked to do vocals and guitar. Monique and Dom had both played in many bands before starting Treachery Cove, whereas Steff has been a solo performer for most of her musical life, playing the piano.

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Which venues can we typically find you gigging, and what kind of vibe can we expect from Treachery Cove in the live realm?

You’ll usually find us in bars and taverns up and down the Coast. We’ve played a lot of Brisbane shows in the last 12 months and we’re slowly gaining more interest on the Gold Coast. As for our sound, we’ve been described by peers as a hard-rock band, so our performances are physical, with a lot of head banging and jumping around, and lots of pounding drums!

Can you describe the biggest or most memorable show you've played so far, and what made it special?

The biggest show for us was in September of last year, when we played at the Pride Fair Day in Brisbane. That was easily our biggest audience yet, which blew our minds! Our most memorable show would definitely have to be the 2018 Greenroom Battle Of The Bands, which we worked really hard for and came away with first place!

Can you tell us a bit about the genesis of your new single, Mr Devil?

‘Mr Devil’ is about having a little too much to drink and playing a game with the devil (alcohol) to see how much you can drink before you drop!

If you could choose three bands from any era, to play alongside in your dream line-up, who would they be?

We have quite a diverse answer here! Steff really loves Rush, Monique loves Alice in Chains and Dom loves Shinedown.

What a show that would be!

Anthony Gebhardt

Catch Treachery Cove with We All Drive and Verum at Vinnies Dive Bar, 20 December.

BAGGERSONS BEHIND THE SCENES AT WOODFORD Working with a community group that has a five or ten year plan is pretty rare, but when you’ve worked for over a decade with an organisation proudly delivering on their FIVE HUNDRED year strategic plan, it really sets the tone on your own part in a legacy.

So says Gold Coast arts and culture heroine Kate Baggerson who, along with husband Kristian, have served since the early 2000s with the team from the Woodford Folk Festival, that iconic weeklong Sunshine Coast hinterland mecca that tens of thousands flock to every year between Boxing Day and the New Year.

Kristian and Kate have championed a variety of cultural projects on the Gold Coast for years now but both reflect affectionately on the role Woodford has played in shaping their broader work in the arts and culture sector.

“I’m first a Gold Coast girl,” says Kate, “but the values underpinning the Woodford experience, not just at the festival but throughout all Woodfordia does during the year, has been really important to how we try to implement our work locally from the Gold Coast.”

Kristian is Woodfordia’s Site Layout Logistics Manager, being responsible for the way significantly more than 100,000 people movements occur in and out and through the main event over the event week each year. He speaks fondly of the event’s impact on his own development as a creator of great art and deliverer of amazing events, since 2000 when by chance he followed some friends to be a part of the famous fire ceremony.

“There is a constant evolution occurring within Woodfordia. This evolution is a dynamic environment where striving to do things better is the approach of the whole team. It’s a place of creativity, inclusivity, respect and joy; a glimpse of how the world could be.

The Festival introduced me to the power that comes when the community embraces the arts. So much so, I’m dreaming up a large scale installation on the Gold Coast where thousands contribute to one giant work of art; the art of people making art!”

Kristian’s enthusiasm is palpable, perhaps matched by Kate’s admiration and connection to the sense of generational community that has been built at Woodfordia since the event started 33 years ago. She and Kristian got engaged and married there; they’ve attended funerals and weddings there, celebrated and grieved, watched friends raise children, now growing their own in little daughter Birdie Blue, and worked their hands to callouses.

Her experience commenced back in 2003, when as a graduate she was introduced to street theatre, quickly realising, she says, that curation and production were her real passion, volunteering in

BURGER JOINT Easy Riders Seizing The Day

Year 2 until today where until recently she was responsible for the oversight of major projects, including the opening, closing, and the New Years Eve ceremonies.

Chloe Goodyear, Woodford’s Head of Programming, beams praise over the two Gold Coasters as she considers their involvement; “Kristian’s the link between so many departments and he’s relentlessly practical and positive. Kate’s so fun to work with, endlessly creative and so smart, having handled our NYE programme in the Amphitheatre for more than seven years now.

Both have amazing work ethic and they’re really embedded into the Woodfordia community; quite indispensable. It’s so lucky for the Gold Coast that they've decided to base themselves there, when a myriad other places try to lay claim (including us!).”

As Kate reminisces of a time when she had “more time to play” at the event, she recalls her most poignant Festival moment. The Bluestown stage tucked away in the trees, back in 2003, The Waifs call up a young woman from the crowd to play the harmonica, to rousing electricity from a surprised audience. Kate remembers the excitement but acknowledges “the festival is FULL of surreal moments like this” where participation becomes the spectacle, as community and entertainment integrate. The Waifs return again this year, with big names like The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd, and emerging acts like The Big Ilch, Stella Donnelly and Alex the Astronaut. Gold Coast musicians Hussy Hicks and Burger Joint, along with the Bleach Festival conceived ‘Spirit of Churaki’, also perform. Kate closes our interview with a genuine invitation and encouragement.

“I get so super proud when I see so many Gold Coast artists on the programme,” she said. And not just on the bill, but dozens of volunteers and street performers… if Gold Coasters have never come, well… it’s just up the road. You just must join us this year!”

Glenn Tozer

Woodford Folk Festival runs 27 December – 1 January.

Since going down a storm at their debut Buskers By The Creek performance, two piece rock and groove merchants Burger Joint have been emphatically winning over a host of converts wherever their muse has transported them.

Channeling funk infused 70’s delights such as Shaft era Isaac Hayes and Dennis Coffey’s Scorpio with dirty, sizzling guitar licks and grooves in turns tight and loping, the two piece of T-Bone and G play like the imaginary soundtrack to a long lost 70’s cop show.

They also display a healthy dollop of playfulness, as evidenced in song titles such as the funk infused delight of ‘Chicken Parmagiana’ off their debut EP, produced by Benny D Williams, and the sultry, groove and grind of ‘Smoko Bounce’.

The latter track will be on their upcoming new EP, ‘Best Day Ever’, which the boys are bringing out shortly.

They’ve also been announced as one of the acts at the prestigious Woodford Folk Festival 2018/19, and they’ll also be doing their own headlining shows in support of the ‘Best Day Ever’ EP. And keep an eye out for the spectacular film clip of the EP’s title track, which will be released to coincide with their Woodford appearance. It was directed by Gold Coast Music Award winning Nils Nelson and features dogs in sidecars on motorbikes, ridden by the guys!

With all of this hullaballoo going down, we took the opportunity to chew the fat with T-Bone himself.

How did you two guys get together under the Burger Joint moniker?

It kind of just happened! We are both mates from Darwin and we both left town at the same time, although I went West Coast and ‘G’ went East. When ‘G’ moved to Currumbin he would send pictures of the beach constantly, telling me how good it was here. I eventually made my way around to check it out, just in time for the Buskers By The Creek Festival in 2016 - G phoned me saying he was going to apply and would I like to do a gig with him as a duo? We got together for a few days, wrote an hours’ worth of music, and had so many laughs jamming and writing the songs that we realised we were

onto something fun. On the day we ended up having such a strong response and when the crowd demanded an encore, we thought we should keep doing it.

You’re about to release your new EP, ‘Best Day Ever’. What can you tell us about its genesis and the range of sounds we can expect to hear on it?

‘Best Day Ever’ is a fun EP - Scotty French at Love Street Studios really came on board the Burger Joint train and we had some good laughs making it. It’s an extension of our first EP, which we recorded with the legendary Benny D Williams, and is a taste of the Burger Joint live experience - a mix of annoyingly catchy, danceable earworms, full of good times.

You’ve also been announced for this year’s Woodford Festival – you must be excited!

We can’t wait to play there! We are both such massive fans of this festival and the amazing atmosphere it consistently provides, it truly is one of the best festivals in the world. Last year we put on a gig for the volunteers to say thank you, and we’re really looking forward to having a big party with everyone this year.

Gotta ask – what’s your favourite burger joint on the Gold Coast!?

This is a very tough question! Lukas, in Palm Beach, is our absolute go-to for fish burgers, the guys there are legends and always have excellent music playing. And we also love the Iron and Resin Garage, in Currumbin. The crew are amazing and it has motorbikes, music, and burgers named after our favourite rides! Followed closely by Eddies Grub House, which also does amazing burgers and live music.

Anthony Gebhardt

You can catch Burger Join at the Brunswick Hotel, 15 December and at Woodford Folk Festival. www.blankgc.com.au

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GOLD COAST HAS A LIVE MUSIC ACTION PLAN At last month’s full Council meeting, the City of Gold Coast endorsed a Music Action Plan, which will guide investment, resourcing and regulation for music through to 2021.

The plan is the result of the work of a Regulatory Taskforce which examined the planning environment under which live music venues currently operate. In addition to incorporating those planning and regulatory aspects, the Music Action Plan also includes a range of actions to celebrate the Gold Coast’s vibrant and creative music scene as well as to empower local creatives to develop meaningful careers as residents of the City.

The plan sees designated parts of the Southport Priority Development Area identified as Special Entertainment Precincts. For those who aren’t aware, Southport was long ago identified as the city’s CBD meaning there’s been special incentives and investment for businesses to set up and stay in the village. It’s believed that this designation of Southport as a Special Entertainment Precinct will give live music venues the confidence to host more gigs while also allowing council to encourage a thriving live music scene in the city’s CBD, which has been earmarked for a 24hr economy.

“Bill posters are also going to be an important part of the live music culture, while we rely heavily on social media these days,” Arran said. “I feel there is something about bill posters that help support that culture.”

“At Last Night On Earth, we are putting up a bill poster wall on the outside to allow venues like Vinnies to post up coming gigs. It’s similar to picking up a Blank GC mag, there is texture and a smell of the newsprint that can not be forgotten,” Arran said.

The City already delivered a music-specific round of its Regional Arts Development Funding earlier this year, which saw eight artists awarded a share of $75,000 to record and release new music, target new markets, engage publicists, produce film clips, tour new music and work with acclaimed producers.

“I am so grateful to have this assistance from the Council,” she said. “It’s going to be a huge help with progressing my music, as being an independent artist can really be a strain financially.”

“We are hoping this will bring to the CBD a resurgence of small venues with live music similar to West End in Brisbane where you have the likes of The End and The Bearded Lady,” he told Blank Gold Coast.

“I’ve had all these plans for recording and releasing new music, touring etc. and having this grant takes a lot of the stress off of being able to achieve all that.”

Last Night On Earth has a capacity of 100 people and Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop has a capacity of 250 people and currently hosts live music 4 – 5 times a week.

Aquila Young, IVEY, Adolescent, Ella Fence, Benny D Williams and ELSKA also received financial support in that round. In addition, Gold Coast Music Awards (that’s us – the same team behind Blank GC) also received a triennial grant to support a its work for the next three years.

“With the Live Music Plan, we would then be able to play solo / duo music on the rooftop at an enjoyable level.”

Arran is excited about the gig posters situation as well.

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The outcome ‘everyone can experience great music‘ includes activity around co-hosting industry networking events, identifying city-owned Music Bills Zones (yes, we’ll have public spots to put up posters soon), activating industrial spaces for creative hubs and advocating for all-ages gigs at city venues.

2.

The outcome ‘Gold Coast artists and music businesses thrive‘ includes activity around mentoring programs and support for music businesses, skills development programs, partnering with music bodies, providing direct RADF grants to support new work and the establishment of a Music Business Improvement Grant for venues to undertake live music acoustic audits.

3.

The outcome ‘positive national and international perceptions‘ includes activity such as hosting inbound industry delegations to the city, partnering with the Gold Coast Music Awards and investing in showcases at events like BIGSOUND and building relationships with organisations such as Screen Queensland to leverage opportunities in the film industry for local music talent.

4.

And the final outcome ‘coordinated City commitment and delivery‘ focuses on resourcing a dedicated music unit as a single point of contact within the city as well as implementing a policy that embeds locally-produced music in all city-supported marketing campaigns as well as prioritising Gold Coast artists for engagement at City events.

San Mei, who received funds to work with producer Oscar Dawson on her latest single ‘Heaven’, and who recently performed to international delegates at BIGSOUND said she was “blown away” with the support.

Arran Woollams, who runs two Southport venues – Last Night On Earth and Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop is hopeful as to what the changes might bring.

“Last Night On Earth currently does not have live music,” Arran said, adding that was due to previous regulatory limitations. “Thus we pushed for an amplified busking position in front of the venue to get around the DB limit, as they were not on the licensed venue when playing.”

1.

All in all, we reckon it’s a damn exciting time to be working and playing in the music scene on the Gold Coast. And we’re thrilled that a regional city like the Gold Coast has a Music Plan at all, let alone something so progressive.

There are four key outcomes identified in the plan.

What’s even more exciting than actually having a Music Action Plan is that Council has put its money where its mouth is. From now until 2021, a total of $2.3 million will be invested in implementing the plan.

Samantha Morris

The only way to view the Gold Coast Music Action Plan right now is by finding the Council agenda documents for 1 November 2018. The discussion is at page 11 and the plan is on page 17. We’ve created a hotlink at bit.ly/GC-MAP01.

CAITI BAKER

CIRCUS PARADISE LANDS Born to sing ON THE GOLD COAST

Caiti Baker is as vulnerable as she is fierce. The blues, beats and neo-soul singer songwriter has struggled with chronic illness, familial estrangement, and mental health issues, only to come out on top of it all in 2017 with heartfelt and warmly received debut album ‘Zinc’, followed up by several new tracks that are garnering this Darwin musician plenty of industry buzz.

With a performance at Bluesfest just around the corner, we thought we’d chat to the refreshingly honest vocalist about life, music, and opening yourself up to the world.

Good news, Gold Coast. The Founding Director of Future Entertainment – the mob responsible for Future Music Festival and Summerfieldayze is now calling the Gold Coast home. And with that news comes something else. With the help of elsewhere and Brisbane’s Capulet, he’s bringing a new event to Surfers Paradise. With a twist.

Circus Paradise is a boutique arts and music festival, which will feature a carefully curated linup of live acts as well as DJs who represent a contemporary blend of modern electronica – both recorded and live – right in the middle of Gold Coast’s CBD. Mark James, the circus master himself explains.

When you have a debut release that’s been so well received, like ‘Zinc’, do you feel more pressure to deliver a follow up or is the pressure somewhat relieved from having already done something cool that people love?

I think the latter. I’m going to make music no matter what anyone thinks so I don’t let any outside pressure get to me. I just make the music that I want to make. This [album] I’m actually producing all the songs and I’m collaborating with James [Mangohig, ‘Zinc’ producer] again but I’m in the driving seat with all the directions with this particular sound…

I’m really excited about it because ‘Zinc’ established what I’ve come from, my heritage in music, my influences and this next lot of songs will reflect where I want to go.

Do you think that you need adversity in life, to really embody the blues?

I think yes. I kind of have this feeling that if I can’t hear the pain or the sex in someone’s voice it doesn’t really resonate with me. I stand here, a white privileged white girl on stolen land, so I don’t have the extreme adversities that a lot of people face in Australia but I definitely have experienced my own physical and mental health issues, even to this day. Generally I think for empathetic, creative, vulnerable people there’s always some type of adversity there. I think to sing the blues and soul you need to come from a place of hurt, pain and struggle.

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Your music is very personal. Have you ever struggled with making yourself open and vulnerable to listeners or is it pure catharsis?

Writing and creating music is kind of my cathartic and therapeutic release so what I’ve written about is personal and vulnerable but I kind of feel once it’s out and recorded I kind of relinquish the meaning to it, and it’s up for interpretation for whoever wants to interpret it.

That’s art I guess, it’s subjective. So the intention of my vulnerability is there and if people can relate or understand then that’s beautiful – I mean it’s that human connection we all desperately crave - but I can wedge boundaries in there for myself.

What do you love about Bluesfest?

I kind grew up at that festival. I think it’s just a really well run festival. I love the musicians, the artists that come to play, I love the familyfriendly aspect. I think I just love the energy and the vibe, it’s so unique, I can see why it wins awards!

Natalie O’Driscoll

Catch Caiti Baker when she hits the stage at Bluesfest between 18-22 April 2019. Tickets at bluesfest.com.au. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

“I personally have had a strong tie to the Gold Coast for many years, now permanently living here,” he said.

“I’m very excited to be staging events that will benefit the community as whole,” he said, adding that their focus is on creating a professional and safe environment for local and international artists to gather.

Overlooking the stunning Southport Broadwater, with seabreezes and expansive parklands, this one-day festival, with four purpose-built stages will feature all spectrums of quality electronic dance and live music.

The lineup includes the world’s fastest rising female DJ – Belgium’s Charlotte De Witte, playing alongside Oliver Huntemamm, Motez and Leftfield as well as local stars Torren Foot, Peach Fur, IVEY, Audun, and more yet to be announced.

Total Giovanni are also on the bill. Earning near notoriety from their visual and highly energetic live shows, this Melbourne five-piece create dance music that’s at once liberating and heartbreaking. With sets that move from smooth boogie to shamanic disco, their inclusion on the Circus Paradise lineup really sets the tone for what festival-goers can expect. Total Giovanni have built a reputation for whipping venues into wild bacchanalian frenzies and with a new album ‘Euphoria’ out just last month and a string of shows to support its release, these guys are primed for one hell of a set for Gold Coast fans.

Spike Punch said he’d completely underestimated how demanding the shows on their justfinished tour would be “mentally, physically and emotionally”, but that it was well worth it in the end.

“The response we got from each city was nuts… an electric feeling on stage, punters and band members alike,” he said.

He said that given half the songs performed were new to their live set, the tour went as well as they’d hoped.

“We haven’t had the ability to rehearse regularly this year, so collectively we were just relieved it all came out sounding the way we wanted,” he said.

So, the lads are in fine form for their Gold Coast set. And they’ve got the perfect garb to tie it all together for Gold Coasters.

“Our current stage outfits are matching bottle green boiler suits, so we’ll definitely bring a whole lotta sweat to the Goldy fans, probably as early as mid-opening song,” he said, of what to expect from their set.

“There won’t be a dry towelette in the place by the time we walk off-stage.”

As for what they’re walking into for 2019, there’s not a whole lot of certainty. Spike says of the year to come: “you know at this point I’m actually a little unsure, if I’m honest. However if you do find out, can you please email through the details? I’m keen to block out the calendar and start sending invites out.”

So, come one, come all. This magical journey of Circus Paradise with Total Giovanni and friends takes place Sunday 10 March from 12 noon until 10.00pm. and tickets are on sale now at outix.co/ circusparadise.

Samantha Morris

Circus Paradise Music Festival, Sunday 10 March, Broadwater Parklands. Get tickets at outix.co/circusparadise.

DECEMBER 14 FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS SPRINGBROOK COMMUNITY HALL, SPRINGBROOK 4.00pm – 7.30pm Old Man Luedecke + Lucy Wise festivalofsmallhalls.com to purchase tickets DECEMBER 18 BFELICITY LAWLESS, ADVANCETOWN HOTEL 2pm - FREE DECEMBER 22 ACTIVE & HEALTHY SKATEBOARDING WORKSHOP FIRTH PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA 9am – 10am - FREE Bookings required via text – Gold Coast Skateboard Coaching / 0407 910 240 JANUARY 26 AUSTRALIA DAY, WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY STREET, MUDGEERABA A fun filled Australia Day Weekend – live entertainment – program finalised in January F: Wallaby Hotel

2018 GOLD COAST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION For information on this year’s entrants check out the City of Gold Coast website goldcoast.qld.gov.au/ thegoldcoast/christmas-lightscompetition-2015-29313.html

MORSELS & MUDGEERABA, RAILWAY STREET DEC 14 - FELICITY LAWLESS & SCOTT FRENCH ($12 – bookings essential) DEC 21 - ANDREW HOBBLER DEC 22 - “GREER” www.morsels.net.au

ADVANCETOWN HOTEL JAN 6 - RUSTBUCKET JAN 13 - LECIA LOUISE & LITTLE BILLIE JAN 20 - HAYLEY GRACE & THE BAY COLLECTIVE

SUMMERTIME SESSIONS IN THE VILLAGE - SERIES 2 Commences February 2019 facebook.com/ SummertimeSessions/

CITY OF GOLD COAST ACTIVE & HEALTHY PROGRAM This Program is community based, offering residents a large variety of free and low cost sport, recreation and fitness activities, including: yoga, zumba, group fitness, tai chi, tai chi for arthritis, running sessions for adults and children, boxing, martial arts, aqua exercise, deep water running, adult learn to swim, line dancing, mum’s and bub’s fitness, kids after school fitness, 40’s active and 40’s rehab, seniors staying strong fitness.

For details of dates/times/ cost check out the City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy program goldcoast.qld.gov.au/ community/active-healthyprogram-27969.html

1 – 5pm - FREE

ADVANCETOWN HOTEL JAN 6 - RUSTBUCKET JAN 13 - LECIA LOUISE & LITTLE BILLIE JAN 20 - HAYLEY GRACE & THE BAY COLLECTIVE 1 – 5pm - FREE

ACTIVE AND HEALTHY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM Details at the following link goldcoast.qld.gov.au/ thegoldcoast/school-holidayactivities

Division 9 - Active & Healthy Summer Holiday Program 15 December 2018 to 28 January 2019 Laughter, fitness, fun – get out and active these holidays!

Dust off the running shoes, roll out the hula hoop, grab your basketball or skateboard and get excited by the school holidays. The Active & Healthy summer holiday program is happening across the city and provides a huge variety of sport, movement and lifestyle activities in our parks, pools and community centres.

So what are you waiting for? Pick an activity, rope in your friends, pack some water and healthy food and dive into summer. parkrun Mudgeeraba Join in on a weekly free 5km timed run or walk. It’s family- Darcy Doyle Park friendly and suitable for runners, walkers, prams and dogs. Somerset Drive Register prior, see website for details.

Every Sat

7am

Wed 19 Dec

9am-11am Water wars Make agility training more fun by adding wet sponges to cool you down as you work on your agility and balance.

Ages eight to 16.

Mon 7 Jan

Mudgeeraba 9am-11am Sportstacular fun It doesn’t matter if you’re the sporty type or not, we’ll create Firth Park a party in the park with music that will get you motivated.

Somerset Drive You are guaranteed to have fun with our interactive games - footy throw, basketball, hula hoops, scoop ball, totem tennis and lots more with our Sports Coach.

Free. No bookings required AE Events – Follow the Fun W: facebook.com/followthefungc/

Fri 11 Jan

Mudgeeraba 9am-11am Oztag and touch football skills and drills Learn the skills and drills before teaming up for a fun game Firth Park of Oztag and touch football. Fun for ages eight to 16.

Somerset Drive

Free. No bookings required Focus Fitness E: info@focusfitness.biz M: 0422 220 468

Tue 15 Jan

9am-11am Have a go circus Pack some morning tea, grab some friends and enjoy some free family fun. The kids will burn off some energy while learning circus skills, hula hooping, juggling, sticks, poi, diablo and more.

Mudgeeraba Firth Park Somerset Drive

Free. No bookings required Louise Moriarty – In Ta Action M: 0417 830 040

Fri 18 Jan

9am-11am Water wars Make agility training more fun by adding wet sponges to cool you down as you work on your agility and balance.

Ages eight to 16.

Mudgeeraba Firth Park Somerset Drive

Free. Bookings required Focus Fitness E: info@focusfitness.biz M: 0422 220 468

Wed 23 Jan

Mudgeeraba 9am-10am Athletics and games Improve your athletic skills with throwing, jumping, running, Firth Park athletics and games. Bring the whole family down to get Somerset Drive moving with the GMG crew.

Sat 26 Jan

10am-2pm Sparky’s pop-up playground Celebrate Australia Day with some good old-fashioned games and fun activities with Sparky Do Dah. Suitable for ages two to 12 and parents are welcome to join in too.

Bring the grandchildren along to discover what the Museum offers and find out what the coast was like in the early days. Gold Coast Potters, Spinner and Weavers and the Antique Auto Club will all be on show.

Mudgeeraba Firth Park Somerset Drive

Free. No bookings required Must register online W: parkrun.com.au Don’t forget your barcode Free. Bookings required Focus Fitness E: info@focusfitness.biz M: 0422 220 468

Free. No bookings required GMG Sports Training E: gmgfitness@gmail.com M: 0466 246 563

Mudgeeraba Free. No bookings required Gold Coast Hinterland Refreshments on sale.

Museum 238 Mudgeeraba Road Nigel Coates – Sparky Do Dah M: 0411 699 928 W: SparkyDoDah.com.au

For the full Active & Healthy holiday program visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/schoolholidays

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SOUTHPORT

OPEN DAY TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2019 12 NOON - 6PM

Talk to our teachers and industry experts Learn about barista courses and enjoy a coffee Check out our interactive trade displays Take part in a simulated health check Watch our first aid demonstrations Participate in our fitness rowing challenge Meet our furry friends from animal studies Learn about our latest cyber security courses Get a feel for all things creative and see a music demonstration Try a mocktail and decorate a cupcake Tour our nursing labs, hospitality hub, coffee academy, beauty and hair salons

REGISTER TODAY: tafeqld.edu.au/events to receive a welcome bag on arrival

1300 308 233 tafeqld.edu.au RTO NO. 0275 | CRICOS NO. 03020E | TEQSA PRV13003

Winner Best Comedy Adelaide Fringe 2018

Nominee Best Newcomer Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016

Nominee Best Comedy Show Perth Fringe 2016

Comedy Show “Gags that will leave you gasping.”

“Loved @nathvalvo tonight. A total natural.”

Graham Norton

★★★★★

Herald Sun

Comedy show Fri 01 Feb @soundlounge

Tickets $20 online $25 at the door Token Artists presents

Seated Show