Friday 14 April

Reece Mastin and Jonte at The Metropolitan

Friday, 7:30pm

Celebrating his 10-year anniversary X-Factor winner, Reece Mastin, is in Mackay, performing at The Metropolitan. Mackay local artist, Jonte, will be supporting Reece, with a 45-minute opening. Reece will hit the stage, performing all his best hits from 9pm, making this a night not to miss. Tickets $39.90. Doors open at 7:30pm.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Saturday 15 April

Sarina 4B Rodeo

Saturday, 3:00pm

The annual Sarina Rodeo is back for 2023 and has fun for the whole family, including Open Bull Ride, Open Saddle Bronc, Open Bareback, and Pee Wee Barrel Race. Gates open at 3pm.

Sarina Showgrounds

Learn2Run 5k

Saturday, 5:45am

Want to learn to run 5 kilometres in 13 weeks? This program will run through core running skills to avoid injury and let you enjoy running with a group. The first Saturday of the month will start at Mantra Mackay Carpark and every other Saturday will start from Laffos Caneland. Start time is strictly 5:45am every Saturday. Tuesday and Thursday are from City Fitness at 5:30am sharp.

Mantra Mackay Carpark

Elvis Presley Tribute Show

Saturday, 7:15pm

All Elvis Presley fans, heads up! Elvis will be performing at the Souths Leagues Club Mackay this Saturday, performing all his best hits. General admission $35, with doors opening from 7:15pm.

South Leagues Club Mackay

Tuesday 18 April

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 12:12pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities for toddlers and their parents. Activities include creative play, live musical entertainment and so much more.

Artspace Mackay

Imagine Kids Wellbeing Program

Tuesday, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Imagine Kids is a wellbeing program for children, aged 5 to 9, that builds confidence, healthy self-esteem, and emotional resilience in creative, fun, and engaging classes. The Term 2 program includes mindfulness, managing big emotions, and music and dress up. $180 per child per term, and with limited spaces, contact Kylee on krystallinekreations111@gmail.com.

The Neighbourhood Hub, South Mackay

Wednesday 19 April

Night Nav MapRun

Wednesday, 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Get involved with this evening running event. For all ages and fitness levels, meet at John Breen Park and walk, jog, or run through local parks and streets in the cool of the evening. BYO: MapRunn6 app, water bottle, footwear, and a torch or head lamp. $5 per person or $12 per family. To register, email 21degreessouth@gmail.com with your name, contact number and number of participates in your team.

John Breen Park, Mackay

Thursday 20 April

Gin Appreciation

Thursday, 6:30pm

If gin is your drink of choice this is one event you don't want to miss. The evening will feature 5 gin tastings with a 3-course menu designed by The Dispensary head chef, Alex.

The Dispensary Mackay

Cocktails and Karaoke

Every Thursday, 8:00pm to 11:45pm

Come on down for cocktails and karaoke, with the best amateur singers of Mackay showing their stuff. This night is always a hit with locals!

Empire Alternacade and Events Mackay

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Reece Mastin

Elvis

BMA Kidspace

Sarina Rodeo

Gin Appreciation

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Easter eggs could be found scattered around Lake Poco for Wake House Australia's annual Family Easter Egg Hunt.

Dozens of children walked away with sugar highs, sticky fingers and chocolate-covered mouths, with all money raised going directly to local charity All Abilities Inc - Summer House Mackay.

A beautiful day of wakeboarding ensued as the sun shined on a stunning Easter Sunday.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Marking a moment in history, the upcoming performance of the Misogyny Opus at the MECC later this month is a world premiere of an important pop orchestral piece, written and delivered by local musician Karen Jacobsen.

It was August 2021, when Karen was watching Ms Represnted on television and inspiration hit her “like a bolt from the blue”.

The show was hosted by Annabel Crabb and had been detailing the history of Australian women in politics.

When Julia Gillard’s famous Misogyny Speech was recounted, the words deeply impacted Karen, and she found herself racing to the computer.

“There was an urgency in what I was doing,” said Karen.

“I started to set the speech to music word for word – I put my hands to the keyboard and the music was all there.”

“Over 10 years has passed since the iconic speech by the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and as predicted by those attending parliament that day, history was made.

“Julia Gillard’s justifiable anger at the shocking misogyny she had experienced during her leadership, exploded into a speech which has survived the test of time.”

When she started writing the orchestral piece two years ago, Karen already knew that the project was bigger than her and had the potential to start conversations all over the world.

Engaging with famous and inspiring women right across Australia, Karen put faces to the passionate words within the music by filming a music video.

The result was an impressively powerful visual that heightened the important message she was driven to deliver.

“Casual sexism is a constant,” said Karen.

“Until every woman is safe in their own home, workplace and walking down the street, we do not have equality.”

Karen, who is also known as the voice of Siri, was born and raised in Mackay.

She moved to America to launch her music career and spent many years successfully performing in the New York music scene.

At the onset of COVID, Karen moved back to the region with her husband and their teenage son.

Since then, she has been dedicating herself to furthering the local cultural offering.

“To have the opportunity to do a world premiere of an original orchestral work is a big moment for the arts in Mackay and shows how much the local arts and culture seen has grown,” she said.

“The audience will experience the entire speech for an hour-long performance.”

The Premiere of the Misogyny Opus will take place at the MECC on the April 28 and 29.

The pop orchestral masterpiece is 55 minutes, split into 18 sections.

Karen’s stunning vocals will be accompanied by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in this ground-breaking performance that is expected to create conversations all over the world.

“Let’s get behind this momentous occasion,” said Karen.

“Share the message of the importance of equality, while experiencing an exceptional original musical work in concert.”

WHAT: The Misogyny Opus

WHERE: The MECC

WHEN: April 28-29

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Karen Jacobsen will perform her pop orchestral masterpiece at the MECC

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The sensational Mark Anthony is back by popular demand, bringing his enthralling Elvis experience to the MECC in May.

The internationally renowned performer, who has been regarded as the very best Elvis Presley Tribute artist in the world today, will transport you to that very time when Elvis Presley ruled the world and dominated the record charts.

With his unique raw energy, dynamic voice and sensational stage presence, Mr Anthony recreates the Elvis experience with unbelievable accuracy, taking audiences back to the 50s.

All the glamour, all the costumes, all the greatest hits, all on one big night to remember as “The Chosen One” Mr Anthony takes you on a journey with a full live band to prove why Elvis Presley was known as The White King Of Rock n Roll.

“Mark Anthony is one of today’s best Elvis Tribute artists,” said Joe Moscheo of The Imperials, the band who toured with Elvis from 1969 to 1972 and recorded two Gospel albums with him.

“It’s fun for me to watch Mark perform, because he reminds me, so much, of my old friend Elvis Presley – the Greatest Entertainer this world has ever known!

“Mark’s show pays tribute to Elvis for all the right reasons, and brings back memories of when we were there on stage with the Man Himself!

“Keep up the great work Mark… your friend in Nashville.”

WHAT: Elvis – One Night In Vegas

WHEN: Friday, March 5 from 7:30pm

WHERE: MECC

TICKETS: mecc.com.au

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Experience what it would have been like to see Elvis Presley live in concert. Photo supplied: Ben Maiorana Entertainment

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Music lovers across the region will be excited to discover that the first line-up for this year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music has been announced.

Now in its 11th year, the award-winning festival will take place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from November 9-12.

The four-day festival extravaganza will feature some new and exciting acts but will also include some of the crowd favourites who have been invited back to perform.

The first release for 2023 sees the announcement of Ian Moss, Frenzal Rhomb, The Superjesus and the Pierce Brothers.

Ian Moss is respected as one of Australia’s most iconic musicians, delivering an unforgettable sound, he is a talented soloist on guitar with a silken voice, ringing with clarity and resonating with pure soul.

Meanwhile, Frenzal Rhomb formed in the early nineties and has gone on to bless stages everywhere over countless world tours where they performed alongside the likes of NOFX and Nickleback.

Next up, are twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce who are returning to the festival for a second year.

The Pierce Brothers are a high-energy duo who have captivated festival goers and headlined sold-out venues the world over, including most recently a sold-out European and UK tour in 2022.

The Superjesus are also returning this year - one of Australia’s most respected rock outfits, this band won three ARIA Awards and released three platinum albums.

Frontwoman, Sarah Mcleod, will also be the festival ambassador for the second year in a row.

Completing the first line-up announcement for 2023 are festival favourite Matty Rogers, last year's Passport to Airlie winners Perry Street Park and Buskers by the Lake winner Tanya George.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: November 9-11

TICKETS: airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

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Ian Moss will be performing at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this year. Photo supplied

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One of Australia’s funniest comedians is coming to The Pub for a gut-busting session of incisive and derisive, cynical, and sardonic comedy at the beginning of next month.

Lawrence Mooney – renowned Aussie stand-up comic, radio broadcaster, and television host – will perform at The Airlie Beach Hotel in a once-in-a-lifetime show on Wednesday, May 3.

The seasoned stage performer has regularly toured the country to packed houses, been nominated for The Barry Award at The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and won Best Show at The Sydney Comedy Festival, as well as being named as Best National Act at the Perth Comedy Festival and Best Comedy Act at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Called the funniest comedian in Australia by New Idea, Mooney is a familiar voice to Queensland audiences, having taken Triple M Brisbane’s breakfast radio show to number one and winning an Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) for Best Entertainment Presenter in a metro market.

And he’s no stranger to television: Mooney is well known for hosting Dirty Laundry Live that ran for three seasons on ABC, as well as his work on ‘Agony Uncles,’ ‘Agony of Life’ and ‘Modern Manners.’

To have him bringing the laughs at the Airlie Beach Hotel – when his touring circuit usually sees him fill up major theatres – is an extraordinary boon for the Whitsundays.

He’s been a regular on ‘The Back Page,’ and as a hand-picked host for the new comedy-driven footy show, Up The Guts, on Fox Sports following on from Friday Night Footy.

The regularly touring humourist will be joined on the Sports Bar Stage by Andrew Barnett, the Fox-Sports-famous comedian and presenter on Sunday Night with Matty Johns and The Back Page.

Barnett, with his relaxed, affable style which belies a razor sharp wit, has a comedic ability brimming with insightful observations and witty anecdotes – he’s an absolute crowd favourite wherever he performs.

With Mooney as the main act, he’ll be pulling material from his anti-self-help book, Embracing Your Limitations, coming fresh off the back of the Brisbane Comedy Festival – he’s ready to transform you through laughter.

“The world is full of self-styled gurus, Svengalis, mind coaches and horrific influencers. Are you sick of the world? Are you tired of your own bulls**t?” Mooney said.

“I’m here to help you to quit, embrace your inner loser and win at life.”

The Airlie Beach Hotel will turn into a barrel of laughs courtesy of one of the country’s top comedians in May – don’t miss your chance for a festival of laughter.

What: A Night of Comedy with Lawrence Mooney

When: Wednesday, May 3.

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Aussie comedian Lawrence Mooney is coming to The Airlie Beach Hotel on May 3 for an evening of laughs

He’ll be joined by Andrew Barnett, the famed Fox Sports stand up comic

Mooney will be running through his playbook of hilarious jokes from his “anti-self-help” book

On a pleasant day in 1985 outside Tennessee in the United States, within the confines of the Chattahoochee National Forest, a 175-pound black bear, having literally packed his stomach “to the brim” with cocaine, died.

You read correctly: The 2023 horror-comedy Cocaine Bear is based on a real event – well, loosely. Cocaine bear existed, though fleetingly. He never rampaged, as he fictitiously does in the Elizabeth Banks film. Instead, he burned bright and quickly, overdosing on $2 million worth of 40 kilograms (roughly $55 million USD) of pure, white, Columbian marching powder. What a way to go. To quote Shakespeare: “Out, out, brief candle!”

For all that, he earnt him an immortal place in Kentucky folklore -- and a prime spot in Lexington mall. Taxedermied in an eternal vigil between vending machines and mechanical rocking horses. Locals dance between the nicknames of ‘Pablo Eskobear’ or ‘Cokey the Bear’.

Now, his legacy has transcended to the big screen. This time, he’s 500-pounds, this time, he doesn’t die when he consumes an ‘80s Stephen King’s helping worth of cocaine, he goes on a drug-fuelled riot. Much like predecessors of its kind (Snakes on A Plane comes most clearly to mind), the film is an excuse for gory ultraviolence, but unlike the 2006 film it shares a high concept with, Cocaine Bear is here for the laughs.

The bear stumbles across a cartel’s lost packages of cocaine and goes manic -- it’s pure B-Movie (bear movie, perhaps?) schlock, and it’s outrageously fun for it. Head to the cinema expecting a massive animal on cocaine and you’ll leave with expectations met. It fulfills its title promise with aplomb.

Cocaine Bear (MA15+) will begin screening at The Bowen Summergarden Cinema on April 22.

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Director Elizabeth Banks’ film Cocaine Bear is majestically absurd and how couldn’t it be?

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Bring your friends and family to the Airlie Beach Foreshore for the upcoming outdoor cinema screening, this Friday, April 14, from 6pm.

Showcasing a double feature, this evening will be fun for the whole family, with various food vans offering delicious meals and treats throughout the evening, to keep families well fed.

The first film is ‘Shark Tale’, which follows the story of a bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Oscar, as he struggles to become ‘top of the reef’ and becomes tangled in messy gangster business.

This is followed by ‘Oddball’, an Australian film about a chicken farmer who trains his dog, Oddball, to protect a penguin sanctuary from foxes, saving the small town in the process.

From 4pm, the Foreshore will also have various pre-event activities on offer, for families to enjoy prior to the screening.

The Whitsunday Lions Cruise Ship Markets are also being held on the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Friday, April 14, from 8am.

So, make a day of it at the Airlie Beach Foreshore, exploring the Cruise Ship Markets, before enjoying the sunset with free, fun, family entertainment.

Don’t forget your picnic blanket!

In the event of poor weather, the outdoor cinema will be postponed.

Please note, this is an alcohol-free event.

WHAT: Outdoor Cinema

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Friday, April 14, from 4pm

TICKETS: Free

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Prolific children’s author and comedian, David Walliams’ masterful creation, ‘Mr Stink’, is coming to the Proserpine stage.

As part of the show’s national tour, this Australian adaption will be in the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on May 2 and 3.

Mr Stink follows the tale of Chloe, one of the loneliest girls in the world, who makes unlikely friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp.

Yes, he smells, but he is the only person who has ever been nice to Chloe. And when he needs a place to stay, Chloe offers him her families garden shed.

However, Chloe must now keep Mr Stink a secret in her garden shed, while learning that some secrets have a way of leading to disaster.

“Boisterous fun…the young audience…thoroughly enjoy[ed] this quality production,” The Daily Telegraph said.

‘Mr Stink’ comes off the back of extensive renovations to the PEC, having been left damaged by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.

Now, newly renovated, and open to the public, the PEC is quickly becoming the landmark community facility for Proserpine once again.

‘Mr Stink’ is brought to the PEC by CDP Theatre Producers, who are behind other award-winning productions including David Walliams’ ‘The Midnight Gang’ and ‘The 91-Storey Treehouse’, as well as Australian productions of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’ and ‘The Gruffalo’.

This charming and hilarious adaption is fun for the whole family.

WHAT: ‘Mr Stink’ – Live on Stage

WHEN: May 2 and 3

WHEN: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com

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‘Mr Stink’ Live on Stage

After plenty of hype and rehearsal, seven Mackay identities showed off their moves at Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Dancing with Heart last Friday, and they didn’t hold back.

With funds still being tallied, at least $50,000 was raised for the Mackay Hospital Foundation throughout the event.

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Michelle Cross

Alex Finlayson

Bing Guo

Tegan Jones

Renae Kunst

Paul Manttan

Kay Nyenuh

Kathy Sullivan.

Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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After a successful inaugural event last year, Shed Happens Mackay are once again celebrating International Men’s Day (IMD) with its annual Art Show.

Partnering with the Mackay Art Society, Shed Happens are expanding IMD 2023 celebrations this year by opening the Art Show to more youth with two groups in the Emergent Artist categories.

The theme for IMD 2023 is the third pillar of IMD, ‘Health and Well Being of all Generations of Men’, and this will be the theme for artists to address in their works.

“We want to get the youth involved and we want to get the youth thinking about their health and wellbeing and their health and wellbeing when they become adults,” Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell said.

“Our responsibility is to raise our families and our children with good, healthy ideas.”

Entries opened on April 1 and can be accessed through Art Suppliers, Mackay Regional Council outlets and online at the SHED Happens Mackay Facebook Page.  

An Entry Fee of $10 is applied to every piece of art and artists are limited to two artworks per person.

There are four sections - Best In Show, Art on Canvas, Art on Paper and Emergent Artist (9 -19 years of age) - each with prize money for the winners and 2nd and 3rd prizes in three of the sections.  

Entries will close on August 10 before the artworks are displayed at the Mackay Art Society Rooms in Beaconsfield from Friday September 1 to Sunday September 3.

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L-R Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May, Shed Happens Convenor Frank Cowell, Mackay Art Society’s Ben Ranson and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura at the 2022 IMD Art Show. Photo supplied

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Saturday 8 April

Shannan Fitzgerald Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday, 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Dance the night away with live music from 8.30pm - 11.30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

Mega Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, sessions run every half hour from 10am (final session starts at 1pm)

Join Caneland Central’s egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt and hop into the fun with your family and friends! Head to the Easter Village located in Centre Court at the start of your session to collect your map and start the hunt! Follow the map and write down the number displayed on the store windows. Once you’ve completed the hunt return to the Easter Village to collect your goodie bag! Bookings required.

Easter Village in Centre Court, Caneland Central

Sunday 9 April

Family Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, 11:30am

Wake House Australia's annual Family Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt takes place around Lake Poco (aka the wake park lake) in Andergrove Lakes. You will need to check in first at the Lakeside Cafe @ Wake House between 11am - 11.30am. All ticket sales go directly to local charity All Abilities Inc - Summer House Mackay. The WakeHouse crew are super excited for this one. Lots of chocolate bunnies for all the participants. Visit the Facebook event for more information.

Wake House Australia

Easter Sunday

Sunday, 12:00pm

Join in for an egg-citing Easter Sunday at Seabreeze Hotel! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun-filled day from 12pm onwards. They’ve got lots of activities lined up for the kids, including face painting and Easter goodies. And that's not all! Live music by Mick Woodbridge will have you dancing and singing along from 2pm onwards. The winners of the colouring in competition will be declared, so be sure to submit your entry to be in the running for some awesome prizes. Don't miss out on this egg-cellent opportunity to celebrate Easter with your loved ones.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sounds On Sunday Ft. The Feels

Sunday, 4:00pm to 8:00pm

Sounds On Sunday is back Easter Sunday featuring the Feels live on the deck from 4pm to 8pm. Waterslide, jumping castle and face painting plus outdoor bar, street food and courtesy bus available.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Monday 10 April

The Magic Two Live Shows

Monday, April 10 to Sunday, April 16, 10:30am and 1:00pm daily

You’re sure to have a magical time these school holidays. Head to Centre Court between the 10th to the 16th April to enjoy a free 45-minute magic show. Witness the magical dancing, funny guys as they wow you with their dazzling tricks and amazing dance moves. The shows are on twice daily at 10:30am and 1pm, so don’t miss out. No bookings Required.

Centre Court, Caneland Central

Tuesday 11 April

Superpowered on Tour - April School Holiday Program

Tuesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 16

Superpowered on Tour is coming to Artspace Mackay during the April school holidays bringing creative activities for children, families and people of all ages and abilities. Created by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with four Australian artists – Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara people), Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples), Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Vincent Namatjira (Western Aranda people) – who use their voices and their art to empower Aboriginal people and create inspirational imagery for all children. The free and fun activities will focus on strong empowering messages and humour.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 12 April

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

School Holiday Drop In Activity - Rock Painting

Wednesday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Join in on the Tropical Sun Lawn to create painted rocks of art and get some handy tips for rock hunting in the Botanic Gardens. This is a FREE drop in activity, suitable for ages 5 and up. Parental supervision is required at all times. Short waiting periods may be required during busy periods.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Better Together Housing Get Together

Wednesday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Whether you are renting, or you own your own home, Better Together Housing is about exploring shared housing in a safe way, at your own pace and without expectations. Not sure sharing is for you? That's ok! Better Together Housing is just as much about connecting women as it is about housing options. Get together over a cuppa for a chat and to connect with other women.

Dudley Denny Library, Victoria Street

Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Soul Jam Wednesdays at The Kooyong Hotel

Every Wednesday, 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Soul Jam is back at The Kooyong Hotel, hosting another friendly space to share your originals, jam with others and experiment with music. Supplied are a drummer and guitarist, bass also available. All artists welcome including slam poetry and comedians.

The Kooyong Hotel

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four-step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 13 April

Chair Yoga in North Mackay

Every Thursday, 2:00pm

Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page.

Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

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Off the back of their record-breaking triple j Hottest 100 appearance, seeing three tracks in the top six of the countdown, beloved outfit Spacey Jane has announced a regional Australia tour bringing the iconic indie rockers to Mackay in June.

The band’s drummer and manager Kieran Lama had a chat with our journalist Sam to talk about their meteoric rise to stardom and the sound that got them there.

When I was living in Brisbane, I remember a friend inviting me to see this band Spacey Jane playing at the zoo. Suddenly, I think you played three sold-out shows at the zoo and now you’re one of the biggest bands in the country. Did that rise in popularity feel as rapid from the inside as it did from the outside?

Definitely. It felt like it came out of nowhere for us, as well. After Sunlight came out and within the context of the pandemic, it just hit us without us really getting a chance to catch up to it, which is honestly the best thing that could’ve happened. It was really great to feel like things were moving so quickly and only now have we really had the opportunity to catch our breath and look back with a fair amount of gratitude more than anything, other than being a little bit of a headscratcher as to what on earth happened. It’s been super special, and I think all of our lives got turned upside down pretty quickly.

You use the term headscratcher but, if you had to guess, what do you feel are the reasons for the sudden explosion?

I have a lot of confidence in the songs themselves and I can say that because I don’t write them, I just play the drums, so I think Caleb (singer/guitarist/songwriter) tapped into something really special. Especially in 2020 when times were tough for a lot of people in terms of becoming a very introspective circumstance. I think his writing, the lyrics and also maybe the way we present and the way we are as people and as a band identity-wise, I think it was something that people could really connect with. I think guitar music will always be a staple in Australia and we’re just happy to bear that torch, even if just for a little bit. We could also just be a very lucky group of people who were doing the right thing at the right time, who knows?

Within that Australian guitar music scene, you’ve crafted a pretty distinctive sound and you can hear bands replicating it all over the country, who were your influences in crafting that sound?

We started just bashing instruments in a shed listening to stuff like early Kings of Leon, the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, that kind of thing. We didn’t so much idolise the rock and roll lifestyle but the sound of that era, the early 2000s indie rock reformation, I suppose. Songwriter-wise, Caleb, and we all do, love Wilco, Coldplay, that kind of stuff. I think part of the sound that we have is the product of the circumstances in which we were making music. We were just playing in a shed together all the time. We didn’t know the first thing about equipment or gear so we just played for the fun of it on the weekends. As we got more and more into it, found a bit of a groove in the studio and get an understanding of how to make things the way we wanted to make them, I guess it just developed from there. It’s interesting because it’s never felt like we wanted to sound a certain way, I guess it’s just the natural conclusion of the four of us in a room together with access to recording equipment and cool shit in a studio.

How important is it to you and the band to tour regional areas like Mackay?

It’s super great that we can actually do it. We want to take advantage of that opportunity and make sure that we’re going to places. A lot of us grew up in regional WA so if we had the opportunity to see artists we loved back then, it would’ve meant the world to us. There’s definitely more in the works in terms of creative ways to tour Australia because there is so much of this country that we haven’t seen and would love to see. The fact that being in a band facilitates that to some level is pretty astounding.

I can say from what I’m hearing around the place that Mackay is very excited, what can we expect from your show in June?

I reckon a fair bit of sweat on the stage. We tend to give a lot of energy in the live shows. I mean, I’m sitting down so it’s chill for me, but the others are jumping around and going crazy, Ashton in particular gets a lot of hang time. It’s going to be fun. I think we are very much a live band, first and foremost. We played a lot of gigs around Perth before we ever got the opportunity to leave for the eastern states so it’s something we take a lot of pride in and we really want to put our best foot forward, especially for places that we’re playing for the first time. We’ve got something to prove and I hope we can do that.

WHAT: Spacey Jane

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Thursday, June 1

TICKETS: Oztix

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Kucom Theatre has announced the cast of its July production, Perfect Wedding, a comedy by Robin Hawdon directed by Kathryn Evans.

Lani Seaton and Zachary Trounson will fill the leading roles as bride and groom alongside Michael Brennan, Asta Ryan, Carolyn Roche and Kristyn Everett.

A Mackay Festival of Arts Fringe event, Perfect Wedding opens on Thursday, July 6 with early bird tickets available from Humanitix from Monday, April 24.

Meanwhile, the Theatre’s AGM was held last month, seeing the 2023 Management Committee officially named.

Bronwyn Grannall will fill the role of President, Maureen Coleman Vice President, Carolyn Roche Secretary and Tessa King Treasurer.

Congratulations were also given to Maureen Coleman, Ken Sanders, John Irvine and Bronwyn Grannall who were elected Life Members of the Theatre at the AGM.

In her report as Convener of Kucom’s Fundraising and Grants Subcommittee, Vice President Maureen Coleman made an announcement that will be welcome news to regular patrons.

“It is ... with great pleasure that I have been asked by the committee to inform you all that we have put in the order for the seating and the deposit has been paid,” she said.

“We hope to see installation after the production of Perfect Wedding in July.”

The installation of a retractable seating system will come ahead of a busy 2023 season, with Victor Scott directing Things I Know To Be True by acclaimed Australian playwright Andrew Bovell in October.

Victor is well known to Mackay audiences as the director of Ruthless and First Date for Mackay Musical Comedy Players, and more specifically to Kucom audiences for his ground-breaking 2021 production of When the Rain Stops Falling, also by Andrew Bovell.

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Front L-R: Bronwyn Grannall (President), Mayor Greg Williamson (Patron), Carolyn Roche (Secretary). Back L -R: Joe Clutterbuck, James Hunter, Tessa King (Treasurer), Jayne Royal. Inset: Maureen Coleman (Vice President). Photo supplied

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Mackay Choral Society is proud to present The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera is packed full of sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes.

Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.

Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a snag.

Born on 29 February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster.

Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable.

Can he find a way to live happily-ever-after with Mabel?

The production brings together a who’s who of local talent, including Ken Brown making his directorial debut.

“In 2022 I was offered the opportunity to direct, for the first time, this amazing operetta that has a place in my heart,” said Mr Brown.

“My hope is to bring a childhood sense of wonder to all watching this production of Pirates of Penzance.”

Ken’s mother Judith will be the resident orchestra, filling the role of AM Accompanist having accompanied Mackay Choral Society’s 2009 production of The Pirates of Penzance.

It is also the third show that Jeanette Oberg and Bernie Camilleri-Cheng have produced together, with assistance from Nicole Thomson as Musical Director.

The cast also features local stars including Greg Webb, Berni Camilleri-Cheng, Caitlyn Schurmann and Sue Dalton.

Find Mackay Choral Society on Facebook for more information.

WHAT: Mackay Choral Society presents The Pirates of Penzance

WHEN: Saturday April 15, 2:00pm and 7:30pm and Sunday April 16, 2:00pm

WHERE: Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CFARA

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