If You Like Pina Coladas, and singing along at The Pub, then you’re in for smooth Sailing courtesy of a soft-rock octet cruising to the Whitsunday shores in early August.

There’s set to be a Summer Breeze blowing in the Airlie Beach Hotel when the eight-member band Yacht Rock Revival pay tribute to the definition of ‘70s light rock, coinciding with the sailing sensation that is Airlie Beach Race Week.

Soulful, well-constructed groove, baby; if you’ve ever heard the Doobie Brothers fronted by Michael McDonald doing What A Fool Believes in, that’s Yacht Rock!

A collection of your favourite sounds, songs, and grooves from an era when ‘smooth’ meant everything. When artists like Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, The Eagles, and America were kings and queens of the charts.

It’s like a sunset on the Santa Monica pier, walking hand-in-hand with your baby, matching gold-tone bracelets jingling as the ocean breeze caresses your moustache. The two of you stare out into the ever-deepening blue to think, in tandem: "Yeah, this is how it should always be".

When that foghorn blows, hold onto your captain’s hat because there’s an effortless cool flowing through your favourite local – we all love a bit of that sweetly unique ‘70s sound.

The Melbourne-based band recapture the time when music mellowed out and smooth sounds and Sunkissed melodies took over the airwaves – and they’re decked out in retro, nautical costumes to boot.

Band frontwoman Susan Marsden said they’ll be performing two afternoon shows at the Airlie Beach Hotel on August 13 and 14.

“We can’t wait to be in Airlie Beach – if there’s anywhere that sings yacht rock and smooth ‘70s tunes, it’s the Whitsundays,” she said.

“Be ready for songs that are slicker than slick and enormously well-played, from the melodically clever to the harmonically unexpected.”

By the end of their set, you’ll be singing: Ooh-ooh-hoo, no, Baby, please don't go

What: Yacht Rock Revival

When: 2.00pm to 5.30pm Saturday, August 13, and Sunday, August 14

Where: Airlie Beach Hotel

Yacht Rock are sailing up to the Whitsunday waters direct to perform at the Airlie Beach Hotel

The Melbourne-based band are groovy as can be, performing the very best of Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates, The Eagles, and more

They’ll be soft-rocking out at The Pub on Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14

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David Leitch’s Bullet Train is drenched in neon. A modern-day Japan besieged on all sides by dripping stylism. It’s a visual treat - both in its choreographed action and neo-noir visage - where the directors previous work on John Wick mixes with his Deadpool 2 and gets wackier and more vibrant for it.

This star-studded action comedy is based on Kôtarô Isaka’s novel Maria Beetle and reminds of Leitch’s solo directorial debut: the Charlize Theron led Atomic Blonde.

Aboard the world’s fastest train, Brad Pitt plays Ladybug, an unlucky assassin on his first job back after a self-chosen sabbatical. His handler, Maria Ladybug, is played with a sultry and laconic style by Sandra Bullock, who’s hand-picked his mission.

He was looking for an easy job to get him back in his groove – but his luck still hasn’t turned.

This latest foray into the assassination world puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe - all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives. Six assassins played by a who’s who of stars crash his party: Zazie Beetz, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Logan Lerman, Hiroyuki Sanada, and even Porto-Rican singer Bad Bunny.

It’s a story of dark-comic glee where there’s no grand cultural idea at stake, just the irresponsible pleasure of sheer entertainment where the end of the line is only the beginning.

It’s a wild, non-stop thrill ride, only helped by the performances. Each actor is undoubtedly having a blast, especially Pitt, decked out in a white bucket hat and thick glasses. Bullet Train is an absolute riot, and certainly one to catch when it hits cinemas.

See Bullet Train at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema, opening Friday, August 5.

Bradd Pitt plays Ladybug, an assassin down on his luck, in Bullet Train

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Grey nomads and tourists enjoyed an enormous, annual dinner courtesy of BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort on Monday night, all in the name of a local cause.

An event that has been running for over two decades, the Christmas In July celebration is just one of the holiday park’s fundraising dinners which regularly run during the busy season.

Grey Nomads who have been travelling to the region for as long as the event itself – and sometimes longer – sat around long tables, enjoyed party games, were serenaded by Coral C Voices choir, and ate a roast dinner.

“We make different occasions like an Asian night where we have Thai Dancing and all Thai food, but Christmas In July is always the biggest,” owner of BIG4 Whitsundays, Greg McKinnon said.

“It started many years ago as just cake, tea, and coffee for free, and people were saying they needed a meal, so then we started barbecues and it grew out of that.”

Mr McKinnon said the Christmas In July event is the largest of their fundraising dinners throughout the year – with Monday night hosting around 100 guests.

The event was all in the name of this year’s fundraising project for BIG4: Airlie Beach local, Louise Meadows, a woman with a rare degenerative optical disease called Stargardt’s Dystrophy.

Ms Meadows has lost a critical portion of her central vision – over 70 per cent – but is assisted by her loyal Guide Dog, Hector.

The funds this year will all go directly towards medical support for Louise, as well as Guide Dogs Queensland for training and housing.

Mr McKinnon said BIG4 would have raised somewhere in the figure of $300 thousand for charities over the events lifetime.

Coral C Voices choir serenaded the Christmas in July celebrations at BIG4 Whitsunday Resort’s fundraising event

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Entries have now closed for Mackay`s prestigious national art prize, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022. This year is the 16th celebration and has joined the Mackay Festival of Arts as a new Fringe Event.

200 talented Australian artists have entered, and have a chance to win a share in over $11,000 non-acquisitive prize pool, and be part of a four-day exhibition with an opportunity to sell their works.

This stand-alone annual event will this year enjoy new additions to further highlight and celebrate art and culture in our region.

The Mackay Show Associations initiative behind establishing The Art on Show Awards was to take the arts to a higher level of professionalism within the context of a public/community art competition in the show “arena”.

Art on Show Coordinator, Melissa Broadhurst, said, “Our continuing aim is to seek a very significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nation-wide, provide a high standard of presentation, play an integral part in Mackay’s cultural future, as a high-profile arts event, and provide an educational role, raising awareness and promoting the arts to patrons who attend the Art on Show event and the Mackay Regional Show, annually.

“We aim to highlight the wealth of diverse local artistic talent in our region and attract a high standard of interstate works.”

The Art on Show Awards have 5 sections of entry, the major prize the Woollam Art on Show Award $3000, and the total prize purse is $11,000. The People’s Choice Award judged by the event patrons is published post event.

A high-profile judge has been secured for the 2022 awards with Ms Deanna Hitti, nationally acclaimed Australian artist, and recipient of the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award, judging this year’s competition.

Ms Hitti, a previous winner of our very own Artspace Mackay Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize, is also looking forward to reconnecting with Mackay`s art community.

She will also be presenting a special artist talk at Artspace Mackay and a Masterclass artist workshop at the Mackay Showgrounds during her visit.

You can show your support for art and culture, in your community, by purchasing work from our local artists, during the public exhibition.

OFFICIAL OPENING EVENING and AWARDS PRESENTATION: Friday 5 August 2022, Commencing 6.30pm.

ART EXHIBITION: Friday 5 – Monday 8 August 2022.

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES: Friday 5 August 6.30pm – 9pm Official Opening - ticketed event.

Tickets available online at artonshow@mackayshow.com.au July 2022

Saturday 6 August 10am – 5pm Sunday 7August 10am – 5pm Monday 8 August 10am – 5pm

ARTISTS DEANNA HITTI MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP DATES: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August

ALL WORKS FOR SALE. Over 200 works exhibited in the exhibition. In the 500 Pavilion (Upper level).

Previous Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award 2021 Artist Greg Cannon with his work entitled Driftwood Retreat

Guests Letitia Anderson and Taya Anderson admiring works in the 2021 exhibition

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What we sometimes take for granted, girls and women in many parts of the world consider a luxury.

When it’s life and death just to feed your children, many families living in poverty can’t afford sanitary items for their girls. Without the means to manage a menstrual period, many of these girls end up missing school or missing work, losing out on opportunities because they have no way of protecting themselves from period stigma.

Days for Girls Mackay is a team of dedicated volunteers who produce washable reusable sanitary packs for women in developing countries.

These kits allow young girls to attend school, and women to go about their daily lives. The kits empower - and are a great stigma eraser - for women who would otherwise be isolated while menstruating.

Days for Girls' aim is to afford all women the dignity, health and opportunity they deserve.

Fundraiser

Days for Girls is holding a cent sale on Saturday, July 30 at Goosies Sports Club, from 12 midday. There are more than 200 items, an auction, raffle and lucky door prize. Proceeds raised will ensure this group of volunteers can continue their work to provide

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It’s a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure, speaking out and the sharing of women’s stories.

BARE, a live cabaret show by The Just Saying Project, is coming to the MECC North Foyer on Saturday, July 30, at 7.30am and on Sunday, July 31, at 2.30pm.

According to The Just Saying Project founder Fallon Drewett, the show, which explores the female body in all its pleasure and pain, is in its second iteration.

“Now, more than ever, women are making noise and they have found their power in not staying quiet,” Ms Drewett said.

“Revamping BARE’s storyline for its second season has been a thrilling process – this event truly is a show that both women and men will enjoy,” she said.

"BARE is a show that celebrates women's stories but also shares the pleasure and pain of being a woman.

"Part of this season of BARE is about encouraging the men in women's lives to join them for this cabaret. The delivery of this message is performed in a fun, entertaining and engaging way that will make your belly hurt from laughter.”

Deputy Mayor Karen May said BARE was a triumph of local talent and was a fitting finale for the core program of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

“The Just Saying Project have done some wonderful projects to date that are all about recognising and celebrating our local women,” Cr May said.

“This show is no exception and is 100 per cent local, featuring local writers, actors and more than 30 women who will take part in a Body Love Runway and a dance for the finale,” she said.

“They will be led by two fantastic local providers, Boutique Burlesque by Bailey and RNB Dance Fitness. The show script was also co-written by Fallon Drewett and Mackay performer Sammie Mitchell.

“Make sure you grab your tickets as soon as possible, because this will be a great night out.”

Tickets are available from the MECC Box Office or online at themecc.com.au/festivals  

BARE is an 18+ event.

BARE writers Sammie Mitchell (left) and Fallon Drewett

BARE is a show about sex, taboos, female pleasure and speaking out

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All things ‘queing and brewing is returning to Harrup Park this November, with the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival.

Mark Saturday November 12 on the calendar to experience some of the most succulent meat you’ve ever experienced, matched with superb sauces and accompanied by bubbles and beer. It’s low and slow cooking by some of the best pit masters in the region, where you get to sample the best in the business.

Enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great food and drinking your choice of over 50 Australian and international beers.

In 2021 the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival worked with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance to bring an official round of the Australian Barbecue Championships to Mackay. The competition was named ‘The BBQ Battle’ and saw 20 teams travel to Mackay to compete in the lucrative Barbecue Championship Round with $9,500 in prize money.

This year they’re doing it again, looking to bring back all the big names! Registrations are now open.

Come along and watch as local legends battle it out to win Mackay’s Best Beard & Mullet Competitions. Entry is free to anyone on the day and there is still plenty of time left to grow a winning mullet or beard.  

It wouldn’t be the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival without the famous Chilli Eating Contest. Can you handle the heat? Registrations are now open – find applications on the event’s website.  

The event will feature live entertainment from Kyle LIONHART, French Press, Nortica and more throughout the day.

Harrup Park General Manager, Adrian Young said, “We’re extremely excited to be doing this amazing event again in 2022!

“It was a great experience to have a sanctioned ABA event in Mackay with teams traveling across Queensland to compete on our grounds.

“This year we’re also making an effort to get more independent breweries on board to help showcase their beers.”

What: De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

When: Saturday November 12, 12pm – 8pm

Where: Harrup Park

Tickets: $15 + Booking fee - mackaybbqandbeerfestival.com.au

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You might remember Tom Barry.

Mackay Life published a story about Tom in our May 6 edition earlier this year, speaking to him about his incredible life story and his telling of it in his memoir ‘The Prodigious Leap’.

Tom raises his bat next Monday, August 1, celebrating his 100th birthday with a book launch this weekend.

Tom has already received birthday cards from some high-profile friends including member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia David Hurley and his wife Linda and, of course, the Queen.

“She wrote ‘Dear Tommy,’” Tom jested with a cheeky grin.

“No, she did not, don’t tell lies,” Ann laughed.

Tom says turning 100 is an exciting occasion, but it all starts again come August 2.

“I have no worries, nor should I have,” he said.

“When the second of August comes, you make new plans.

“There’s always something new to look forward to.”

Friends and family will help Tom celebrate, with guests travelling from as far as Adelaide, Brisbane, and Victoria, some of which he hasn’t seen for years.

Tom and his wife Ann say Tom’s book wouldn’t have been published as quickly and successfully as it has without the support of Bolton Clarke’s At Home Support team, the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant and the generosity of their family and friends including Jo Penola and Jo and Doug Blackhurst.

“You can’t even begin to say the amount of time and effort and money and all sorts of stuff that they’ve done, and they do it without thinking, they do it because they want to,” said Ann.

“They’re just beautiful people.”

Tom is the recipient of a package provided by Bolton Clarke which brought now close friend Jo Penola into his and Ann’s lives.

“I still think it’s an amazing thing that a homecare package for an aged person can help them with things like that because one of the things it’s meant to do is help a person with the package reach their goals,” said Jo.

“When you’ve lived a hundred years, obviously you’ve seen a hundred years’ worth of stuff happen, so that’s just so amazing, and (Tom’s) got such fabulous recall of that hundred years.”

“Well, that’s because it was so interesting,” responded Tom.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ will be available for purchase and signing by author Tom Barry at Magpies Sporting Club tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 between 1 and 5pm.

The book can also be purchased on Amazon.

Tom and Ann Barry

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Friday 29 July

Seniors Friendship Group

Every Friday, 9:00am to 11:30am

The Senior Friendship Group meets every Friday and hosts a range of activities from Bingo to Morning Tea to Lunch. If you would like to join this group or have any queries, please phone (07) 4957 2626.

The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay

Multicultural Women’s Club

Every Friday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Multicultural Women’s Club is a free social group for culturally and linguistically diverse women of Mackay to connect, support each other, build confidence and learn new skills. The Club provides information sessions on a variety of topics from women’s health and skills for getting employment to art and craft workshops and social outings. The Club meets every Friday, 10am – 12pm at Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street. For more information please contact Valeriya – email: vale@tnhub.org.au or phone 07 4957 2626.

Mackay Women’s Centre, 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Friday SUN.sets – Nortica

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Friday Sun.set session at WakeHouse with Nortica. Hear songs from their upcoming EP ~ this is a live music gig you don't want to miss. Free event as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz @ the Con

Friday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

CQCM Music Staff present Friday Jazz @ the Con featuring Australian trumpet royalty, Dave Newdick, alongside music staff David Reaston (Guitar), Peter McKenzie (Saxophone) & Jason Smyth-Tomkins (Drums). Tickets $15.

CQUniversity's Conservatorium of Music, Ooralea Campus

Saturday 30 July

Mackay Brick Event

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am to 3:00pm

The Mackay Brick Event will showcase the amazing LEGO creations of the Brick Events team, with special guest Andrew from LEGO Masters season 2.

Why not join in the fun of building at our play tables and ever popular build walls, or join one of our special Mega Cities with Andrew sessions for the ultimate experience.

Mackay Showgrounds

2022 Rally Against Veteran Suicide

Saturday, 11:00am

Raising funds for local Mackay Veteran support services. This year’s Rally starts at Mackay Cenotaph in Jubilee Park and finishes at the Finch Hatton RSL. Bike games, car and bike Show and Shine, live music and camping.

Alfred St, Mackay

BARE

Saturday, 7:30pm and Sunday, 2:30pm

Join The Just Saying Project for a live cabaret show, as they explore the female body in all its pleasure and pain. This show will feature singing and dancing from Mackay performers, burlesque, comedic and dramatic stories, along with a Body Love Runway and BARE community project.

MECC North Foyer

The VANNS

Saturday, 8:00pm

After launching 2022 with a run of huge sell-out shows, The VANNS are getting back on the road and hitting some of the country’s favourite regional centres. In their biggest headline run to date, the NSW South Coast four-piece are touring top to bottom, east to west and back again before heading back into the studio to deliver new music before the year is out.

Seabreeze Hotel

Days for Girls Cent Sale

Saturday, from 12pm

There are more than 200 items, an auction, raffle and lucky door prize. Proceeds raised will ensure this group of volunteers can continue their work to provide opportunities to disadvantaged women across the world.

Goosies Sports Club

Sunday 31 July

National Tree Day in Mackay

Sunday, 8:30am to 12:30pm

As part of National Tree Day, Mackay Regional Council is holding a tree planting event at Woodlands Reserve in Andergrove. This site has strong community interest and the tree planting event will help to enhance the natural areas of the reserve and will complement the upcoming Woodlands District Park project.

Ficus Cres, Andergrove QLD 4740, Australia

Sunday Live Music – Matt Tandy

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 1 August

Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) Homelessness Week 2022

Monday to Thursday

CASA is holding a number of events and information sessions for Homelessness Week 2022. Visit CASA’s Facebook page for more information.

Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA), Cnr Gregory and Alfred Streets, Mackay

Estate Planning for Older People

Monday, 9:30am to 11:00am

A free seminar for your financial future delivered by Services Australia discussing estate planning for older people. Including an estate plan within your financial plan, guardianship and enduring power of attorney, intestacy and wills, and the role of insurance. Bookings are required.

Gordon White Library

Tuesday 2 August

Morning Melodies

Tuesday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Leagues Club with Anette Worthington performing live once a month. The cafe will be open from 10:00am and the bistro from 12:00pm.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Wednesday 3 August

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 presents Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Wednesday, 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday 9:30am to 10:30 am and 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Brought to you by Get Lost & Found, Puffin, and the Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd in association with Interactive Theatre International. Inspired by the World’s No.1 Storyteller, Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a mischievous and inventive theatrical experience for families supported by the Roald Dahl Story Company. All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the ancient guild of Taletenders can save the stories - and they need your help. Roald Dahl and the Imagination seekers is an unforgettable interactive theatrical experience. Especially made for ages 6 and up, the show is an immersive and interactive performance, involving games and imaginative play, while exploring Roald Dahlʼs extraordinary stories, including The BFG and The Twits along the way. Age Recommendation: Ages 6 – 10. Show duration: 55 mins, no interval.

MECC

Thursday 4 August

Artist’s Talk with nationally acclaimed artist printmaker Deanna Hitti

Thursday, 6:00pm

Brought to you by Artspace Mackay and the Woollam Art on Show Awards, Deanna Hitti is an Australian artist based in Melbourne with Lebanese heritage. Her artist’s book Towla was purchased for the MRC Art Collection during 2018 Libris Awards and won the Fremantle Art Centre Print Award in the same year. Reserve your free ticket online.

Artspace Mackay

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A local service organisation will be hosting a fundraiser in late July, raising money for the humanitarian crisis evolving in Ukraine.

The ZONTA Club of Whitsundays are hosting the United Nations Long lunch to be held at the Whitsunday Marine Club (VMR) on the July 30, starting at 12noon.

ZONTA committee member and organiser of the event, Betty Whitehorn, said an international theme will be followed through on all levels.

“Commencing with a welcoming vodka shot, or a soft drink if preferred on arrival, followed by fabulous international cuisine and entertainment,” Ms Whitehorn said.

“Guests are asked to dress up in a national costume or wear blue and yellow - the colours of the Ukrainian flag.”

Throughout the event Ms Whitehorn said there will be a multitude of raffles, including Hampers filled with international food and wine, a lucky door prize, best dressed prizes for both men and women and an auction – which includes a Port Douglas Holiday donated by Astrid Bourke from Luxury Holidays.

“All money raised will go toward helping the women and children in Ukraine, through ZONTA International channels,” Ms Whitehorn said.

“In the beautiful Whitsundays, we are so fortunate; let us share our luck and prosperity and get together with open hearts, not only to have a fabulous day, but to support Ukrainian women and children whose lives are in upheaval.”

Tickets are only $65 and are selling fast, available at Whitsunday tickets under the name Zonta ‘s United Nations Long Lunch.

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The ZONTA Club of Whitsundays are raising funds for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine through a United Nations Long Lunch

The Rocks Restaurant at Coral Sea Resort is stepping up its culinary game, combining some of the best views in the Whitsundays with a modern Australian menu created by its new chef: Michael Dominici.

Michael has decade long career spanning across Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and the Gold Coast, and his menu refresh at The Rocks is focused on dishes that showcase the best local and Australian produce.

The pick of the bunch is his signature ‘Rock’ entrée, an edible work of art featuring specially prepared black onyx beef fillet with yuzu spiced dressing, mustard and charred shallot.

“My favourite dish is our South Australian Lamb backstrap main, wrapped in house made lamb bacon, served with pea emulsion and a mint glaze,” said Michael.

“I can’t wait to start serving it.”

Michael is most excited about the freshly caught fish of the day options including Whitsundays snapper perfumed with the scent of citrus and smoking paperbark.

“The best seafood is the fish you can catch right out the front. Our fishermen have boats running up and down miles of coastline here, and I’m also using the strong local supplier relationships I built in my previous head chef roles to bring the best produce to diners at The Rocks,” Michael said.

The Rocks patrons can enjoy the coral sea breeze while working their tan and their tastebuds over lunch, dining alfresco in the recently refurbished, relaxing poolside surrounds – courtesy of Michael’s new menu.

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Michael Dominici is adding a different spice to the Rocks Restaurant’s as its newest chef

I Heard It Through The Grapevine that a 9-piece powerhouse band of internationally renowned singers and musicians will burst onto the stage at The Pub on August 6 and 7.

The Airlie Beach Hotel is bringing some of the world’s top talent to its coastal residence as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, showering the beachside town in a faithful recreation of Motown.

A show that’s previously sold out the Sydney Opera House amongst other incredible venues, Dancing In The Shadows Of Motown will be making its way to the bar-top stage at everyone’s favourite local entirely free for audiences.

The show recreates the dynamism of live performances from bands like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, Fontella Bass, The Jackson Five, Junior Walker and more of Motown’s magic musicians.

This amazing show of classic hits includes songs like Reach Out, Stop In The Name Of Love, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Heatwave, Dancing in The Streets, Uptight, Signed Sealed Delivered, You keep Me Hanging On, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Standing On Shakey Ground, My Girl and so many more.

Its powerful voices and incredible musicians include Patou Powell, a double ARIA Winner from the Melbourne Ska Orchestra; vocalist Franchesca Appolis of The Starlettes fame; Kimi Tupaea on vocals; songstress Veena Rao; Matt Roberts on guitar; Jason Bruer on Sax; and Greg Carger on trumpet -as well as Sam Boyd, Andy Byrnes, and Craig Bodinnar.

The voices of Kimi Tupaea, Evelyn Duprai, Francesca Appolis and Pat Powell are supreme, with Matt Robert's voice and exceptional guitar work leaving audiences breathless.

Craig Bodinnar slaps his bass, powering on with split bleeding fingers to keep the magic alive in Motown, while Andy Byrnes nails it on the drums – a groove master – and then, Wes Harder on keys is a soulful triumph.

There’s a reason this showtime Motown extravaganza has sold out such iconic venues, and they’ll be at the Airlie Beach Hotel – Signed, Sealed, Delivered – on Saturday August 6 and Sunday August 7 from 2.00pm to 5.30pm.

Come and dance the afternoon away!

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Dancing In The Shadows Of Motown is making its way to The Whitsundays, courtesy of Airlie Beach Hotel

The famous show has sold out venues like the Sydney Opera House, and will be playing entirely free for audiences in early August at The Pub

The 9 piece of performers is an incredible recreation of Motowns most iconic classics

There’s no reason to really tread new ground in the Despicable Me franchise – it’s whacky, goofball stuff all the way down has kept working for it each time.

In fact, it’s strangely paying dividends this time, you might have seen it in the news: it has traction with a counter-culture movement of teenage boys dressed in suits, coordinated on Tik Tok, calling themselves Gentleminions.

What a horrid portmanteau.

This newest iteration - the second in the series putting the adventures of the Minions front and centre - follows that familiar rail track of madcap silliness and raspberry blowing.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is where the bean-shaped evil-groupies deliver a concentrated hit of irrepressible, coocoo nonsense. It’s a bit of harmless fun – just like those hordes of Gentleminions heading to cinemas across the globe to watch what they’re calling a “cinematic classic comparable to The Godfather”.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming, though: in the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar nominee Steve Carell, you heard it right) is growing up in the suburbs as a fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6.

Hatching a plan to become evil enough to join them, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions.

Together with Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto - a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please - deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.

And, when the Vicious 6 oust their leader, legendary fighter Wild Knuckles (That’s right, it’s Oscar winner Alan Arkin), Gru interviews to become their newest member.

It doesn't go well (to say the least), and only gets worse after Gru outsmarts them and suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil.

This kid’s film is certainly enjoying a bit of the spotlight thanks to its ironic audience of kids having fun but is also a bit of fun in its own right – so catch Minions: The Rise of Gru at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

Showing next weekend, Saturday July 30, 3.20pm and Sunday July 31, 3.20pm

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Minions: The Rise of Gru

There’s always something for everyone at the Cannonvale State Primary School Fete, and this year’s no different.

The annual fete has become one of the region’s biggest events, especially for local families who enjoy the opportunity to spend a day in the sun enjoying the rides.

Set for Sunday, July 31 from 10.00am to 2.00pm, the Cannonvale State School Fete will transform the school into a celebratory stadium of shows, stalls, and tasty treats.

Rides this year include Dodgem Cars, Sizzler, King Flyer, Super Slide, Roller Coaster, Cannibal Pots (Tea Cup Ride), Merry Go Round, Paw Patrol, Lost World and Dora Combo Castle.

This year there’s also set to be live entertainment alongside the smorgasbord of food like fairy floss, hamburgers, and a sausage sizzle.

But, for students heading to the event, there’s no more appealing stall than the Dunk A Teacher – an ever-popular choice for kids looking to soak their favourite teacher in the name of a bit of fun.

The best part of the day: all funds raised will go towards new playgrounds for the students.

President of the Cannonvale State School Parents and Association (P&C), Sabrina Mitchell was so excited to host what she said would be an amazing event for the whole region.

“There’s more to do than just rides, and it’s not just for Cannonvale State School teachers, students and parents; it’s for the community,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It’s about community and family fun.”

Ride tickets are running at $30 dollar presale for unlimited rides, or can be purchased on the day for $35.

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The Cannonvale State School Fete is just on the horizon, with organisers excited to show the community the “bigger and better” event this year

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s tenth anniversary just got noisier with the announcement that Jon Stevens, Masters of Pop, Loonaloop and more are joining the line-up.

Acts like Ben Ransom, The Re-Mains, Niksta, The Hipshooters, Matt Angell and The Gold Diggers, Salt and Steel, and Tropical State of Mind, will be joining the all-star line-up for the November 4 to 6 Festival.

Finding fame firstly as the lead singer of Noiseworks, followed by a stint as frontman of INXS, and latterly collaborating with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics, Jon Stevens is widely recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australia in recent memory.

Having performed and holidayed in the Whitsundays many times before, but never at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Stevens is counting down the days to what has become one of Queensland’s most iconic live music events.

“I’ve heard lots of great reports about the Airlie Beach festival over the years and have always wanted to perform there,” he said.

“I can’t wait to play this festival and share the stage with all the amazing Australian artists on the line-up.

“I’ll be performing all the hits from Noiseworks and INXS – you may never see me do this show again, so I encourage people not to miss it.”

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin said there was something for literally everyone at this 10th anniversary event.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music has a well-deserved reputation for always delivering a diverse line-up and this milestone in the event’s history definitely won’t disappoint,” he said.

To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au, and follow @airliebeachfestivalofmusic on Facebook and Instagram.

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Airlie Beach Festival of Music have released another update of their line-up, adding names like Ben Ransom to the tenth anniversary celebrations