As part of Shed Happens Mackay’s annual celebration of International Men’s Day (IMD), the local men’s group is adding another dimension to its celebrations following on from the success of their inaugural Mackay Man Of The Year award in 2020 & 2021.

This year, as part of the IMD22 celebrations, their regular fundraising breakfast and Man of the Year Award will be followed by Shed Happens' very first Art Show in partnership with the Mackay Art Society.

The group has been integral in allowing men to share their stories with others, with their regular Shed Happens meetings allowing men to find power in the exchange of their stories, learning they are no longer alone and that their experiences were common.

Following the first pillar of International Men’s Day - celebrating positive male role models -the group will use this as the theme for artists to create their works.

There are four sections of the Art Show, each with prize money for the winners, with second and third prizes for three of the sections.

The four sections are Best in Show, Art on Canvas, Art on Paper and Emergent Artist for those under 25 years of age.

The artworks will be on display during August at the Mackay Art Society, Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield, and the finalists works will be displayed at the Mackay Botanic Gardens Lagoons Café Gallery throughout September.

Entries will open on April 1, and the entry form can be found at the SHED Happens Mackay Facebook Page.  

There is an Entry Fee of $10.00 for each artwork submitted, and there is a limit of two pieces or works per person. Entries will close on August 1.

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Great Musicians, Better Mates

Two of Australia’s most iconic singers,songwriters, and guitarists are coming to Mackay next month.

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daly will play TheMackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on April 9 as part of their TogetherAlone tour which visits a whopping 32 regional and metro cities.

Despite collaborating on numerous occasionsin the past, this will be the first time the two great mates will tour togetherand share a stage in such an intimate setting.

Audiences can expect an entirely acousticnight spanning both of their expansive careers, with the two sharing the stageand helping one another out on each other’s songs.

We caught up with rock royalty Ian Mosswhile on the road.

Really good, thanks. We’ve got about fourunder our belt. Started in Gippsland and then down to Hobart to play atAustralia’s oldest theatre which is just a beautiful old thing built in the1850s – we had a great night there. Last weekend we were pretty close to Sydneyincluding the wonderful Art Deco theatre called Anita’s down in Thirroul. Ithink we’ve got it sussed. We’ve got a pretty good show happening.

Have the shows been changing andadapting as you’ve been going?

We’re on stage all night together, we justswap song for song really and tell stories about each song. With the songswe’ve got, most of them have got pretty good stories behind them. We’ll justback each other up – one of us will sing a song and the other will chuck somebacking vocals on, do a bit of guitar work just to colour it up – and that’show the evening plays out.

Do you prepare setlists for each show oris it more improvised?

At the moment we’ve got the same setlistfrom night to night. Maybe later in the year we’ll swap things around, butthere’s a certain number of songs that are essential to get played. We’ve bothgot some strong songs that we’d always play. For me, for example, Tucker’sDaughter, Bow River, Telephone Booth, they always have to bein there.

Can you tell me about the first time youmet Troy and the journey you’ve both been on to end up touring Australiatogether?

Probably about 12 years ago, Troy was doinga solo album of covers, of soul music, and invited me to come and do a duetwith him on the classic Dark End of the Street. They were in a studio onthe Central Coast. The first thing I noticed when I went up there and walkedinto the studio was that no one was wearing any shoes. Coming from AliceSprings and growing up in a country town myself, I thought ‘yep, these are mypeople’. I felt really at home. I just presumed Troy was just out-and-outcountry but he’s got a beautiful bluesy voice and blues is my first love. Wejust fit hand in glove. Apart from that, collaborations continued. He’s workedwith (Jimmy) Barnes, and him and I have co-written songs together as well whichwill be included in the show.

This is a pretty extensive tour, howimportant is it for you personally to tour some of these more regional areaslike Mackay?

There’s some great theatres in these partsof the world and hungry populations, hungry for music. I personally love it.I’m born and raised in Alice Springs and there’s a part of me that still missesbeing in the country. That’s one of the things I love about playing regional –I do feel quite relaxed and at home. Whether I’m with Troy or whether I’m soloI’ll be keeping up my appearances in country areas for sure.

Catch Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daly whenthey play The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on April 9.

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daly are currently co-headlining their Together Alone tour

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daly became mates through frequent collaborations

Ian and Troy kicked off the tour in Troy’s hometown of Grafton before being forced to reschedule last year

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Bringing you quality performances by some of the very best local musicians, the Acoustic Sessions at the Airlie Beach Hotel run from Thursday through to Sunday evenings every week.

Residencies are secured by the best talent in town and range from experienced stage master Andy Mammers who plays Friday and Saturday evenings to local legend Matt Angel who has just returned to town and will begin his Thursday night residency in June.

Newcomer, Pluto Tango, is becoming a popular Wednesday night feature and with some fresh Melbourne-inspired renditions of our favourite cover classics, it is easy to see why.

Loui Battour is Pluto Tango, the one-man looping sensation that eloquently loops guitar, keys, electronic percussion and vocals live before your eyes.

“I like to play different stuff, not just the standard pub classics,” he said.

Focusing on groove-based elements, Pluto Tango observes music with playfulness and curiosity through a range of styles including Reggae, RnB, Funk and Soul - all with his own unique twist.

Originally from Melbourne, Loui started playing music so he could join a band at school and has been inspired by his musician father throughout his life.

With the music scene struggling in Melbourne due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, he ventured to Airlie Beach, arriving here six months ago, and he is now thrilled to be playing live music most nights of the week.

The unique name for his show was founded by the simple love of two words – Pluto and Tango. He searched online to check if the name had been used by any other band and was surprised to discover it was a phenomenon where the orbits of Pluto’s moon are thrown out of kilter.

Fortunately, it was not the name of another band, so the first ‘earth-based’ Pluto Tango was born.

Acoustic Sessions at the Airlie Beach Hotel are live, loud and free on the bar-top stage from 7pm Wednesday through to Friday and double-up on Friday afternoon with the first session beginning at 3pm.

For the full line-up, check out the gig guide.

Loui Battour is Pluto Tango

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Celebrating the true majesty of world-famous artist – Prince – the bar-top stage at Airlie Beach Hotel will come alive with a tribute show that sounds, looks and feels like the real thing.

Hosted by ARIA award winning singer Andrew De Silva, the Purple Revolution Tribute Show is a heartfelt dedication to the music of one of the greatest icons of the 21st Century.

From Purple Rain to Little Red Corvette, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World and You Got the Look – the band will deliver back to back sing-a-long classics throughout the afternoon.

The following day, Andrew De Silva and his band will take to the stage performing their own unique take on R&B, Funk and Soul which is guaranteed to win the audience over with its versatility and charm.

Andrew De Silva shot to fame when his band, CDB, won and ARIA for highest selling single –“Lets Groove” and for over a decade, he worked behind the scenes lending his vocals and experience to shows such as Dancing with Stars, X Factor and the Masked Singer.

In 2012 Andrew was encouraged by friends and family to step back into the limelight once again and he entered Australia’s Got Talent, winning the competition and proving to himself that he has what it takes.

From stadiums to theatre shows to solo acoustic sessions and corporate events, Andrew is the seasoned performer that entices the crowd with his voice and musicianship.

Often likened to Prince, it was an easy decision for Andrew to put together a tribute show that played to his strengths and love of the legendary artist.

His show has since become popular right around Australia.

While emanating Prince is a fun element to his musicianship, Andrew also focuses on his solo music career and has just released his latest single “What’s Up What’s Down” which was added to Spotify’s Nu Funk playlist alongside artists Anderson Paak and Thunder Cat which has seen the track gain over 100,000 streams around the world.

Purple Evolution will be performing at The Pub on Saturday 2nd April from 2pm to 5.30pm.

Andrew De Silva and band will be on-stage from 2pm to 5.30pm on Sunday 3rd April.

Andrew De Silva

Andrew De Silva and band

Purple Evolution

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Calling all singers, dancers, bands, musicians, comedians, DJs and rappers, it’s time to express your talent on the stage as applications are now open for Fast Track North Queensland.

The only event of its kind in the state, Fast Track North Queensland is returning to the Burdekin Theatre on Saturday 2 April.

The talent showcase invites performers from across Queensland and the country who perform in all disciplines of the creative world to enter, with over $5,000 of cash and prizes to be won.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said it was fantastic to be welcoming the Fast Track talent scouts back to the Burdekin, with the talent show becoming a regular fixture for the region over the past few years.

“Fast Track North Queensland is a fantastic opportunity for all performers – from singers and dancers to bands, musicians, comedians and more – to gain experience on stage and be seen by capital city talent scouts here in the Burdekin,” Councillor McLaughlin said.

“This year we are incredibly lucky to have two special guest judges, Chris Sebastian, and Jael Wena, who will host an exclusive not-to-be-missed performance workshop for all contestants.

“There are only a limited number of spots, so I encourage anyone in North Queensland with a passion for performing to be the first to nominate before word gets out.”

Chris Sebastian was winner of The Voice 2020, while Jael Wena was a Voice Generations 2022 Grand Finalist.

Past winners have been from a variety of fields, and judges have said they want to see every performance style from every age group.

Entrants also travel from across the country, with contestants last year from as far away as Sydney and Brisbane.

Fast Track North Queensland will be held at the Burdekin Theatre on Saturday 2 April.

Applications are now open: email your contact and performance details to burdekin@fasttracktalent.com.au or visit fasttracktalent.com.au for more information.

Last year’s group of rising stars at the Fast Track North Queensland talent identifier at the Burdekin Theatre

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Liam Neeson has shown his aptitude for helming gruff, no holds barred action flicks that pit him – a one man army on a quest for vengeance – against endless streams of henchmen.

In 2020’s Blacklight, Neeson’s role is no different as he plays Travis Block, a government agent who uncovers a conspiracy within his own ranks that reaches the highest echelons of power. Block has his own shadowy past, but when he discovers a plot targeting U.S. citizens, it’s time for him to draw the line. Soon, he finds himself in the crosshairs of the director of the FBI – whose life he had once saved.

This action political thriller sees Neeson put in an excellent performance regardless of the sometimes-cheesy dialogue, and audiences will come away with a reminiscence of the ’80s paranoid thrillers akin to The Fugitive.

Neeson’s weary-warrior act makes this run-and-gun worth the watch, and Blacklight is showing this weekend at The Bowen Summergarden Cinema.

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Stall holders, musicians and amusement ride operators are getting excited to participate in the first Proserpine Street Party which is due to take over Main Street at the end of this month.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to come on down for a lively fiesta to celebrate the opening of the newly re-built Proserpine Entertainment Centre and more broadly, the unique lifestyle of our much-loved country town.

The Council-funded event is free for everyone to attend.

Live music will provide the perfect accompaniment as stall holders show their wares and a petting zoo as well as free amusement rides will entertain the kids.

The event takes place on Sunday, March 27 from 2pm to 6pm.

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Friday 18 March

Conversations with Art  

Third Friday of each month, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Join in the free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace Mackay staff as they look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Karaoke Under The Stars @ The Burb

Friday, 7:00pm to 11:00pm

Get amongst a family-friendly night of karaoke at The Burb.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Saturday 19 March

Falun Gong Classes

Saturday, 9:00am to 11:00am

Soak in the morning sun and enjoy the fresh air as you experience relaxation, meditation, inner peace and health through movement. Falun Gong classes are a regular event at the Gardens.

Tropical Sun Lawn, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Hostplus Cup Round 1 – Mackay Cutters v PNG Hunters

Saturday, gates open 10:45am

Get around game day and cheer on the Cutters as the Hostplus Cup squad clashes with the PNG Hunters! Junior squads take on the Northern Pride and the day wraps up with a battle between the Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts and local team, Souths Sharks. Bring the family and watch your favourite players out on the paddock of BB Print Stadium.

BB Print Stadium

Sacred Kirtan Meditation

Saturday, 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Come for an experience that will transport you to a world of inspiration, peace and joy, far beyond the stress and worries of life. This heart-warming group meditation combines chanting/singing of sacred mantras with musical instruments and sweet, cruising melodies to soothe the soul. The experience of Kirtan is meditative and beautifully immersive, the leader sings the mantra and everyone sings it back. This spiritual connection through song makes for a unique experience like no other. Chris and Anna have recently relocated to Mackay from Adelaide and have been sharing Kirtan meditation with the community for many years. They look forward to connecting with you through this wonderful meditation practice.

Unity Yoga Ayurveda

Shades of Women

Saturday, 6:00pm to 11:55pm

Shades of Women is an inaugural gala event and a first for Mackay. It signifies the commencement of a fundraising endeavour like no other in a quest to provide support for women and their children affected by Domestic Violence. This event provides an opportunity to celebrate women and the strength they bring to the lives of so many, but also a time to bring about awareness and raise much needed funds for Domestic Violence. Money raised will be donated to Women’s Legal Services Queensland, who provide free legal and welfare help to Queensland women and their kids at risk from domestic violence.

Seabreeze Hotel

Beddy Rays

Saturday, 8:00pm

Since selling out their first headline tour and supporting Australian music legends Violent Soho in May, Beddy Rays have been biting their nails to get back on the road and bring their mosh-worthy, coastal-rock bangers to your hometowns of Sunny Queensland! Supported by French Press.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday 20 March

Photo Walkabout at the Botanic Gardens

Sunday, 9:00am to 11:00am

Do you love capturing interesting photos with your camera or smart phone? This month’s Photo Walkabout workshop is focussing on “What lies on the forest floor?”. Open to all photographers from beginners to advanced, it is a free activity for anyone to join. To book your spot, phone Kim on 4952 7321 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Sunday Live Music

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

Didgeridoo Sound Healing

Sunday, 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Come and hear Rufus speak from real-life experiences and be immersed in sacred sounds of the Didgeridoo, crystal bowl, flute, vocals and medicine drum to reset your energy and find balance.

Glenella Community Hall

Bjorn Again – Mamma Mia! We Are Back Again Tour

Sunday, 7:30pm

iThe MECC Auditorium

Tuesday 22 March

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 23 March

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

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Want to do something for yourself and something for the community? Then why not join With One Voice Choir in Mackay and surrounds.

Performing out in the Mackay community, the choir is aimed at providing pleasure and enjoyment, working with local disability groups, singing at retirement homes and respite centres, as well as preparing and performing its own concerts.

Choir Director Jennifer Bee said that the most common obstacle to people joining the choir is their false belief that they cannot sing.

“Fundamental to the With One Voice Choir is our strong conviction that every person can sing!” Jennifer said.

“We provide acceptance, encouragement and support for those people who lack confidence and help them find their voice.”

“One of the most satisfying parts of our weekly rehearsals is how people feel welcome knowing that we are all there to do the best we can, as part of a group, which loves to sing and wants to support our community.

The next concert is planned for the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday May 7th at the Sporting Wheelies Hall in Bridge Road East Mackay.

“The High Tea and concert will be an opportunity for families to celebrate with Mothers and Grandmothers,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer Bee also pointed to research that has now found the act of singing aloud is beneficial to our health.

“Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to the quality of life.”

“No matter what age you are or what your abilities are, singing offers opportunities to learn, grow and express who you are.”

With One Voice Mackay meets and rehearses every Thursday evening at 6.30 pm at the CQU University City Campus Building 2 Theatre 90-92 Sydney Street Mackay.

Potential new members are very welcome, so feel free to come along and give the Choir a try without obligation.

Enquires phone Greg at 0401 692 254 or Frank at 0427 530 774.

With One Voice Mackay is an excellent way to socialise and also to sing with a group of likeminded – and like-voiced - people

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The favourite creative collective known affectionately as the Briefs Boys are back at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this April, and this time they have a hills hoist in tow and are ready to air their Dirty Laundry.

The tight-knit group of representatives from the Briefs Factory, an Australian creative collective who produce and present evocative, physical performances, are returning to the Sugar City with their circus, drag, dance, burlesque, music, comedy inspired show ready to go.

With the ever-changing world around them, Briefs Factory have been dedicated to developing and touring their brand of award winning, genre defying, political party punk around the world, and are touching down in Mackay for a second time.

Led by Fez Faanana (AKA Shivanana) – director and co-founder of Briefs Factory - this brand-new party cabaret pegs a line-up of classic Briefs boys along with some new boys and toys in the basket.

These festival favourites promise a load of physicality, comedy, and showmanship, and none of it clean – so “turn your cycle to hot as you watch these boys tumble dry.”

After 10 years of selling out festivals worldwide and visiting Mackay back in 2020, the boys are ready to hit the MECC stage on the 2nd of April with more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever!

Get your tickets to the ultimate ladies’ night out at themecc.com.au for an 18+ event.

Meet the Brief Boys at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this April

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A notable selection of key Clermont characters will have their prolific lives showcased in a new exhibition in the Isaac region.

Clermont Historical Centre presents Faces of the Peak Downs which showcases a collection of stories from the first European settlers in the area to women paving their way in the saddle manufacturing industry.

Since Ludwig Leichhardt first traversed this area in 1845, the Clermont district or at the time, Peak Downs, has been home to an array of characters that contributed to its development.

The exhibition highlights identities like Jeremiah Rolfe who was the first European to settle in the Clermont area, establishing sheep runs and working the land, Oscar de Satge who named Wolfang Peak and established Wolfang Station, and Rose Harris who is regarded as Australia’s first female saddler.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said this year is worth visiting the centre especially as it took out silver in the best tourist attraction category at the 2021 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.

“This great local experience, run by locals working at Council and incredible volunteers, would not happen without their absolute dedication behind the scenes,” Mayor Baker said.

“Tourism is one of our most valuable industries in the Isaac region. It is worth more than $180 million a year and it directly employs 1000 people.”

This is a chance to explore, discover and jump back in time to learn the stories of the region’s harsh colonial era.

Faces of the Peak Downs exhibition will run to 17 December 2022.

Last year’s Back on Track exhibition which paid homage to country racing being an essential part of the social fabric of the Isaac region continues to be featured.

Clermont Historical Centre is located on Gregory Highway and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $3 children under 12 years and $15 per family with two or more children.

Jeremiah Rolfe and family circa 1876

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Bowen artists get your pastels and paint brushes set, on the last Tuesday of every month local artist Mel Stone has been hosting Paint And Sip sessions at The Grandview Hotel.

The next tipsy painting gathering is set for March 29, and it’s your opportunity for a no judgement artistic journey helped by some red or white wine.

If you’ve been out of the loop, Paint and Sip is a relaxing, fun way to step into painting, where a resident artist takes participants step-by-step through painting a picture, portrait or otherwise.

With an easel, paint brush and a creative juice -preferably wine, although it can be coffee, tea, or beer – you can enjoy a no-pressure painting experience, with no painting experience required.

Last Month’s session was a grand success at the Grandview, with the wannabe artists showing their teacher their very best interpretation of shuttered blue window with plants below.

New and novice artists alike can find out more by contacting the Grand View Hotel.

25 seats are available for the sessions, which run $45 per person, and they’re a guaranteed blast – you might even discover a new talent.

Bookings are essential, so call the Grand View Hotel on (07) 4786 4022 to secure a seat for the next go around.

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The Airlie Beach foreshore will fill with the sounds of chaotic battle next Saturday, but not between knights or Vikings, instead the long-standing feud between Jerry Mouse and Tom Cat will take to the screen.

The Tom & Jerry Movie will be playing for free at the Airlie Beach Foreshore screen on Saturday, March 19 at 6:30pm.

The Tom and Jerry movie pits the famous fighting pair against each other in another instalment of their continuing feud, this time in Manhattan.

Jerry, running from his long-time rival after an incident in Central Park, takes refuge in the Royal Gate Hotel, with Tom in hot pursuit

Tom soon finds himself hired to drive him away before the day of a big wedding arrives in this family fun film.

The 2021 released slapstick comedy is filled with familiar faces like Chloë Grace Moretz, Michael Peña, and even Ken Jeong – so there’s some fun for the parents, too!

Whitsunday Regional Council are inviting local parents and their kids along to this relaxed family night, so bring the picnic rugs, chairs and food and enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars.

Airlie Beach Foreshore Outdoor Cinema has been a hit with locals since its instalment and the upcoming screening is looking to continue the trend – make sure you’re arriving early to find yourself the best spot to snuggle up for the night with the family!

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