The latest sensation which is adding an exciting sweet note to the local music scene is the fortnightly Jazz afternoons taking place on alternate Sundays on the deck at The Palms Restaurant and Bar.

Located at the Colonial Palms Motor Inn, these unique and intimate afternoons have generated a growing following among locals and tourists alike who enjoy the depth and complexity of jazz music.

The story began when Colonial Palm Managers, Greg and Nettie, approached locally highly acclaimed jazz musician, Nick Di Gregorio.

Thrilled to be given a platform to bring a new community of jazz musicians together, Nick has since brought visiting jazz musicians from as far afield as Melbourne, Townsville and Mackay, to play at these local events.

Having first picked up a guitar when he was 10, Nick’s talent was soon recognised and by the age of 15 he was studying at the Victorian College of Performing Arts.

After this, he attended the Western Australia Academy for Performing Arts where he specialised in jazz for three years.

Over the past 10 years Nick has played on cruise ships, gigged in London for five years and been the point person for Hamilton Island live music acts.

He has been a full-time musician since the age of 15 and luckily for the Whitsundays he is setting a life up here with his English partner and their six month old son.

You will find Nick performing at The Palms every other Sunday alongside a different visiting musician.

This Sunday he will be on guitar and vocals while special guest Clare Whitecombe will be on piano.

Come along this Sunday afternoon and enjoy a relaxing experience to the backdrop of stunning sea views from the deck, chilled drinks and delicious tapas.

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WHAT: Afternoon of live jazz on the deck
WHERE: The Palms, Colonial Palms Motor Inn
WHEN: Sunday 14th April, from 3pm

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Nick Di Gregorio hosts Live Jazz On The Deck at The Palms. Photo supplied

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Every Thursday at the Reef Gateway bring the crew together and join Thursday Trivia.

With prizes to be won, laughs to be had, and fun guaranteed, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your Thursday night.

Want some dinner? The Reef Gateway’s Thursday food special has you covered.

Devour one of the Reef Gateway’s delicious pizzas plus a drink for just $20.

Or enjoy anything else from their menu, from pub classics to crispy pork belly.

Thursday Trivia is held at the pub’s Bistro, booking a table is recommended and registration starts at 6:00pm for the trivia to start at 6:30pm.

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What: Thursday Trivia
Where: Reef Gateway Hotel
When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm

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A group of talented musicians are bringing their unique flavour of music to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre later this month with their ‘Do We Need Another Hero’ show.

A joyful celebration of songs about bravery and heroism, the show features a variety of music genres from pop to opera, country to classical.

This live musical tribute will encompass chart-topping anthems and unique mashups that will have you dancing in your seat.

Timeless hits about bravery and heroism from artists like The Beatles, David Bowie, John Farnham and more, intertwine with opera classics from composers like Beethoven and Bizet to provide the soundtrack for our story as we search for what it means to be a hero.

Exploring the musical archives, the audience will discover that not all heroes wear capes.

From the creative minds behind Are You Lonesome Tonight and Lady Sings the Maroons, this new musical showcases Queensland’s finest talent including Marcus Corowa, Luke Volker, Jason Barry-Smith, Ruby Clark and Shikara Ringdahl.

Sing along with these artists as they take songs you know and love and weave them into a story for the whole family.

Do We Need Another Hero? believes that each person possesses a unique superpower, and grand acts of courage need not always make headlines.

This show will delight and encourage you to reflect on the idea that everyone can be a hero, if only for a day.

WHAT: Do We Need Another Hero? 
WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre
WHEN: Saturday 27th April from 6pm
TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au‍

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‘Do We Need Another Hero’ performers. Photo supplied

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Looking for something entertaining to do today?
There’s lots of fun for kids and adults in Mackay’s city centre as part of its Friday activation series.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Let the Children Play Toyshop Pokemon Card Game Workshop.
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Wood St, near the Grazing Goat Cafe FREE kids activities:
   • Carlie's Fascinating Faces Face Painting Mackay
   • Plaster kids/ SandWizard Mackay & Whitsundays
   • Kids games
   • Live music by Tiffany Grace Music
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: DeckaDice Watch Party Free to attend:
   • Pokemon Concierge screening
   • Pokemon Bingo
   • Dress up in your best Pokemon-themed outfit and win prizes!!
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Crossroad Arts Inc Art Party Afternoon:
   • Age: 15+
   • Cost: Free
   • Bring your own projects and materials. Some art supplies provided.
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm: The Deli Nook BYO and grab a platter arvo.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Pelican Zen Free City Heart Community Rhythm Drum Circle at Bluewater Quay.
6:00 pm - late: Red Dog Riverfront Ronny Crocker
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: The Dispensary Mackay DJ Nathan in the bar.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Hibiki 22 Bar & Karaoke Luke Miller Band
The Gallery Lounge and Bar: Free entry and pool until 9:00 pm with the resident DJ playing from 8:30 pm.

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In collaboration with Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society, Film Arts Mackay have something very special underway for April. A production that will have you giggling and gasping in their next comedy-drama film, The Crime Is Mine.

Diving into the depths of Paris in the 1930s, Madeleine, a pretty, young, penniless and talentless actress, is accused of murdering a famous producer. With the help of her best friend Pauline, who is a young unemployed lawyer, she is acquitted on the grounds of self-defence. A new life of fame and success begins…until the truth comes out.

This masterpiece, directed by Francois Ozon, will roll from 7.30pm Friday, April 12 and will play for 1 hour and 42 minutes, this film is rated M for viewer discretion. There will be prizes for the best 30s themed dress, so dress to impress! Please book tickets online at www.trybooking.com/CPTTA in advance.

"Incredibly fresh, elegant, and extraordinary." - ESPINOF
"A joyous comedy with the air of vaudeville that flows like a spring from the hand of its cast." - EL PAIS
"A Smart and intelligent comedy about the show business in the 30s in Paris." – CINEMATISMO

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Don’t miss this highly anticipated film, The Crime Is Mine! Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot for April 12

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The ANZAC Day Australian Rock Tribute Festival at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel, promises to be a captivating homage to four legendary Australian bands - INXS, Cold Chisel, the Divinyls and AC/DC.

Featuring local favourite, Dellacoma Rio who will be channelling the spirit of INXS, Adam Spizzo who is from the High Voltage Show, Richard Champion who sings with Filthy Animals and is an ex-AFL football legend, and Tara Graham from Captain Thunderbolt Band and the All About Gwen Tribute. 

With this all-star cast of performers this is a rock-tacular weekend to put in your calendar and it’s all live, loud and totally free at your favourite local.

In an exclusive interview, we caught up with the Australian INXS show’s lead singer Dellacoma Rio, who will be front and centre as he embodies the essence of INXS's Michael Hutchence.

Dell also fronts his own band called Dellacoma Rio, and he will be bringing the Festival of Rock to a close on the Sunday by performing his original music, with some of his favourite covers sure to be included.

The rest of his band are flying up from Melbourne for the event and to celebrate what is expected to be an incredible weekend of rock.

Dell's journey into music was deeply rooted in his upbringing, with a familial passion for singing. Despite initially exploring acting during his time in the US, he ultimately gravitated towards performing and singing.

It wasn't until his mid-twenties that Dell decided to pursue music professionally.

Dell said, “it’s something that’s just always been in my blood”.

“The band was born out of a belief and an inner knowing that I wasn’t done playing music yet.”

For Dell, paying homage to INXS comes as a natural progression, encouraged by audiences, both in the industry as well as regular punters over the years who would often point out a resemblance between him and Michael Hutchence.

Dell says it can be challenging from the standpoint that “everyone has a preconceived notion of who the legendary performer Michael was”, however, Dell says he finds freedom in helping people unlock memories through this music, or from when they were watching the original band back in the day.

“It’s about paying tribute to the music and the legacy that he left behind for audiences to enjoy,” he remarked.

The tribute shows often have audiences in tears as they reconnect with the timeless melodies of INXS. Through the immersive experience of live performances, Dell and his band transport listeners back in time, capturing the essence of the original band's heyday.

Dell is looking forward to showcasing the INXS Tribute Show alongside other legendary tribute acts over the four-day festival.

Get ready for an action-packed event which includes four days of entertainment, beginning with the ANZAC Day Australia Rock Tribute Festival, followed by Cold Chisel and ACDC on the Friday, and then INXS and the Divinyls on Saturday and culminating with the Dellacoma Rio show on the Sunday.

FOUR DAYS OF AUSSIE ROCK!

WHAT: Australia Rock Tribute Festival
WHEN: ANZAC Day Thursday 25th April – 12 Noon till 6pm

WHAT: Cold Chisel vs AC/DC
WHEN: Friday 26th April, 2PM – 5.30PM

WHAT: INXS vs DIVINYLS
WHEN: Saturday 27th April 2pm-5.30pm

WHAT: Dellacoma
WHEN:  Sunday 28th April, 2pm–5.30pm

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Click For Full Size Pic

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At the Airlie Beach Hotel, next weekend, get transported back to the 70’s with The Australian Eagles Show.

Usually playing in front of sold-out theatres, the Airlie Beach Hotel is extremely lucky to have this rocking act perform live from its bar-top stage.

Everyone in town is invited to come on down and enjoy this unforgettable show for free!

The group have travelled Australia-wide and are often called the country’s most authentic Eagles experience.

As part of their ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ tour, Airlie Beach Hotel is thrilled to host them and are excited for patrons to ‘Take It Easy’.

Whether that’s sitting back with a wine, beer or a ‘Tequila Sunrise’.

It’s a classic for Eagles fans of any age and it can’t be missed.

Founding member, Shayne Browne is on lead vocals and guitar, the heart of the band that leads us into belting out the lyrics with him.

Michael Thompson is beside the founder and on vocals and guitar. He knows just when to belt out, and when to mellow the tune away.

Next up is Paul Kerin, on guitar and vocals as well, he dominates with beats, and they hit just right.

Beside him is Colin Grimley, on drums and vocals. Keeping the boys in check and on beat, Colin is sure to be a hidden gem in the music.

Jason Chandler brings the rhythmic beats of the bass guitar, the steady streams of music that take the audience to new places.

With authentic reproductions, and intimate performances, you will be transported to a jampacked Eagles show in the 70s, with the swaying soft rock music just washing over you.

At the free two-hour show you’ll hear some classic Eagles hits from, ‘Take It Easy’, to ‘One Of These Nights’, to the much loved and widely know ‘Hotel California’.

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What: The Australian Eagles Show

Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

When: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 April, 2pm-5:30pm

Tickets: Completely free, but reserving a table is recommended

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Photos supplied

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Inspector Sun and the Curse of the Black Widow
Spider Inspector Sun boards what seems to be normal plane for a much-needed vacation, but when a millionaire receives a threat for his life, Sun is back in action. Trapped in a web of lies, Sun must find the offender before it’s too late.

Running Time: 88 minutes
Price: $10-$12.50

Peter Rabbit 2
In an Easter Sunday special screening catch Peter Rabbit in his second big screen adventure. Peter now has a family, but he can’t help falling back into his mischievous ways. Peter adventures out of the garden and finds himself in a world where mischief is appreciated, but when his family risk everything to come looking for him, he must decide what type of rabbit he wants to be.

Running Time: 93 minutes
Price: $5

Kung Fu Panda 4
It’s been eight years since we last saw Po the Dragon Warrior on our screens. In that time, he has defeated legendary villains and saved countless civilians. In this adventure, Po is set to become the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace but can he do it before he chooses his Dragon Warrior successor?

Running Time: TBC
Price: $10-$12.50

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Close off your school holidays in style with a special child friendly Come and Try Golf Day which is open to all families across the region.

This event is the first time Cannonvale State School P&C and Whitsunday Green have come together to create a special day of this type, and P&C President, Sabrina Mitchell, says she is hoping it could become annual.

All proceeds from the event are directed straight back into Cannonvale State School and will be used to purchase E reader pens.

These clever devises help children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties understand what they have written, as the pen speaks the written words out loud.

Any additional money raised will be given to the school sports department and used to buy new equipment for all the children to enjoy.

During the day, families and other groups are welcome to sign-up to the Ambrose Competition in order to be in the running for some terrific prizes.

There will also be trophies and prizes for participants placed in first, second or third place.

KC’s Bar and Grill are a major sponsor of the event and will be on-site with food and drink throughout the day.

There will also be live entertainment over lunch.

A range of raffle prizes are there to be won, with some lucky winners receiving meat trays by Master Butchers and speciality platters from Fishi Seafood.

For those not playing golf, there is free face painting throughout the day, and the bar is also open for food and drinks.

If you wish to become an event sponsor please contact Sabrina through the school.

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What: Come & Try Golf Fun Day
Where: Whitsunday Green Club
When: Sunday 14 April

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Families from across the region are invited to the Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale this Easter Monday for a fun and interactive night of bingo where everyone, whether they be big or small, will have the chance to get involved.

Airlie Beach Bingo Whitsundays and Cannonvale State School P&C welcome you to this special Easter Family Bingo event, with a grand prize of $500, this is a bingo night that cannot be missed.

There will also be a mega raffle on the evening.

For the past 11 years Airlie Beach Bingo Whitsundays has been hosting fun evenings like this, so you know you’ll be in good hands and are guaranteed some fantastic family fun.

Organiser Sabrina Mitchell expressed that this is an event for the entire family and said that there may even be an appearance by the Easter Bunny who will be leaving gifts.

“I’m sure the Easter Bunny will leave presents and choccies,” she said.

The Reef Gateway is also home to two playgrounds which are the perfect way for kids to expend their energy.

They can head to the indoor soft play centre or outside to the fully enclosed play park, both are located safely within the complex and close to the bistro area.

At this special event, families are encouraged to get in the Easter spirit and dress up for the evening.

There will also be an Easter Bonnet competition.

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What: Easter Family Bingo

Where: Reef Gateway Hotel

When: Monday 1 April
 6:30pm-8:30pm

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From singing in a church to singing on stage, homegrown Central Queensland talent Mackenzie May is making her way up in the music arts world at just seventeen years old as she released her first debut single ‘Little Things’ on Friday, the 1st of March.

Mackenzie wrote the bittersweet song back in July last year at the junior academy of country music in Tamworth, where she co-wrote the song with Sarah Buckley from ‘The Buckleys.’

Mackenzie says she wrote the song about the small joys in life, acknowledging the little things as she memorises the minor, but significant moments her close friends will leave behind after they move onto university and into a new life outside of their hometown.

“A lot of my friends are moving away to uni, the song is about little things in life that get left behind and the little things that are big things to me.”

Growing up, Mackenzie would often sing with her pop. As her passion for singing developed over the years of her youth, she began singing for her local church, which expanded into her performing her first ever open mic at just thirteen-years-old. At fifteen, she then realised she would be able to make a career out of her harmonic vocal cords and acoustic guitar skills.

“Pop used to sing, I used to sit on his lap and sing with him.

“I think I was about twelve years old when I started singing in church. When I was thirteen, I did my first ever proper open mic.

“Then when I was about fifteen that’s when I realised, I could probably make a career out of this.”

Mackenzie shared her thoughts on exploring other musical genres, commenting: “Country music is definitely my genre; I don’t think I could go down any other pathway.”

She won the award for Novice Songwriter of the year in January 2024 at the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) where she was given the opportunity to write another upcoming song in April.

“I’m going down to Hervey Bay in April to produce my second song so I’m really looking forward to that.”

“I’ll have to make an appearance up in Mackay sometime soon,” she says.

With a passion for singing mixed with her friendly charm, she will make a great artist throughout Central Queensland. Mackay looks forward to welcoming Mackenzie May in the near future.

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Seventeen-year-old country singer-songwriter Mackenzie May. Photo supplied

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Click for full size pic

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This Easter long weekend, head to Airlie Beach Hotel to catch some X Factor action with Andrew Wishart, star of the 2011 series.

Against the odds and as the crowd favourite, Andrew made it to the Grand Final of X-Factor Australia; to be placed runner-up in the series, missing out on winning by 1 per cent of the national vote.

Before his X Factor success Andrew worked as a sales manager for 30 years but that all changed when his children made him audition for X Factor Australia.

Despite being away from his family throughout X Factor he thoroughly enjoyed it, he added that it was pretty cool making it that far and being on national television, watched by an audience of millions.

Andrew beat more than 30,000 hopefuls to be Runner Up on the show and has since used his fame to continue the success.

Since X Factor, Andrew has started doing music full time and has been performing gigs and shows Australia wide and even playing internationally.

He has performed with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Michael Bolton, George Benson, Stevie Nicks, Delta Goodrem, Darryl Braithwaite, Adam Thompson, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Brian Cadd, and many more

He loves performing, and although he doesn’t have a favourite song as such, he said anything with “good messages and good vocals, something people to sing along to.”

Armed with little more than his acoustic guitar and his powerfully unique voice, Andrew possesses a resonance in his performances that transcends generations.

Andrew has visited the Whitsundays before and is looking forward to coming back, he loves the blue waters and weather.

When Andrew isn’t performing, he loves to read in his spare time.

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Last Song you listened to - We Close Our Eyes by Go West

‘Cracking song’

Favourite to perform - Dakota by Stereophonics

Favourite song - Collingwood Football song

Least favourite song - Carlton Football song

What: Andrew Wishart

When: Thursday 28 March 6.30pm – 9.30p

Friday 29 March 7pm – 10pm

Saturday 30 March 6pm – 8pm

Sunday 31 March 6:30pm to 9:30pm

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Where: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel

Tickets: Absolutely free but It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!

Photos Supplied

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The line-up for the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival continues to generate excitement with the addition of three highly-acclaimed authors.

The Whitsundays Writers Festival proudly expands its schedule of literary luminaries with the addition of three authors: Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, and Jack Roney.

President Karen Jacobsen expressed her delight and excitement.

"We have built a substantial list of authors this year as we are focused on writing excellence," Karen commented.

"This Festival will be a joy for readers, writers, and thinkers."

Karina Kilmore, Chair of the Australian Crime Writers Association, brings a wealth of experience from her background in finance journalism and extensive literary contributions. Her crime fiction debut, Where the Truth Lies, has garnered critical acclaim and nominations for various awards, showcasing her prowess as a storyteller.

Award winning Queenslander, Dr Melissa Ashley, is known for her multifaceted talents as a writer, poet, and academic. She enriches the Festival line-up with her poetic sensibilities and historical insights. Her novel The Birdman's Wife, inspired by the life of Elizabeth Gould, reflects Melissa’s dedication to meticulous research and literary craftsmanship.

Queenslander Jack Roney, drawing from his remarkable 33-year career in law enforcement, infuses his crime fiction with unparalleled authenticity and gripping realism. As a former police officer turned full-time author, Jack’s novels offer readers an immersive experience into the gritty world of crime and investigation.

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WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival

WHEN: Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024

SUBSCRIBE: whitsundayswriters.com

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