Bourbon-soaked rock is next on the lineup for these bourbon boys, gracing the stage of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music for a mammoth weekend of unstoppable Australian rock.

“And we just love it,” Bourbon Street guitarist, Horace Bevan said.

“We play hard, and we sweat harder. You can’t put us in a corner!”

After 37 years of rock, the boys of Bourbon Street say they are feeling more alive than ever.

“It takes a lot of physicality, a lot of attitude, but we’re grateful that we can still play in our prime years,” Horace explained.

“It’s endearing how powerful music is, sharing music with people. It’s an honour and a privilege to be on stage. It’s abundant joy, an emotive high, without even having to use drugs!

“It’s a powerful bond and it proves that the band is no more important than the audience. When people get up and dance, express themselves through dance – not to sound like a hippy – but it’s a powerful thing.”

Over the years, Bourbon Street have evolved, covering the best tracks of the 60s and 70s, to writing and producing original music.

“We are an old school rock band,” Horace explained.

While Horace’s passion is palpable, the lasting impact of Bourbon Street in unimaginable, with the band deciding to produce a documentary, to celebrate their illustrious career.

“We have this young filmmaker on board. He’s organised and ready. He gets us to show up and be on out A-Game, even when I’m like ‘Ah man, I just want a joint and a cup of tea’.

“But this is a great opportunity to present our story through the years. We have this massive body of history and have yet to share it.

“We’ve done all these amazing things; we toured Australia and America, and we got into the Golden Circle. We didn’t quite get the commercial success we were after, but we got really close.”

For Horace and Bourbon Street, they are thankful to Gavin “Butto” Butlin, the Festival Organiser.

“In 2013, Butto was instrumental in us getting back together, and being in the same room again. He’s what kicked us off again.

“That’s the thing about the Airlie Beach Festival of Music: it has integrity. The entire festival is all about the music, about bringing people together and coming together as one. It’s something that we admire.

“There is this raw essence in music, a companionship through music that you cannot deny.”

And now celebrating 37 years in the industry, Bourbon Street is feeling fully alive.

“Music keeps us present, conscious, and it wants us to do our best. It’s just really f**** cool.”

And as Horace says: What happens on the road, stays on the road.

The name Perry Street Park is very familiar to Airlie Beach locals, as well as most of the Queensland music scene, having seen massive success following their 2022 win at the Passport to Airlie original music competition.

Propelling the four boys into a new stratosphere last year, they are now excited to check back into Airlie Beach, where all their success began.

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is such a unique opportunity,” Benny Nelson, lead singer of Perry Street Park, said.

“We’re playing every day over the four-day festival, and as a musician, this is great! We want to play as much as we can. It’s about building an audience and a following, and we want people to go ‘ah that band was good, who are they again?’.”

Taking out the Passport to Airlie win in 2022 set Perry Street Park onto a new trajectory.

“It really gave us the momentum to run into 2023. We’ve been releasing so much new music, playing a lot of festivals, and have even just finished up this massive tour with Sarah McLeod and the Superjesus.

“These are the opportunities that Airlie Beach Festival of Music gave us.”

And Perry Street Park have big plans for their set list in Airlie Beach this weekend.

“We’re gonna chuck a few new songs on the set list, some of our older stuff and a few covers. We pride ourselves on giving covers justice.”

On stage, the boys bring high energy and create a vibrant atmosphere.

“We like to have fun on stage. We reckon that’s part of what got us the win at Passport to Airlie, the fact that we have fun on the stage, that we be ourselves. We don’t act differently or anything like that. We also interact with each other and the crowd and bring a lot of energy.

“That’s one thing that we’re thankful for, that Airlie Beach let us become comfortable on festival stages. Festivals are big productions, with big lights and massive crowds. Imposter syndrome was something we tackled with, but being on the big stage at festivals is where we belong.”

These returning champions have worked hard to turn an opportunity into a career and have overcome every obstacle.

“2023 was a big year for us, performing at so many festivals and shows, so we’re excited for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to be a little holiday for us. There’s really no better place to holiday than in Airlie.”

In fact, “The Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be a bit of a send off of 2023 for us, before we start to get into Christmas and have some down time.”

Bowen made and locally loved youth band Gleezus have been busy building a name for themselves, entrenching their sound and dynamic presence into the very thread of music in the Whitsundays.

Evolving from a simple music class assessment to the competition winning band that is Gleezus, their success was unprecedented, but the team have been taking every opportunity to grow as musicians and develop their sound.

Jack Homewood is the guitarist for Gleezus and started the band initially.

“I just fell in love with it,” Jack explained.

“From there, we just started practicing outside of school, and eventually we just got better equipment, and started playing house parties and private shows, and then we played our first big competition at the Townsville Folk Festival,” he said.

Ashton Shepheard is Gleezus’ bassist and says that the whirlwind of the success has been amazing.

“It’s gonna be so awesome,” Ashton explained.

The final mixture of this youth phenomenon is Brock Medhurst on drums, and newcomer Kameron Stoneham, a powerhouse on vocals and a star with music.

“Kameron can just belt out Metallica, it’s great. We all just clicked with her. We can think of a song we’d like to play, and she’ll just rip through it,” Jack explained.

“The other day we were jamming together, trying to come up with lyrics, and she went outside for 15 minutes, comes back in and is like ‘done’ [handing over some lyrics], and that’s what we used to win Young Whitsundays got Talent.”

Still spinning from their recent success at the top where they won the Young Whitsundays Got Talent in October, the band will soon be performing at Airlie Beach Festival of Music, where they will also receive the ‘rock star’ treatment - full access back-stage passes with headlining act, The Superjesus.

“The festival is massive, with like 15 different bands playing at once at 15 different venues. It’ll be so good to meet some other musicians too, who are into our sort of music,” Ashton said.

Describing their sound as “rock, grunge, all the good old school stuff”, the band are keen to get on stage and perform to the people of Airlie.

Their set list prepped and ready, with a mixture of covers and originals, Gleezus has over two hours’ worth of music, with a 40-minute time slot.

With dreams of hitting it big professionally, Gleezus are certainly making a great foundation for stardom, with meetings with massive industry professionals in the schedule.

If you haven’t heard Gleezus recently, you haven’t heard Gleezus at all.

And if you miss them at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, hit up the T8T Fest, held in Bowen on November 18th, which helps raise awareness for Australia Melanoma Research.

The boys of Double Flying Front Kick are ready to take on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, for the third year in a row, and with them they’re bringing their very best originals.

“We’ve got a whole line up of new music that we’re ready to showcase,” said Kaedan McCarthy, talented vocalist and guitarist of the band.

“We’ve also got our brand-new bassist, the legendary Nick Di Gregorio, who comes with so much talent and so much inspiration. In fact, he is probably the most talented out of all of us!”

The final of the trio is Simon Briley, on drums and vocals, who rounds out the band with great beats and even better attitude.

“We all play independently but come together with Double Flying Front Kick, so we can all jump on vocals. Our harmonies are good, and it fuels the music. Both Simon and Nick play guitar too.”

Perfecting their setlist for the festival, the boys are keen to showcase their originals.

“We’ve got some of our older originals and some of our songs are completely brand new, even to us. I’ve been writing for years, so we’ve got this great backlog of stuff in the file cabinet ready to go.”

Just this year, the boys have been pumping through their originals, releasing Volume 2, a new collection of their music earlier this year, with plans to release Volume 3 later on this year.

“We knew 2023 would be us doing a lot of internal stuff, producing, recording and engineering our stuff to get a demo and an album out in 2024,” Kaedan said.

“We go to these festivals and get approached by people in the industry but never have anything to give them, so we’re changing that. In 2024, people will know us and will know our stuff.”

Before these boys make it too big for little ol’ Airlie, see them in action at Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

It’s a full circle moment for Tom Mac, Australian pop-country singer-songwriter, as he gears himself up for the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

It was only a seemingly short time ago, when Tom first performed on Hamilton Island, his first ever gig actually, and now he returns, to grace the Airlie Beach Festival of Music stage.

With his newfound talent – Tom didn’t pick up the guitar until he was in university – Tom has seen unprecedented success. It was a seamless transition, from the early days of playing cover songs, to moving onto writing and producing his own music.

“I’ve always written poetry, so it was pretty easy to marry up poetry and music,” Tom explained.

Currently looking at swinging his sound around, Tom has started to evolve into more pop-country.

“I’ve always hit the pop-country scene, but I’ve never felt like I had the right sound. I’ve always felt I’m more aligned with folk acoustic, but everyone says I definitely sound more country. But I was born in country Victoria, so maybe I’ve never grown out of the country.”

So, what can Airlie Beach expect from Tom?

“Mainly originals, some with my didgeridoo. I’ll play a few of my newer songs, that aren’t released yet, and a few that the country-music lovers will love. I’ll also play some covers, which are always crowd pleases. But festivals like this are a great opportunity to showcase original work.  

“But pretty much, Butto has told me that I have an hour, so between my storytelling, I’m sure the time will be well spent.”

For local up and comer, Jonte, having his name published on the official line up of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music flyer was a thrill like no other.

“To have the festival of our region have my name on it, it was crazy. Amazing,” he said.

“I am excited to be sharing my originals and working alongside other musicians.”

For Jonte, it has always been in his blood to be on stage, performing his originals to anyone who will listen.

“I’ve been gigging since I was 14 years old, and I even busked around at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music a few years ago. To come back now, with my name on the line up, that’s hectic.”

And what does Jonte have planned for Airlie Beach Festival of Music?

“For my setlist, I will be incorporating some of my originals into the lineup. I’ve recently released my new song ‘Done With You’, which I’m excited to perform live.”

Telling the story of an online situation-ship of youth, Jonte’s acclaimed ‘break up anthem’ speaks to young adults coming to terms with love and with online dating.

“I’ve had a really good response to ‘Done With You’ so I am keen to engage the audience with that track.”

With nostalgic sounds, which embody classic and new age country, Jonte is one young talent to look out for.

“And what a better place to perform my originals, than at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music!”

Tiffany Grace

It has been a crazy 12 months for local Tiffany Grace, off the back of her Young Whitsundays Got Talent win in 2022. Since then, she has seen unprecedented success, projecting her to newfound stardom and musical greatness.

“Young Whitsundays was unbelievable in itself. It was such a great experience, and so much has happened because of it,” Tiffany explained.

“The organiser of Young Whitsundays rings me up constantly, calling me for gigs, and that makes the whole difference.”

And now, in 2023, she is one of the performers at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, something she never expected.

“It’s still so hard to believe, to be so young and to see that it’s starting to happen!”

Tiffany’s always had a passion for music, however it wasn’t until 2022 when she fully realised her dream of being on stage, performing her original music.

“I have recently broken through my anxiety of being on stage. It can be very daunting, but the feeling I get when I am up on stage, you can’t describe it.”

While she is still perfecting her song writing prowess, with a few fantastic originals under her belt, she will perform her favourite covers at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

“I’ve also just released a new song, called ‘The Show’, which speaks to being powerful and being strong. And writing music, it’s such a different experience. It’s ecstatic and exciting, and ‘The Show’ has already gotten such a good response.”

And just wait, because if she continues on like this in a few years, the name Tiffany Grace will be a household name, with her amazing country, acoustic pop tracks loved by fans around the country, if not the world!

Opening Eastwoods has always been the vision of Kirsty and Jack Mason, the powerful team that had taken Hamilton Island by storm for a number of years, bringing their expertise and passion over to the Whitsundays mainland.

What prompted the south-east Asian fusion that is Eastwoods was Jack and Kirsty’s passion for showcasing a unique and different food option in the heart of Airlie Beach.

“Modern South-east Asian has always been a favourite style of cuisine. Bursting with flavours and textures bringing the dishes together. Predominately Thai, Vietnamese, with some Chinese in there too,” owner and Executive Chef, Jack explained.

“We try to use traditional recipes and ingredients and modernise it a bit. Classic traditional Asian but with a modern twist. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support and passion of our talented Sous Chefs – Milena and Jenny. The drive they bring every day is a true inspiration for the team”

Having opened the doors less than two weeks ago to Eastwoods, Kirsty, Jack and the team have welcomed the flurry of locals wishing to try the new offerings and the tourists looking for a tasty reprieve from their holiday adventures.

“Favourites of the menu seem to be our barramundi, a crispy whole baby barramundi, straight from the Coral Coast, with a three flavour caramel and apple mint slaw. It just covers all bases, of tastes, textures, and presentation,” Jack explained.

“Our betel leaf dish, with tiger prawn, red nahm jim and toasted coconut, has been a big favourite. We have them growing in the garden at the front, and we love to show people that that’s what they’re eating.”

Another facet of the cuisine is the extreme dietary flexibility of the menu.

“The majority of the dishes are gluten free, and dairy free, and we can make small variations to accommodate other allergens or requirements,” Kirsty explained.

“Pretty much everything is coconut based, not dairy milk, and we use Asian style flours which are gluten free. We also have a number of vegan dishes so it’s very easy to cater to all with delicious options.”

In terms of beverages, the drinks menu is extensive and impressive, offering a range of carefully selected wines, Japanese sake, and unique specialty cocktails. Ryan Guitman is the master behind the bar and the delicious well balanced drinks are served up in minutes!

“We have created a drinks list that pairs with our style of cuisine but is also a point of difference in the Whitsundays, which is something we really wanted to focus on and getting the locals excited to experience something new” Kirsty explained.

Dining at Eastwoods, the experience is as important as the meal, with the menu favouring sharing plates and banquet dining, allowing guests to taste the entire menu. Eastwoods is also able to offer large dining banquets with a set menu for private parties, and functions.

And where did the name come from?

“Five years ago, when we decided we wanted to open a restaurant we were thinking of names. We couldn’t really agree on anything, and we got to the point we were just naming things we liked. Jack being a fan of western movies, then said Clint Eastwood, and Kirsty stopped and said there could be something there – Southeast Asian at Eastwoods sounds pretty good, and we both knew, that was our name.”

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Jack and Kirsty Mason, the duo behind Eastwoods

The team of Eastwoods, ensuring the best experience for each guest. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

As it warms up across the region, it is best to remind yourself of snake safety, with this workshop held by Wildlife Whitsundays.

An action-packed two-hour workshop, Wildlife Whitsundays will cover the essentials of snake safety, must-know snake knowledge, and what to do when faced with a snake when out and about.

WHAT: Community Snake Education and Safety Program

WHERE: Proserpine Community Centre

WHEN: Sunday, November 26, from 10am to 12pm

TICKETS: eventbrite.com

The ladies of the Collinsville Queensland Country Women’s Association are ensuring that we have our Christmas shopping sorted, with their Twilight Markets.

With the best of locally handmade crafts and locally produced goods, this will have something for everyone.

And if you’re looking to get a stall, contact Collinsville QCWA by November 15, on collinsville@qcwa.org.au

WHAT: QCWA Twilight Markets

WHERE: Collinsville QCWA Hall

WHEN: Saturday November 25, from 4pm to 8pm

The Australian Eagles Show

One of Australia’s most authentic Eagles experiences is back at the Airlie Beach Hotel, with a set that is set to knock your socks off!

Covering the very best music from these massive legends, no time will be wasted with this one.

This two-hour tribute will leave us stranded in ‘Hotel California’, just wanting more from the all-time eclectic rockers.

Now, who are these ‘Boys of Summer’?

Shayne Browne is on lead vocals and guitar, the powerhouse that leads us into belting out the lyrics with him.

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

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

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

Jason Chandler brings the rhythmic beats of the bass guitar, the steady streams of music that transcend 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 foot stomping, head banging music just washing over you.

‘The Heat is On’ for these boys, who will be having us dreaming of summer nights and fantastic music.

We’ll be wanting more with the Airlie Beach Hotel leaving us a ‘Victim of Love’.

No ‘Heartache Tonight’, with mammoth songs, great stage Prescence, and even better music for all.

WHAT: The Australian Eagles Show

WHERE: The Pub, at the Airlie Beach Hotel

WHEN: Saturday November 18 and Sunday November 19, from 2pm to 5.30pm

TICKETS: Absolutely free, so just rock up and enjoy the tunes

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The boys of the Australian Eagles Show know how to get the crowd excited

These ‘New Kids in Town’ bring big energy and bigger beats to the stage

‘Life in the Fast Lane’ at the Airlie Beach Hotel

Ensuring great tracks that are sure to get you out of your seat, the boys from the Australian Eagles are ready

Where will you be for this show? Photos supplied

Get ready for the Christmas party of the year, with the Tiny Homes Project.

Rock and rolling our way to Christmas will be musician Peter Tilbrook, vocalist and guitarist of Aussie, The Master’s Apprentices.

“One of Australia’s top 60’s bands was Master’s Apprentices and original band vocalist Peter Tilbrook still performs today as great as ever,” Sandy Clark, Fundraising Coordinator for Tiny Homes Project said.

“Peter will perform hits from his original band along with popular hit music from a variety of other rock bands through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He has been a busy performer all over Australia as well as many cruise ship gigs. He works with a group called The Party Cats and he’s guaranteed to get the Sailing Club up and dancing.”

Also, on the schedule for this Christmas Luncheon will be the tantalizing auction items, including a dinner voucher to Airlie Beach’s newest restaurant Eastwoods, a Penfold’s wine package, and artwork donated by Bridgette Peel Fine Art.

Bridgette also runs art classes at her studio 3 Little Birds, and one of her staff Noemi Martinez has donated her portrait of Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.

Tickets are $110 per person, and include a traditional Christmas turkey roast, with all the best trimmings, Christmas pudding for dessert and a cocktail on arrival.

WHAT: Tiny Homes Project Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Luncheon

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Saturday November 18, 12pm to 3pm

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Rock_Luncheon

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Big Prizes For Tiny Homes Raffle

Tiny Homes Project are holding their next fundraising raffle with amazing prizes on offer.

Starting a $5 a ticket, to $4 a ticket in a lot of 10, all proceeds are going towards the construction of four tiny homes for women over the age of 55 experiencing homelessness in the region.

First Prize: Is a beautiful portrait painted by Lee-anne Burrows, a Central Queensland artist whose contemporary portraits are exclusive and vibrant. The muse is Matty Rogers, Australian singer-songwriter who has performed across the country, but most notably at Falls Festivals, Byron Bay Blues Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and at Airlie Beach Festival of Music. The portrait also includes a Matty Rogers merchandise pack, with four CDs, tote bag, and t-shirt.

Second Prize: Is two 3-day passes to the 2024 Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Be involved in every single artist and every single venue, with this all-encompassing pass for one of the best events of the year.

Get your raffle tickets today!

To Purchase Tickets: https://bit.ly/3LiGIDx

Drawn: Sunday November 12, at 8pm, at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music Main Stage

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Noemi Martinez’s portrait of Stevie Nicks is available at the auction. Photo supplied

Matt Rogers with his portrait, by Lee-ane Burrows. Photo supplied

The Mackay Sugar City Rock and Rollers Club members and participants recently had a Saturday night out to remember, with the old Glenella Dance Hall giving a blast from the past, with dancing and fun surrounded by amazing vintage decor of yesteryear.

The Club offers classes every Wednesday night at 7pm in the Senior Citizens Hall on Macalister Street, with the first night free!  

Club members are looking forward to the Christmas dance on 9th December, with tickets to be pre-purchased by 17th November.

You don’t have to be a member to come along and have a good time!

For further information, call 0408 983 911.

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Anne Duncan and Joseph Sagor showing many colours

Jane and Mario Torrisi always enjoying themselves

Photos supplied

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A fun family afternoon has been prepared as Crediton Provisional School and Crediton Hall Recreation Club celebrates an amazing milestone of 80 years in operation.

The event is on 18th November, starting at 12pm and running until late. CHRC is providing a delicious spread of roast beef or pulled pork and gravy rolls, a celebration cake for dessert, as well as a tea and coffee station.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate of nibblies to share, and are reminded that the event is BYO for drinks. Chairs and tables will be provided, as well as free camping (powered and unpowered sites).

The Crediton Hall Recreation Club will have games for the kids, and a firepit for the adults. They are also set to host a Rolling Raffle, where you can purchase a $20 ticket to have a chance in all the raffles held throughout the evening.

Attendees are reminded that this is a cash-only event.

Past and present residents are encouraged to attend, and to give a summary of their past involvement and where they are now.

Please bring along any old photos you may have or forward to the Crediton Hall email address.

For further information, contact Secretary of Crediton Hall Recreation Club, Mandy Tennent on 0400 835 275.

All are welcome to join this event, with RSVP due by 11th November to creditonhall@gmail.com

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A previous Crediton anniversary celebration. Photo supplied

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Mackay Choral Society is proud to present its newest production, A Glorious Christmas taking place 11th and 12th November at 3pm.

The two concerts will comprise of choruses from Handel's Messiah and traditional Christmas Carols, conducted by Kevin Field, a world class conductor currently based at the Bentley Music Academy, Malaysia.

The Society will also bring two professional soloists, Jo Burton and Paul McMahon, to perform beside their own renowned soprano, Nicole Thomson.

The two concerts will be performed at the CQ University Conservatorium of Music, providing a rare occasion for Mackay audiences to enjoy classical music and traditional carols, performed by professional soloists as well as the choir and an orchestra comprising local and overseas musicians.

Mackay Choral Society looks forward to welcoming the music lovers of Mackay to what will be a world class performance.

Tickets are available through trybooking.com or alternatively you can call 0422 264 397. Prices included Adult $35, Concession $30 and Children $20.

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