Celebrating 32 years in 2023, Flickerfest continues to present short film programmes jam-packed with films hand-picked from the festival’s record 3,200 entries.

Australia’s largest Short Film Festival returns to the Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music tonight on its National Tour, showcasing the Best of Australian Shorts programme highlights from the recent Bondi festival competition.

The Best of Australian Shorts programme, screening on Friday, March 3, shines a spotlight on the incredible short film talent that exists in our emerging Australian industry, with a host of Australian stories honouring our unique identity and culture.

Don't miss the delightful, quirky comedy ‘The Fritz’, where a confused man, Trevor Jamieson (Storm Boy) is forced to confront his big family at an overwhelming birthday event after being hit by a meteor; or the colourful and insightful Torres Strait cultural drama ‘Katele’ (Mudskipper), about a woman longing for home, awarded Best Australian Short Film at Flickerfest 2023.

Also featuring is ‘Lean’ a contemporary father/son drama starring Nicholas Hope (Bad Boy Bubby, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Scooby Doo, The Drover's Wife) and Harry Greenwood (The Nightingale, Hacksaw Ridge, Wakefield, Gallipoli), who’s relationship becomes undone after the father’s political corruption threatens to drag them both under.

Plus, there’ll be laughs-a-plenty as ‘Married at First Fleet’ follows a modern-day 18th century couple in the Australian colony who are matched according to common interests, attractiveness and lack of diseases.

Other highlights include the delightful comedy from Brisbane director Lachlan Pendragon ‘An Ostrich Told Me The World Is Fake And I Think I Believe It’, recently nominated for Best Short Animation at the Academy Awards.

Flickerfest celebrates Australian stories and talent on the big screen and introduces these incredible new storytellers to regional audiences, so come along and enjoy a festive atmosphere with friends and family.

WHAT: Flickerfest 2023 - Best of Australian Shorts

WHERE: Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

WHEN: Friday, March 3, doors from 6:30pm

TICKETS: $15 / $10 for members from www.flickerfest.com.au/tour/mackay

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What better way to spend a drizzly Tuesday than in the art gallery, creating art, singing and dancing?

That’s what dozens of children and their parents did last week, as Artspace Mackay hosted their first BMA Kidspace program of 2023.

The ever-popular toddlers’ program gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of cooperative learning.

The day consists of two free artist-run sessions and live musical entertainment for kids, last week provided by the talented and engaging Kathleen Campbell.

BMA Kidspace will return to Artspace Mackay on Tuesday, March 21 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Queensland Ballet is set to return to the MECC for the first time in four years, treating Mackay locals to Liam Scarlett’s whimsical interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

After it charmed Brisbane audiences in 2016, the company will bring this timeless classic to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, presenting a one-night-only performance on 11 March.

Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said the company’s regional touring program is often a highlight of the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to tour across Queensland annually and to have the opportunity to share world-class productions on the smaller stages across the state,” Mr Li said.

"There is an amazing appreciation for our artform in the regions and we are always welcomed with open arms when visiting communities such as Mackay.”

A Midsummer Night's Dream has captured the hearts of many, young and old, in the centuries since it was written. Brimming with mischief and mayhem, Shakespeare's fantastical masterpiece interweaves the magical realm of fairies and woodland creatures with the mortal world of unrequited lovers.

“Scarlett’s rendition of Shakespeare’s fantastical masterpiece is beautifully choreographed and visually stunning, interweaving the magical and mortal realms with sublime sets, costumes, and music,” Mr Li said.

As part of the Regional Tour program, the public will also get to take ballet for a spin. Dancers from two years of age through to active seniors are invited to participate in Queensland Ballet’s Community Classes, In-School Workshops and Teacher PD Sessions where participants will be mentored by Queensland Ballet’s highly skilled teaching artists.

“For budding dancers or those new to ballet, these classes are a fantastic opportunity to experience the spellbinding magic of ballet. We hope all participants experience something special from working with our community team and hopefully the classes will inspire a new generation of dancers. Enabled by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Queensland Ballet tours annually, delivering an acclaimed repertoire of work on-stage.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Arts Queensland, whose unwavering support enables us to continue our regional touring initiatives.”

What: Queensland Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When: Saturday 11 March 2023, 7.30pm

Where: Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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The Mackay Regional Council has announced the completion of the coastal walk milestone in the Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment project. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the project's progress, bringing new footpaths, boardwalks, and beach accesses to the esplanade. The public can now enjoy strolling, running, or cycling along the newly constructed pathway.

The redevelopment project aims to revamp the Seaforth Esplanade and make it a more attractive and enjoyable destination for locals and tourists alike. The construction of a splash pad is next in line, followed by the installation of sun lounges, barbecues, and new play equipment.

According to the Council's project timeline, the entire redevelopment project is set to be completed by September 2023, weather permitting. Once completed, the public can look forward to enjoying all the new amenities and attractions that the esplanade has to offer.

Residents and visitors interested in staying up-to-date with the project's latest news and updates can subscribe to project update emails at www.connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade.

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FOODSPACE HAS A NEW BLUEPRINT FOR UP-AND-COMING ARTISTS

Lovers of coffee and delicious food have yet another reason to visit Foodspace Café.

A new public art exhibition program, titled Blueprint, is launching at the café to showcase young and emerging talent from our region.

Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said not only would the exhibition provide the young artists with excellent exposure in a high foot traffic area, there was also a sizeable exhibition payment on offer.

“The selected artists will be paid $1000 to allow us to exhibit five of their works for a three-month period,” Ms Heathwood said.

“Every quarter we will feature a new artist, with artists chosen based on their response to the criteria and theme,” she said.

“We are looking for original and creative responses to the theme “blueprint” that take inspiration from something original, based in science or just inspired by the colour blue.

A blueprint refers to something original or a prototype.

Works can be created through any medium but must be uploaded digitally. Applications for the next three-month exhibition period close March 23, 2023.

Submissions must include five A1-sized digital prints of original work by the artist that were completed in the 24 months prior to the entry closing date.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Artspace Mackay team was doing some amazing work fostering emerging artistic talent in our region.

“Blueprint is another tremendous initiative that will promote and showcase a diverse range of young and emerging visual artists from the Mackay region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Through this and various other Artspace Mackay programs and bursaries, artists have a lot of exciting opportunities to boost their careers on a local level,” he said.

The full application criteria and an online submission form can be found at artspacemackay.com.au/blueprint

On show now: Menagerie of the Criminally Insane by Muddy Grimes (Matthew Izard)

Muddy Grimes is a tattoo artist who moved to Mackay in 2012. He started his creative journey plastering paste-ups in the Gold Coast. Menagerie of the Criminally Insane feature Grimes’ fantastical and vibrant animal characters, which can also be seen in in Mackay’s award-winning 5th Lane, Mackay City Centre.

In the exhibition, Grimes showcases a small part of the original sketch he used to build upon while also showing the end results. The sketch being the “blueprint”. Each piece is torn to give a peek at what the original intention was while showcasing the final product.

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St Patrick’s College Mackay Years 7 to 12 recently celebrated its inaugural Opening Mass as a combined college and investiture of the 2023 College Leaders at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.

Fifteen hundred people attended the special Mass which included students from the school’s Senior Campus and Junior Mercy Campus along with staff members, parents and local dignitaries.

Diocesan Director Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM gave her first address to the new combined College and was joined by Kellie Jenkinson, Assistant Director: Mission; Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region); Sister of Mercy Marise Casey; Member for Mackay Julie-Anne Gilbert MP; Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew MP; Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP as well as St Patrick’s College board members and local Catholic School principals.

The celebration was led by Parish Priest Southern Cluster Father Matthias Ogwo and Parish Priest Northern Cluster Father Stephen Hanly.

St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius and College board members received their respective certificates and pledge during the Commissioning ceremony before the blessing of the new College banners, badges and candles.

Miss Jeffcoat presented Primrose Sands with the St Patrick’s Medal – the Bishop Bernard Wallace Award for Dux of the College.

Primrose was also the recipient of a Joan McGarry bursary and will study for a Bachelor of International Relations and Languages.

During the ceremony Miss Jeffcoat and Mrs Agius presented the 2023 Student Leaders with their College badge.

These included College Captains Richard Baskara, Meghan Connolly, George Mann and Olivia Price.

Others to receive badges were the Senior Student Representative Council: Matilda Ralph (Cultural Committee Chairperson); Nataya Perry (Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Joshua Williamson (Social Justice Committee Chairperson); Trinity Grigg (Sport Committee Chairperson); Mason Davies (Senior House Captain Argos); Paityne Johns (Senior House Captain Badila); Hannah Meakins (Senior House Captain Midas); Brayden Oliver (Senior House Captain Oraya); Haylee Holdsworth (Senior House Captain Pindar); Lillian Newland (Senior House Captain Triton) and Nicola Chimes and Anna Zhang (College Board Student Representatives).

Badge recipients for the Junior Student Representative Council were: Shaylee Noy and Jaxon Anderson (Junior Cultural Committee Chairpersons); Kingston Grigg (Junior Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Elena Mathew (Junior Social Justice Committee Chairperson); Shaylah Pershouse (Junior Sport Committee Chairperson); Declan Grady and Lars Gall (Junior House Captains Argos); Maya Quattromani and Ryan John (Junior House Captains Badila); Francesca Vella and Mikayla Green (Junior House Captains Midas); Cooper Cavell and Keeley Logan( Junior House Captains Oraya); Lance Allan and Elisha Holdsworth (Junior House Captains Pindar) and Tenille Cotter and Gracie Bell (Junior House Captains Triton).            

Badges were also presented to the Junior Homeroom Captains:

ARGOS – Parker Porter; Bethany Collis; Tahlia Davey; Taylah Blaney; John Trifelly-Jones and Madalyn Finch.

BADILA – Mia Spreadborough; Samuel Anderson; Chloe Zammit; Braithan Vickers; Mya Jamieson and Riley Sellentin.

MIDAS – Charlize West; Connor Germanotta; Georgia Price; Noah Williams; Billy Cruden and Francis Prado.

ORAYA – Lucy McKendry; Estelle Appo; Sophie Greaves; Zanthia Noon; Alice Camilleri and Trinity Sturdy.

PINDAR – Sophie Harp; Sophie Brown; Jake Battaia; Charlotte Stevenson; Sophie Hodder and Reagan Tame.

TRITON – Will Schmidtke; Addyson Moohin; Sophie Searle; Briannon Kaddatz; Amelia Crouch and Sophie Durelli.

Other recipients of McGarry bursaries included Grace Brown (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Olivia Coppin (Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies); Annaliese Craig (Bachelor of Biomedical Science); Grace Druery (Bachelor of Advanced Humanities - Honours); Natan Gooch (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Brodie Hocking (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Aaron Lange (Bachelor of Medical Imaging); Mandy Li (Bachelor of Laws/Arts); Jann Carlo Macatangay (Bachelor of Design – Architecture/Bachelor of Engineering – Civil- Honours); Jason Mauchline (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Ryan McSherry (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy); Laura Morris (Bachelor of Advanced Humanities – Honours); Jemma Rasmussen (Bachelor of International Relations/Arts); Hayley Symons (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Logan Watt (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours); Henry Williamson (Bachelor of Engineering – Honours/Master of Engineering); Paige Zeller (Bachelor of Veterinary Science – Honours) and Jackson Ziekenheiner (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science – Honours).

Gemma Martin (Bachelor of Nursing Science) received the Joan McGarry Nursing Bursary while Sophie Novosel (Advanced Diploma Musical Theatre) accepted the Cultural Bursary.  

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College 2023 Student Leaders Senior Campus at the Opening Mass at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

Parish Priest Southern Cluster Father Matthias Ogwo (left) and Parish Priest Northern Cluster Father Stephen Hanly led the celebrations at the St Patrick’s College Opening Mass held at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

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Mackay’s rapidly growing music festival is making a comeback to Harrup Park with its most diverse and impressive line-up to date.

Proudly presented by LiSTNR, BE Social Fest will once again provide an unforgettable day and night of music, community and social freedom.

Building on the success of the 2022 event, BE Social will expand its footprint to welcome an all-ages licensed offering with the aim of attracting thousands of new punters to experience some of the most influential artists Australia has to offer.

2023’s festival will bring rock royalty Grinspoon to Mackay for the first time in 10 years.

Grinspoon has been in the industry for almost 30 years and is considered a national treasure amongst audiences.

Joining them is perennial Australian pop sweetheart Vera Blue, whose thoughtful, cathartic, and sometimes melancholic sound has fuelled her touring calendar in recent years, with this being her first time back in Mackay since 2018.

West Australian indie rockers San Cisco, who have been a constant delight since their breakout year in 2011, are also set to perform.

When waxing poetic on the contributors to Australia's vibrant and fast-growing hip hop scene, few names hold as much significance as 360.

Having been to the top, sat firmly on the throne and lived as the king, the Victorian rapper was largely part of the eventual crossover of the genre to wider Australian audiences.

With plenty of notable acts populating this year's line-up, BE Social’s commitment to supporting emerging and developing Australian artists is evident with LISI, RedHook, Coterie and Mackay’s Wild Sky also on the bill.

BE Social returns in its largest capacity yet, in full formation and in the complete vision of the event’s founder, with even more music, more fun and more opportunities to connect with friends and music lovers alike.

“The growth in not only this event, but in the team of believers around the festival has been very significant,” said owner and director Michael Delaney.

“Without them, along with the support of major partners and sponsors we would not be able to pull off an outstanding event that is now proving to turn a lot of heads in the industry and regionally.

“We can’t wait for the 2023 event to see the punters enjoying themselves and coming together as we aim to grow this event to be an iconic event for the NQ region.”

WHAT: SE Social Fest 2023

WHEN: Saturday, June 24

WHERE: Harrup Park

TICKETS: besocialfest.com.au

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Ladies. Fellas. It’s getting hot at The Airlie Beach Hotel – so hot – as a cabaret show like no other arrives in the Whitsundays for one night only, promising top-tier entertainment from the "biggest and baddest" crew around.

The Magic Men are ready – are you? One of the country’s best male revue shows is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23, serving up some eye candy on stage.

Chuck on the heels and round up the girls for this one, it’s going to be “the ultimate night out in Airlie Beach.” They’ve got the blood-pumping, hip-thrusting gyrations audiences won’t help but fawn over – and daydream about for weeks to come.

Grab your gang and enjoy an epic girl’s night out, be treated like a queen, and experience fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities for ogling.

Expect a spellbinding performance from the Magic Men’s all-star cast of expert dancers, hunks decked out in uniforms for every fancy. Each outfit highlights the performers' best assets, leaving little to the imagination.

The Airlie Beach Hotel will be home to the best hunks this show has lined up – all with gorgeous faces and chiselled bodies ready to bring the house down in a one-of-its-kind performance. It’s not often the Airlie Beach Hotel brings in a private show, and certainly not like this one.

Magic Men features a cast of talented performers, each a specialist in a range of disciplines: dance and acrobatics, fire-eating and burlesque. The Men are singular in their stylish, unique in both personality and perfection – there’s something for everyone in the audience.

And best of all, TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform.

He’ll be heating up the Whitsundays, serving up a heart-stopping live performance, alongside some of the most talented male dancers, they’ll tear up the stage.

What can you expect? Hunky men, drop-dead gorgeous waiters and eye-catching costumes. With a one-of-a-kind show that is guaranteed to make you Feel the Magic, it’s set to be a night out to remember.

Fully choreographed, the Magic Men have perfected their bodies and their routines, and it shows. From the moment they step onto the stage, they command attention – the kind that leaves you breathless.  

Grab a cocktail at The Airlie Beach Hotel for this hot, sizzling, adults-only event where the doors open at 7.00 PM.

Get your tickets now and see for yourself what makes these guys the talk of the town.

WHAT: The Magic Men Take Over Airlie Beach

WHEN: Thursday, March 23, from 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM.

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Magic Men is bringing its exhilarating dance moves to The Pub on March 23

Don’t miss these hunky fellas as they make their way to the Whitsundays for a one-night showing

TikTok sensation Will Parfitt will be performing alongside the Magic Men in the Airlie Beach Hotel show – a superstar with over 6.9 million followers on the platform

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At Coral Sea Marina Resort

Attendees are asked to “expect the unexpected” at this year’s International Women’s Day lunch hosted by the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays and held at Coral Sea Marina Resort.

The theme of the day is ‘Cracking the Code’ and the dress style is ‘Rainbow’.

All women are invited to be colourful and creative with their outfit choices, the more vibrant and dazzling the better for your chance to win a prize for best dressed.

“Zonta has the reputation of holding fabulous events and we are hoping this will be as good if not better than our past performances,” said Marlene Reiffel from Zonta.

“Coral Sea Marina Resort, as you know, is a fabulous venue.”

This year’s guest speaker is Dr Kerry Reid-Searl AM who is an engaging presenter and Emeritus Professor.

As always, there will be a range of opportunities to win prizes and donate money – from the lucky door prize to rolling raffles, a major auction and the popular silent auction.

Melinda Butcher from Taylors Property Specialists is the auctioneer on the day and she will provide a lively commentary on all the action.

Zonta would like to thank all the local businesses for their kind donations.

Another highlight of the day is a delightful dining experience with a two-course meal included in the ticket price, as well as a glass of champagne on arrival.

There will also be live entertainment and the room will be decorated in the over-arching rainbow theme.

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WHAT: Zonta Club of the Whitsundays, International Women’s Day

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Resort

WHEN: Saturday, March 4 from 10am

TICKETS: $89 from whitsundaytickets.com.au

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February

24 Tastes of the Top Shelf Dinner at Whisper Restaurant (ticketed event)

March

1 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

1 Cape Gloucester Community Catch-Up at Dingo Beach Comm Centre

4 Race Day at Ben Bolt Park, Bowen

4 Disney Sing-Along: Encanto at PEC Cinema

6 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

7 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

8 Bowen Zonta Club's International Women's Day at the Grand View Hotel from 5pm

10 Conversations with Spirits (Chantal Miranda) at PEC

11 Ocean Film Festival: World Tour showing at PEC

12 Disney Sing-Along: Moana showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Antman & The Wasp showing at PEC Cinema

12-20 Magic Mike’s Last Dance showing at PEC Cinema

16 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

18 Aussie Pub Komedy Tour at Original North Australian (ticketed event)

18 Disney Sing-Along: The Lion King showing at PEC Cinema

19 Lior & Domini: Animal In Hiding performing at PEC

21 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

23 Blue Bayou performing at PEC

25 Young Vocalist performance at Dingo Beach Hotel

25 Disney Sing-Along: Frozen showing at PEC Cinema

25-27 Creed III showing at PEC Cinema

26-27 Scream VI showing at PEC Cinema

Apr

3 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

4 Sailability Whitsundays from 9am at Whitsunday Sailing Club

4 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

5 Kinder Gym at Bowen PCYC (Mon & Wed)

6 Fitter For Life Over 50’s at Bowen PCYC (Tues & Thurs)

20 Zonta meeting every 3rd Thursday 6-9pm at VMR

May

2-3 Mr Stink production at PEC

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The Banshees of Inisherin

Coastline cliffs with a wine-dark sea below, long fields of warn-green, windswept grass, desolate and marked only by some lonesome cottage and a grey, etherised sky. Quaint people and quaint villages, cut off from the main and the problems of life.

This storybook ideal of early 20th century Ireland, Martin McDonagh’s newest film The Banshees of Inisherin tells us, is a lie.

On the remote island of Inisherin, Pádraic Súlleabháin (Colin Farrell) is devastated when his buddy, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), suddenly ends their lifelong friendship. It echoes what's happening on the mainland, where Ireland is not doing so well – it is raging in Civil War, and those drumbeat sounds of distant cannons and brother fighting brother can be heard from across the sea in little Inisherin.

That is the simplest layer of McDonagh’s film, an allegorically dense work that balances tragedy and comedy only as a playwright could; it is outrageously funny in its pure absurdity, yet desperately plaintive. That humour derives from McDonagh's stylistic choices as a director and his abilities as a writer, and those sadder notes present sides to a truer story of a place trying to leave the shadow of colonialism – but one that might miss the point with its simpler caricatures of Irish people.

In James Joyce’s Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus remarks of a damaged mirror: “It is a symbol of Irish art. The cracked lookingglass of a servant.” For Irishman, their art was often doomed to one reading: a reflection of the outside reader – a non-Irish person - only worse because they believe Irish art to be broken in nature because they believe the Irish are broken in nature.

A century on from Ulysses, we still point at the warn-green grass, the simple, peasant Irishman drunkard, and we laugh. Dublin isn't a cosmopolitan city, no – we don’t see the real Ireland; we diminish Ireland.

Despite the diminishment, The Banshees of Inisherin is an immensely enjoyable film. It alights on dreadful, tragic feelings, whilst composing an Irish Civil War story with humour and pathos which brings its audience into a contemplative mood – "do I understand Ireland better? Perhaps. Do I want to know more? Certainly."

The Banshees of Inisherin is showing this weekend at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema

Review by Declan Durrant

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Friday 24th Feb

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Nick DeGregario (7-10pm)

• Grandview Hotel, Bowen: Rebelquin (from 8pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Saturday 25th Feb

• The Pub: Songs of Jack Johnson (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Andy Mammers (7-10pm)

• Paradiso: Tasman (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Shaun Diver (8pm-late)

• Hotel Metropole: Live Entertainment (8pm-late)

Sunday 26th Feb

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (1-4pm)

• The Pub: Boys of Summer (2-5.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Lloyd Saunders (7-10pm)

• KC’s: Aaron Saxon (8pm-late)

Monday 27th Feb

• KC’s: Sam McCann (8pm-late)

Tuesday 28th Feb

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

Wednesday 1st Mar

• KC’s: live music (8pm-late)

Thursday 2nd Mar

• Paradiso: Aaron Saxon (6.30-9.30pm)

• The Pub: Acoustic Sessions, Chris Booroff (6.30-10pm)

• KC’s: Erin Reus (8pm-late)

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“You win, it’s your show now. So what’s it gonna be?” – The Airlie Beach Hotel has handed over the reins, they’ve turned it ‘Upside Down’ and given their patrons what they’ve been asking for: A day of beachy, Hawaiian rock in a Jack Johnson-themed double event.

A cobbled-together band comprising members of California Kings and the Smashed Crabs Gold Coast – both Australian tribute show royalty – are coming ‘From Here To Now To You’ at The Pub this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, they’ll drop in with some tunes from Jack Johnson – ‘Better Together,’ ‘Banana Pancakes’, ‘Upside Down’, and more classics – then some iconic, reggae-flavored tunes. And they’re being joined by local legend Aaron Saxon who’ll be putting the beach in Airlie Beach.

The Centre-Dining Stage will be dressed up in Island Theme, alongside the whole venue, and pubgoers can don their Hawaiian shirts and shorts and party Whitsunday style – they’ll even get a free lei on arrival (a traditional Hawaiian flower necklace).

Once they’ve gone ‘On And On’ and worked their way through Johnson’s catalogue of acoustic works, the day will conclude with hits from artists like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, and 10cc.

Then on Sunday, the collaborative band will return as Boys of Summer – a fresh, surfy Sunday Session Beach Party playing all the favourite summer festival songs from artists like Ben Harper, Xavier Rudd, Donovan Frankenreiter, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Butler Trio, and more.

It’s ‘Times Like These’ at The Pub that we’re all ‘Sitting, Waiting Wishing’ for – so drop in tomorrow and Sunday for this free show.

WHAT: The Songs of Jack Johnson Plus Reggae Flavoured Classics, and Boys of Summer

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Airlie Beach Hotel has heard your requests and is hosting a beachy Jack Johnson-themed double event this weekend

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Gimme, gimme, gimme that synth and soprano coming to The Airlie Beach Hotel in mid-March – I can hear the distant drums and bugle sounds closing in on the Bar-Top Stage.

SOS - A Tribute to the Songs of ABBA arrives in the Whitsundays, bringing Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha, and Freda back to town and ‘As Good As New’ in a perfect recreation of the iconic ‘70s band.

The Airlie Beach Hotel has become a perfect sojourn for this group of super-fans of the Swedish super-group, who for years has been leading a double life: by day, they’re mild-mannered Australian musicians, but by night, they’re crazy ABBA fans.

The Melbourne-based band came together to obsessively re-create the sound, music, and look of the Swedish pop sensation they loved so dearly. Now, they walk out on stage, leaving behind their everyday lives and transforming into rock stars at The Australian ABBA Tribute Show.

Armed to the teeth with fantastic costumes, incredible vocal talents, animated ABBA dance moves, and Swedish accents, the SOS Tribute to ABBA show is back and better than ever.

Sam Bennet, who fills the shoes and takes up the pick as SOS’s Bjorn, said that audiences in the Whitsundays had given them a huge reception when they were last at The Pub in August and were hoping for even better this time out.

“We’re so excited to be back; it was so incredible and amazing last time,” Sam said.

“We’re excited to be giving people that feeling of seeing ABBA live because you can tell how much it means to people – there’s always a song in the set where there’s a twinkle in their eye that they’re remembering a moment in their life.

“Whether that be heartbreak or love, it's a real honor to perform that music."

Sam said the group doesn’t just perform to emulate the records, they match the energy that audiences saw when ABBA played at Wembley or the Sydney Mine Music Bowl.

“We match that energy and the arrangements we use are often based on those live performances rather than the records,” Sam said.

“The one thing we try and do is give the audience an experience of what ABBA was in the 70s and 80s.”

Patrons at The Airlie Beach Hotel are in for two free shows (that's right! For absolutely no Money, Money, Money): one on Saturday, March 11, and (Mama Mia, here we go again) another on Sunday, March 12, when SOS take the Bar Top stage again.

Put On Your White Sombrero for their afternoon shows from 2.00pm to 5.30pm!

What: SOS – The Australian ABBA Tribute Show

When: Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm both days

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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Leaving Jackson Brings Johnny Cash's Iconic Hits To The MECC

Get ready to experience the iconic music of Johnny Cash and June Carter like never before!

Leaving Jackson, one of Australia's fastest-growing tribute shows, is bringing its electric energy to the MECC stage next month. With performances at some of the country’s largest theatres, including the Opera House in Wellington and the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, this show is an unforgettable experience.

Leaving Jackson has spent the past four years crafting the show, which has become a beloved tribute to Cash and Carter, two of the most legendary figures in the world of country music. With all the hits, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," and "Hurt," this two-hour live concert will transport you back in time.

"We're not just playing Johnny Cash and June Carter," says Jeff Carter, who stars as Cash. "We're trying to capture the essence of their relationship, their music, and their love for each other. We want to bring their story to life on stage."

Melanie Lewin, who plays June Carter, agrees, saying, "We're not just performing their songs, we're trying to honour their legacy. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of this show."

Accompanied by a full backing band, the show is a moving and unforgettable tribute to Cash and Carter's musical legacy.

Johnny Cash and June Carter's love story, which began as a professional collaboration on stage, blossomed into a lifelong romance that lasted until Cash's death in 2003. The duo was famous for their on-stage chemistry and musical talent, and they supported each other through personal struggles and health issues. Their music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Don't miss your chance to see this incredible tribute show. Leaving Jackson hits the MECC stage next month, and tickets are available to purchase from the box office or online through the MECC website. As Jeff Carter says, "We're excited to bring our show to Mackay, and we hope to see everyone there!"

What: Leaving Jackson – The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show

When: Saturday 25 March 2023, 7.30pm

Where: MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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