At the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) has always been known for bringing together the best in the music industry to mentor students and entertain Mackay audiences. This May, CQCM have two exciting events lined up that are sure to be a treat for fans of great jazz, blues, and soul.

Friday Jazz @ The Con on May 12th will feature George Washingmachine, a Sydney-based vocalist, guitarist, and violinist, who will perform alongside the talented staff and students of the Conservatorium. The following week, on May 19th, Keyboard Confessions will showcase the vocal and keyboard prowess of Clayton Doley, another Sydney-based musician. The event will also feature performances by staff and students of the CQCM.

George Washingmachine has been a fixture in the Australian music scene for over four decades. He is known for his impeccable musicianship and his ability to blend various genres of music, including jazz, blues, swing, and country. He has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, and Leo Sayer. Washingmachine's style is soulful, and his violin playing is particularly memorable.

Clayton Doley is a musician who is equally at home on the keyboard or behind a microphone. His style is a mix of blues, funk, and rock, and he is known for his soulful vocals and his impressive keyboard skills. Doley has toured with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Joe Bonamassa, Harry Manx, Jimmy Barnes, and Renee Geyer. Doley has recorded a number of albums with his groups the Organ Donors and Bayou Billabong, with the finest musicians Australia and New Orleans has to offer.

These two events are a rare opportunity to experience some of the best jazz and blues musicians in the country, performing alongside the talented students and staff of the CQCM.  Tickets for both events can be purchased on the CQCM website, https://cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales/sales. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the musical genius of George Washingmachine and Clayton Doley, and to support the Conservatorium's talented staff and students. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now!

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Spanning over 10 years, Cosentino’s career is mind-blowing and extraordinary, always mystifying crowds, shocking and surprising audiences all over the world.

And now, Cosentino is taking it regional, performing his Decennium: The Greatest Hits Tour, honouring the 10-year milestone.

The master magician and escape artist caught up with Mackay and Whitsunday Life journalist Bronte Hodge ahead of his show in Mackay this May.

How does it make you feel to reach 10 years in the industry?

You know, I’ve been doing this a long, long time and looking back, I think of the TV specials and the international TV shows. All the tours and all the people I've met, and all different countries have been pretty you know, amazing. To be able to turn a little passion into entertainment is a niche, and to turn that into a viable career is amazing. So, yeah, I'm kind of, very proud of what we've managed to accomplish.

We’ve really broken the mould. And now I’ve got a new TV show coming out next month, so we just keep going. We keep reinventing and we keep refreshing and we keep breaking the rules.

What is a defining moment in your career?

Wow, there’s a couple of really interesting moment. The first one I remember I was watching David Copperfield, when I was a teenager after Regent Theatre in Melbourne, it's pretty special. And then probably two years later, I auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent at the Regent Theatre, and I was so nervous. And then, a year later, I filmed my own TV special at the Regent Theatre, and that was really a completion of a circle.

What can audiences expect in the Decennium show?

It’s the best of my best. I’m taking a part my five TV specials, the international TV show, the international tours, and experiences from around the globe and jampacking them into one 90-minute show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s great. It’s not new material, it’s the best material. So, if people have seen the show before, their getting the best parts. I’m drawing on five hours of TV specials, nine hours of international TV shows and 10 years of material since Australia’s Got Talent. There’s no way anyone has seen all my material.

Can you share a shocking act that’s in the show?

Yeah, I can. One would be where my head is in a Perspex box with 18 kitchen knives. I have to wriggle and get out with a timer. And this one went wrong on a rehearsal on my TV special. I had to get 12 stitches in my chin and caught it all on camera.

And it's, you know, seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it live is another because someone comes on stage, they examine the apparatus and the knives, and they become invested.

WHAT: Cosentino – Decennium – The Greatest Hits Tour

WHEN: Thursday, May 5

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: cosentino.com.au

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Master magician and escape artist, Cosentino, returns to Mackay with 10th year anniversary performance. Photo supplied

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Spanning over 10 years, Cosentino’s career is mind-blowing and extraordinary, always mystifying crowds, shocking and surprising audiences all over the world.

And now, Cosentino is taking it regional, performing his Decennium: The Greatest Hits Tour, honouring the 10-year milestone.

The master magician and escape artist caught up with Mackay and Whitsunday Life journalist Bronte Hodge ahead of his show in Mackay this May.

How does it make you feel to reach 10 years in the industry?

You know, I’ve been doing this a long, long time and looking back, I think of the TV specials and the international TV shows. All the tours and all the people I've met, and all different countries have been pretty you know, amazing. To be able to turn a little passion into entertainment is a niche, and to turn that into a viable career is amazing. So, yeah, I'm kind of, very proud of what we've managed to accomplish.

We’ve really broken the mould. And now I’ve got a new TV show coming out next month, so we just keep going. We keep reinventing and we keep refreshing and we keep breaking the rules.

What is a defining moment in your career?

Wow, there’s a couple of really interesting moment. The first one I remember I was watching David Copperfield, when I was a teenager after Regent Theatre in Melbourne, it's pretty special. And then probably two years later, I auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent at the Regent Theatre, and I was so nervous. And then, a year later, I filmed my own TV special at the Regent Theatre, and that was really a completion of a circle.

What can audiences expect in the Decennium show?

It’s the best of my best. I’m taking a part my five TV specials, the international TV show, the international tours, and experiences from around the globe and jampacking them into one 90-minute show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it’s great. It’s not new material, it’s the best material. So, if people have seen the show before, their getting the best parts. I’m drawing on five hours of TV specials, nine hours of international TV shows and 10 years of material since Australia’s Got Talent. There’s no way anyone has seen all my material.

Can you share a shocking act that’s in the show?

Yeah, I can. One would be where my head is in a Perspex box with 18 kitchen knives. I have to wriggle and get out with a timer. And this one went wrong on a rehearsal on my TV special. I had to get 12 stitches in my chin and caught it all on camera.

And it's, you know, seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it live is another because someone comes on stage, they examine the apparatus and the knives, and they become invested.

WHAT: Cosentino – Decennium – The Greatest Hits Tour

WHEN: Thursday, May 5

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: cosentino.com.au

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Master magician and escape artist, Cosentino, returns to Mackay with 10th year anniversary performance. Photo supplied

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Boasts 32 Event Program Line-Up

Returning for its 35th year, the Mackay Festival of Arts is offering a jampacked line-up of artists and events, so everyone is covered.

The Mackay Festival of Arts encompasses the entire month of July, with a series of events and music festivals that cater for everyone, be it live music and entertainment, workshops, high teas, and tours.

“Expect late-night laughs and madcap comedy at High Tea with Booff and everything from sword swallowing to daring aerial feats and tap dancing inside the Ukiyo tent with Le Coup,” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

Included in the line-up is the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub, which will take over the Civic Centre Precinct from July 3 to 9, and will feature live music, food vans, a licensed bar with Red Dog Brewery and two on-site festivals.

“And that’s just a very small part of the festival,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our team have collaborated with event organisers across the region to unite many existing festivals under the Mackay Festival of Arts Banner,” allowing patrons more opportunity to experience the events.

Other events under the banner include BE Social Fest, Daly Bay Infrastructure Literary Dinner, Wisely Wine and Food Day, Breathe In with Crossroad Arts, and Mack Popcon.

Festival favourites, including Daly Bay Illuminate and Wisely Wine and Food Day have been reimagined, with exciting twists to surprise locals.

Manager of Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre (MECC) and Events, Andrew Bobeldyk said “We have some spectacular installations from around the nation to light up Daly Bay Illuminate in Queens Park.”

Mr Bobeldyk also said the Wisely Wine and Food Day have a new layout, meaning patrons can have improved views of the stage and better VIP experiences.

Festival-goers are spoilt for choice, with something for everyone, Mackay is the place to be in July.

WHAT: Mackay Festival of Arts

WHEN: July 1 to July 31

PROGRAM: themecc.com.au

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The Lost Dogs’ Disco to feature at Daly Bay Illuminate. Photo supplied

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Welcome to the Sugar City, where sweet sugar lingers in the air, and you can taste it on the tip of your tongue.

With delicate design and integral artistry, it is no surprise Mackay is home to the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society, an organisation which celebrates and preserves the classic architecture and history of the city.

And for the upcoming World Art Deco Day on Friday, April 28, the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society will be hosting Mackay’s World Art Deco Day, with a lucrative cocktail party at the Ambassador Hotel.

Art Deco Day commemorates the opening of the Exposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratifs et Industrials Moderne in Paris, in 1925, a monumental world fair that highlighted the new modern style of architecture, interior design, art and jewellery.

Celebrating the 1920/30s, this evening also announces the launch of the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Guide Book, a dedicated guide highlighting the architecture of Mackay and its history.

Grab your best flapper dress and your fedora and join the cocktail party of the century.

WHAT: Mackay’s World Art Deco Day

WHERE: The Ambassador Hotel

WHEN: Friday, April 28, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: mackayartdeco.org

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Mackay’s flapper party of the century

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A local surf lifesaving club has put the call out to the region to show off “our beautiful part of the world” in a calendar competition for 2024.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) wants locals to submit their original and inspiring photos that celebrate Eimeo and its surrounding areas.

Awards will be given to 14 images across multiple categories, including the coveted cover photo and people’s choice.

“Pictures speak louder than words when it comes to the love a community can have for their local area,” Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Chief Training Officer Cynthia Hegerty said.

“So, submit your photos today and have your chance to contribute to our Calendar!”

Calendars will be on sale later in the year for purchase to support the Eimeo SLSC, which has for over 22 years patrolled and provided a community service at Eimeo Beach and surrounding areas (from Dolphin Heads to Bucasia).  

The locality is one of the largest surf clubs in the Whitsunday region, with membership of over 250 from juniors through to masters.  

More information can be found at the Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Facebook page.

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Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club is hosting a 2024 Calendar Competition

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AANS Lieutenant QX 48901 (Q143344)

(08.02/1913 – 16/11/1999)

Madge Holmes was born on the 8th February, 1913 at Nurse Fraser’s home, positioned near the water tower in Proserpine.  When she was eighteen, she worked at the Mt Alma Private Hospital at Charters Tower which was run by her aunt.  In 1932, at the age of 19, she started three years training at the Charters Towers General Hospital.  

Sister Holmes started nursing at the Proserpine Hospital in June 1935.  There she stayed until July 1936 when she moved to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hobart to do obstetrics training. After finishing this training, she went to Campbelltown where she nursed scarlet fever patients.  Madge stayed at this hospital in charge of the Maternity Ward for two years and was also on call for Theatre and General Ward work. When war was declared in 1939, Madge decided to go home to Proserpine, working again at the Proserpine Hospital where Matron McGrath was in charge, Dr George was the hospital doctor and Dr Stevens was the private doctor.  

On January 5, 1943 Madge was called up by the army, enlisting as a Lieutenant attached to the 112th A.G.H* where she nursed the first Milne Bay casualties at the Greenslopes Military Hospital.  After working for several months there, she was sent to Charters Towers to the 116th A.G.H. The Mt Carmel and All Souls Schools were used as temporary hospitals and patients were brought in on hospital trains. It was then off to Cairns for a short time before returning to Charters Towers to wait for a boat to transfer her to Bougainville.  Madge was assigned to the 109th C.C.S.* and was one of six sisters. Seventeen sisters were in the 2nd 1st A.G.H. that also sailed on the U.S. ship taking them to Bougainville.  

Her first posting was Torokina Bay. Upon arrival, the nurses commenced work immediately while A.G.H. set up the hospital of 1000 beds.  As soon as it was functioning, the C.C.S. closed down and moved 70 miles to a 200 bed C.C.S. at Motupena Point on the south of the island.  After initial treatment there, patients were sent back to Torokina Bay by barge. For several weeks, the C.C.S. sisters were held at A.G.H.  During that time, Madge was working in the Blood Bank where they took and gave blood and made up penicillin for the wards.  At one stage, she worked for the 21st A.G.H which was only 11 miles from Mt Bagana, an active volcano. The medical staff were always in readiness with ports packed for a quick evacuation if Japanese invasion threatened.

When the war ended, the C.C.S. closed down and joined the A.G.H.  Some nurses were sent home. Madge remained for nearly 13 months before returning home, docking at Bowen and then travelling to Brisbane by train. The nurses were then sent home on leave.  After returning to 102 A.G.H. in Brisbane, Madge was finally discharged on 22nd August, 1946.

Early the next year. Madge went to Sydney to Karitane to study for a Child Welfare course and stayed on the staff for some time.  Upon her return to Proserpine, she was asked by Dr Courtice to work as acting Matron as Matron McGrath was unwell and was taking 6 months leave. She then relieved at Bowen Hospital while their Matron was on leave.  And there, ended Sister Madge Holmes’s nursing career.

Sister Margaret Holmes died on November 16 1999 and was laid to rest in Proserpine Cemetery.

LEST WE FORGET

*A.G.H. - Australian General Hospital      *C.C.S. - Casualty Clearing Station

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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The second book in an inspiring series about resilience and overcoming adversity has just been released by local author, Natalie Stockdale.

Campfire For A Woman’s Heart includes personal recounts of challenges overcome and an inner spirit rising from within, as Natalie interviews dozens of women who have that one attribute in common.

“Imagine sitting around a campfire with a Paralympian champion, a gutsy barrister who stood up to ICAC, a brave young student from Afghanistan, a mother from war-torn Ukraine and many other extraordinary resilient women,” said Natalie.

“Sitting around a metaphoric campfire, women share how they have overcome their worst nightmares and while most storytellers are unknown heroes of their personal journeys, others are well-known champions of resilience.”

Natalie captures the essence of what it means to survive and learn how to thrive again by interviewing a diverse range of women whose words and stories fill the pages of her book.

From the tragic loss of children to the coalface of war, Taliban terror, homelessness, violence, illegal imprisonment, disease, divorce, injuries, and more, every subject is impactful and the survival story empowering.

Natalie is inspired to bring these stories together after enduring her own survival battle which included droughts, divorce, and disease.

Upon recovering, she woke up to the importance of resilience for our mind and body, resigned from a corporate position and decided to pursue a career in wellness.

She is now on a mission to help make happier more resilient people.

“By learning how other people have recovered from life’s tragedies and traumas, we can be inspired and empowered to recover from ours,” she explains.

In this book you will discover what a mother from war-torn Ukraine, a survivor of the Port Arthur massacre and a former First Lady of Timor Leste have in common.

“They all share a resilience and relentless determination to rise despite devastation and challenges,” said Natalie.

Bigskypublishing.com.au

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Local author Natalie Stockdale has just released her second book. Photo supplied

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As passionate about music as he is about life, multi-instrumentalist Simon Briley, has been busy writing and producing a swath of new music and is now ready to show the world.

Simon says that his first single, Give Me Your Love, is an alluring pop song, painting a picture in words of a love so strong it can move men to war.

“It speaks about the kind of love that intoxicates you, making all other feelings dull in comparison,” he said.

Originally from a small town called Maidstone in Southeast England, Simon comes from a musical family and has grown up with music all around him.

In primary school he enjoyed singing and it wasn’t long before he was selected to perform in national choirs.

At age seven, his dad bought him his first guitar, but ever since watching his uncle play drums, Simon had dreamt of having his own drum kit.

He was 13 when that wish eventually came true.

From here, he grew up playing in bands and was part of a well-known band called Bandicoot for many years.

Together they toured the world, signed record deals, and travelled internationally for almost a decade before deciding to part a few years ago.

While they were touring, Simon met a few Australians and came to the country to travel, eventually finding his way to the Whitsundays with his partner.

Since then, he has enjoyed playing gigs across town – from weddings to parties, pubs, and clubs – he is a well-known face on the music scene.

He is also now part of a band called Flying Double Front Kick with two other well-known musicians – Kaeden McCarthy and Nick di Gregorio.

Together they have been busy recording songs, performing music and are set to release four EPs this year.

In his solo gig, Simon has several other releases coming out soon with an album expected by the end of the year.

Each song is more instrumental than the last and Simon plays each instrument himself, from piano and keyboard to bass and drums.

You can check out this talented musician by looking him up on Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music.

Or follow him on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Alternatively, listen out for him playing at a local venue near you!

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Talented local musician Simon Briley releases first single. Photo supplied

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The Proserpine State High School’s performance of ‘Sweet Charity’, a celebrated Broadway show with a cast of 100 students, will launch next week on May 3.

Following Charity Hope Valentine, the long-running musical’s namesake and a taxi dancer living in New York in the swinging sixties, Sweet Charity is an ambitious production for the school.

Featuring groovy costumes, exceptional signing, and the era’s patented gaudy fashion, the show will be backed by a 28-piece orchestra comprised entirely of students.

The musical is led by Artistic Director and Proserpine State High School Head of Drama, Jenny Napier, who said her students were eager to show off their abilities in the school’s first musical since its highly successful play, ‘We Will Rock You’, in 2021.

The show includes students from Grades 8 to 12 and runs with a ‘double cast,’ meaning some characters will be played by a new set of actors on alternative nights.

It will be held at the Proserpine State High School Performing Arts Centre on May 3, 4, 5, and 6 from 7.30pm each night, with an additional matinee performance at 1pm on May 6.

Tickets are available at www.ticketsearch.com

What: Sweet Charity

When: May 3, 4, 5, and 6 from 7.30pm, with an additional matinee on May 6 at 1pm.

Where: Proserpine State High School Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: ticketsearch.com

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Sweet Charity, a Broadway-style play, follows Charity Hope Valentine, a girl “looking for love”

“Right, right, turn off the lights,” because - in a weeks’ time - the Airlie Beach Hotel will see “all of the people start to rush” and gather round its Bar-Top Stage when P!nk takes on Lady Gaga in one of the country’s ultimate tribute shows.

The Australian P!nk Show will bring its epic face-off between Rock Goddess P!nk and the Queen of Pop, Lady Gaga, to The Pub for two back-to-back shows on May 6 and 7.

Put on your best Poker Face for this spectacular tribute show where rock versus pop and P!nk Vs Gaga – a battle between two of the world’s biggest artists.

In the red (pink?) corner, with countless top 10 singles, sold out tours, and record breaking attendances, is P!nk, without doubt the most popular female rockstar of her generation, having dazzled the international music scene for almost two decades.

Mount Isa born singer and musician Kim Boath steps into P!nks shoes -- a powerful performer in her own right, accomplished and versatile with outstanding vocal talent.

She and her co-star are complimented by some of Queensland’s best musicians, the Australian Pink Show band. Consummate professionals, all with international touring experience.

And her opponent in the blue corner, having sold 27 million albums and 146 million singles, Gaga is among the best-selling musicians of all time. Known as the “Queen of Pop”, the Australian P!nk Show’s Gaga is a perfect encapsulation of the artist.

From their old favourites, like ‘Bad Romance’ or ‘So What’, to newer hits like ‘Trustfall’ and ‘Hold My Hand’, the Pink Vs Gaga show covers all its bases and more.

The Australian Pink Show has credentials unlike other tribute shows: its six-year history has seen it booked for high profile events like the opening celebrations at the Gympie Muster, closing the Tumbafest Festival, and the main act for the Mount Isa Camel Race, better known as the Outback Melbourne Cup.

They’ve been televised worldwide, performed large-scale shows in Papua New Guinea, and toured through Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and internationally.

This tribute to two of the most influential female artists of all time is “like no other,” packed with two and a half hours of pure entertainment, costume Changes, and two Stunning performers ―’Raise Your Glass’, it’s time to ‘Marry the Night Away! At The Pub.

What: Pink vs Gaga

When: Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, from 2.00pm to 5.30pm

Where: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ deploys the tactful horror foreword of “inspired by.” Julius Avery’s film is “inspired by” actual files. It is “inspired by” a centuries-old conspiracy that the Vatican is trying to keep hidden. And that “inspired” gives it wiggle room, and, probably, is why it works.

Turning the real-life figure of the late Father Gabriele Amorth, an exorcist of the Diocese of Rome, into Russel Crowe, Avery’s film has a lot to contend with off the bat. First: the greatest exorcism film ever made already exists: The Exorcist (the real possessive demon haunting every attempted exorcism movie since 1973).

And second: exorcism is an oft-treaded track; it’s nothing new. The film is contending with a whole host of art that’s delved the topic and even a recent oversaturation.

It’s ground so pilfered that mathematic theory has even had a swing at it. There’s a formula for performing an exorcism: Vade Retro Satana, or “Begone Satan”. But I prefer the more modern expression of it - “Back off, Satan”, which, to me, comes across as bit of light teasing; sort of a ‘stop-it-you’ type expression. You might say it to your annoying cousin, perhaps.

The origins of “casting out” demons are somewhere between the early pages of the Book of Mark and when the Apostle to the Apostles, Mary Magdalene, had seven devils driven out of her by Jesus. If the Bible and William Friedkin have already done exorcism so well, what hope does Avery have?

How do you differentiate yourself in a demon-soaked world? Well, let’s take the truth and play a little creative license.

Taking Father Amorth’s real-life character – a man famously jovial, despite his profession – Crowe and Avery instead turning him into a laconic and melodramatic version of himself. And the Oscar-winner makes it work.

And his performance is helped by what is undoubtedly a gorgeous film. Avery and cinematographer Khalid Mohtaseb put to screen a filmic version of Goya’s ‘St. Francis Borgia’s Helping a Dying Impenitent.’

Crowe and the dark, infernal, and diaphanous quality of filmmaking make it stand out more than it deserves. They elevate a standard horror fare into something worth watching. You won’t be surprised by it, but you’ll be glued to the screen.

The Pope’s Exorcist is playing at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre next month.

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The Pope’s Exorcist is a “filmic version of Goya’s ‘St. Francis Borgia’s Helping a Dying Impenitent’” in terms of its gorgeous cinematography

The soundtrack of the Sunshine State will be laid out at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre as part of the Opera Queensland ‘Lady Sings the Maroons’ tour in May.

On May 11, the Whitsundays’ music fans will be treated to a unique program inspired by artists including The Saints, Powderfinger, Gladys Moncrieff, Savage Garden, Joe Geia, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Harold Blair.

A cross-genre love letter to Queensland, Lady Sings the Maroons will showcase the art behind making a great song, and those who write them when they roll into Proserpine for a two-hour show.

Directed by Laura Hansford, and starring renowned vocalists and artistic collaborators, Jess Hitchcock, Irena Lysiuk, and Marcus Corowa with Musical Director, Luke Volker on keys, the production traces the roots of our music to regional Queensland.

Sharing the inspiration behind the production, Ms Hansford said music from Queensland had the power to transport an audience.

“My Queensland, your Queensland and the next person’s Queensland are vastly different things, and that’s reflected in the music that’s come out of this state,” she said.

“On this tour, we are debuting a show that sings about the diversity of this state and its people as we try to capture ‘our Queensland’.

“Lady Sings the Maroons holds a mirror up to our extraordinary state with pride.”

And as part of the show, Opera Queensland is inviting local singers and musicians to join the cast for the performance.

Tickets to Lady Sings the Maroons are on sale now. To find more information, visit https://www.proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au/events/event/42/opera-queensland-presents-lady-sings-the-maroons

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The Opera Queensland performance of Lady Sings the Maroons will arrive in Proserpine on May 11

Everyone in the community is invited to sing along to some Disney classics at this year’s St Catherine’s Catholic College musical performance of Beauty and the Beast.

The 1999 Disney movie was one of the fairy tale’s most loved renditions with a host of memorable characters that are all re-created in this high-quality school performance.

Children of all ages will enjoy the show while proud parents watch their little ones turn into stars for the evening.

There are more than 25 students ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 participating this year – with the ensemble taking on a range of roles including playing instruments, being cast in the dance troupe, or shining in a lead role.

Musical Director Mrs Betsy Atkinson praised the work of the many students and staff involved in putting together the production.

"The cast and crew as so excited to present 'Beauty and The Beast' at the PEC," she said.

"We have had an absolute blast putting it together and would love for our community to come "be our guest" and enjoy the show."

College Principal Mr Luke Thomson said events such as college musicals were important as it is another way the College aims to provide every student with the opportunity to shine.

"The opportunity for our students to perform at such a professional venue is one that our students will treasure and look back on with great pride for years to come."

WHAT: St Catherine’s Catholic College performance of Beauty and the Beast

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN Friday April 28 and Saturday April 29

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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It takes something special for a music festival to last 27 years, and the organisers of Wintermoon Festival know they’re onto it.

Starting in 1996 as a small event hosted by the Mackay Folk Club, the festival returns to its home in Cameron’s Pocket over the May long weekend for its 27th iteration, welcoming patrons into its unique universe of folk, country, and world music.

“We were probably one of the first festivals in this area doing that kind of thing,” said organiser Patrick Burke, who has worked with the festival since 2000.

“We’ve always had some of the best festival acts from around Australia but as the festival’s grown bigger, we’ve been able to increase and improve on some of those artists and the quantity of those artists that otherwise wouldn’t be seen in this location.

“We have a particularly strong view about their ability to perform and to be great musicians, so we try and pick the best acts that we can from around the country.”

Fostering a unique, welcoming, and friendly environment, Wintermoon is proud to welcome new and emerging acts to their stage while those in the Wintermoon “family” often return regularly, with performers such as “Australia’s greatest bush band” the Bushwackers, the Ploughboys in their original form, Hillbilly Goats, Matt Tandy, Kate Mahood and Salt and Steel all returning in 2023.

The festival focusses on quality and patron experience, utilising a location that is hard to beat while partnering with the neighbouring Ballantyne’s Strawberry Farm for the first time.

“The location is absolutely stunning with the mountains and St Helen’s Creek and the way it’s nestled into that little pocket there at Cameron’s Pocket,” said Mr Burke.

“It’s a very family focussed festival, so we have grandparents and their children and their grandchildren and sometimes even great grandchildren who are coming.

“It’s just a lovely environment, people care for each other, they look out for each other, and it’s a very kind, family event.”

On top of a camping and music festival, Wintermoon offers the opportunity for families to connect, learn and grow together with interactive arts, music, poetry, songwriting, and circus workshops bringing people together.

“It’s lovely to have the joy of parents and children connecting away from screens and all those other distractions,” Mr Burke said.

“Mobile phones don’t work there and that creates its own lovely vibe.

“You’ve got all of these nice things happening if you want to get involved in them and some people don’t; some people just have a really nice campsite, enjoy the music and just relax.”

For more information and for tickets, visit www.wintermoonfestival.com or find Wintermoon Festival on Facebook.

WHAT: Wintermoon Festival

WHEN: Friday, April 28 to Monday, May 1

WHERE: Cameron’s Pocket

TICKETS: www.wintermoonfestival.com

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The Bushwackers are back for Wintermoon Festival 2023. Photo supplied

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