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The Mackay Line Dancers set to living up ABH. Photo supplied: Mackay Line Dancers
Airlie Beach is set for a taste of Nashville this October, with the Jack Daniel’s Country Jam Festival giving country fans every reason to dust off their boots and grab their hats.
Taking over the Airlie Beach Hotel on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, the free festival will feature live country-rock, Dolly Parton and Brooks & Dunn tribute shows, Nashville favourites and line dancing, with country DJ sets also keeping the dance floor moving on Friday and Saturday nights.
The weekend kicks off a bit earlier than usual, with Australia’s number one country DJ, Dee Jaye Bux, spining the country twang at the sports bar from 8pm till midnight.
Billed Australia’s number one country DJ, he’ll mix today’s biggest country hits with familiar classics to keep the dance floor moving. Having worked alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry, such as Jimmy Barnes, Tim McGraw, Luke Combs, John Farnham and many more, he brings a range of the countries finest to the decks.
For those keen to put their boots to work, the Mackay Line Dancers will bring a few extra steps to the dance floor, offering free lessons from 8–9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Formed in 2022, the group welcomes dancers of all abilities, so whether you know your way around a line dance or are trying it for the first time, there’s room to join in.
“We encourage everyone to get up and dance with us,” said instructor and founder of the group, Deb Wookey.
“As long as you can count to 4, you can line dance, so don’t be shy.”
Kicking off the live music from midday on both Saturday and Sunday at 12pm, the Southern Line Country Rock Show will bring a taste of American country rock to the foreshore favourite.
Led by the Chris Staff Band, the show promises plenty of guitar-driven energy to get feet tapping before the musicians return at 2pm for the Australian Brooks & Dunn Tribute Show.
With rich harmonies and a full live band, the tribute will deliver favourites including Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Neon Moon, Brand New Man and Only in America, giving fans plenty to sing along to and line dancers another reason to hit the floor.
Between the bands, Joanne Elbers will bring the big hair, cheeky humour and unmistakable songs of Dolly Parton to the stage in a tribute to one of country music’s most beloved stars.
Following Parton’s passing in August at age 80, the performance holds a deeper meaning for Elbers, who has been portraying Dolly since the mid-1990s.
“In the past my performances have been about doing something I love and enjoy and hopefully bring some joy to my audience,” Elbers said.
“Now I feel we almost have a mission to represent the music the story and the heart of Dolly as she deserves and to carry on her Legacy that she worked so hard to create.”
Having taken her Classic Queens of Country show to Tamworth, Roma, North Queensland and beyond, Elbers will perform favourites including Jolene, 9 to 5 and Coat of Many Colours, backed by the musicians behind the Australian Brooks & Dunn and Southern Line shows.
“As a huge Dolly fan who loves not just her music and her down to earth character but I connect with the cheeky and light hearted manner in which she portrays herself on stage to her audience,” Elbers said.
“I strive to present my best Dolly impersonation with a touch of Tennessee accent, big boobs, big hair and plenty of Dolly personality.”
The afternoons round out to the sounds of today’s country scene when Brother Hollow takes the stage at 3.15pm on both days for The Nashville Experience.
Their set draws on the likes of Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and The Chicks, with a few older favourites woven through the afternoon.
Joining them is special guest Victoria McGee, whose selection spans generations of country women, from Gretchen Wilson and Shania Twain to Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley. Together, they’ll give fans a chance to hear some of the songs shaping country music today alongside those that helped pave the way.
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