Eight emerging musical acts from across the country have been selected to play on the main stage at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music this November.
As winners of the country-wide Passport to Airlie competition, these impressive musicians are the best of their home regions and will now be performing in a special show ahead of the main festival weekend.
This year's list of finalists include The Neo (Darwin), Abi Muir (Cairns), Weathered (Mackay), Perry Street Park (Brisbane), Karly Jewell (Melbourne), Dande & The Lion (Newcastle), Sunday Lemonade (Byron Bay) and Owls of Neptune (Sunshine Coast).
Festival ambassador and celebrity judge The Superjesus front-woman Sarah McLeod said that playing on the main stage of a large venue is very different to playing in bars.
"Playing on a big stage with a big PA is a game changer," she said.
"Most artists are used to hearing very little on stage in pubs - to play on a stage with a big PA and have all the instruments heard and the vocal loud through the wedges is something that’ll blow their minds if they're not used to it!"
Excitement is already building with the winning acts who are thrilled to be on their way to Airlie Beach.
Perry Street Park's front-man Benny said the opportunity to play at Airlie is huge.
“Not only the chance to be in this competition up against acts from all over Australia, but just to be a part of Queensland’s festival of the year,” he said.
“For an up and coming band to be a part of a festival this size is a huge opportunity to get exposure and build the chops for a career in the industry."
Nicholas from Dande & The Lion said his band are beyond excited.
"We are absolutely stoked!” he said.
“It looks like a really good setup that the organisers have worked hard to put in place, and we're looking forward to getting amongst the Airlie Beach vibes, seeing some amazing musicians, and of course playing."
The Passport to Airlie grand finals will be held on the main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and kicks off on 6pm on November 3.
Entry will be free for all 3-day ticket holders for the festival and $10 (on door only) to all other spectators, the event will also be all ages.
The main event starts the following day with headlining acts including Rogue Traders, Ben Lee, The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Mi-Sex, Jon Stevens and many, many more incredible acts.
WHAT: Passport To Airlie Grand Finals
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club, festival main stage
WHEN: Thursday, November 3
The winning acts from eight different regions across the country
