BLANK GOLD COAST EDITION # 75 - FEBRUARY 2020 by Blank Street Press

SAT 7 MAR

SAT 14 MAR

SUN 22 MARCH

Pink V Gaga Tribute Show $25* M | $30* NM

AC/DC Tribute Show | 18+ $25* M | $35* NM

One off Queensland Show! $55*

SAT 2 MAY

SAT 30 MAY

SAT 11 JULY

Michael BublÃ© Tribute Show $20* M | $25* NM

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show

$25* M | $35* NM

ABBA Tribute Show from Sweden $60*

SUNDAY 22ND MARCH CBD LIVE | SOUTHPORT

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

THURSDAY 30 JANUARY James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Deck Acoustics: Nick Cunningham (2.00pm) + Tim Stokes (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

The Amity Affliction | The Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Honeyglaze + Dreams of Indigo + The Bredda Brothers | BBQ Bazaar

Gavin Doniger | Middle Pub, Mullumbimby

Plan of Attach + Awake In Time | Vinnies Dive

FRIDAY 31 JANUARY

IVEY's All ages Fundraiser" IVEY + Tia Gostelow + Daste + DVNA + Citrus Daze | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Katie Who | Dukes Parlour Ivori + James D'Khan Trio + Tyde + The Fool | The Rompa Room The How Dare You's | The Scottish Prince The Lyrical + Emma Hudson | Miami Marketta Ella Fence | Burleigh Brewing Co. Femmestomp: Billie Rose + El Cosgrove + Laura Frank | The Basement, HOTA (Ticketed)

Statik Batz | Southport Sharks

Deck Acoustics: Jack Casey (1.00pm) + Leonie Kingdom (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Peach Fur | Elsewhere The Black and Blues Duo | Eddie's Grub House The Rubens | The Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed) Skoops + WAAB + Ollie Twohill | BBQ Bazaar Fundraiser Event: Wayward Suns + Bronte Eve + Kaleidoscope + Chev Wilson + Ryan Munro + DJ Derek Azevedo | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed) Mescalito Blues | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Benny D Williams (5.00pm) | Brothers, Kingscliff

Jason Delphin | Club Banora, Banora Point Cheap Fakes | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY

MOJO Burning Live Pathway HEAT ONE: Eyethewild + We All Drive + Mojo Collective + Dreams of Indigo | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed) Lily Budiasa | Burleigh Brewing Co. Palmy Sunday Funday(4.00pm): Electrik Lemonade + Felipe Baldomir | Palm Beach Parklands

Artillery | Vinnies Dive (Ticketed) Selecta Vzion | Cambus Wallace

THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY Cole Porter to the Beatles | HOTA (Ticketed)

Tyde + Chev Wilson + JAB Band | BBQ Bazaar

Jason Delphin | Nightjar, Burleigh Heads

Benny D Williams | Jacobs Well Tavern

TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY

The Yams | Cambus Wallace

James D'Khan Trio | Last Night On Earth

Amy Roberts | Cambus Wallace

Grant Carruthers | Scottish Prince

Gregg Peterson | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Amber Mic Originals | Scottish Prince

THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY

The Wet Fish + Stella Music | Miami Marketta

Brooke Supple | The Coolangatta Hotel Memphis Cowboys | Southport Sharks

Miss T and The Anchormen | Seagulls

Jason Delphin | Twin Towns

Spy Vs Spy | The Wallaby Hotel (Ticketed)

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Tyde Band + Chev Wilson | BBQ Bazaar

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

Late For Woodstock (Covers) | Southport Sharks

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY Angelo Pash | Cambus Wallace The Atlantix | Scottish Prince

Jason Delphin | Coolangatta Hotel Beyond Blue Fire Fundraiser: James Bondage & The Safe Words + Indigo Parade + Ollie Twohill + Andy Burke | Keith Coffee & Booze, Murwillumbah (Ticketed) Rogue Elements | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Matty Rogers | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY Summertime Sessions In The Village (5.30pm): Haylee Grace & The Bay Collective + Brooke Supple | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba Deck Acoustics: James D Khan (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Jeremy Cook Duo | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Jack O'Leary | Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: Felicity Lawless (1.00pm) + Bella Paton (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL MOJO Burning Live Pathway HEAT TWO: Handful of Helmet + King Coaster + The Aunties Band + Vallies | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

The California Kings - Red Hot Chilli Peppers Tribute | BBQ Bazaar

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY

Aviary Acoustics: Paris Lane (2.00pm) | Aviary Rooftop Bar

The Funksters | Southport Sharks

Elevation Drive | The Scottish Prince

Colt Seavers Band | Advancetown Hotel

Jason Delphin (4.00pm) | Balter Brewery

Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace Grant Carruthers | Scottish Prince Unwritten Law | Parkwood Tavern (Ticketed) Chilli Gomez + Captain Squidlicker + The Sinking Ships + Rinser | Vinnies Dive Jason Delphin | The Railway Friendly Pub, Byron Bay

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY EUCA | Cambus Wallace The How Dare You's | Scottish Prince Summertime Sessions In The Village (5.30pm): M.E. Baird + Sue-Anne Stewart | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Rick Barron | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Sondrio | Elsewhere

Benny D Williams | Village Hearts, Southport

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY

Deck Acoustics: Montana Duo (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Loose leaf + Mardi Wilson | Miami Marketta

Metal Reset | Vinnies (Ticketed)

Wild Marmalade | Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay

Deck Acoustics: Greg J Bryant (2.00pm) + Anna & Jed (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Palmy Sunday Funday(4.00pm): Steve Cousins + The Lyrical | Palm Beach Parklands

Seaside Sounds: Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective + Salt and Steel | Roughton Park, Kirra

Amber Mic Originals | Scottish Prince

Dirty F Holes + Thee Evil Twin + The Missile Studs + The Glycereens | The Rompa Room

Jason Delphin | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY ON FIRE Fundraiser: Mick & Hamish + Nathan Kaye | Shoeak Shack (Ticketed)

Harbour the Code | Vinnies Dive

James Bennett | The Scottish Prince

Lemaire | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY

The Dreggs | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

Open Mic Night (12.00 - 4.00pm) | Ground N Sound

Luke Bellows | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

DJ Antimatter - Spiral Scratch | Cambus Wallace

Adam Hole (1.00pm) | The Bearded Dragon Hotel, Mt Tamborine Electric Lemonade | Palm Beach Parklands, Palm Beach

Waitangi Day | Twin Towns (Ticketed)

Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Ben Amore | Balter Taproom The Lyrical + Emma Hudson | Miami Marketta

Gavin Doniger (2.30pm) | North Kirra SLSC

Hayley Grace and the Bay Collective + Ash Riske | Miami Marketta Conrad Sewell | Parkwood Tavern (Ticketed) Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Vagabones + Eyethewild + Wild Hearted + The Fat Bastards | The Rompa Room

Aviary Acoustics: Benny Hanna (2.00pm) | Aviary Rooftop Bar

The Bob Marley Reggae and Roots Festival | BBQ Bazaar ( Ticketed )

A Valentines night at the Proms Spectacular | HOTA (Ticketed)

Just Like Heaven: Celebrating the music of The Cure | HOTA (Ticketed)

Jason Delphin | Kingslciff Bowls Club, Kingscliff

Brown Suga | Southport Sharks

First Beige + daste + Papaya Tree + Chutney + Khynes + Fletcher and Vices | Komune Resort, Coolangatta

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Fat Picnic | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Tyler Vivian | Cambus Wallace

MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY

The Beautiful Girls | The Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Kim Oleary Duo | Scottish Prince

Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

Deck Acoustics: Mono (2.00pm) + Luke Yeaman (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Greg Peterson (5.00pm) | Fat Freddy's Beach Bar Kenny Slide + Greer Sullivan (5.00pm) | Social House, Surfers Paradise Sarah Grant Due | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads Gavin Doniger | Riverview Hotel, Murwillumbah Jason Delphin | Cabarita Bowls Club, Cabarita Beach

Gavin Doniger (2.30pm) | North Kirra SLSC Devils Kiosk | Advancetown Hotel OKA | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY

Megan Core | Burleigh Brewing Co. Pearl Jam (Tribute) | Seagulls Sali Bracewell (2.00pm) + Jesse Morris Band | Sheoak Shack Ivory | Last Night On Earth

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Lloyd Saniel | Southport Sharks

Tyler Vivian | Cambus Wallace

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY

Mel Scarlett | Scottish Prince

Lily Budiasa | Cambus Wallace

Deck Acoustics: Luke Morris Duo (2.00pm) + Ondre Davis (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Music for the soul | BBQ Bazaar

Amber Mic Originals | Scottish Prince

Sofiella & The Handsome Husbands + Ondre Davis | Miami Marketta

Seaside Sounds: SameTime + Steve Cousins | Roughton Park, Kirra

The Yams | Cambus Wallace

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY Kenny Slide | Cambus Wallace Sean Fitzgerald | Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: Rene Le Feuvre (1.00pm) + Matty Rogers (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Kyle Watson | Elsewhere Bar Kenny Slide | Cambus Wallace Private Function | Vinnies Dive (Ticketed) MOJO Burning Live Pathway HEAT THREE: Magnus + Charlesworth + VERUM + L.R. Marsh | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed) Benny D Williams (2.00pm) | Saltwater, Currumbin Elska | Burleigh Brewing Co.

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Amy Roberts | Cambus Wallace

Grant Carruthers | Scottish Prince Jason Delphin | The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Tyson Coleman Band | Southport Sharks

Regulate | Vinnies Dive (Ticketed)

Jason Delphin | Nightcap, Nobby Beach

The Switch | Southport Sharks

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Jason Delphin | Nightjar, Burleigh Heads

James Street Preachers | Scottish Prince

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Elevation Drive | Cambus Wallace

Summertime Sessions In The Village (5.30pm): Josh Lovegrove + Kate Leopold | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba Deck Acoustics: Katie Who (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

The Aussie Bruno Mars Tribute | Southport Sharks Alive - A Tribute to Pearl Jam | Seagulls Cath Simes | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

Deck Acoustics: Grant Carruthers (5.00pm) | Currumbin RSL

Jason Delphin | The Farm, Byron Bay

THE BRAVE + supports | MO's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

Bobby Alu + Supports | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed) Slips & the FW's | Burleigh Brewing Co.

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Kristen Lee Morris + Budjerah | Miami Marketta

Jax Haze | Cambus Wallace

Shady Nasty | Vinnies Dive (Ticketed)

Benny D Williams | Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club Dreams - Fleetwood Mac + Stevie Nicks tribute show | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Wooton Major + Leisure Drive + Suburbium + The Honeyglaze | The Rompa Room

Ella Fence | Scottish Prince Deck Acoustics: Malina Claire (1.00pm) + Isaac Frankham (4.00pm) | Currumbin RSL Sunnyboys + Rocket Science | Studio 56, Miami Marketta (Ticketed) MOJO Burning Live Pathway Final | Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Ticketed)

Outshined | BBQ Bazaar

James Delphin | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Fat Albert | Southport Sharks

Aviary Acoustics: Liv Heyer (2.00pm) | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Gavin Doniger & Captain Carl (5.00pm) | North Kirra SLSC

The How Dare You's | Scottish Prince Summertime Sessions In The Village (5.30pm): The Long Johns + Haylee Coulter | Cuddihy Park, Mudgeeraba

Garage Fuzz: James Bondage & The Safe Words + The Glycereens + The Busymen + DJ Antimatter | The Flamin' Galah (Ticketed)

Benny D Williams (3.00pm) | The Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Allah-Las | Miami Marketta (Ticketed) Queen and Adam Lambert | Metricon Stadium ( Ticketed)

James Street Preachers | Cambus Wallace

Regulate + Broken + Krust | Vinnies Dive (Ticketed)

Rory Switzer | Scottish Prince

Electric Zebra + Honeygum + Claiming It Anyway | BBQ Bazaar

Mia Muze (6.00pm) | Sand Safari (Ever After Zone), Surfers Paradise

THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY

The Atlantix | Cambus Wallace

Dan Irwin | Burleigh Brewing Co.

WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

The Yams | Scottish Prince

Secret Broadway | HOTA (Ticketed)

+ Transvaal Diamond Syndicate | The Wallaby Hotel

Amber Mic Originals | Scottish Prince

Free The Genie | Cambus Wallace

Grant Carruthers | Scottish Prince

Greg Peterson (5.00pm) | Fat Freddy's Beach Bar

Aviary Acoustics: Eleea Navarro (2.00pm) | Aviary Rooftop Bar

Upshift Festival: Talpa + Like Liquid + Get Down + U-Phoric + MORE | The Coolangatta Hotel (Ticketed)

Mescalito Blues | Wallaby Hotel

SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY The Hawainyls | Cambus Wallace

Follow the Fox | Advancetown Hotel

EUCA | Scottish Prince

Super Massive | Duke's Palour

Jason Delphin | Burleigh Brewing Co.

Harry Nichols Duo | Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads

The Bostocks Band + Daisy Dukes (2.00pm) | Fishermans Wharf Tavern

Mudgeeraba Blues Rock: 8 Ball Aitken Band + BB Factory + Devils Kiosk + Mojo Webb Band + Marshall & The Fro

BLANK GOLD COAST HAS PARTNERED WITH GIGL TO BRING YOU THE MOST EPIC COMPREHENSIVE GIG GUIDE FOR GOLD COAST TO BYRON BAY Live music happens every night but it can be difficult to find. From punk to rock, hiphop to funk, reggae to jazz, folk to metal and much more, the Gold Coast has has it all. To get full access to the gig guide, join the thousands of music lovers searching for live music on Giglâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE gig guide app and website. You can search gigs by price, genre, location, venue, artist, family friendly events and much more! To get your gig onto the gig guide and in front of thousands of music lovers visit the Blank Gig Guide page or the Gigl website to upload your gig for free!

SHARKS

FEB 2020

GIG GUIDE SOUTHPORT

FREE,

LIVE

SHARKS

MUSIC

THE

HUB

GOLD

FRI

BROWN

FEB SUGA

FRI

FAT

FEB

ALBERT

COAST

Here is a taste of some of our live acts on Friday & Saturday nights this month!

SAT 1

8.30pm

Miss T & The Anchormen COVERS

FRI 7

8.30pm

FRI 21 SAT 22

WAITANGI DAY CELEBRATIONS 8.30pm

Late for Woodstock WOODSTOCK ERA

FRI 14

R&B 8.30pm

SAT 15

Krush

ROCK, 80S, POP, DANCE

SAT

DEVILS

FEB KIOSK

southportsharks.com.au

FEB

KRUSH

8.30pm

The Aussie Bruno Mars Showband with Melaanie

FRI 28

8.30pm

Devils Kiosk BLUES

SAT 29

8.30pm

The Shine 70S TO TOP 40 COVERS

SAT LATE

FRI

TRIBUTE

8.30pm

Brown Suga

Fat Albert MODERN ROCK

The Funksters

SAT 8

8.30pm

SAT MISS

1 T

FOR

FEB

WOODSTOCK

FEB &

THE

ANCHORMEN

*Entertainment subject to change at any time. Corner Olsen & Musgrave Aves, Southport QLD | 5532 1155

FRI THE

FEB

FUNKSTERS

SUMMER FEBRUARY 2020

SUNDAY FROM 2PM

VIBES

PA R I S L A N E

BENNY HANNA

ELEEA NAVARRO

LIV HEYER

FEBRUARY 2020

S U N DAY 2

PA R I S L A N E

S U N DAY 1 6

ELEEA NAVARRO

S U N DAY 9

BENNY HANNA

S U N DAY 2 3

LIV HEYER

aviaryrooftop.com.au T&C's apply. 18+ only venue. *Entertainment subject to change at any time.

Image by Lamp Photography

Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Partnerships, Social Media & Live Team Coordinator: Simone Gorman-Clark TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt, Zac Fahey & Kris Peters Contributors (print and online): Anthony Gebhardt, Natalie O’Driscoll, Kris Peters, Marj Osborne, Zac Fahey, Marj Osborne, Prudence Clark, Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece, Kylie Cobb, Trevor Jackson, Nicole Browne, Sam Beau Patrick, Melissa Flynn, Kylie MitchellSmith, Marlena Katene, Tiffany Mitchell, Peter Wheeler, Simeon Gorman-Clark, Leisen Standen, Danny Santangelo, Amanda Gorman, Eden Tokatly, Damian Clark, Adam Jones.

Cover photo: Liniker by Leila Penteado

Editorial: news@blankgc.com.au Advertising: advertising@blankgc.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankgc.com.au

Acknowledgement of Country We genuinely respect and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and play. We honour their elders past, present and emerging as well as the rich contribution that continues to be made to society through art, story and music.

Letter from the Editor Take a deep breath. Wherever you’re reading this edition of Blank, if it’s in a coffee shop, on the beach, at home, or listening to some tunes, just take one big deep breath, right now. If it didn’t make you cough or splutter, that’s because you’re one of the lucky ones right now. WE’RE the lucky ones right now. Yes we’ve seen our share of the fires here, some of our residents have been evacuated, properties damaged, our services and volunteers stretched to the max, our precious wildlife harmed, and our air darkened. But right now our thoughts turn to our southern neighbours and their ongoing battles, even as our own communities continue with their healing and repairs.

www.blankgc.com.au

All Saints Anglican School has been announced as the host of the 2020 Sustainability Symposium in partnership with the Sustainable Schools Network Limited. With a varied and exciting speaker line up and a range of workshops for children from all walks of life, the 2020 Sustainability Symposium invites students from the wider region including South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales to come share their knowledge, experiences and collaborate towards a shared vision of the future. The 2020 event is on 28 April and you can find out more at ssn.org. au/2020-sustainability-symposium.

This edition of Blank isn’t the special “fire edition” or anything like that. But a national tragedy of this scale touches everybody on such a personal level that it will, of course, affect our music, our arts, our culture, our community, and of course our environment, all the things that Blank covers every month. So while we have written about all manner of local non-fire related content as per usual in this edition, scattered throughout this magazine you will also find snippets and stories of local musos who have written songs about the fires, venues hosting benefit gigs, galleries raising cash for causes, of local community volunteers doing amazing things, and much more. So we encourage you to get out there and support these awesome local peeps and endeavours however possible.

BE INSPIRED AT STORYFEST THIS YEAR Get ready to be inspired as Storyfest Writer’s Festival returns in 2020 with a jam-packed calendar of events over eight captivating days, 14-21 March on the Gold Coast. A stellar lineup of Australia’s finest children’s authors featuring Bruce Whatley, Andrew Daddo and Matt Stanton plus first-time novelists Helena Fox, TC Shelley and Carl Merrison will inspire readers and writers of all ages. Adults can look forward to dining with thought-provoking featured authors Jess Hill (Literary Lunch) and Elliot Perlman (Literary Long Table) who will challenge and disrupt ideas. Visit the website for details on all events: storyfest.com.au.

If you’re keen to give directly to the major state and national bodies, here’s how: NSW Rural Fire Service: rfs.nsw.gov.au Victorian Country Fire Association: cfa.vic.gov.au

About us: Blank GC is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris and Chloe Popa. Founded in 2013 we are the Gold Coast’s independent cultural voice and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us in the fray. Opinions expres sed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

ALL SAINTS TO HOST 2020 SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM

South Australian Country Fire Services: cfsfoundation.org.au WIRES Wildlife Rescue: wires.org.au Red Cross: redcross.org.au Take care of yourselves, and each other. x Nat

JUST LIKE HEAVEN: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE CURE JUST LIKE HEAVEN is the first in a series of HOTA celebrating the music of the greatest artists of all time. Fans of THE CURE will get to see 20 CURE classics performed by some of Australia’s most exciting new artists – Ella Fence, Sook, The Brothers Calling, Amela and Tobias. You will also get to hear two originals from each of these artists and will be sure to walk away with at least one new favourite band. Deets: Sun 16 Feb at Lakeside Room, HOTA, Home of the Arts. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at hota.com.au.

INFAMOUS IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Following sell-out shows across the country, the risqué adults circus INFAMOUS is now set to return to the Gold Coast for its blockbuster third season. Our favourite bare-chested acrobats, naughty clowns and dazzling dancers are erecting their iconic Spiegel Big Top at Westfield Helensvale on the original NightQuarter site from Friday 31 January to Sunday 8 March 2020. Book online at infamous. net.au now.

SUMMERTIME SESSIONS IN THE VILLAGE MINT ART HOUSE PRESENTS REGENERATE

MUDGEERABA BLUES ROCK It’s time to get your wail, stomp and howl on, when the famous Wallaby Hotel, Gold Coast’s ‘home of the blues’, hosts Mudgeeraba Blues Rock on Saturday 29 February from 1pm to midnight. With three stages, ten bands, eleven hours of music, friends, food, and craft brews, this is an event for real music lovers. Catch 8 Ball Aitken, BB Factory, Blue Skillet Rovers, Devils Kiosk, Dillon James Band, Fiona Boyes, Mark Easton, Marshall & The Fro, Mojo Webb Band, Transvaal Diamond Syndicate, Zed Charles and more on 29 Feb. Best of all, it’s totally free! 18+ event.

Mint Art House has announced 1 February as the launch of Regenerate, an art auction fundraiser with all proceeds going to charities supporting efforts to regenerate communities affected by the fires. Regenerate will see artwork auctioned from Mint’s 20 resident artists, as well as other Gold Coast artists such as Tania Blanchard from TBC. The night will include live music and over $3,000 worth of door prizes with the night being MCed by Nicole Gibson of Love Out Loud. Regenerate will take place on 1 February 2020 from 4pm to 9pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online through mintarthouse.com/regenerate. On the night there will be food and drinks, live and silent auction of artworks and live music, with all funds raised going to charities dedicated to the recovery of bushfire-affected wildlife and communities.

Image by Brett Boardma

MOTHER STARRING NONI HAZELHURST A remarkable award-winning one woman show written for Noni Hazlehurst, Mother tells the story of Christie, a homeless woman in a world detached, unforgiving and destructive. It gives voice to the fallen and dispossessed, to those who exist at the edge of safety, at the point of being undone. It speaks of madness, denial and ignorance. Utterly devastating, yet written with Daniel Keene’s characteristic lyricism, Mother is wrought with tenderness, violence and loneliness in equal measure. It is coming to HOTA’s Theatre 1 for a four show run 27 to 29 Feb. Tix at hota.com.au.

The good vibes continue throughout February and March when Summertime Sessions in the Village bring more free, family-friendly, Gold Coast tunes to Cuddihy Park in Mudgeeraba from 5.30pm. Feb 7 | Haylee Grace & the Bay collective + Brooke Supple; Feb 14 | M.E. Baird + Sue-Anne Stewart; Feb 21 | Josh Lovegrove + Kate Leopold; Feb 28 | The Long Johns + Haylee Coulter; Mar 6 | Minnie Marks + Hussy Hicks; Mar 13 | The Brothers Calling + Salt & Steel.

UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS PRESENTS A NIGHT OF ROCK LIKE NO OTHER You know the bands, you love the songs. Under The Southern Stars is giving punters the opportunity to experience the greatest hits from some of the world’s greatest bands all in one day and night of incredible rock and roll at Brisbane Riverstage this April. Join international chart toppers LIVE, Bush and Stone Temple Pilots on Saturday 18 April as they headline a whopping lineup that also includes support slots by talented Aussie mainstays Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

SHHH, IT’S SECRET BROADWAY The secret’s out! HOTA’s bringing Broadway to the Gold Coast in 2020 with their first Secret Broadway headliner, Shoshana Bean. Secret Broadway (created by emmy-award winning songwriter and composer Lance Horne) will light up HOTA in a series of unforgettable evenings of musical magic alongside a series of special guests.We’ve all got a favourite song etched in our memories – from the big opening, to the conditional love song, the ‘I want’ ballad, the triumphant 11 o’clock number. Nothing unlocks the love of theatre like a musical – and Lance and Shoshona are inviting audiences to fall in love with their favourite songs all over again. In our first Secret Broadway evening, it’s ‘curtain up’ as we celebrate the opening numbers of Broadway in all their glory, from Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’ to I Hope I Get It, and plenty more. When: Sat 22 Feb, 7.30pm. Tickets: hota.com.au.

THE ONLY

PLACE TO BE AT EASTER

ALANIS MORISSETTE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF

JAGGED LITTLE PILL PERFORMING HER ICONIC ALBUM IN ITS ENTIRETY AND

2 x GRAMMY WINNER

TORI KELLY

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR HOTA’S CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Are you an artist with a great idea? HOTA is offering cash, space and resources to help you create, develop and collaborate in 2020. HOTA is committed to helping artists connected to the Gold Coast to take risks, experiment and create great art that considers potential pathways to presentation. Applications are open until Thu 27 Feb via hota.com.au/ creativedevelopmentprogram.

TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE www.blankgc.com.au

Image: Liniker E Os Caramelows by Leila Penteado

sk the average person what Brazil is famous for and you’ll most likely get a list that includes soccer and many of its most famous players, the aweinspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio Carnival, The Amazon Forest, samba, coffee, the Iguazu Falls and much more. But ask a member of the LGBTQI+ community or one of its allies and you’ll probably hear that, unfortunately, Brazil is also known for having a homophobic general populace and one of the world’s highest rates of anti-trans violence and homicide.

We thought Liniker e os Caramelows were an inspired choice to play at HOTA’s upcoming OUT LOUD Festival - a celebration of diversity in an ever-changing world - in support of fellow Brazilian and living legend Jorge Ben Jor, the father of samba rock. So we chatted with the extraordinary woman herself ahead of this not-to-be missed concert. Liniker’s voice comes at a critical time in Brazil’s developing consciousness. Through her choice to transition in the public eye and not water down her authentic expression of self, she has forced further public discourse around the queer movement in Brazil, and done so while endlessly spreading a message of love in the face of all the hate directed 10

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“My visibility as a singer helps me to occupy spaces that aren’t the usual ones for trans women. That representation is so important,” she says. “Brazil remains a very transphobic, chauvinist, racist country, with a lot of hate speech. When a trans woman takes the stage, that alone is political.” Politics, hate speech, and fear are unfortunately elements that still are interwoven into the daily lives of many LGBTQI+ people all around the world. But through art, music and messages of love, courageous ambassadors like Liniker seek to embody the changes they wish to see in the world.

These facts make the story of this month’s cover artist even more extraordinary. Born in one of the country’s most conservative states of São Paulo, trans musician Liniker and a group of her musical friends burst onto Brazil’s music scene in 2015 with a YouTube video for single ‘Zero’ which quickly went viral. Her friends, also from the same countryside town of Araraquara, then formed her band the Caramelows, and the group went on to write two albums and tour extensively, bravely and unapologetically carving out and claiming space for queer artists and audiences throughout the deeply conservative nation.

of the more conservative members of the public in her home country and throughout South America. But in a place where 90% or more of trans women end up homeless and / or in sex work, she is also grateful for the privileges her position affords her.

Liniker e os Caramelows is not quite like any other band you’ve ever heard before, while also seeming comfortably familiar. People say the sounds of black soul and samba run through Liniker’s blood.

towards her and everyone like her. For Liniker, it’s important to keep this concept at the core of everything they do. “I remember when we went viral,” she recalls. “People could recognise me on the streets, people sang our songs, but we didn’t have a career and the respect yet. “I’m proud that nowadays we are able to travel around the world singing about love. This should be part of this idea of success.” Travel around the world they have, but until now, they have yet to come to Australia. The OUT LOUD Festival will be one of the few stops on their first ever Australian tour, and they’re all incredibly excited about it.

“It’s so crazy to think that we are going to cross the globe to perform our songs and to sing about love. It’s going to be our first time in Australia and I can’t wait to play there,” says Liniker. As Gold Coasters know, we aren’t short of Brazilians living and working here, so I’m sure there were will be plenty of home peeps in the crowd for the show. Liniker agrees. “Brazilian people who live abroad attend our concerts because they like our music, but it’s also a way that they find to keep connected to their culture that they miss so much. Our audience is very warm.” But not always. Liniker has been quite matter of fact about the treatment she has received at the hands of the media and some

When asked about her influences, she says “I remember listening to Banda Black Rio, Clube do Balanço and Itamar Assumpção when I was a kid. However, contemporary Brazilian artists such as Tulipa Ruiz were important to my formation as songwriter as well. The same when we talk about Etta James and Nina Simone.” If that doesn’t mean much to you apart from Etta James and Nina Simone, then just trust Liniker when she gives the following advice. “People should get ready to dance a lot. We wish people could keep the energy of our concerts in mind for a long time. So we will make it to be special.” Natalie O’Driscoll

You can catch Jorge Ben Jor and Liniker e os Caramelows when they light up the The Outdoor Stage at HOTA on Friday 6 March 2020. This is an all ages event, and you can grab your tix over at hota.com.au.

COME ALIVE WITH CBD LIVE

BLUETICKETS SFEST ON S .COM ALE N .Au & OW MOS at HTIX

exclusive australian performance

ave you checked out CBD Live upstairs at Level 1 of the RSL Club Southport yet? With a massive performance space housing state of the art equipment, CBD Live is a 1300 person capacity live music venue that hosts over 60 concerts a year.

CBD Live stands as one of Queensland’s best-sounding auditoriums, and a must-play room on any band’s journey. As well as attracting artists, it has quickly become the go-to spot for music lovers of all ages to congregate safely to enjoy a wide range of music. Sparks will fly when two of the most influential female artists (kind of) face off against each other in the Australian show of Pink V Gaga on 7 March, a two and half hour spectacular with dazzling costume changes and some of the greatest pop music to have graced the scene over the last decade. Later that month, Aussie legends Mondo Rock will be performing a special one-off show packed with their treasure trove of hits that have become an iconic part of the Australian music landscape. Queensland punters will be the only state lucky enough to catch Ross Wilson, Eric McCusker, Kerry Jacobsen, James Black and Paul Christie playing a barrage of timeless classics that span five decades including ‘Come Said The Boy’, ‘State Of The Heart’, ‘Baby Wants To Rock’ , ‘Summer of 81’ and ‘Cool World’. It’s an early Sunday evening show with doors at 5.00pm, the band on stage at 7pm on Sunday 22 March.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND • CROWDED HOUSE • ALANIS MORISSETTE LENNY KRAVITZ • PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND GEORGE BENSON • KooL & THE GANG EXCLUSIVE • THE GIPSY KINGS GUY SEBASTIAN • BRANDI CARLILE • JOHN BUTLER XAVIER RUDD • THE CAT EMPIRE • ALLEN STONE MORCHEEBA • DWEEZIL ZAPPA • TORI KELLY ANI DIFRANCO • JENNY LEWIS JOHN PRINE • BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE TROY CASSAR-DALEY • THE WAIFS • YOLA • LP THE WATERBOYS • EAGLES OF DEATH METAL • ZUCCHERO JIMMIE VAUGHAN EXCLUSIVE • JOHN MAYALL • CHAIN EXCLUSIVE LARKIN POE • THE MARCUS KING BAND CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM EXCLUSIVE • FRANK TURNER CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES • ASH GRUNWALD THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND • WALTER TROUT THE WAR & TREATY • AMADOU & MARIAM ERJA LYYTINEN • TAL WILKENFELD GREENSKY BLUEGRASS JOACHIM CooDER EXCLUSIVE STEVE ‘N’ SEAGULLS EXCLUSIVE

The ultimate Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks experience Gold Dust Woman returns on 30 May, fronted by awardwinning vocalist Jo Elbers and backed by a stellar band of superstar musicians who will take Mac fans on a mesmerising journey. The tribute love continues on 11 July with Sweden’s 7-piece live band ABBARAMA, a celebration of the music of ABBA, adding an electronic dance vibe to ABBA’s classic pop songs, delivered with contagious energy. This unique pop art experience is an exciting contemporary take on the fashion and style of ABBA. Natalie O’Driscoll

For tickets and more more, check out cbdlive.com.au. www.blankgc.com.au

Bluesfest

NINE REASONS YOU NEED TO BE THERE IN 2020 The (final?) return of Patti Smith: While on the subject of musical legends Patti Smith, New York’s poetic high priestess of punk may be navigating her seventh decade, but the passion and fire still burns strong, as anyone who witnessed her incendiary performance at the festival in 2017 can attest to. In a word – unmissable!

he countdown is officially on, with just nine weeks left (from the date of publication) until Bluesfest 2020! With a history steeped in over three decades worth of world class musical line ups and unforgettable vibes, this upcoming 31st instalment of the iconic event is promising to deliver one of the festival's best experiences ever, when it once again descends upon the idyllic surrounds of Byron Bay from 9 – 13 April 2020.

The Bluesfest Busking Competition: Now into its seventeenth year, the Bluesfest Busking Competition is at the forefront of offering unsigned, original Australian artists the chance to shine in front of the wandering throngs of festival attendees. So while you’re on your way to check out your big ticket acts, you may very well stumble upon your new favourite local act - yet more bands for your buck! Previous winners have included killer Gold Coast acts Electrik Lemonade and Ivy, so be prepared to be gobsmacked by the quality of what’s going down at the Bluesfest Delta Stage.

As we start to get excited and begin the count down, here’s nine damn fine reasons why this year’s Bluesfest is simply not to be missed. The vibe: In the immortal words of Dennis Denuto from Aussie film The Castle; "it's the vibe of the thing". And in the case of Bluesfest, it truly is all about the vibe when it comes to why it’s held in such loving regard by all who attend it. It literally has one of the most chilled, friendly and electric atmospheres of any Festival, anywhere. Which is why, year after year, Bluesfest continues to draw the very best in musical talent, both iconic and up and coming, from all over the world.

A chance to witness unique, one-off artist collaborations: Another annual Bluesfest ‘given’ is the anticipation of knowing that you’ll be guaranteed at least one chance to see iconic artists randomly collaborating with each other. The roll call of unique collabs is truly impressive, from The Dave Matthews Band and Govt Mule performing a spellbinding take on ‘All Along The Watchtower’ together in 2014 through to Tom Jones and the Blind Boys Of Alabama delivering goosebumpinducing moments together in 2016. In 2017 hip hop met New Orleans jazz, soul and funk, when Nas and The Soul Rebels delivered something truly magical together. And last year it was Casey Chambers and Jack Johnson turning up during Ben Harper’s set, with Ben reciprocating for Casey’s performance (as well as The Veronicas, Tommy Emmanuel and The War And Treaty) And who could forget Gary Clark Jr and Lukas Nelson getting up onstage with Jack Johnson!? Who will it be this year?

The location: Does it get any more picturesque and chillaxed than Byron Bay!? The world-renowned seaside town (and its gorgeous Northern NSW surrounds) has long been the place for intrepid travellers and free spirits, with its magical vibes embedded within the DNA of Bluesfest. The food: With a bumper five-day line up to navigate, the smart festival goer knows that keeping your sustenance up is an essential component of any Bluesfest experience. And when it comes to food options, Bluesfest never fails to deliver - the range of culinary delights to choose from is truly mind boggling! From exotic worldly delicacies through to Byron Bay faves such as the legendary Govindas Vegetarian, Pizza Loca (with their renowned pesto and chilli toppings) and Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts (the blueberry and choc doughnuts are to die for), Bluesfest truly has all food groups and culinary tastes covered. And to stay hydrated you can’t go wrong with another local fave, Ginger Nektar (either Original or Ginger and Cranberry). And the Byron Bay township itself is also overflowing with a lip-smacking choice of unique, non-fast food restaurants and take-aways. Family friendly: There are precious few big-ticket festivals around that cater 12

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for families as thoroughly as Bluesfest. Integrating kids of all ages into the whole festival experience has always been a hallmark of Bluesfest, its safe and friendly vibes (there’s that word again!) ensuring that folk of all ages (including the everpresent gaggle of older festival veterans) co-exist harmoniously in Bluesfest bliss. There’s also a dedicated ‘Bluesfest Kids Zone’ together with conveniently located nappy changing and breast-feeding facilities. Crowded House exclusive: Aussie bands (with apologies to New Zealanders laying claim to them!) don’t come much more revered and loved than Crowded

House. With band lynchpin Neil Finn now moonlighting as a touring member of Fleetwood Mac, the iconic three-piece are making a highly exclusive, one-off appearance at this year’s Bluesfest. This version of Crowded House also features original bass player Nick Seymour and second incarnation drummer Matt Sherrod, as well as a guest appearance by the band’s producer and respected keyboardist Mitchell Froom. If you don’t catch them this time, who knows how long you’ll be waiting for another chance to sing along to ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ amongst a tent full of fellow joyous devotees.

Celebrating With Our First Nations People: In homage to our First Nations People, this year sees the return of The Boomerang Festival, which will run concurrently onsite across the Friday to Monday of Bluesfest and features an inspiring amalgamation of musicians, dancers and artists delivering performances, workshops, talks and artworks showcasing the talent and diversity of the peoples of our original culture. Anthony Gebhardt

Bluesfest 2020 runs from 9 to 13 April at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. More info and tickets at bluesfest.com.au.

ALIVE A TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM

SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY FREE SHOW | 8:30PM

BON JOVI LIVINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ON A PRAYER SUPPORTED BY THE BRYAN ADAMS EXPERIENCE

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH FREE SHOW | 8:30PM

Gollan Drive, Tweed Heads West, NSW 2485 | T +61 7 5587 9000 | seagullsclub.com.au Seagulls operates on NSW daylight savings time

www.blankgc.com.au

LIVE FREE ENTERTAINMENT EVER SUNDA &

COMING UP

FISHOS

WE LOVE LIVE MUSIC FREE

WHO'S CHARLIE SUN 9TH FEB 1PM

BOSTOCKS & DAISY DUKE SUN 23RD FEB 2PM

EASTSIDE ALLSTARS BAND 1ST MARCH 2PM

COURTES

LISA HUNT BAND SUN 8TH MARCH 2PM

BUS

DJs ON THE DEC FRI SAT SUN NIGHTS &

www.ﬁshermanswharftavern.com.au Shop 40, 60 Seaworld Drive Main Beach 07 55710566

MONTANA LIVE DUO 15TH MARCH 2PM

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT ALL WELCOME!

INTERACTIVE KIDS ACTIVITIES WITH SPARKY DO DAH FROM 5PM

ochre face and hand painting and emu feather decorations

eventbrite.com.au/e/naturallygcaboriginal-art-and-culture-kids- www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ naturallygc-platypusworkshops-tickets appreciation-day-tickets

5.30 – 7.30. Free family event. Face painting for children

February 21 / Josh Lovegrove + Kate Leopold

1pm to midnight. Free entry. Three stages, 10 bands, 11 hours of music, food and craft brews.

February 28 / The Long Johns + Haylee Coulter

www.wallabyhotel.com.au/ events/mudgeeraba-blues-rock

www.facebook.com/ SummertimeSessions/

MARCH 6 POLLY’S TO PAGES PINNACLE GUIDED FEBRUARY 8 BUSHWALK, NATURALLYGC MOVIES UNDER THE LOWER SPRINGBROOK STARS, WOODLANDS PARK, SOMERSET DR, MUDGEERABA NATIONAL PARK Three hour, 12km return. How To Train Your Dragon Advanced Difficulty. Meet at – Hidden World. Hosted By Neranwood carpark (200m after Glenwood Park NHW. Polly’s Country Kitchen). Free family event. Food and www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ beverage available for purchase. naturallygc-program 5pm Children’s activities 7pm Movie screening www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ moviesunderthestars FEBRUARY 23 NATURALLYGC ABORIGINAL ART AND CULTURE – KIDS WORKSHOP, MUDGEERABA

Swanton Drive, Mudgeeraba

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY – 7pm FOOD AND BEVERAGE AVAILABLE FOR If weather is uncertain, phone 07

coast for cancellation advice.

Proudly supported by

Councillor Glenn Tozer

MARCH 6 NATURALLY GC PLATYPUS APPRECIATION DAY MUDGEERABA MUSIC CENTRE, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA 9.30am – 11.30am.

Learn more about the local 10am – 11. Ages five and above. Platypus population and what Hands on interactive workshop you can do to help. Free kids with storytelling, digeridoos,

and Hinterland

MARCH 18 – 20 SOMERSET STORYFEST, SOMERSET COLLEGE, MUDGEERABA

www.facebook.com/ somersetstoryfest/

IN THE VILL AGE

FRIDAYS 5:30-7:30PM

CUDDIHY PARK | SWAN LANE | Mudgeeraba BRING YOUR GOOD VIB Es AND WATCH live mu sic FOR FREE Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28

MARCH 22 2020 GOLD COAST SUPERSWAP MEET (AUTOMOBILE RESTORERS ASSOCIATION) MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS, 115 WORONGARY ROAD Vintage / classic cars, car parts, motorbikes, automobilia, bric-abrac, antiques, collectables Public entry from 6am (Adults $5 / children under 5 free) Show ‘n Shine – Open to all vehicles www.latest.facebook.com/ events/509966879827192/

Summertime Sessions erthestars

cityofgoldcoast.com.au/moviesund

facebook.com/Glenn Tozer for Mudgeeraba

Delivering a series of literary experiences along with workshops, masterclasses and featured authors, this event nurtures emerging writers and provides opportunities for readers and writers.

PURCHASE

5581 7016 or visit facebook.com/cityofgold

Division 9

FEBRUARY 29 MUDGEERABA BLUES ROCK, February 7 / Haylee Grace & The WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY Bay Collective + Brooke Supple STREET, MUDGEERABA February 14 / M.E. Baird + SueAnne Stewart

Woodlands Park

Platypus craft and hands on waterbugs activity.

19-EVENTS-00317-DIV9

FEBRUARY SUMMERTIME SESSIONS IN THE VILLAGE, CUDDIHY PARK, SWAN LANE, MUDGEERABA

Mar 6 Mar 13

Haylee Grace & the Bay collective + Brooke Supple M.E. Baird + SUE-ANNE STEWART Josh Lovegrove + Kat e Leopold The Long Johns + Hay lee Coulter Minnie Marks + Hussy Hicks The Brothers Calling + Salt & Steel

#SSITV #Mudgeeraba

MARCH 28 MUDGEERABA COMMUNITY GEM SHOW, MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS

enjoy live entertainment, barista coffee and cake and barbeque.

8am – 4pm. $5 entry includes one raffle ticket. Dealers available to provide collectors with advice on gemstones, crystals and fossils.

EVERY SATURDAY MUDGEERABA PARKRUN D’ARCY DOYLE PARK, SOMERSET DRIVE, MUDGEERABA

For lapidary hobbyists there will be tools, consumables and machinery for sale. For children there will be a fossicking area. Purhase a bucket of gem wash, sieve and ssee what gemstone you might find!

communitylapidary@gmail.com

7am – free five kilometre timed run. www.parkrun.com.au/ mudgeeraba/

LOCAL CWA GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND DURING GOLD COAST BUSHFIRES

BAM! GALLERY’S BUSHFIRE AUCTION

very time you read the news there’s another story of fire, loss and environmental destruction. It’s easy to get bogged down by the gloom and negativity. But there is good news: every day, we are also seeing more individuals and communities getting on board to assist those affected. One such group is the Beechmountain Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), consisting of 56 volunteer members and led by President Leonie Smith. This group of women provides an extensive variety of support including (but not limited to): women’s services, community health, interest groups, social community activities and, particularly recently, bushfire relief. During the September 2019 bushfires, Beechmountain CWA truly proved their resourcefulness, strong community connection and capacity for kindness. At the peak of the crisis, the CWA was running a 24/7 operation, feeding 200 firefighters five times a day. Over the course of six days they made regular trips up and down the mountain, delivering a total of about 6000 meal packs including messages of encouragement and thanks – all donated generously from the community’s home pantries and businesses from Jimboomba to the Gold Coast and funded by the branch’s small cash reserves. The remarkable efforts made by these women were recognised on World Kindness Day last year, when they were awarded ‘The Ambassador’s Prize for Kindness’. Additionally, the QCWA helped in the community by distributing interactive books to the parents and children experiencing anxiety and displacement caused by natural 18

www.blankgc.com.au

disasters. Each book provided information about recognising the first signs of smoke right through to recovery. With the assistance of QCWA Branches in the region, The State Office Crisis Fund and media exposure via Facebook, QCWA raised over $50,000 to assist and support those families and individuals that had lost homes and those in the community that were impacted by the fires. Quilting groups from Springbrook, Nerang, Brisbane and as far away as Western Australia donated hand-crafted comfort quilts for children and adults. Brunswick Heads CWA reached out to branches with their branch initiative ‘Brunswick Heads Bushfire R & R’ which provided accommodation for a week for those who lost homes, and Brunswick Heads Businesses supported families with vouchers at local stores and businesses. The branch members also provided practical grass roots assistance with the ‘Ash Army’ clean up, helping with housing of displaced families. In terms of the future of the Beechmountain QCWA, a new Community Hub facility is currently in planning and development at Lower Beechmont with Gold Coast City Council which will provide a space for community connections and activities, and the ladies are hopeful that this facility will be approved in the upcoming council budgets. This small community hub building will be a connection space for all interest groups on the mountain and will enable the branch to deliver health and wellbeing awareness programs, a social space and outpost for GC Library community programs. Melissa Flynn

To show your support for the remarkable women of the Beechmountain QCWA, you can visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/ QCWABeechmountain

Art, Auction and Action

am! Gallery in Mermaid Beach is set to hold a Bushfire Relief Art Auction on Friday 7 February. With over 80 pieces of art up for grabs and with 100% of proceeds going to charities such as WIRES, The Australian Red Cross and The Salvation Army, the gallery is encouraging everyone to get in-volved and not only potentially take home a piece of art, but also help victims of the Australian bush-fires. With work showing by artists from as far away as the USA as well as renowned local and national artists, the silent auction is an event not to be missed. Given the fact many of the featured artists have been generous enough to donate their artworks for the auction, bidders may find themselves taking home a downright bargain.

“As artists, I guess all we have is what we make, and if I could, I would donate everything I have ever made to fix this climate emergency. BAM! Gallery’s Bushfire Art Auction is a great opportunity to help raise funds and I’m so happy to be involved,” she said. The event will be a silent auction beginning at 5pm on and running until 9pm. With tasty refreshments and drinks provided, as well as a plethora of outstanding artworks up for grabs, this is an evening not to be missed. Bidding, which will close shortly after the event, is also now available online and to view artworks, visit byronartsmagazine.com.au. Prudence Clark

You can attend the BAM Bushfire Relief Art Auction on Friday 7 February from 5-9pm at BAM! Gallery, 2382 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach.

“Many of these artworks do not have reserve prices,” said gallery co-director Alana Wilson. “As a result, it’s up to you how much you want to pay - who knows what you might end up with in the back of your car! It’s going to be a great night and with all proceeds going to the bushfires. It is undoubtedly a worthy cause that we hope contributes to the rebuilding of all the affected communities around Australia,” she continued. Gold Coast artist, Abbey McCulloch, who was one of the artists generous enough to donate her art-work to the cause, believes it was the least she could do, given the catastrophic circumstances of the fires. “I think most of us just feel sick. Our beautiful country is feeling quite broken right now,” said McCulloch.

Pictured above: Shelley Beach by Kate St James Pictured right: Omphalia V by Avital Sheffer

Sunnyboys

THROW THEIR 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AT MARKETTA

CONRAD SEWELL FIRES UP FOR DEBUT GOLD COAST PERFORMANCE A

quick disclaimer before we start. I am Individual 118 of the Sunnyboys Fan Club, and have been going to see the them since I was almost 17. Now celebrating 40 years since their first yellow EP (only 2000 pressed and yes, I have one) the guys are back on tour and chatting all things Sunnyboys. We caught up with guitarist Richard Burgman ahead of their stop at Miami Marketta.

The first time I got to see you guys play was 38 years ago at the Playroom when they let an almost 17 year old kid in the door with a pre-sold ticket. My first real gig, and I loved it. How was playing in those heady days of the 1980s? You were there when we were firing on all 8 (cylinders), and especially in 1982, things were going really well. It was great to be in the band back then, just doing what we were doing and enjoying ourselves, having fun, and at the Playroom! You’re kidding? That was one of the best places in the world to play! It was pretty special. Like myself, many Sunnyboys fans have had your music as the soundtrack of their youth, and life journey. You have recently stepped up your contact with the audience, and you seem to have a great feel for the fans. How is from your side? 20

www.blankgc.com.au

It has been absolutely wonderful, we have been so, so lucky to play again. We have been so fortunate to perform and especially at the level at which we are performing, it’s extraordinary. So many bands from our era have gone away, or they can only play little pubs or whatever, and we have managed to maintain an interest in the community and a level of attraction from our fans and that’s what causes the interaction which we make when we play live, it’s just incredible. We want it to be good, we want it to be fun, we want people to walk away and know they have got their money’s worth, we want to make people happy, and we are overjoyed to do it. Hey just to wrap it up, what can fans expect on this tour? You know 40 years and all? Well you can expect us, to do what we have been doing for the last eight years, that’s where we start. Basically we have added a few songs to the repertoire, because of this new record, which we weren’t playing before, so we will be playing the bulk of them, and we want to make it a celebration, we want to make sure everyone has a good of a time as they possibly can. Terry ‘Tappa’ Teece

Well if there are any tickets left for Sunnyboys at Miami Marketta on Sunday 23 February, you better hop on over to Oztix and grab them fast, as it will be one hell of a party. They will be supported by Melbourne rockers Rocket Science. To read the full interview, head on over to blankgc.com.au.

nternationally renowned singersongwriter Conrad Sewell is coming to the Gold Coast, playing a highly anticipated gig at the Parkwood Tavern on 14 February.

The show serves as part of a larger, full scale tour of regional Australia, where he’ll be bringing his muse to a bunch of venues and towns somewhat more 'off the beaten track' than his usual capital city and international stadium sojourns. I ask Conrad, who’s busy preparing for the upcoming tour, if he enjoys the vibe and energy of such smaller scale performances. “I do very much enjoy playing the smaller regional shows. I grew up playing those sorts of shows. I think it’s better, the crowd just respond differently when you’re singing right in their face and you can really connect with the audience and see them hearing my voice. It’s always fun to let me just tell the stories.” Believe it or not this will be Conrad’s debut live performance on the Gold Coast, so needless to say he’s pretty pumped for his upcoming Parkwood Tavern gig. “I’ve played small pop-ups for Gold Coast radio stations and things like that, but this will be the first time playing my whole set there, which is really cool because my girlfriend is on the Gold Coast and our friends there will be able to come and see me play for the first time,” he says. “I’ll be focusing mainly on my recent album ‘Life’, but we are testing out a couple new songs and will probably throw in a cover or two.”

Having played some big stages and performed at a host of prestigious events across his career to date, I ask him if there’s any specific shows that stand out as being particularly memorable? “I think that my most memorable performance would be Coachella. It was a really special show, one I wanted to play my whole life and it was my 30th birthday so all my friends flew out from Australia. It was a night I’ll never forget. Maddison Square Garden was another one that was really special. Again it’s another venue I wanted to play my whole life, so getting the chance to do that was life changing.” To wrap things up, I query Conrad on which artists he’d bend over backwards to collaborate with. Turns out there’s a few. ”You kidding? I’d love to collaborate with people like Kanye West, John Mayer, Chris Martin from Coldplay, Chance the Rapper, Lawnhill... the list really goes on and on. There is so much talent out there. Bruno Mars, Simply Red - you get the idea!” Anthony Gebhardt

Pop-rock powerhouse Conrad Sewell will be playing his debut Gold Coast show at the Parkwood Tavern on 14 February. In other close-by performances as part of his bumper regional tour, he’ll also be appearing at The Villa Noosa Hotel on 15 February and at the Kingscliff Beach Hotel on 13 March.

Tuesday 11 February 2020 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE 6 Biennial th

Global Wave Conference “International Ocean Conservation and SEEKING Sustainable solutions.”

10th - 14th, February, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia.

Gold Coast Campus - Southern Cross University, Building C - Main Auditorium 9.00am

OFFICIAL OPENING & WELCOME Acknowledgement to Country performed by Fingall Slabb Family Opening by Queensland State Government Minister of Housing and Public Works, Digital Technology and Sport - Mick de Brenni

10:00am

Keynote - Climate Optimism - 2020 the Year for Change Crowds A Young Person's Perspective Growing up in this Challenging Environment Women of the Sea - Connecting and Protecting

11:00am

MORNING TEA CONCURRENT WITH PRESS CONFERENCE

11:15am

Surf Transnationalism in Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast Waves of Change - How the Ocean Reflects all the Patterns of Existence Surfing in Scotland: Seeking Solitude and Silence on the Edge of the World

MOnDAY 10 February 2020

Campaign Coordinator of Gecko Environment Council Assoc. Inc. Gold Coast Business Women of the Year “Wellness Warrior” Palm Beach Surf Club Plastic Free

ASSOCIATED EVENT Currumbin State School 10.00am 11:00am

Award winning author Nicole Godwin launches her latest award-winning book Jelly Boy about a jellyfish that falls in love with a plastic bag to primary school students

Surf, Beach and the City 12:30pm

LUNCH

1:15pm

Journey Towards the Olympics Are We Ready? Developments in Japanese Surfing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Cognitive Skills in Surfing, and their Role in Mental Health

Tuesday 11 February 2020 Gold Coast Campus Southern Cross University, Building C - Main Auditorium

3:00pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:15pm

Wave Climate Change in the Southern Hemisphere The Importance of Surfability Analysis and Engagement of the Surf Stakeholder for Future Coastal Management Interventions

6pm - 7pm

MOVIE: HANDCRAFTED BY DICK VAN STRAALEN - A film by Greg Huglin & John Charlton

Nearshore Wave Heights Controlled by Offshore Wave Direction

ROLE Foundation/ Positive Change for Marine Life presentation at Palm Beach Surf Club (Australia’s first plastic free surf club). TICKETED EVENT - Contact Palm Beach Surf Club

Melissa Fagan Lois Levy Stacey Panozzo Tory Jones

Kim Crane, Bede Durbidge Donna Weeks Ralf Buckley

Catherine Kerr

MOVIE: JUST GO F...CKING SURFING - A film by Juul Hesselberth

6:30pm 9:30pm

Jason Old Robbi Newman

Redesigning Coastal Management Communications – An Innovative Approach Using Tweed Sand Bypassing as a Case Study

From Political Pressure to Cultural Constraints: The Prime Dissemination of Surfing in Hainan

Monitoring Surfing Key Performance Indicators for Coastal Management and Community Engagement Way of the Ocean 4:00pm

Panel - Climate Change and its Global Impact Moderator: Zachary Plopper Panel: Chad Nelsen, Serge Dedina, Sophie Taylor-Price

4:20pm

R.O.L.E. - The Importance of Involving Local Communities in Efforts to Protect Our Ocean

Palm Beach Surf Club

Pacha Light

Rebecca Olive

5pm - 6pm

ASSOCIATED EVENT

Shalise Leesfield

Ecofeminism and the Ethics of Surfing

In the Arms of the Ocean – Exploring the Experiences of Surfers Who Maintain a Continued Bond and Presence of a Deceased Loved One in an Ocean Space

SURF MOVIES SCREEN - FREE ADMISSION

Sophie Taylor-Price Nick Carroll, Tom Carroll

Improving Surf Ecosystems Today, Adapting to Climate Change Tomorrow, and Recovering from Disasters: Lessons Learned from the World Surfing Reserves in California

Mardi Frost

Christophe Guibert

Ana Paula Da Silva Lorena Garcia Woortmann Guilherme Vieira da Silva Thomas Murray Malia Rouillon

Kaine Johnson David Revell

WEDNESDAY 12 February 2020 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE Gold Coast Campus - Southern Cross University, Building C - Main Auditorium

6th Biennial

8:30am

Global Wave Conference “International Ocean Conservation and SEEKING Sustainable solutions.”

10th - 14th, February, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia.

Save the Waves Coalition Mutiple World Adaptive Surf Champion from Byron Bay Take 3 for the Sea "Talking about the Future" Inspiring the Next Generation Through Story There Is No Place for Plastic In Our Oceans

Marine Mycoremediation Covering the Repair of Damaged Marine Ecosystems, Removal of Ocean Pollution, Cigarette Butts and Accessible Strategies for Oil Spill Clean Up The Ocean Uprise Surfers as Environmental Activists – Why We Must All Stand Up and Act Now to Save Our Seas and Lead Our Communities into a Safer Climate Future The Battle for Mangamaunu: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly World Surfing Reserves

Amanda Morglund

Kahi Pacarro Belinda Baggs

Annie Bermingham Trent Hodges

Surf Science Fundamentals and Applications for Management

Dr Shaw Mead

Surf Break Management in New Zealand: Recent Developments & Challenges

Shane Orchard

Measuring human-environmental interactions in surf ecosystems in order to identify key issues and the actual or potential solutions as part of an Adaptive Comanagement plan for surf break conservation.

Dr Mara Arroyo

12:45pm

LUNCH

1:30pm

Considering the protection of surf breaks into marine spatial planning agenda

A Global Comparison of Legal Protections of Surf Breaks

Maurício D, dos Santos Carolina Butrich Jesse Reiblich Maurício D. dos Santos

2:45pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:00pm 4:50pm

MRSA in Southern California Coastal Waters and its Impact on the Surfer Microbiome

Megyn Rugh

Sunscreens and Our Health

Nicky Wood

Mapping River Plastic Pollution, a Way Towards Cleaner Oceans

Florent Marcoux

Working with a Shaper in the Shaping Room and the Relevancy on all Types of Surfcraft and Eco Options.

Rachael Tilly, Beau Young

Advanced Engineering Methods for Surf Reef Design

Simon Mortensen

Artifical Reef Design Coastal Ecosystem Conservation: A Natural Climate Solution How Saving the Coast can Help us Save the Planet Shark 'Control': Is There a Better Way to Make Beaches Safer? Surf and Shark Attacks, in Reunion Island and Elsewhere The Shark Net Film

MOVIE: SAVE THE WAVES SURF MOVIE FESTIVAL

Phoebe Kane

Pete Ceglinski

Peru's National Register of Protected Surf Breaks (RENARO)

7pm - 9pm

Nicole Godwin

Seabin Project MORNING TEA

Gold Coast Campus Southern Cross University, Building C - Main Auditorium

Session High School

Karl Goodsell

10:45am

FILM FESTIVAL - FREE ADMISSION

Tim Silverwood

A Community-Driven Approach to Solid Waste Management (with a Focus on Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution)

10:30am

WEDNESDAY 12 February 2020

Nik Strong-Cvetich Mark "Mono" Stewart

Troy Bottegal Zac Plopper Jonathan Clark Jean Nativel Holly Richmond

THURSDAY 13 February 2020 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE Gold Coast Campus - Southern Cross University, Building C - Main Auditorium

6th Biennial

8:30am

Global Wave Conference

Kate McMahon

Surfing as Therapy

Tim Baker

Surfers and Fishermen in Ericeira: Between Waves Conservation and Economic Growth

Vera Azevedo

A Cup of Tea with God: Surfing Capital and Noosa World Surfing Reserve

“International Ocean Conservation and SEEKING Sustainable solutions.”

10th - 14th, February, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia.

The Ripple Effect of Storytelling to Surfing Teens

Javier Leon

Grassroots Conservation in Fiji and How Surfing Can Influence it Surfers Standing up for Protected Areas in Brazil Deep Green-Washing: Carbon Footprints and Offset Alternatives in Surf Tourism Air Travel

Hannah Bennett Mauro Figueiredo Greg Borne, Rob Hales

STOKE 10:30am

MORNING TEA

10:45am

How to Build a Sustainable Future with Renewables

Nichelle Lyster

Larissa Rose

Slugging it Out for Science: Recreational Divers Contribute Valuable Data on Changing Patterns of Sea Slug Biodiversity

Stephen Smith

NevHouse - Managing Waste & Surf Lakes

Nev Hyman

THURSDAY 13 February 2020 PARTY FUNDRAISER

Do you want a Future that Includes Beaches?

Ian McNicol

The Next Evolution of Surfing: Materials, Consumer Behaviour and Product Life Cycle

Tom Wilson

GENERAL ADMISSION - $25.00 GWC2020 TICKET HOLDERS - FREE

On behalf of Kevin Whilden - Transforming the Surfboard Market to be Radically More Sustainable

Venue: The Collective, Palm Beach

The Surfboard Industry

12:45pm

LUNCH

1:30pm

Surf Parks, Social Impacts and the Importance of Getting it Right SCU. Smartfin Using Soft and Hard Technology to Help Clean up our Oceans - A Case of Working Smarter Not Harder SCU. Drones and Sharks Old Tricks, New Tricks: The Endless Joy of Body Surfing

Richard Harvey Michael Stewart

Danny O'Brien Renaud Joannes-Boyau Ben Penhallurick Brendan Kelaher Tor Hundloe, Tom Marr

Advances of the Surfing Research Community History of Surfing on the Gold Coast and the Impact on Geography, Environment and the Future Surfrider Foundation 3:00pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:15pm 4:00pm

Closing Address, Nik Strong-Cvetich, Chad Nelsen, Andrew McKinnon

7:30pm 10:30pm

PARTY FUNDRAISER at The Collective, Palm Beach Includes: Welcoming drink on arrival and light meal.

All Proceeds to Bushfire/ Wildlife appeal.

LIVE MUSIC Mason Rack Band live local Rock & Roll.

Edward Atkin Andrew McKinnon Susie Crick, Chad Nelsen

Final wrap up from Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew AM

GWC2020 ticket holder drawn for 12 nights in the Mentawai’s onboard with Tony Eltherington Surf Yacht Charters worth $4,500.00 Items up for Auction Nev Hyman Munga Barry model • Iconic framed surf prints from Australia’s leading photographers • 7 nights’ accommodation at Eco Resort Matanivusi • Fiji 7 nights at Super Sucks Hotel, West Sumbawa • Monster raffle prizes to be won

Register at www.globalwaveconference2020.com.au The 6th biennial Global Wave Conference 2020 will be a significant International Ocean Conservation event seeking sustainable solutions for a health happy surfing environment.

FREE EVENTS DAILY - DURING THE CONFERENCE

6th Biennial

Global Wave Conference

Daily 6:30am - 7:30am

City of Gold Coast Free Active & Healthy Yoga & Pilates program Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, opposite Big Groyne Kirra, Coolangatta. M

CMY

Daily A3 poster GC Photo Exhibition (PRINT READY).pdf

29/11/19

11:04 pm

GWC2020 Ocean Surf Photo Free Exhibition The Collective Palm Beach & GC Campus Library Southern Cross University.

“International Ocean Conservation and SEEKING Sustainable solutions.”

10th - 14th, February, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia.

FRIDAY 14 February 2020 OFFICIAL CONFERENCE C

JOIN US FOR A SYMBOLIC PADDLE OUT TO SIGN OFF GLOBAL WAVE CONFERENCE 2020 Y

CMY

Greenmount Surf Club 8:00am

Symbolic Paddle Out to sign off on Global Wave Conference 2020 and clear away the party cobwebs! (for experienced paddlers only - spectators welcome to cheer on the paddlers) Breakfast on the Beach thanks to The Collective Food Van

The Global Wave Conference Committee would like to thank the public for their support of the 6th biennial Global Wave Conference marking its Australian debut on the Southern Gold Coast. GWC2020 would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where the Conference will be hosted and to pay respect to the Yugambeh Clan and all First National People and their communities, past, present, and emerging. We also recognise and thank all the sponsors who made this possible as well as the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve and GWC2020 Volunteer Team.

 Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve |  gcwsr |  gcwsr

Sam Mei at 2019 GCMAs, Shots Fired by James Wills

MUSIC ADVISORY GROUP POWERS UP GOLD COAST MUSIC SECTOR

he Gold Coast’s music sector is set to power up following the formation of a special Music Advisory Group tasked with building a thriving and recognised local music industry.

The Group forms part of the City’s Music Action Plan which aims to positively impact the music sector on the Gold Coast, with 2020 set to be a massive year for the industry. The Group was determined by an independent music industry panel and is chaired by communications and marketing expert Dean Gould, who is currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Southern Cross University.

hundreds of artists, including the likes of Robbie Williams, Powderfinger, Amy Shark, The Living End and Paul Kelly. Brad Hosking

The Music Advisory Group consists of the following members:

Brad Hosking is a musician and record producer. Brad currently shares his time between touring, lecturing in the Bachelor of Contemporary Music Practice course with TAFE Queensland and the University of Canberra, running his own recording studio and production facility. Brad is currently touring with Amy Shark as musical director.

Mark Duckworth

Lachlan McGuffie

Mark Duckworth started his music career on the Gold Coast as a performer, venue manager and promoter. Mark has worked as a music producer and co-writer with many Gold Coast artists and is currently the Festival Director delivering Blues on Broadbeach and the Groundwater Country Music Festival.

Lachlan McGuffie is a local musician who is experienced in dealing with booking agents, venues, bands, festivals and promoters. Lachlan was showcased at BIGSOUND, has played at major festivals and the Commonwealth Games and has been a guest at Spotify HQ in Sydney.

Matthew Schneider Matthew Schneider leads the Urbis Gold Coast office and is a respected town planning consultant and economic development advisor. Over his career, Matthew has worked on a broad range of mixed-use tourist and entertainment projects, including many involving music and performance spaces. Kylie Cobb Music publicist, marketer, music writer, trainer and speaker, Kylie Cobb owns Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, a boutique public relations and marketing agency, powering up musicians and major music events for almost a decade. Graham Ashton In 2010, after almost 20 years at record labels, Graham Ashton launched Footstomp Music – a music services company specialising in artist, project and event management. Graham is proud to have worked closely with

Brad Hinds Brad Hinds has worked in the music industry since 2003 in marketing and publicity roles, and also assisting with band bookings for local venues. In 2008 he joined Oztix in the role of Senior Business Development Manager, which saw Brad engage with venues, promoters and event managers across Australia and New Zealand to partner on the best ticketing and event outcomes for his clients. Denise Foley In 1998 Denise joined the QMusic board, where she introduced the Queensland Music Awards and helped develop BIGSOUND into what now remains the most significant music industry event and artist showcase in Australia. During her time at QMusic, Denise also chaired AMIN, the Australian Music Industry Network. Denise runs boutique record label Plus One Records. The Group hosted its first official meeting on Monday 20 January 2020.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2020 GOLD COAST MUSIC AWARDS

old Coast Music Awards Set to Uncover More Creative Gold in 2020!

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Gold Coast Music Awards, which will see the red carpet rolled out along the beachfront 30 April for a gala event and free Surfers Paradise LIVE! concert. With past winners including Amy Shark, Casey Barnes and Wolfmother keyboardist, Ian Peres, the Awards shines a spotlight on the Gold Coast’s ‘must watch’ musical talent, recognising artists across nine categories from Artist and Release of the Year to Live Act, Song of the Year and more. “It’s been so exciting to see the Awards continue to grow year on year, not to mention the soaring careers of so many Gold Coast musicians,” said Gold Coast Music Awards judging panel chair, Donna Weston.

formation of the City’s Music Advisory Group. “As part of our continued roll out of the Music Action Plan, we have formed a special Music Advisory Group tasked with growing the Gold Coast music sector,” he said. “This group will be responsible for recognising home grown talent and providing opportunities for local artists and businesses to thrive. “The Gold Coast Music Awards shares this goal. I look forward to seeing which talent are nominated for this year’s awards.” The 2020 Gold Coast Music Awards categories are: Artist of the Year Breakout artist of the Year Live Act of the Year

“So much musical gold has come out of the region this year and many career milestones reached. We can’t wait to see who throws their hat in the ring with nominations this year – there are always a few exciting surprises!”

Musician (instrumentalist / vocalist) of the Year

Last year’s Breakout Artist and Song of the Year winner, San Mei, said the Gold Coast Music Awards was “one of the most special moments of my career so far.”

Video of the Year

“As an emerging artist, it’s incredibly encouraging to have the support of and recognition by your hometown. The team sees how hard we touring/recording artists work and puts on an amazing event that makes all the participants feel valued. “This is a wonderful and important event for the Gold Coast’s growing music industry,” she said. Mayor Tom Tate said 2020 would be a golden year for music on the Gold Coast with the

Release (album / EP) of the Year Song of the Year Venue of the Year People’s Choice Award Nominations for the sixth annual Gold Coast Music Awards are now open at gcmusicawards.com.au and close 28 February. Finalists announced 2 April. The Gold Coast Music Awards ceremony will take place Thursday 30 April on the beach at Surfers Paradise. Tickets on sale 5 March. The Gold Coast Music Awards is proudly supported by City of Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise Alliance. Kylie Cobb

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KARL S. WILLIAMS Lifeblood

even years in the making, ‘Lifeblood’ is the astonishing new album from Karl S. Williams, a record fuelled by the frustrations of a man with a fire in his belly that won’t be easily quelled.

Karl’s 2013 debut ‘Heartwood’ was a stunning album filled with wondrous beauty created by a man who was prepared to open his heart and bare his soul. If ‘Heartwood’ was an introspective journey into a man’s soul, then its follow up ‘Lifeblood’ is the exasperated outpouring of a man troubled by a world that is collapsing around him. ‘I Know There Is A Light’ opens the album with a message of hope but Karl’s frustration is already showing before the song is out as he pleads “Maybe we’ve got to fall down begging on our knees, crying please, please give me some release.” Whatever that light may be it certainly isn’t a higher power. ‘God Is A Bomb’ is a piano-led New Orleans rocker underpinned by kicking percussion and searing guitar with Karl in a blues wail, where “someone is always buying and someone is always selling some brand of heaven.” The dirty guitar-driven blues strut of ‘Abomination’ has Karl venting his disdain for the so-called Christians corrupted by self interest and greed, this time turning the biblical imagery on them: “hellfire and damnation, spiritual ruination, look - behold the desolation, the whole damn thing is an abomination.” Despite the subject matter, ‘Lifeblood’ never feels like it’s brooding in the dark. The album carries an intense swagger thanks to Crick Boue and George Carpenter, who along with Karl form a three piece of multi-instrumentalists bringing a raw energy and taut urgency to these extraordinary songs. By the time the album closes with ‘Never Let Me Go’, it’s been pared back to a slow piano waltz with strings. The song is a poignant lament that sees us metaphorically going down with the ship: “The wreck of it was all around, how senseless does the silence sound? Little pieces still run aground in places far and wide.” It’s a sobering image and a timely reminder that now, more than ever, we need to stay vigilant and never lose our passion for what we believe in, or, in Karl’s parlance, “give your life for love”. Trevor Jackson

GRAPHIC ICON: HELPING KIDS FIND THEIR INNER ARTIST

ebecca Thew, the creative behind Graphic Icon, offers art classes on the Gold Coast where children are given the space and encouragement to explore their imagination and creativity. We had a chat to Rebecca to learn more about Graphic Icon for Children and what she offers. Where did the idea for Graphic Icon come from? Since I was a teenager, I have had this idea. I was taking art classes myself and I wanted to offer children the same or even better experience that I had. When I looked at what was available for kids these days nothing really stood out to me, so the business was born. Why do you think art is so important for children? I believe art is important for everyone - especially children. Benefits include the development of fine motor skills through holding pencils or a brush, brain growth and exercise. Art offers creative thinking skills; expression and it builds confidence. It can be hard being a child in a very adult world and some children are lost. Art can help them find a way through it. I am here to show them that no matter their age or skill level or learning capacity there is an artist within them. Art is expression, there is no wrong. I have watched children, including those whom have been diagnosed as being on the spectrum, grow from being shy and quiet to taking chances, facing challenges with ease and thriving. Your students got to create a mural at Sea world. Tell us about that? In 2019 my little artists had the opportunity to design and create a very large mural at Sea World to display indefinitely. The children were given a guideline yet also had free creativity on the message behind their artwork. The idea behind this piece was to raise awareness of our marine life and the dangers it faces and also for the children to express ‘that even though ‘we are little, we are the future for these creatures, and we have a voice.’ Nicole Browne

Visit facebook.com/graphiciconartforkids to learn more.

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MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT RIDES INTO HOTA

f you are the type to spend hours pondering life’s great questions such as what really IS the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, then chances are you’ve either seen Spamalot, heard of Spamalot, or just eaten Spam. A lot. (Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam… oh well, you get it.)

And if you don’t get it, in which case you probably think I’ve cracked after reading one too many press releases and have finally started barking at the moon, then you’ve clearly never seen the anarchic and irreverent genius that was the Monty Python’s Flying Circus and their cache of spin off films, most pertinently 1975’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was turned into a 2005 Broadway production – Spamalot – by original Python member Eric Idle, and is now touring nationally, with a stop or five at Gold Coast’s own HOTA in March. The musical (loosely) centres around the story of King Arthur’s search for the Holy Grail and features the usual suspects such as Guinevere, Lancelot, the Lady of the Lake and Camelot, but any reference to the original legends pretty well ends there, as much musical nonsense, gender-bending burlesque, killer rabbits and general silliness take over. We caught up with one of the show’s versatile stars, actor Rob Johnson, to talk about all things Spamalot ahead of the show’s hilarious run. Were you and the cast all Python fans before starting? I think so but to varying degrees. I have always personally been a very big Python fan, but there are others in the cast who I think only saw the film once they knew they were involved in the project, which helps, because it’s good to have a knowledge and appreciation of the vibe that is Monty Python but that’s not too married to it or overly reverent. We need to be able to let go and look really dumb (laughs). Tell me a bit about the character(s) you play. Fans of the film will recognise Prince Herbert, a lovesick prince who lives in a swamp castle who wants to sing his heart out. Also a minstrel called Sir Robin and the narrator, it’s incredible, we run on stage, do a bunch of gags, run off, costume change, run back on.

That’s not what the original production was like though, was it? With cast members playing so many different roles? No! in fact it’s sort of the opposite, Eric Idle wanted the Broadway production to be almost embarrassingly over the top, high quality, a big ensemble - the film is so low budget and so scrappy, it was weird, but he wanted to do it the opposite way. So doing it like this, with just eight people, is it a real Richard (Carroll, Director) touch then? Oh yes, absolutely! Richard previously did a production of Calamity Jane that I was in and it was the same, he wanted to make it more collaborative, more urgent, that feeling of needing each other’s help, needing your [the audience’s] help, here, grab this bit of cardboard and this prop, what’s this next bit, like it’s constantly unfolding like that feeling where you’re running down that hill so fast that if you fall, you’ll die – it’s a controlled version of that on the stage. Barely getting away with it. But we do! Richard said in his communications with Eric he was like “go for it man, do it!” Why should people come and see Spamalot? It’s just so much fun, and it’s so funny. There’s a lot of really good theatre out there that has a very strong agenda and it’s like ‘come here we’re going to tell you this story and make a serious point and make you think about this kind of issue and go home and have a conversation and learn’, and sometimes it’s such a joy to go out and know before you even get to the theatre that you are going to relax, enjoy, exhale, just laugh, there’s not even a doubt you’re going to find this funny, and just not worry about anything for two hours, and feel really happy at the end. The only point of this is that, and I think that’s a selling point. Natalie O’Driscoll

Well! Sold. See you at the theatre, folks. Spamalot runs over five matinee and evening performance from 5 to 7 March at HOTA. Tickets and further details over at hota.com.au. And no doubt the production will have an extra touch of nostalgia with the recent, very sad passing of the immortal, warm, hilarious genius that was original Python member Terry Jones. Vale, Terry.

GC BANDS TOGETHER FOR RURAL FIRE FIGHTERS

co-operative of the Gold Coasts best live music venues and performers is coming together to raise much needed funds for our Rural Fire Fighters.

On 2 February, GC Band Together will take place at a venue near you! From Hope Island to Kingscliff, our favourite live music venues and artists will unite in the largest collaborative, simultaneous gig the region has ever seen. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming together in response to the devastating bushfires that have swept our beautiful country, to raise much needed funds for the people putting everything on the line to help. The

FACEBOOK somersetstoryfest

INSTAGRAM somersetstoryfest

goal: $30,000, with all monies raised supporting our Rural Fire Service providing them with much needed supplies and equipment. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be cold beverages, great tunes, raffles and a member of your local RFS there to collect your valuable donations. Each venue has pledged to donate a percentage of their bar takings in addition, and we also hope to receive some valuable sponsorship support from local businesses and bodies to not only hit, but exceed, the target. Participating venues: Soho, The Avenue, Surfers SLSC, Melba's, The Island, Surfers Rsl, Landsdowne Rd Tavern, Chevron Tavern, Club Burleigh, Burleigh Town Tavern,

Tally SLSC, Currumbin RSL, Club Parkwood, Kingscliff Hotel, Salt Tavern, Chinderah Tavern, Robina Pavilion, Wallaby, Options Tavern, Billie Dees Burgers, Runaway Bay Tavern, Hope Island Tavern, Swannies, Club Waterford, Fitzy's Waterford, Beenleigh Tavern, with more venues announced by the time this magazine has gone to print. Check out facebook.com/ GCBandTogether for more details, line-ups and additional participating venues.

SECRETS OF OUR CITY WITH HG NELSON

fter the runaway success of SBS series Secrets of our Cities, told in extraordinary and humorous fashion by Greig Pickhaver - aka HG Nelson - the three part special has been extended into its second season starting 23 February, and this time around, will include our very own Gold Coast.

"We've got the fabulous Gold Coast, the ever-surprising Kalgoorlie, and we've got Footscray - the home of everything in Melbourne," Pickhaver enthused during our chat. "It's spread around a bit and showcases a variety of styles of cities so you have a very isolated city like Kalgoorlie then a dense holiday city as in the Gold Coast and a city inside a big city like Footscray." Gold Coast has the honour of kicking off Season 2, with Pickhaver putting a fresh and unique spin on the history of the prosperous tourist destination with a series of revealing tales. "It is my understanding that the bikini was invented in France," Pickhaver began with his infamous drawl. “As soon as the bikini was invented the local councils decided they should police it, so the Gold Coast became a symbol of fun maybe going too far. They thought they had better nip it in the bud so they had people measuring women and the bikinis to see if they passed what the council thought was acceptable. “A few years went by and the local council decided what better way to advertise the Gold Coast than to have meter maids wandering around in bikinis putting money into expired parking metres so it has that sort of weird history that is very conscious of its position in the world that attracts people to the Gold Coast.” Leaving that topic with a chuckle, Pickhaver’s tone becomes more sombre when he broaches the next subject. "I think the Blackbirding story is shocking," he noted. "This is the story of the need for labour in the cane growing areas in the time when America was dismantling slavery. People were being shipped out from islands in the Pacific Islands - Cook Islanders, Tongans, Fijians - and being taken to Australia and made to work as slaves in the Gold Coast sugar business. Then as the politics developed and the White Australia Policy took over these people were then considered not residents and were shipped back to supposedly where they came from - but often ended up on the wrong island - and this was a death sentence for many of them. It is a

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shocking story and should have more exposure than what we were able to give it in this program."

used to great effect in Secrets of our Cities where he has seemingly been given full creative license.

Greig Pickhaver is better known for his sense of humour that has seen him lend his talents to radio, television and print mediums, but his forays into the more dramatic aspects of human life and the human condition are less frequent. With Secrets of our Cities, he is able to weave the humorous tapestry through historical facts to provide an entertaining and informative look at the events that have played a significant part into shaping the Gold Coast as we know it today.

"I have no trouble talking to people and hopefully making it interesting," he laughed, "but it's not that easy. The stories themselves are really interesting and you move along through a fair bit of information in the hour of television. I find those stories remarkable. They are always told by people who have a much closer relationship to the story than me but I enjoy telling them. People have to have a certain sense of humour to try these things."

"I try to bring a certain angle to it," he reflected. "I'm no expert on the Gold Coast history itself but what I am is a gatekeeper in this program to allow other people to tell their stories. I find it all really engaging. A lot of the conversation even though it is grim has a humorous component to it. For example, when you talk about the Q1 I find it incredibly funny that the guy who built that is Iranian in background. He left Iran and went to Austria and became an architect then came to Australia and was in Brisbane and asked where to go for a day trip and was directed to the Gold Coast. He crossed over the Southport bridge and saw a lot of cranes and said this is the place for me, they want a lot of buildings here. He was approached by the people who were working on the Q1 and they had built two towers side by side and he said no, that's not right. Why not just put one on top of the other? Now the Q1 is down a long way because there's a lot of sand and they had to get through the sand to find something to put the foundations into and the sand is valuable so they would just sell it. It's all incredibly interesting and unusual and odd but there's a lot of humour in the whole development of the Gold Coast." One thing Pickhaver has in abundance is storytelling prowess. While maybe not suited to a nature series, it is

After spending a week on the Gold Coast in preparation for the episode, Pickhaver feels he has done enough to qualify to be a local. "The great thing is - if I can be so cruel - is you only have to stay a week!" he said. "It appears to me that the majority of people that go to the Gold Coast only stay a week but there's so much to do. “The turnover of people is amazing in terms of people there. You really can have a holiday without having to think about doing anything really which is a plus. The one thing that did surprise me was how different parts of the Gold Coast are. It may sound stupid but Southport is very different from Surfers Paradise is very different from Broadbeach is very different from Coolangatta. They all have completely different MO's and those weird areas in between like Miami... that's just bizarre the way that fits into it all." Kris Peters

Catch Secrets of our Cities when it airs on SBS from 23 February.

MATTIE BARKER HITS THE HEALING ROAD

old Coast singer / songwriter Mattie Barker recently packed up his van, borrowed a generator and headed south to fire affected areas to offer musical healing to communities affected by the bushfires that ravaged the East Coast.

GET THE TINGLES AT HOTA IN MARCH

n 12 March the Gold Coast will be hosting Australia’s first live ASMR event at HOTA with one of the world’s most popular ASMRtists, WhispersRed. This one-hour live interactive experience will see WhispersRed whisper, poke, crunch, stroke and squeeze in order to create sounds which relax and evoke a tingly, deeply calming ASMR sensation. This unique, spine tingling event was announced as a part of HOTA’s OUT LOUD FESTIVAL and will also include an exclusive ASMR workshop on 14 March. We asked WhispersRed a few questions about the global phenomenon that is ASMR and what we can expect from this Australian first. For our readers who are unaware, can you please describe what ASMR is and what it means to you? ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It is a relaxing physical sensation and calming feeling in response to soft sounds, soothing nurturing actions and soft-spoken voices or whispering, due to the relaxing nature of the physical sensation and the various ways we can communicate it. ASMR for me is a mediative practice, a way to communicate kindness and a way to ease stress and anxiety in ourselves and others. Can you briefly describe what a 'trigger' is and which are the most popular triggers with your fans?

A trigger is something which causes the physical sensation. Common ASMR triggers are soft speaking, watching slow movements, soft sounds made with various objects and receiving kind personal attention like a facial, either in person or virtually through a screen. When did you make your first video and what inspired you to do so? I first joined the ASMR community when it was quite small - albeit worldwide - due to whisper videos online. To be a part of the community was to have a YouTube account and make videos for others and use the comment section and Facebook groups to communicate and form friendships with likeminded people. I made my first video in July 2013 after running an ASMR group on Facebook for many months.

Looking back did you ever think your videos would receive millions of plays? I didn’t expect the ASMR community on YouTube would become so big and I never thought my videos would receive so many positive comments and views. My aim was just to have a way of better communicating with others in the community and try something new. What can we expect from the live ASMR experience at HOTA on 12 March? Every live experience I have been involved in has been very special and this will be no exception. To see ASMR experiencers and their friends and family altogether in person is truly wonderful. Our intention will be to provide a calm, relaxing and sensory space for the audience to become totally present and experience sound in detail. It will be an audience / stage format, very comfortable with attention to the smallest of details, as is tradition with ASMR and how I aim to present my videos. Afterwards there will be a meet-up to give us all the opportunity to chat and share experiences.

“I was playing at a gig and the news came on with the catastrophic events that were unfolding, and people were visibly traumatised so I broke into a Paul Kelly song and everyone started crying and embracing each other. I knew then I had to get on the road and play for those people in need,” said Mattie.

You are also holding an exclusive workshop on March 14 at HOTA, what will people be learning with you here?

“I had offers to fit out my van, generators, food and people wanting to connect me with remote communities,” he said.

This will be a smaller even more intimate event with a larger focus on interaction from all attending. We will be experiencing an ASMR sound bath, an interactive ASMR spa both receiving and giving treatments plus other fun and relaxing activities. Zac Fahey

ASMR Live! with WhispersRed Session times: Thursday 12 March, 6pm – 7pm, 7.30pm – 8.30pm, followed by ASMR Meet Up at 8.30pm Venue: Indoors at the Outdoor Stage, HOTA Home of the Arts Tickets: $35 (on sale Tuesday 14 January, 9am) ASMR Workshop with Emma Smith aka WhispersRed Session time: Saturday 14thMarch, 10am12pm Venue: Basement, HOTA Home of the Arts

Mattie took to social media and asked for help to connect with the right people in the affected areas. He was overwhelmed with the response from people willing to help and get behind his musical crusade south.

Taking two weeks off playing paid gigs, Mattie began his tour by performing two gigs at the Nymboida rowing club, with a special mission to bring joy to the children and families of the region. He continued travelling south and played as many gigs as possible to connect people to his love of music and the healing benefits of a song, recently finishing up just south of Foster with a free gig for the Rural Firefighting Society. “We’re coming together to celebrate their acts of bravery,” said Mattie on his Facebook page just before the final gig, where he and his partner Lilly again thanked so many people for their help along the journey, including donations for fuel, food and help with gig set up. Mattie choked up several times recalling many of the personal stories he encountered along his travels, pledging to return to the fire affected areas as soon as he could afford to do so.

“What we’ve learned on the road here is the power and spirit of the people when they come together, here in these communities, is absolutely incredible.” “I know a lot of people back home feel very helpless… but there are a lot of ways you can help. We’ve been spending a lot of time with the crew at BlazeAid.” BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, the volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed. Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. “They’re absolutely amazing,” gushed Mattie. Mattie’s brand of heartfelt folk is the perfect salve to emotional wounds and the ideal human connector, encouraging audiences hop up on stage, or at the very least to dance and sing along throughout the performance. “I believe this is where the magic happens between strangers, the walls come down with music” said Mattie. Follow Mattie on his one-man band mission to heal souls through his musical dialogue. Kylie Mitchell-Smith and Natalie O’Driscoll

To get in contact with Mattie about his future visits, contact info@ mattiebarkermusic.com. To learn more about or donate to BlazeAid, visit blazeaid. com.au.

Tickets: $50, limited to 50 people (on sale Tuesday 14 January, 9am) www.blankgc.com.au

THE MOTHERS Genevieve Gannon

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The Mothers’ is one of those novels that leaves you thinking about the story long after you have turned the last page. What would you do if you gave birth to a baby that, due to an IVF mix up, belonged to someone else? Would you seek custody or would you let sleeping dogs lie? These are the ethical dilemmas Gannon addresses in a confronting and at times, brutally honest, manner in her latest novel. The Mothers beautifully portrays the desperation, devastation and ultimately the delight, of going through IVF, miscarriages and pregnancy. In fact, Gannon brings the two couples, Grace and Dan Arden, and Priya Lahhari and her husband, Nick Archer, to life, taking you on their journey of heartbreak and loss in a way that makes you want to pick up the phone to console them. ‘The Mothers’ is at times so realistic, it can leave you sleepless, pondering the various dilemmas every chapter brings to light. As the story unfolds, sides are taken, anger and betrayal develop and both women are left facing a heart-wrenching dilemma, in a scenario where no-one can really win. In fact, the story, which is inspired by a real-life case of an IVF mix-up, is almost impossible to put down as not only do you feel like you know the characters and want to support them in any way you can, but you also have to know the decision the women make. ‘The Mothers’ is a fast-paced novel that leaves your hand glued to the book, literally speed reading. Gannon is an award-winning Sydneybased crime and political journalist, author of four novels, and writer for The Australian Women’s Weekly. Her use of in-depth detail brings the lives of her characters into sharp focus and her personal style of prose is tinged with journalistic touches throughout. Given the rise of the fertility treatment industry in Australia, ‘The Mothers’ is a book that leaves you wrestling with your own morals and ultimately, has you asking yourself: What makes a mother – nurture or nature? Prudence Clark

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IT’S NUMBER ONE FOR GOATZILLA’S ‘DROP BEAR’

ocal rock/punk outfit Goatzilla beat off the best of the best recently to claim number one position in the annual 4ZZZ Hot 100 with last year’s single 'Drop Bear'. Open to professional and aspiring bands of all genres, the 4ZZZ incarnation of the yearly countdown is rapidly approaching that of Triple J’s Hottest 100 as one of the most sought after spots in Aussie music.

"Basically if your song is played more than twice in the year you are automatically eligible," explained Goatzilla bassist and frontman Ben Rippingale, "but people can put your name down and recommend you as well. Entries are open to music and musicians from small, local unsigned acts like us right through to A list acts in Australia and internationally. We were up against bands like The Chats who I think got in at number 14, Amyl & The Sniffers, The Bennies, Clowns and bigger acts like that which makes it all the more rewarding." Ben, who had been listening to the countdown on the radio, stopped tuning in as it drew closer to its conclusion, thinking they were no chance of featuring in the business end. "We got to about number 20 and I thought there was no way we would make it," he laughed. "I was working on a promo video and kept flicking back and forth and when it said number one Goatzilla and I was stunned! I refreshed the screen a few times and still thought there was something funny going on so I called the wife around and asked her to look and she said yeah, you are number one but what's that for? I said the 4ZZZ Hot 100 and she thought it meant we had entered the top 100 until I explained to her we had just won it (laughs)." The single that brought the accolades is a catchy, infectious tune that has been made even more topical with the public reaction to our Prime Minister’s perceived apathy towards the recent fires that have ravaged the nation.

“The plight of koalas and native animals has always been something pretty close to my heart, especially around the Gold Coast area because there's a lot of property development that's just destroying habitat,” said Ben.

we've got a lot of very smart people out there who are getting paid a lot of money to work it out. We've got people who we vote in whose job it is to identify the solutions but they're not bloody doing it and we need people to stand up and do that."

“They'll go in with the bulldozers and areas that were once koala and native animal habitats are just destroyed overnight. There are pictures from the locals that keep popping up of koala carcasses on the end of DM 6's and other land clearing equipment and that whole thing just made me sick.

With a couple of new members in the band and now a number one song to their credit, Goatzilla are planning to assault 2020 with renewed optimism and vigour.

“I made the video and was using the drop bear as a bit of an allegory for a man-made destructive force that got out of control and has completely decimated the environment. There's a little bit of alien in there and something that we have made ourselves which is scary and unstoppable. Hence there are quite a few well-known political figures coming a cropper thanks to the drop bear who has got it in for them." Rather than just make a song with political connotations, Ben says ‘Drop Bear’ is also a song with a message to listeners. "Absolutely," he nodded. "We've got a country and we've got something beautiful and very precious here that we need to look after and we need to protect and if we don't it's going to turn against us as we have seen with the recent bushfires. It's down to us. We've got to look after it we have to be smart about it and we haven't been. People have got to stand up and take notice and that's the bottom line. It's not offering any solutions - I'm sorry I don't have any - but

"We've got Pete Beasley and Pete Jansen who have joined us on guitar so we have effectively got two lead guitarists now," Ben said. "They share duties with each other and the stuff that those guys come up with is absolutely amazing. We've also got Mick Davies on drums who is an absolute powerhouse. We have been writing a bunch of new stuff and we're getting ready for a new album this year and take it on the road and get out to the rest of Australia where we have been wanting to tour for a long time but now we have our stuff together and are ready to do it. There are five songs ready to record and we're working on another five or six at the moment and hoping to get the album together and hit the road as soon as we can." Kris Peters

You can catch Goatzilla at the Rompa Room in support of headliners Black Whiskey, along with Tokyo Beef and Seven Enemies on 28 February. Follow Goatzilla on their socials for more updates. Visit blankgc.com. au for the full interview.

GOLD COAST ARTISTS TAKE ON INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHTS AT QUEENSLAND MUSIC AWARDS

fter months of deliberation by over 100 Australian and international music industry figures, the 2020 QMA finalists have been announced today, with six Gold Coast artists set to take on some of the industry’s heavyweights.

Gold Coasters Busby Marou, IVEY, Eliza and the Delusionals, DVNA, and Bobby Alu are all up for gongs along with Gold Coast-Brisbane punk rockers Being Jane Lane, sitting pretty on a list that includes power-hitters WAAX, The Jungle Giants, Miiesha, Mau Power, Greta Stanley, Osaka Punch, Milton Man Gogh and many more. No strangers to accolades, longstanding Australian duo Busby Marou are up for not one but four gongs at this year’s Queensland Music Awards, with their single ‘Lucky Stars’ going up against Cub Sport, Jungle Giants and fellow GC-ers IVEY in the Pop category, while ‘Naba Norem (The Reef Song)’ clearly hit home for many in 2019, gaining a finalist spot in three of the categories: Blues / Roots, Indigenous, and Regional. With Tom Busby calling Currumbin home for several years, you can be sure we’ll be cheering on the guys at this year’s event. Young indie pop stars IVEY are going from strength to strength following their stand out performance at this year’s Gold Coast showcase at BIGSOUND, and are up for the Pop category for their dance banger ‘Bodies’. DVNA, who also slayed at BIGSOUND and is set to hit the big time following her recent signing with Falcona Agency, is flying the Gold Coast flag high in the Regional category with her single ‘Looking Like a Snack’. The charming and delightful Gold Coast / Byron singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Alu will no doubt be as charmed and delighted by his Blues and Roots nod for ‘Dust’ as we are for him. Yay Bobby! Talented indie rockers Eliza and the Delusionals just can’t seem to the stop the momentum they’re building, with a well deserved finalist placement in the Rock category for their much-lauded track ‘Just Exist’. Finally, although they’ve since taken our fair Queensland capital by storm, you’ll never take the Gold Coast heart out of our beloved hardcore punkers Being Jane Lane, who’ve definitely earned their Heavy category finalist place for ‘Savage Sunday’, through a combination of sheer sweat and pure talent. Natalie O’Driscoll

The QMAs will be held on Tuesday 3 March 2020 at The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley. You can check out the full list of finalists, find out more about the event and purchase tickets at queenslandmusicawards.com.au. Presented by Oztix, the QMA People’s Choice Awards, are also now open via themusic.com.au and ready for the public to cast their votes to determine Queensland’s best Venues and Festival of the Year. www.blankgc.com.au

BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH SUAVÉ’S HUGH AND BUNNY I t takes a whole lot of work behind the scenes to make things look glamorous and effortless, and the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub in Broadbeach is the perfect example of that. Front of house, everything shines, from the illuminated water features to the glittering costumes. The mirrors gleam, the staff all have a twinkle in their eyes, and the lighting dazzles as it reflects off the pink champagne bubbling into your sparkling glass.

Once the show SUAVÉ begins, it’s all synchronised moves, practiced one-liners and the confidence that comes with knowing you’re in the sure hands of world class performers who have their craft down to the finest, most precise art. But what would it be like if you could see how much work actually goes on behind the curtain? That’s what we decided to do, by spending a little time with SUAVÉ’s resident hosts. On the show, male host Hugh G. Leftnut delivers a parody of young Hugh Hefner, welcoming the guests with a velvet smoking jacket, a well-oiled moustache and an even oilier persona, smarmily singling out the ladies for his squeamish ‘charms’. His ditzy yet loveable sidekick Funny Bunny, (complete with ears and tail) comes with a series of endearing squeaks and 1950 pinup whoopsie faces that make you want to kiss her and shake her simultaneously, while also laughing helplessly along. The duo are tasked with keeping the energy levels high throughout the evening and the spaces between the acts moving along nicely, but it’s their own acrobatic feats which actually prove to be some of the evening’s highlights, so I was very keen to chat to them and see what they were all about. Once the costumes were put away and the panstick chiselled off for the night, it was a great opportunity to catch up with the real people behind the characters – Zion and Poppy, an acrobatic duo and real life couple, who were (of course) nothing at all like their SUAVÉ characters. Instead what I found was a delightfully warm, fairly introverted and wonderfully geeky young couple who like nothing more than to disappear into their computer games in their very little down time, and who take their work very seriously. There are two things about Poppy and Zion I find particularly interesting. The first is that they are currently the only people in the southern hemisphere, who perform a skill called Adagio en Pointe.

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“Ballet on shoulders, is the best way to describe it,” says Zion. Poppy jumps in. “It’s quite popular in China,” she explains. “We’d seen some videos before we met each other. I’d done ballet my whole life before I went into circus and Zion was naturally very good at balancing, so we decided it would be a good skill for us to learn, because we had a strong background in the skills that would be necessary for that discipline.” Based on the difficulty of the skill, I am curious as to whether or not there were times when they thought they would never actually be able to conquer it. Poppy laughs immediately. “Sooo many times, oh my gosh! But never enough to actually stop… Zion’s shoulders did bleed for months and months which had to happen to toughen the skin up.” Zion interrupts. “It’s the same thing Poppy’s toes had to go through with ballet.” It’s dynamic that occurs throughout our entire conversation, when one partner is trying to say how great the other one is, the other partner immediately jumps in with a counter story about something the other one has achieved, and it’s perfectly adorable. Risley is the second big feature skill of the pair, which is basically Zion “juggling” Poppy with his feet. When you see it performed, it’s incredibly

impressive, yes, but the mother in me worries about broken ribs, dislocated hips and knees and all sorts of things. The last thing I expected to hear about was a broken thumb, and yet that was the major injury they’ve experienced together, they tell me. “We were doing the Risley and my thumb got stuck Poppy’s belt loop and it snapped back,” says Zion. Cringe. The second thing I find so fascinating about Zion and Poppy is that they were both planning a solo career but they met at circus school, fell instantly in love, and boom, that was it! Duo it was. “It was love at first sight, by the end of orientation week we were a couple, it all happened very quickly” recalls Poppy. “We went in with different plans, Zion was going to be a contortionist and I was training in hula hoops so we were kind of going to specialise in those areas but when we met each other we just had this natural dynamic

with each other and we started training in acrobatics.” Zion concurs. “A few months along we were pretty set on being a duo professionally. We set ourselves up for a long time, it can be harder to find work as a duo so you have to do it properly.” And it’s not just their professional duo they’re doing properly, with the entertaining couple set to get married at the Pink Flamingo in July, in what is set to be one of the most festive wedding celebrations around. It’s always such a pleasure when you fall in love with performers on stage and then they turn out to be ten times more delightful once you get that peek behind the curtain. Natalie O’Driscoll

You can fall in love with the fun and fabulous SUAVÉ cast yourself at the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub, Broadbeach from Wednesday to Saturday, every week. Bookings at pinkflamingogoldcoast.com.

SLOW DOWN, SOAK IT UP.

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The Gold Coast’s most exciting new music,

JUPITER’S HEART BREAK 21-year-old Gold Coast singer/songwriter Jade Jupiter gave us the best kind of Christmas gift over the holiday season with the release of her stunning single ‘HEARTBREAK’. Opening with a beautiful piano part, the track slowly progresses with the introduction of layered vocals, synth sounds and some very tactful production techniques. To find out more about Jade Jupiter check out her extremely popular YouTube channel ‘Jupiter’s Corner’.

with a raucous edge, the new single once again proves why San Mei is one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting artists. Lyrically the track reflects on mental strain, career choices, and the future. ‘Hard To Face’ will be the lead single coming into San Mei’s second consecutive appearance SXSW this year where she will no doubt do the Gold Coast proud once again.

FEELS SO RIGHT WITH SUNSET CITY Sunset City are back as a band with additional members and kicking off the year in style with their upbeat pop bouncer ‘Feels So Right’. Polished production and insanely catchy hooks at every turn the track is made for dancing and will at least have you grooving in your chair. The video takes a trip to outer space and is as slickly made as the song itself. Seriously impressive stuff from Sunset City.

RAE LEIGH’S MESSAGE OF HOPE Rae Leigh’s beautiful debut single ‘All I Can Do’ offers a message of hope and love reflecting on the recent devastation of the Australian bushfires. Written at a songwriter’s retreat in Tamworth with collaborator Peter Dawson, the track showcases Leigh’s strong vocal presence and is a positive sign of things to come as she prepares for more new music over the coming months.

KARL S. WILLIAMS’ MIGHTY RETURN Blank GC issue 16 cover star and one of the Gold Coast’s most loved musicians Karl S. Williams will be releasing his sophomore album ‘Lifeblood’ on 2 February. Seven years in the making, the 11 tracks do not disappoint, bringing his signature heartfelt blues together with a notable progression towards a heavier, more fully fledged band sound. All killer, no filler from start to finish, ‘Lifeblood’ is an absolute winner. Catch Williams’ live show on 28 February at Dust Temple for the ‘Lifeblood’ album launch.

more. Saint Lane isn’t afraid to demonstrate some vulnerability in this departure from his standard rap swagger, and we’re sure he’ll kick butt with his eight-show headline tour of Australia this month and show the rest of the country why we love him so much.

IN EYES TURN THE VOLUME UP TO 11 Dubbed as Queensland's newest alternative rock prodigies, In Eyes have just released their single and accompanying video ‘Time Won’t Wait’. Drawing influences from fellow Australian alt-rockers Tonight Alive and Hands Like Houses, the female-fronted three-piece do not hold back in the slightest with their latest offering. Soaring vocals shine over technical guitar riffs and heavy drums while the lyrics tell a meaningful story of fighting for passion while faced with mental illness. ‘Time Won’t Wait’ is best listened to with the volume set to 11.

GREG BARNETT’S MONUMENTAL FEAT 68-year-old Mudgeeraba resident and outstandingly prolific musician Greg Barnett is keeping himself very busy during retirement with the release of 30 new tracks in a project inspired by The Beatles classic The White Album. Ironically titled ‘The Flat White Album’ Barnett transitions between spoken word poetry, slow ballads, quirky Australiana, kids’ songs and folk rock over the 2+ hours of content. All songs were recorded in Barnett’s home and mostly revolve around impressively diverse acoustic guitar playing. The Flat White Album is a whole lot of fun and a seriously monumental feat.

VALLIES CURE CHRISTMAS HANGOVERS Brand new Gold Coast band Vallies cured all of our Christmas hangovers with the release of their impressive debut single ‘Anchor’ in on Boxing Day. The four-piece accurately describe their sound as modern stylistic postrock pouring into the alt rock mix through indulgently intricate guitar-led melodies. Forming in August 2019 the band are already planning the release of an additional single and an EP over the coming months.

CAMERON MAHER’S CHARMING DEBUT ALBUM 18-year-old Gold Coast artist Cameron Maher has come has come onto the scene in a big way with his first ever release being full-length album aptly titled ‘The Beginning’. Written, performed and recorded by Maher over an 18 month period the 11 tracks display an impressive exploration of songwriting and some diverse musical talent. Acoustic ballads intertwine with electronic pieces and folk rock tracks to create this wellrounded charming debut. Cameron Maher is definitely one to watch in 2020.

Image by Waylon Palmer

JASON DELPHIN TAKES A NEW DIRECTION Prolific songwriter and regular solo performer at bars all over the Gold Coast Jason Delphin has released his new single ‘For Better or Worse’. Well known for his high energy blues, Delphin’s newbie takes a different direction, exploring electronic sounds. ‘For Better or Worse’ was written about personal determinations and reflections over a six-month period. Recording and releasing the song just before the New Year was a cathartic process for Delphin which translates through the lyrics and beautiful production. 36

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SAN MEI CONTINUES TO IMPRESS After a breakthrough year in 2019 featuring several successful releases, a whopping 45 shows including performances at South By Southwest (SXSW) in America and her first headline tour of Australia, San Mei is continuing her momentum into the new decade with the release of ‘Hard To Face’. Showcasing her signature blend of pop rock

SAINT LANE GIVES YOU HICKEYS Saint Lane is yet another Gold Coast artist who made a mark on the national music scene in 2019 and his latest release ‘Hickeys’ is set to launch his popularity even further into the new year. With a simplistic beat based around a reggae guitar loop, it’s Saint Lane’s catchy Polynesian-influenced melodies and carefree vocal singing style that steal the show, proving that sometimes less is

PIONEERS OF CONDIMENT ROCK Hilariously self described as Gold Coast’s pioneers of Condiment Rock, local fourpiece Chutney set the tone for their fun loving debut ‘Romance & Intrigue’. The track clearly channels the sounds of Catfish & The Bottlemen and early Arctic Monkeys but finds its own distinct style through strong vocals and some impressively technical

curated by Zac Fahey guitar parts. Written about being in love with someone boring, ‘Romance & Intrigue’ is anything but boring and will keep you entertained from start to finish.

on the cards for later in the year. ‘Mary’ shines bright with summer vibes and is a great sign of things to come from this born and bred Gold Coast band.

SUNNYBOYS 40

he phoenix-like resurrection of 80's melodic garage exponents Sunnyboys, coinciding with the salvation of the band’s guitarist and songwriter Jeremy Oxley, is one of the more heart-warming tales of redemption in the annals of Australian music.

HARBOUR THE CODE RELEASE HEAVIEST SINGLE TO DATE BLIGH HIT THE MARK WITH ‘GHOST’ Determined to release their biggest sounding song to date Bligh have well and truly hit the mark with their anthemic new single ‘Ghost’. Self described as maximalist gloss rock the Gold Coast outfit had a very productive 2019 releasing a string of singles, an EP and completing a national tour. Massive synth sounds, driving drums and a chorus that will be stuck in your head for day’s the single sets the pace for another exciting year.

Harbour The Code are easily one of the Gold Coast’s heaviest bands and they have just released their most brutal single to date ‘Addicted’. The track sees all five members going absolutely mental on their respective instruments from start to finish while somehow maintaining cohesion. Matching the tone of the track the lyrics are about a disease that sinks its claws into your soul and refuses to let go. ‘Addicted’ is a well-crafted metal shredding onslaught to the senses. Catch them live at Vinnies Dive Bar on 2 February but don’t forget your ear plugs.

JOYKILL CUT SIC WITH NEW SINGLE Local metal band Joykill have been writing music and performing since 2017, it’s only recently with the inclusion of new guitarist / sound engineer Jacob Harmon that they have been releasing quality recorded material. Their latest single ‘Cut Sic’ is a riff heavy romp reminiscent of early Limp Bizkit mixed in with some screaming vocal parts and a catchy singalong chorus. ‘Cut Sic’ is a whole lot of fun for adults but one to keep out of reach of children.

ELLA FENCE GETS US THINKING Another Gold Coast favourite and previous Gold Coast Music Award winner Ella Fence has released a beautifully diverse three track EP this month. The new collection of tracks titled ‘All I Do Is Think’ showcases Ella’s theatrical approach to music, transitioning between different sounds, melodies and musical parts giving the listener strong imagery at every turn. The opener ‘Pink Mojito’ is a great example of this approach, starting with a haunting electronic feel, jumping into a jangly leftof-centre pop chorus and finishing with a warped Irish flute solo. Only Ella Fence could pull this off and that’s why we love her. ‘All I Do I Think’ is one for the lovers, out 14 February.

ELSKA’S SUCH A SWEET GIRL

DODGE RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE Dodge are yet another excellent new band emerging at the turn of the decade. Their debut single ‘Mary’ is a thrashy, indie rock gem filled with bright guitars, punchy drums and a hooky pop chorus. The four-piece have big plans for 2020 with a follow-up single set for release in April and a full-length album

Harp wielding indie-pop chanteuse, ELSKA, has just launched a glitter-infused music video for her latest single 'Sweet Girl'. The 2019 Gold Coast Music Award Winner for People's Choice delivers a visual explosion of colour, sparkle, costuming and copious amounts of tinsel in her latest disco-esque clip. The concept for the video came about as a sweet nod to ELSKA's showbiz past, as a young dancer surrounded by stage lights and sequins. Sweet Girl was filmed by local film crew, The Edit Suite and was produced and directed by Gold Coast music industry powerhouse boss babe, Polly Armstrong. You can catch Elska at Miami Marketta on 1 Feb.

SEND YOUR PRESS KIT WITH A LINK TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC, A BIT ABOUT YOU AND A HIGH RES PIC TO... NEWMUSIC@BLANKGC.COM.AU

Oxley getting his life back on track in the most serendipitous of circumstances was the catalyst for the band resurfacing on the live music scene a few years back, playing ever-more rapturously received shows, as though their early 80's heyday was a thing of now and not then. The band’s perfect amalgamation of joyous garage pop chords married to introspective lyrics remains their calling card, and few bands anywhere do it better. For this release we get, for the first time since its original release at the dawn of the 80s, remastered versions of songs from the band’s legendary debut EP (aka the 'Yellow' EP). These four songs, including long-time fan favourites 'What You Need', 'The Seeker' and 'Love to Rule', are punchy, 60s channelling power pop nuggets par excellence, resplendent with youthful vigour and sharply honed energy. And then there's 'that' song, the much imitated but never bettered 'Alone With You', in its original single version, a little more punchy, edgy, backing vocals a bit more to the forefront and less polished for radio - some would say the definitive version of a career defining track. The remaining four songs on the album cherry pick tracks from across Jeremy Oxley’s musical journey and re-work them to a more satisfactory conclusion in the eyes of the band. 'Can't You Stop', originally recorded by Oxley’s short-lived post Sunnyboys outfit 'The Fishermen', in 1986, is a solid state, mid paced rocker. While 'Lovers' (On Another Planet's Hell), which originally appeared on The Sunnyboys third album, 'Get Some Fun', gets a new back-beat and an injection of keyboards and brass. Meanwhile 'Strange Cohesion', originally circa 1984, appears for the first time in studio recorded format, pointing to a slightly more soulful direction with its keyboard and brass embellishment, while not sacrificing the band’s rollicking rock pedigree. While final number, 'Way After Five' is an early 90s Oxley solo number built on a bedrock of acoustic guitar and piano, his vocals somewhat more weather-beaten in delivering the trademark Sunnyboys light and shade. Fans both new and old will find much to reverentially latch onto within the redemptive grooves of '40'. Go see ‘em when they tour, as their live game is also still as good as their studio groove. Anthony Gebhardt

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Each table has its own iPad with an easy to read illustrated menu app which you use to place an order from the extensive well-priced menu of well-priced izakaya favourites: sushi, sashimi, salad, fried and grilled dishes as well as donburi, rice and udon dishes, and dessert. Lunch also includes bento boxes. The OMG dish setting Instagram on fire is the Icy Snow Flake dessert, a huge bowl of shaved fresh milk ice with condensed milk added, in eight flavours including Green Tea, Sweet Red Bean, Mango, Strawberry, Coffee and Chocolate.

he back streets of Japanese cities are filled with tiny eateries, each specialising in different dishes. They’re the inspiration for travellers who have gone home to create their own version of Japanese culture with ramen and yakitori bars, sushi and teppanyaki restaurants, shabu-shabu and izakaya popping up around the world, the latter being one of the last to reach our shores. The Japanese word “izakaya” is two words morphed together, meaning ‘to stay in a sake shop’. Traditionally, they were bars where men stopped on their way home from work for a drink and a little food to accompany it. Reaching world audiences in 1962 when Robert F. Kennedy ate at a Tokyo izakaya during a meeting with Japanese labour leaders, izakaya are more well-known around the world. Now, izakayas are seen as simple and unpretentious little Japanese-styled eateries which offer inexpensive, informal dining to accompany whiskey, sake and Japanese beer. Typical izakaya dishes include chicken karaage, yakitori, edamame, tempura, grilled fish, french fries, sashimi, sushi, gyoza, ebi-mayo (fried shrimp with mayo), nabe (Japanese hotpot) and salads. On the Gold Coast we have our own take on izakaya, from loosely traditional to vegan. While we love the social aspect of shared dining and the fun nature of the izakaya, besides that there’s no real definition of what makes ‘new izakaya’ in a different country with vastly different traditions, eating and drinking styles. What we’re certain of is that each izakaya on the Gold Coast seeks its own audience.

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CAFOO IZAKAYA IZAKAYA YOU Shop 10/9 Beach Rd, Surfers Paradise, Ph: 07 5526 7266 Open since 1994, You Japanese (Izakaya You to locals) is one of our most established izakaya on the coast. It’s a family-run traditional izakaya serving up hot pots and barbeque wagyu beef, sashimi and sake. The chef travels to Gold Coast airport every day to collect fresh fish flown in from Sydney and Melbourne suppliers, so you can be sure that the sashimi here is of the highest quality. Head Chef Satoshi, the father of the family, studied for ten years as a chef in Japan and has been highly awarded and approved by the ministry of labour as a Culinary Technician making him a nationally qualified cooking lecturer, an award bestowed on the Dux of the examinee.

ETSU IZAKAYA

2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach, Ph: 07 5526 0944 The most upmarket of our izakaya, Etsu downplays its presence with a fortress-like wooden door and red lantern. Inside though, we’re enveloped in the barrel of Hokusai’s Great Wave, a tunnel-like cavern traversed by a long bar, a giant bonsai flanking its side wall. The restaurant opens up, story-like, into a satirical Japanese comic book mural by local artist Mark Wilson. Atmospheric? Yes, but the food is excellent: Salmon and kingfish tatake laced with seaweed and pickled cucumber, Pork gyoza, ‘Omakase’ mixed tempura with light crunchy batter, Crunchy softshell crab and Amiyaki Wagyu steak. It’s beautifully rendered classic izakaya fare for the modern palate paired with a good range of Japanese drinks. There’s sparkling sake to accompany your sashimi, beer to team with tempura, shochu and Japanese-inspired cocktails.

6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach, Ph: 07 5525 6759 With burnt timber and black painted walls, driftwood chandeliers and iron lanterns, Chef Masahiko Kaneko and his wife Tatako have opened up this atmospheric space specialising in seafood and yakitori skewers. Chef Masa operated his own izakaya in Shizuoka, Japan for 13 years before emigrating to work in the Sofitel, Palazzo Versace, O-Sushi and Reef Seafood. It’s the blend of old and new that’s intriguing at Cafoo Izakaya. Alongside his seafood specialties and traditional menu items, Chef Masa has made some interesting fusion additions to appeal to Gold Coast diners. Like any meal at a new restaurant, we’d start with our known [seafood] favourites, order some rare traditional dishes we haven’t tried, and then branch out to a couple of fusion dishes. There’s an interesting wine list and the collection of Japanese whiskies, sakes, shochu and umeshu plum wines needs suitable investigation. With sake flights and Japanesestyle cocktails, such as the house-made ‘sakegria’ served by the jug, Cafoo has all the ingredients for a great party.

IZAKAYA ICHI 42 Nerang St, Southport Ph: 07 5564 0190 In the international student heartland of Southport, Izakaya Ichi is a cool place to chill and hang out. Fairy lights beckon locals and hospitality workers eager to have some sustenance after work. There’s even convenient transport, as the bar is situated close to the Southport Q:Link station.

OI IZAKAYA

4/30 James St, Burleigh Heads, Ph: 07 3129 0628 Oi Izakaya is testament to co-owners Stephen Thompson and Troy O’Shea’s love of Japanese food. It’s a dimly lit atmospheric izakaya, with burned wood interior and noren framing each doorway. Running lengthwise along the arcade, Oi’s bar is placed at one end, its open-plan kitchen and chef ’s bar at the other. Japanese-born Head Chef Ran Kubota, whose father owns a Michelin star restaurant in Hiroshima, has constructed a menu of dishes to share: ‘Otsumami’ or snacks, ‘Osyokuji’ (larger plates which are also shared), Okonomiyaki (a pancake-like dish) and Yakisoba, a traditional noodle dish used to soak up alcohol at the end of the evening, with dessert if you can fit it in! Oi Izakaya’s well-stocked bar, brimming with whisky, sake, local spirits and Suntory beer on tap also boasts delicious cocktails. We would return to savour them both again, imagining that we were really in the back streets of Tokyo.

PROJECT TOKYO

90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters, Ph: 07 5526 1075 The international experience of Project Tokyo’s owners, Franz Zdesar and Executive Chef Geoff Anstee, flows over into both their food and service with a polished, ‘invested’ European-style feel. With a modern Japanese-inspired range of share dishes, the menu provides headings to help us choose: Snacks and starters, Signature dishes, Gyoza, Tempura, Char grill, Nigiri and sashimi, Sushi rolls and Sweets, with several Omakase Set Menus leaving the food and drink selection up to the chef. Using the finest local ingredients in each dish, from sashimi to meat cooked over the grill, food is handled and presented with loving care and attention. It’s not just about presentation, but about taste – clever combinations, an accent of chilli, spice or pickle, lashings of homemade dressing. From its Japanese origins, the food is transported into a modern milieu: Kingfish sashimi topped with yuzu, soy, coriander and a little jalapeno to grab our attention; Moreton Bay bug and scallop tempura presented lengthwise along the plate and served with rich yuzu truffle mayo. From the bar, there’s not only sake, umeshi and a few Japanese spirits on offer but, moving away from classics, there’s also a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails and world wines chosen to complement the food, together with the satisfying Orion beer from Okinawa on tap and Sapporo by the bottle.

IZAKAYA MIDORI

7/ 50 Woodland Drive, Reedy Creek, Ph: 07 5645 6625 Midori (meaning ‘green’ in Japanese) is the Gold Coast’s first plant-based Japanese restaurant, our first and only vegan izakaya. Chef Fumiyoshi Iwasaki has worked in two of our most respected Japanese restaurants, Kiyomi at The Star and Yamagen, before becoming vegan and taking the chance to open a plant-based restaurant with partners. The menu carries many Japanese favourites, from edamame (including a smoked version) to gyoza, and sushi to curries. It’s not all traditional fare though, the chef putting his own vegan spin on well-known dishes and creating original new ones. Amongst other spectacular-looking dishes, taking pride of place is the signature Midori Ramen, a deep rich green plant-based soup containing ramen and vegan pork mince. It’s not only deliciously addictive but also Insta-worthy.

KEMURI

3/124 Pappas Way Carrara Ph: 0451 133 996 Owned and operated by sommelier Hiroyuki Okubo (ex-Paper Daisy and You Japanese) and his French-trained wife, Chef Yuki, Kemuri serves a menu of izakaya dishes in its tiny restaurant. Hiro’s specialty is fine sake and wine, paired with his wife’s exceptional food.

Good things come in small parcels at Kemuri. The bao buns, handmade each morning by Yuki, are soft and fluffy, their softshell crab filling crunchy, with a tang of homemade chipotle mayo – the perfect antithesis of texture! Angel Wings gyoza, too, are a specialty, made by a special technique used in some specialty gyoza shops in Japan. The dumplings are joined by a fine biscuitlike layer that snaps as we bite it. Karaage is made from free-range chicken – the best we’ve had. On the last Monday of every month, Kemuri transforms into an izakaya, serving an omakase menu of eight courses, available paired with matching fine wine and sake. Marj Osborne

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BOBBY GOES WITH THE FLOW

iding high on the praise heaped on his latest album ‘Flow’, Byron Bay based multi-instrumentalist Bobby Alu is thanking fans for their appraisal by embarking on a 14 date tour that started in Western Australia on 11 January and will travel the length and breadth of the country before finishing back in the same state on 5 April.

"The main thing is we're playing a lot of the new music that we released last year," Alu expressed. "I've got two musos with me, Paulie Bromley (The Beautiful Girls, George) and Declan Kelly and we're having a good time playing songs we haven't played before. We're looking forward to getting around Australia to all these places that we love to visit." Alu will play his 'home' show at Mo's Desert Clubhouse on 21 February and promises something a little extra to reward his local fans. "I'm gonna have lots of family and friends there which will be great," he smiled. "I usually get my family involved on stage when they're around which is cool. My mum, who was a Polynesian dancer, showed me how to play the Ukulele and when I get the home shows I get her to come and dance and if she's got any of her brothers around - my Uncles - they usually join in. “That's how I learnt music was through family so it's pretty fun to be down the track with my career and when some of them pop up it's always a great feeling and opportunity to take a trip down memory lane." While being written in a variety of locations, Alu stresses the overall nature of ‘Flow’ revolves around observing fellow humans in their natural state and flow.

"I love people watching everywhere I go, it's hilarious,” he said. “Watching people like that when they're in their flow and have nothing in the head and they're not thinking about what's in the future or what's in the past - it's just the present - that's such a good part of life. That is a big premise of this album and a lot of the subjects of the songs relate to being present in yourself and trying to be a good human by being present with who you're with." Affectionately referred to as the hammock music aficionado, Alu smiles when asked if that is an apt description of himself and his music. "Definitely," he laughed. "I love to relax and I like balance. I think when I first started writing music it was all positive and I am still positive but I'm also about being balanced and realising you need the darkness and the light just to get through everything. I guess the key is to be able to work really hard but also being able to know when to stop and relax and take it easy and not feel guilty." Kris Peters

Catch Bobby (and family) at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on 21 February. Tickets available at bobbyalu.com. Head over to blankgc.com. au to read the full interview.

MASON RACK TO PERFORM AT GLOBAL WAVES CONFERENCE FINALE

he sixth biannual Global Waves Conference, taking place from 10 – 14 February at Southern Cross Uni’s Gold Coast campus, is billed as ‘an international gathering of the brightest minds from the surfing, conservation and innovation communities to tackle the world’s most challenging ocean issues and promote the value of waves and their protection.’

This will be the first time the conference is being held in Australia, so it’s certainly a fillip for Gold Coast music that our very own blues-rock powerhouse, Mason Rack, and his killer band, will be performing at the festival finale, on the evening of Thursday 13 February at The Collective in Palm Beach. Mason, who took out the prestigious ‘Live Act of the Year’ award at the 2018 GCMA’s, is one of the most charismatic performers you’ll ever witness, as well as one of the hardest working (it’s mind boggling to think that he’s played well over 2,500 shows across his career!) Catching up with the man while he’s on the road (where else!?), we ask him what he’s been up to over the past 12 months and where the coming year will take him.

”In the land of MRB (the Mason Rack Band), we toured Europe for the seventh time in 2019 - it was epic! The coming year will see us take some time out for recording, writing and family. We’ve got a new CD coming for mid/late 2020 - and we still have a full calendar of Australian gigs!” With the constant amount of gigs he ‘racks up’, I ask Mason if there’s ever a risk of burnout associated with keeping such a constantly busy schedule. “I think I burn out a little bit every now and then, but the ocean helps me a lot surfing really recharges me on a level that is unexplainable. Apart from that there’s the ongoing support of my wife and I exercise/ train most days. Also, I’m 20 years free of drugs and alcohol - that helps too.” With the ocean in his blood, I put it to Mason that he must be excited at the prospect of February’s Global Waves

Conference here on the Gold Coast. ”Yes the Conference will be awesome! We've played several surf industry events before but not this one. I’m really looking forward to the artistic surf photography and rubbing shoulders with the surf legends that will be there. The Rack family grew up with the surfing community.” Mason has always been an ecologically driven individual, and when talk turns to the perilous state of the planet as a result of climate change inaction, he doesn’t hold back on what he’d like to see happen to redress the balance. “Yes I hold hope that we will snap out of the money driven, blind leading the blind, sad and fearful situation we find ourselves and more importantly, the PLANET in. If there was something I could have a large influence on, I would very quickly make changes to anything and everything that is needed to save our planet, children and wildlife. It’s

funny, the corporate ‘wealth hunters' never really seem to grasp the fact that you can’t take your stash with you when you graduate (die). I think at a global level we should all sacrifice a few years to focus on changing fossil fuels OUT and addressing ALL the issues at hand, and consulting with people like The Dalai Lama. Sometimes I believe it’s the profit system itself that drives the madness in most of us. ‘Money kills the planet’ is not the headline I want to see.” In conclusion I put it to Mason that if there was anyone, dead or alive, that he would love to collaborate with musically, who it would be? The first part of his response, poignantly displays his love and reverence for his departed father, Billy Rack, who himself was a renowned musician. “If there was a window that allowed me to have anyone back from ‘the other-side’ it would be my father. He suicided with not a lot of warning, so that would be first choice. My dream musical collaboration would be Tom Waits - no explanation needed, he's just genius through and through!” Anthony Gebhardt

The sixth biannual Global Waves Conference is taking place from 10 – 14 February at Southern Cross Uni’s Gold Coast campus. The Mason Rack Band will be performing at the Conference finale, on Thursday 13 February at The Collective in Palm Beach.

THE MASLOWS: SHAPING UP FOR A BUMPER 2020

ollowing a low key 2019, quality Gold Coast rockers The Maslows are about to re-enter the local musical orbit armed with a stack of new tunes, which the four piece are eager to showcase over the coming months in the live realm. But that's not to say that the guys have been idle or creatively barren, as band front man and guitarist Aaron Fenech explains of their 'out of the public eye' approach to the year that just was. "Well, in 2018 we played a lot of shows, including around twenty on the Gold Coast, which meant we weren't really finding time for the creative side of the band. So we started writing some new material and the writing process sort of snowballed from there and took over. We didn't consciously make a decision to stop playing shows in 2019, but there was a good creative energy in the band and as we finished each song, we recorded it. This process of writing and recording organically developed across the whole year." To announce their public re-emergence, The Maslows have just delivered a cracking new single, 'Passerby'. Says Fenech of the genesis of the track; "Passerby was initially inspired by a Netflix documentary called ‘Patient 17’, about a surgeon who claims to remove alien implants from patients. At the same time I was lying on the trampoline in my garden one night after a particularly nice bottle of shiraz when a satellite skimmed across the night sky, which in turn lead me to start pondering the age old mystery of whether we are alone and are the centre of all the universe.

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“The song evolved fairly quickly from this idea and was recorded with our good friend, the multi-talented Scott French at Lovestreet Studios. Scott is someone we really enjoy working with, as he creates a relaxed studio environment and really pushes to get the best out of us and often has some great ideas around the arrangements of the songs." The new track is a precursor to a full length album, which is scheduled to see the light of day in the second half of 2020. Fenech is excited by the prospect of getting it out there and sees it as a natural evolution of the bands signature formula of wide-screen guitar rock oozing with impassioned tension and dynamics. “In terms of the vibe of the album, it’s still got The Maslows big guitar sound across all the tracks but we think our song writing has evolved since our first EP, which came out in 2015. There's a couple of heavier songs on this album and we have also tried to capture some nice melodic lines through a number of the tracks. The new single, 'Passerby' is definitely a good representation of what can be expected to be heard when this comes out." As to what else is in store for the band for the rest of 2020, Fenech is excited by the thought of getting back out there and delivering the goods live. "We are definitely looking forward to playing more shows again this year and have already started gigging a whole new set, which has gone down really well so far. We may push out a couple more singles to continue to build the momentum before the album drops, so this year is shaping up to be our busiest yet. We will continue to enjoy playing here on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane in 2020, but are looking to expand our horizons both in Queensland and interstate. Anthony Gebhardt

Be sure to catch dynamic rockers The Maslows when they next light up the stage at The Rompa Room in Nerang on 27 March and BBQ Bazar at Burleigh on 24 April.

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