Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

Sarah McLeod ONE ELECTRIC LADY

MARCH 11 SARAH MCLEOD ‘ONE ELECTRIC LADY TOUR’ WALLABY HOTEL, RAILWAY STREET, MUDEERABA 3pm – Free entry MARCH 11 CITY CONNECT – VOLUNTEERING WORKSHOP ONLINE 5.30pm to 7pm (via Teams) Join our online workshop helping group leaders learn ways to promote and explore volunteering opportunities and strategies to retain volunteers.

Groups need to register by phone on 5581 6642 or via our website: cityofgoldcoast.com. au/cityconnect MARCH 13 - 20 SOMERSET STORYFEST, SOMERSET COLLEGE A series of literary experiences along with workshops, masterclasses and featured authors.

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

With over 130 events offered to the wider community across the Gold Coast throughout the Festival and all year long, there is sure to be something for everyone. Check out the full program.

ALL YEAR NATURAL AREA BUSHWALKS Bushwalking tracks provide a great way to explore the beauty of the natural environment while being active and healthy.

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Explore Division 9 parks and nature trails:

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Apple Tree Park (Springbrook)

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Hinterland Regional Park (Mudgeeraba/Bonogin)

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Numinbah Conservation Area – The Great Walk (Numinbah Valley)

storyfest.com.au.

MARCH 28 IN THE RAW TRAIL RACE 2201 NERANG MURWILLUMBAH ROAD NUMINBAH VALLEY Comprises 15km and 25km trail running events, challenging but achievable courses in the Numinbah section of the Springbrook National Park.

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Springbrook National Park, Springbrook

Information and maps on:

ADULT LEARN TO SWIM / Wednesday 9.30 am ADULT SQUADS / Wednesday 10 am

There is also a 3km Junior Dash, goldcoast.qld.gov.au/ a cross-country style run for thegoldcoast/bushwalking kids aged 6-14 only.

Mudgeerabaaquticcentre.com. au or phone 5530 5288

upthebuff.com/info-entry

CITY OF GOLD COAST ACTIVE & HEALTHY PROGRAM This Program is community based offering residents a large variety of free and low cost sport, recreation and fitness activities. Division 9 offers the following activities at various venues:

APRIL 17 NATURALLY GC / BRINGING BACK THE RICHMOND BIRDWING BUTTERFLY 9.30am – 11.30am Come and learn all about this magnificent butterfly including its lifecycle, current threats, and how you can help.

MUDGEERABA AQUATIC CENTRE Professional instructors provide quality instructing to motivate and inspire you to achieve your fitness goals.

AQUA AEROBICS / Monday @ 10.30am, Tuesday @ 11am, Thursday @ 9.30am, Friday @ 10.30am

Yoga, zumba, group fitness, tai chi, tai chi for arthritis, running DEEP WATER RUNNING / Further details upon registration. Wednesday @ 9.15am, Thursday @ sessions and adults and for children, boxing, martial arts, 5.45pm, Saturday @ 7.30am Eventbrite/NaturallyGC or phone aqua exercise, deep water 5667 5972.

WATER BOXING / Friday 11.15 am running, adult learn to :swim, line dancing, mum’s and bub’s

fitness, kids after school fitness, 40’s active and 40’s rehab, seniors staying strong fitness.

For details of dates/times/ cost check out the City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy program: goldcoast.qld.gov.au/ activehealthy MUDGEERABA COUNTRY MARKET MUDGEERABA SHOWGROUNDS Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month 7am – 12pm Community market, local stall holders, creatives & producers, food vendors & live entertainment. Free car parking and dog friendly. facebook.com/ MudgeerabaCountryMarket

BBQ Bazaar plays host to James Blundell International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is, as always, on 8 March. (And to pre-empt, International Men’s Day is 19 November. Google is a thing). This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge, so in this edition we’ve chatted to some incredible womxn who are moving and shaking things up the arts world, the music sector and their communities.

Please take some time this month to appreciate the challenging work done by amazing womxn in your circle, your community, the world, and throughout history.

Together we can make the world a better place.

Supper Club Returns To HOTA

HOTA’s Supper Club returns in 2021 with a monthly schedule of acoustic shows by a diverse range of artists.

The events combine live entertainment and storytelling and changing menus designed by the HOTA Culinary Arts team. Confirmed artists in the line up for 2021 include ARIA Live Legend Hall of Famer Deborah Conway, Blues and Roots star Nattali Rize from the band Blue King Brown, and a special collaboration between the energetic Orava Quartet and classical guitar aficionado Karin Schaupp.

More Supper Club guests are set to be announced in late March. Visit hota.com.au for all the details.

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Country fans won’t want to miss an evening of spectacular music when James Blundell hits the stage at BBQ Bazaar on 13 March, supported by Gold Coast’s very own up and coming singer-songwriter Lily Grace. Tickets are available over at Humanitix.

Calling Gunners fans

A brand new tribute to “the most dangerous band in the world”, Paradise City delivers two hours of classic Guns ‘n’ Roses, including mega hits like ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, ‘Paradise City’, ‘November Rain’, ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, ‘Patience’, ‘Don’t Cry’, ‘You Could Be Mine’, ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, and many more. CBD Live at RSL Club Southport is playing host to this epic event on Saturday 27 March. Tix at cbdlive.sales. ticketsearch.com/.

Band. And for The Rolling Stones in the red corner, local legends and makers of the ‘Easy Rider’ Soundtrack show, The Honey Sliders will be ‘Painting it Black’ with the epic riffs we all know and love. Pick your side. Rock and roll. Visit hota.com.au for all the details.

Tweed Artisan Food Weekend returns

The long and tasty weekend, commencing on Thursday 11 March, gives the public the chance to experience the people, the place and the taste of the Tweed. From farm distillery tours to long table feasts, the Artisan Weekend is abundant with produce and education from the makers and growers that form this unique destination. Whether your favourite eats involve Mexican, Greek, whole foods, fresh coffee, BBQ, or the freshest of local produce, the Tweed Artisan Food Weekend will offer an event for your palette. (With a range of fine locally made spirits, wine and brews to boot.) Indulge at destinationtweed.com.au.

Beatles vs Stones: HOTA Outdoor Concert

It’s the debate that’s raged for decades – the boys next door or the bad boys of rock? For one night only on Sat 13 Mar The Good Band and The Honey Sliders are battling it out on the HOTA Outdoor Stage for a music-fuelled slugfest between Britain’s biggest musical powerhouses.

Representing The Beatles in the blue corner is The Good

Gallery in the M-Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah. Be sure to catch this intimate urban snapshot before it closes on 6 April.

Introducing HUSK Botanic: rum for the gin connoisseur.

Husk Distillers have launched into 2021 with an Australian first. A botanical cane spirit distilled with tangy grapefruit, fresh lemon myrtle and native strawberry gum leaf, now available in bottle shops across the country. Visit huskdistillers.com for more.

The Farm’s Glass Child

Glass Child by The Farm is a poignantly revealing depiction of the sibling relationship between Kayah, a young man with Down Syndrome and his sister Maitreyah. Expressed through dance, theatre and storytelling Glass Child highlights their connection and how their lives have been affected by other people’s perceptions.

Undoubtedly set to be another thoughtprovoking piece by world class entertainers The Farm, Glass Child will be running at HOTA from 4 to 6 March.

Tickets at hota.com.au.

Design your degree with SCU shared majors

Many careers don’t fit neatly into a box – are you looking for a degree with the same flexibility? You might want to study arts, but you’re also passionate about solving global environmental challenges. Or perhaps you’re interested in psychology but also creative writing, or science combined with digital media.. Combine more of your interests in a degree with Southern Cross University’s shared majors.

Apply now scu.edu.au/designyour-degree.

BB Factory launch at The Wallaby Aaron Chapman at Gallery DownTown

Local photographer, writer and artist Aaron Chapman’s solo exhibition ‘Purple is Black Blooming’ is currently showing at Gallery DownTown, the annexe to Tweed Regional Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

It's the Thursday Night Blues like you've never experienced before. To celebrate the release of their album 'Live At The Wallaby Hotel', local blues merchants BB Factory will be performing their hearts out AND giving away 100 CDs to fans on the night. Win-win. It’s even a free show.

Get the low-down on local festivals, gigs, theatre, art, comedy, eats, drinks, amazing humans and more by joining our e-list for a-list news.

Build your future, design your degree Many careers don’t fit neatly into a box – are you looking for a degree with the same flexibility?

You might want to study arts, but you’re also passionate about solving global environmental challenges. Or perhaps you’re interested in psychology but also creative writing? Or science combined with digital media? With four degrees and a choice of 20 shared majors, the possible combinations are as individual as you.

Combine more of your interests in a degree with Southern Cross University’s shared majors.

Apply now scu.edu.au/design-your-degree

CRICOS Provider: 01241G

Sarah McLeod: One Electric Lady Down-to-earth Superjesus frontwoman, solo artist and Aussie rock royalty Sarah McLeod is heading to the Gold Coast for her solo show entitled One Electric Lady.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll - Photograph by Nix Cartel

We caught up with the always-fun Sarah for a quick chat in between rehearsals for her latest show, which she was on the verge of performing at Adelaide Fringe Festival.

“It’s like riding a bike,” she says of returning to live performance in a post-lockdown time. “You go “aha! Here I go again.”

Things are a little different this time, however, with Sarah having taught herself to play piano during 2020’s major COVID lockdown period.

“I always wanted to play piano, but I don’t have time to sit there and put in the hard yards to start from the beginning,” she tells us. “I wish I had done it before I became a working musician. I feel like if I have time off I should be writing a new song or working on stuff, I can’t sit there and block off a year to learn a new instrument.

“But then suddenly in 2020 I could, so I thought ‘Now’s the time baby’. I bought a baby grand! I thought I’d get something sexy looking so I’d want to sit at it.”

Of course, it’s all very well feeling excited about her newfound skills as a pianist, but she’s not about to launch herself on an unsuspecting audience cold.

Sarah is still the feisty, powerful, magnetic rock guitarist and performer, and that was the side she’d intended to showcase on that aborted 2020 electric tour, with herself up first on piano as the supporting act, and then her one-woman band rock show, complete with her modified six string guitar that now doubles as a bass.

“I just sort of did it by trial and error,” she laughs about her musical invention. “I spent time cutting holes and putting in pickups and wiring things, it took a few months and almost a few electrocutions, and then it just worked. Now I can make myself sound like a loud rock trio.”

Of course the opening set, comprised of strippedback piano versions of existing songs plus a couple of newbies, has a totally different and much more personal vibe to Sarah’s normal super-charged, high energy rock persona. I wonder how she feels about making herself vulnerable in front of a crowd.

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“I really like it,” she enthuses. “The feeling when it’s pin drop quiet… and the piano seems to really support my voice better. I sing better when I’m at the piano and I can hear the texture, feel nuance, it suits me.”

The most challenging part of writing at the piano came for Sarah when her beloved canine companion Chachi passed away during lockdown.

Chachi wasn’t any old dog. She was Sarah’s one constant in a life lived more on the road than off.

For fifteen years, Chachi was there on the road with her. When she headed across the rainbow bridge in July, there really was only one way to deal with her loss – to sit at the piano and find the words to express her feelings, the end result of which was ‘Chachi’s Theme’.

“It was hard to write but I had to give her the message on how to meet me when I die,” says Sarah.

“Music transcends through dimensions and I thought if I sing it every night for the rest of my life, she won’t miss it. And as hard as it was, I really had to push through. I gave myself two or three days after she died - I just got drunk for a couple of days and then I sat at the piano and cried all over myself and my jeans.

“It was so hard, but when it was done I felt like I had fast tracked my grieving a bit. I feel like I connected with her and we made a deal, and I didn’t feel so alone in this world.”

Her legion of fans will be seeing and hearing a whole other side of Sarah McLeod when she hits the road for her One Electric Lady tour.

“For some reason, every word counts now,” she says about her current lyrical process.

“Every time I open my mouth to say something, I feel like it’s high-class real estate and I only have a certain number of lines that I can put in a song.

It’s not like a novel, so every line has to count; every line has to help deliver the story in its most imaginative and descriptive way to take the listener on a journey.

“So, I find myself blabbing less and being more to the point and more colourful.”

Catch this new side of Sarah when she headlines Mudgeeraba’s Wallaby Hotel on Sunday 7 March, with… well… Sarah McLeod in support. Entry is FREE, amazingly.

ALBUM LAUNCH Go viral with Shock Therapy at HOTA Gold Coast artists Shock Therapy are participating in a homecoming this March when they return to HOTA for a season of VIRAL, a play they created on and inspired by the Gold Coast, which went on to perform across Australian and win multiple awards.

The play investigates the social responsibilities and reactions the general public has when violence erupts in the community. Is it better to intervene, call for help, stay away, or record the incident?

Starring and written by Sam Foster and Hayden Jones, Viral was inspired by activity on the Gold Coast in 2015.

During the development, Hayden and Sam engaged with various demographics and cultural groups on the Gold Coast to hear a diverse cross-section of perspectives concerning the themes and issues in the play.

The work went on to debut at HOTA, then known as the Arts Centre Gold Coast, in September 2016, before being nominated for 4 different Matilda Awards and winning Best Independent Production.

Moving from success to success, the play was published by Australian publishing house Playlab, and tours have been in high demand from schools and the education sector.

Shock Therapy were the recipients of Accelerated Triennial Funding by City of Gold Coast in 2015, and their funding was renewed again in 2018 to support the high demand for their works across Australian and the globe.

Working across theatre, film and live events, Shock Therapy has established itself as a leading company in the delivery of high quality multidisciplinary performance.

VIRAL is on at HOTA for a limited season before embarking on a state-wide tour. Catch it on Tue 23 Mar, 11am and 7.30pm in Theatre 1 at HOTA, Home of the Arts. More info at hota.com.au.

GIVING AWAY 100 FREE COPIES! THURSDAY MARCH 25TH 7PM AT THE WALLABY HOTEL - FREE ENTRY

DENNIS. Drops New Disco Infused Indie-Pop Banger

Managing Editor: Natalie O’Driscoll Creative Director: Chloe Popa Advertising & Partnerships Manager: Amanda Gorman Content Coordinator & Photography: Simone Gorman-Clark TeamWriters: Anthony Gebhardt & Zac Fahey Distribution: Swingin' Safari Crew Contributors (print and online): Natalie O’Driscoll, Anthony Gebhardt, Zac Fahey, Marj Osborne, Samantha Morris, Pip Andreas, Anna Itkonen, Prudence Clark, Kylie Cobb, Dani Teveluwe.

Cover: Sarah McLeod to play at Mudgeeraba’s Wallaby Hotel on Sunday 7 March. Photography by Nix Cartel.

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.

About us: Blank is independently owned and published by Samantha Morris, Chloe Popa, Amanda Gorman and Natalie O'Driscoll. Founded in 2013 we are an independent voice for local music, arts and lifestyle and we rely on advertising as well as our generous contributors to keep us ticking. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor, publishers or the writing team.

Editorial: news@blankstreetpress. com.au Advertising: advertising@ blankstreetpress.com.au Gigs: gigs@blankstreetpress.com.au Follow us: Facebook/Instagram@ blankstreetpress

Electro indie-pop starlet DENNIS. is set to day-glo up the airwaves and make you feel alright with the release of her shiny new single ‘What You Do’, in which she collaborates with rapper Professor Paul.

2020 saw the lass with the bitingly angelic vocals introduce herself to audiences by taking out the inaugural Gold Coast Music Prize at the 2020 Gold Coast Music Awards, in addition to her track ‘Run Little House’ reaching over one million streams.

We recently caught up with DENNIS. to discover, amongst other things, how the new number came together, who she’s grooving to and where she’ll be taking things for the rest of 2021...

Congratulations on the release of your new single, ‘What You Do’. Can you put us in the picture on how the track came together and how you came to collaborate with Professor Paul on it?

Thank you very much! I wrote ‘What You Do’ with Gold Coast artist/producer MDWS in his home studio last year and when we got to writing the bridge we both imaged this really wordy verse. To be honest, we were a bit nervous about finding someone to write a verse, given that I haven’t collaborated with any rappers before but I am so glad we found Tom (A.K.A Professor Paul).

I had met Tom a few years back at a Bigsound event and stayed in touch, and when I saw one of his latest releases, I knew I just had to hit him up. Tom was super into the track and sent back the verse within 24 hours and that was that no retakes, no rewrites, what you hear is the original bridge he sent us.

2020 was a tough year for most in the music fraternity due to the ravages of COVID. What did you do to stay sane

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and keep on your creative path, and did you tap into any other opportunities or outlets that you might not have otherwise considered?

Personally, I used most of 2020 to take a bit of a break from music, especially right at the start of the pandemic, taking the time to think about my career and make some big decisions about what type of artist I wanted to be and how I was going to make that happen.

From August onwards, I was basically playing shows non-stop right up until the end of the year, which is so crazy considering that’s not what everyone else’s year looked like. I was lucky enough to jump on some insane tours and it really confirmed to me that I am at my best when I'm on stage.

You spent time in Nashville on a scholarship working with Trey Bruce how did that come about and what was the experience like?

I won a scholarship in my last year of uni to travel to Nashville and it was there that I wrote with Trey Bruce. It was definitely a highlight of my career so far. The whole trip was super eye opening and I wouldn't be surprised if I end up spending a bit more time in Nashville one day.

Which artists/musicians are particularly resonating with you at the moment?

I was recently introduced to Sylvan Esso, this electronic duo from North Carolina.

They write these fun and really quirky pop songs, but they actually make all sorts of music and I have been super inspired by

Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

one of their more intimate and emotional tracks, ‘Slack Jaw’. I sort of think if they can play around with that many genres and still create such great music, then so can I. Perhaps I'll release a slower, more intimate track in the future.

Are you currently working on any other tracks and if so when can we expect to hear them?

This used to be my most hated question, but not this year! I am in the thick of writing and creating at the moment and I love where things are heading. I have already teed up some more tunes to come very soon after ‘What You Do’ so you will not be left waiting. I can’t wait to show you the new music that I am working hard on right now!

Where do you want to take things for the rest of 2021 and beyond?

I really want to tour, so I'm trying really hard to make that happen with my team at Niche Agency. But my number one priority is getting busy releasing more music. Last year, I went through a period of time when I wasn't sure if this music gig was for me, so I'm so glad I’ve come out the other side of that, because now I am more certain than ever this is where I am supposed to be. I have found a new love for what I do and I really think that will shine through in 2021.

DENNIS.’s catchy new single, ‘What You Do’, is out now through major streaming platforms.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

HUB OF R K S I S T H EG O L D C O A S T .

A H S T R O P THE SOUTH MUSIC ON FREE, LIVE

JOSEPH VEA Half As Much (EP) On the rise Gold Coast singer-songwriter Joseph Vea has just released a deeply personal four song EP, entitled 'Half As Much'. An ex New Zealander of Tongan heritage, Vea is a self-taught artist who's taken his muse from its street busking beginnings to now recording from his home studio, garnering admiring attention from local radio and Triple J Unearthed in the process. And on his debut EP, Vea channels his life journey of personal growth and cultural reclamation across its four soulful numbers.

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2021 E D I U G GIG HAT’S ON S! TASTE OF W HERE IS AIS MONTH AT SHARK TH

THE SWITCH 19 MARCH

CHARLIE BRAVO 5 MARCH

The EP's title track, ‘Half As Much’, slithers out of the blocks off the back of a smooth and slinky salsa groove, latintinged guitar flourishes and a breezy r&b bounce, while channelling a life affirming message of self-acceptance and love.

Lead-off single, 'Plastic Man', is one of the EP's cornerstone numbers, in which Vea muses introspectively on his inner journey of grappling with personal identity and reconnecting with his heritage; “Build my home where I stand, made in the present from the past.”

Produced by Julian Steel, it further showcases Josephs warm, honey-smooth vocals as the song rises up and embeds itself into listening consciousness off the back of some tasteful guitar and keyboard swells and sweet vocal harmonising.

‘Walls’ ups the tempo and demonstrates the diversity of Joseph’s songcraft with its neo soul stylings augmented with lashings of guitar and a sweet reggae-infuse tempo change in the fade out... one for the dancefloor as well as for the soul.

And with ‘Find Me’, Joseph further morphs his musical template and connects with an uplifting soul-reggae vibe, it’s sway inducing, brass inflected groove rising to a more urgent crescendo before floating off into the sunset.

On the strength of this debut EP offering, the name Joseph Vea is one that we’re sure to be hearing a lot more of over the rest of 2021, and it will certainly be exciting to see where he takes things next.

O’LEARY & THE MUNSTER BUCKS 13 MARCH

SLIDING DOORS 26 MARCH

GAME OF TONES 27 MARCH

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

Anthony Gebhardt Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

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Words by Anthony Gebhardt

Padre: Taking A Stand Against Domestic Violence Local five-piece rock band with a conscience, Padre, are in the process of putting the finishing touches to their debut album, ‘Brown Town’, a concept album of sorts which focuses on the themes of domestic violence and its impacts on a small town regional Australian family.

As a precursor to the album’s upcoming release the band have just put out a gritty rocker called ‘Brown’ as a standalone single, which we review as part of this month’s New Music column.

As their recent hashtag #nomoresilencefordomesticviolence proclaims, the band have tackled the devastating subject head on, with their October 2020 single, ‘Furious’ raising almost $1500 for domestic violence charities.

Channelling both ramshackle indie rock as well as drawing a lineage to a classic Oz rock storytelling tradition, the band counts local legend Benny D Williams amongst its line up, and in the lead up to the forthcoming album release we chatted with Padre’s creative driving force, Jason Carter, about all things Padre.

Can you tell us a bit about how the Padre musical project came together and who's who in the band?

Padre started out as a jam night. As I lived on acreage in northern Gold Coast (Pimpama), we used to hold regular jam nights with all our musical friends, which we dubbed ‘Pimparamas’. Early into the piece, Dylan Phillips and I were jamming on a riff I had written the day before and it turned into what will be the seventh track on the forthcoming album. I then started writing in earnest -

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sequentially from track 1, as the album tells a story. We recorded the songs one at a time as they were written, in my home studio. Dylan plays the drums, Phil Slade the keys, Mick Radjkovic contributed to the bass and after asking my good friend Benny D Williams to engineer/mix the album, I asked him if he'd join on lead guitar.

What's your musical background prior to Padre?

Since high school I've always been in bands, always with Dylan unless it was a solo project/album. I self-taught guitar and then became a bit addicted to buying and 'learning' how to play lots of other instruments, at least the basics. The studio was full of random instruments and we tried to incorporate a lot of little things into the album (trumpets, banjo, percussive instruments, harmonica, etc).

Your first two singles (and recent fundraising drive) focus on the scourge of domestic violence. The statistics around it are truly shocking and confronting. What drove you to create a themed album around the issue – was it from a general sense of outrage and wanting to take a stand or was it more personal?

After living next door to a Women's Hostel in Brisbane for a few years and occasionally chatting to the residents, it really triggered an itch in me. I thought about doing a traditional fundraiser or trying to get some local religious/ charity groups interested in helping out practically, but it turns out that it's a government funded facility and while that's great, it makes everything a lot more complicated.

After stewing on it for a bit I then started writing songs, which turned into a story and then a full album. Besides this experience, some of the people closest to me currently and at various stages through my life have told me shocking stories about their domestic and family violence situations, Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

past and present. The last year with the lockdowns has further exacerbated an already horrible situation.

On the subject of the album, how's it shaping in regards to an official release – and will it tell a story (a la a concept album) or will the theme tie together a bit more loosely in relation to the tracks?

The album is completed. After Benny finished mixing, we took it down to Sydney to work with the talented Ben Feggans at Studios 301. We've just received our test pressing on vinyl and we aim to release it in the next few months. It is a story album from start to finish, focusing on a boy and his mother growing up with and breaking free of a violent, alcoholic father in small town Australia.

The album is called ‘Brown Town’ (the name of the family).

Will you be looking to play some live shows around its release (COVID permitting)?

Around-ish. I'm actually stuck in Singapore (well gee, it's a wonderful place to be 'stuck’) for a few more months due to COVID, so unfortunately, we won't be gigging until (hopefully) the second half of the year. We aim to do a post release tour of the east coast if conditions permit!

Be sure to follow and support Padre as they go about tackling domestic violence head on through the pending release of the diversely rocking concept album, ‘Brown Town’, which is due out in the second quarter of 2021.

In the meantime, you can wrap your ears around the albums second single, ‘Brown’, via digital streaming services. Keep abreast of all things Padre via their website, padretheband.com.

Selve unlocks trippy hotel quarantine single Words by Kylie Cobb

Get ready to enter the wild world of Selve, an electric Gold Coast alt-rock band releasing their new single and music video, The Pink Hotel, on 12 March, with a documentary to follow, chronicling their trippy, 10-day artist residency at Coolangatta’s iconic Pink Hotel during lockdown.

Recorded at Matt Corby’s Rainbow Valley studio and produced by Alex Henriksson (Tia Gostelow, Matt Corby), The Pink Hotel channels 1960s rock vibes with warped electric guitars, satirical lyrics and the sauntering vocals of enigmatic lead singer, Jabirr Jabirr man, Loki Liddle.

“Our residency at The Pink Hotel was a rebirth of Selve as a band. It happened to time with the first major lockdown, and let’s just say things got weird!” said Liddle.

“It was a crazy, creative time where we found ourselves furiously writing, conceptualising and experimenting sonically at 3am every night and emerged in a haze to a ghost town every day.

“The Pink Hotel is about embodying all the strange parts of ourselves and the influences that inspire them. It touches on how the great creative minds of the past had to pass to make way for new ones.

“The whole experience just begged for a Tarentinoesque film clip to match! You definitely get a sense of this very visceral and surreal experience in this song and video.”

For a relatively fresh band, Selve have already hit some milestones, showcasing at BIGSOUND; supporting Electric Fields at The Tivoli and Megan Washington at Brisfest; performing alongside Jessica Mauboy, Archie Roach and Mojo Juju; and receiving a competitive RADF grant.

Selve is a magical, mystical melting pot of culture, storytelling and mythology, old and new, that will transport you into its own world. A show that needs to be seen to be believed, prepare to have your socks rocked off at the Gold Coast single launch at Miami Marketta, 17 April.

Selve’s new single The Pink Hotel is available 12 March on all digital platforms with tickets on sale now for the live show at Miami Marketta, 17 April.

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GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENTS FOR 2021 Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) is set to return in 2021 with a jam-packed program of more than 100 films, panels, parties, and pop-up events across the Gold Coast and online from 14 to 25 April.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

The 12-day film festival will feature uniquely Gold Coast events including rooftop cinema, poolside flicks at QT Gold Coast, and outdoor movies in a brewery, alongside premiere film events, world cinema, a gala awards ceremony, and the festival’s first ever online program.

“Rain, hail, shine, or pandemic, there will be a festival in 2021 with all events and screenings shaped to stringent COVID safety guidelines, providing cinema-goers a safe environment,” says Gold Coast Film Festival Director, Aimee Lindorff.

Alongside a full program of films, to be announced in March, fan-favourite special events are once again on the line-up, with tickets available for purchase now:

screening of the teen cult classic that gave us tartan skirts and knee-high socks – Clueless.

Relax into your beanbag, drink in hand, as the sun goes down and watch the best movie of the 90’s under the stars, set against the city lights at this secret rooftop cinema at Australia Fair. As if!

Tickets are $35 and include guaranteed beanbag seating, complimentary drink on arrival and movie screening under the stars.

Restricted to ages 18+.

Friday 23 April, arrivals from 5pm for 6.30pm start | Australia Fair Shopping Centre

Over two weekends, enjoy six nights of family-friendly movies that will have the kids soaring with joy!

Films begin at 2pm each day: •

Thursday 8 April – Dumbo (PG)

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Friday 9 April – How To Train Your Dragon (PG)

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Saturday 10 April – Up (PG)

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Thursday 15 April – Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (G)

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Friday 16 April – Aladdin (PG)

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Saturday 17 April – Mary Poppins Returns (G)

women working in the Australian screen industry.

Hosted by Bern Young from ABC Gold Coast, with an introduction from Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich, this exclusive event includes a sumptuous seafood buffet and three-hour drinks package in the gorgeous surrounds of the Bazaar at QT Gold Coast. Enjoy an interactive dining experience with Bazaar chefs serving you while discussing the dishes and providing tasting notes along the way.

Friday 16 April, 12.00pm-3.00pm | Bazaar, QT Gold Coast

Visit skypoint.com.au for tickets.

Tickets are sold out for Women In Film Lunch. If you wish to be notified when more tickets become available, please join the waitlist below and we will email you if more tickets are released.

MUSIC & MOVIE TRIVIA

QT BITES: EAT THE SCREEN

BURLEIGH CINEMA LEGALLY BLONDE 20TH ANNIVERSARY PINK PARTY It’s time to bend and snack!

Grab your Delta-Nu girl gang and welcome sorority queen Elle Woods back to the screen for the 20th anniversary of Legally Blonde.

Head to The Green from 6pm to enjoy pink cocktails and courthouse munchies before the film screening at 7.30pm. Varied seating will be available including chairs, lounges and bean bags on a first-in basis.

Tickets $35, including a ‘Bend and Schnapps’ cocktail and ‘Warner’s Weiner’ hotdog on arrival.

Saturday 24 April | 6.00pm – 9.30pm | The Green, QT Gold Coast

Celebrate home-grown talent while sipping local craft beer as we bring you two nights of free films starring Aussie favourites on the outdoor screen at Burleigh Cinema at Burleigh Brewing.

Kicking off on Sunday night, swoon over a young Heath Ledger as he battles a criminal underlord (Bryan Brown) and wins the heart of indie darling Rose Byrne in the gritty crime comedy throwback Two Hands.

Then pull up a deck chair and see Gold Coaster Margot Robbie’s Oscar-nominated performance as embattled figure skating champion Tonya Harding in I, Tonya.

Gates open at 6pm, film screens at 7pm | Burleigh Brewing Co – 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads Sunday 18 April | Two Hands. Thursday 22 April | I, Tonya.

Free, registration required. Restricted ages 18+.

SKY HIGH CINEMA CLUELESS ON THE ROOFTOP

It’s time to grab your bestie and celebrate like Cher and Dionne with a special pop-up

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Gliding, flying, swooping, soaring! Fly high these April school holidays at the Gold Coast’s iconic sky-high location, SkyPoint, with films that celebrate the magic of flying, exploring our universe and feeling the wind beneath your wings.

Can you name every director in the Star Wars franchise in alphabetical order? Have you memorised the lyrics to the entire No Time to Die soundtrack? Were you the king of isolation trivia?

We’re on a mission to crown Gold Coast’s ultimate film and music trivia champions and want to have a lot of fun along the way. Teams of between two and five will come together for a night of cold hard facts and epic prizes presented in partnership with Gold Coast Music Awards and QT Gold Coast.

Book your tickets in advance, no tickets available at the door.

Tuesday 20 April | Ballroom, QT Gold Coast | 6pm arrivals for 6.45pm start Tickets: $14 | Age: Restricted ages 18+

WOMEN IN FILM LUNCH PRESENTED BY SCREEN QUEENSLAND

Returning in 2021, Women in Film Lunch, presented by Screen Queensland, celebrates the stories, perspectives and experiences of

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Eat the screen, QT’s ultimate sensory dining experience, will send your tastebuds wild.

Reach through the silver screen and devour the decadent meals dancing before your eyes with a curated food and film pairing where you can taste the meals from the movie.

Celebrate film, indulge in food and drink and escape around the world with your senses.

Includes: •

Japanese and Mexican food stations from Yamagen and Stingray

•

Three drinks – Japanese cocktail, Sake and Margarita

•

Three short films celebrating Japanese and Mexican cuisine

Thursday 15 April, 6pm – 9pm | The Green, QT Gold Coast | Tickets $85, restricted ages 18+.

All tickets can be purchased at gcfilmfestival. com.

Lecia Louise Breaks Through With My Everything Sassy lady-of-rock Lecia Louise is currently breaking out in a big way off the back of her cruisy summer anthem, ‘My Everything’, which has been tearing up the Triple J Unearthed charts across all genres.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

The talented singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso straddles effortlessly between classic 70’s musical genres such as bluesrock and soul, augmenting the laid-back vibe of her current single with some in-your-face rock attitude and serious guitar chops across her musical trajectory.

Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. He was wearing bright yellow and red clothes with a black vest and played with such energy, sexuality and passion. He finished by burning his guitar on stage. I was hooked and at that point I dedicated my life to playing guitar and making music.

And if this is your first taste of Lecia’s music then you may be surprised to learn that she’s been honing her craft for over 15 years now. Having toured extensively throughout Australia and overseas, performing with a plethora of this countries most respected performers and releasing six studio albums, she’s currently putting the finishing touches on her latest long player.

Has COVID and its impacts on touring and live performances opened up other musical doorways or creative outlets that you may have otherwise not pursued or considered?

Friday, 19 February saw her take time out from the studio to step back onto the stage at the Basement at HOTA in a rapturously received sold out performance.

We recently chatted with Lecia to get the inside scoop on ‘My Everything’, as well as discovering the impact that guitar god Jimi Hendrix had on setting her on her musical journey and finding out what she gets up to outside of music.

Congratulations on the success of your latest single, 'My Everything'. Did you suspect you were onto something special as the song took shape, and where do you rate it within your extensive back catalogue of music?

Thank you. I am really happy 'My Everything' made it to #1 across all genres on the Triple J unearthed charts. I put a lot of hours into my music so it is nice when you get a win like that.

I find it hard to tell which songs of mine will be successful.

While I was recording this track in Nashville and then back in Australia, producer Michael Flanders would often say “this is your number one hit Lecia.'” As we moulded the song together through recording, I really enjoyed how it felt and the production direction Flanders gave it worked effortlessly.

I am proud to have this song in my catalogue.

When did you start playing guitar and was there a defining moment or influence that set you on your musical and song writing pathway?

I started playing guitar at the age of 13. I will always remember the videos my step dad Alan showed me when I was in high school. One concert which really burnt an imprint on my mind was of Jimi Hendrix's electrifying performance at the

Absolutely. As we know, live streaming has become so popular since the arrival of COVID. Even though it is far from being the same as a live show, it is a great way to connect with new audiences and other artists. I gained more followers through lockdown streams and also built my musical network internationally. Occasionally I do collaborations with other artists who I would not normally get to play with.

COVID also forced me to dig through the vault to see what unreleased material I had. During the lockdown days, I released a digital album called 'Live in Germany.' It contains 9 tracks which I recorded while on tour in Germany throughout 2018 and it can only be purchased through my website shop, lecialouise.com/shop.

Are there any upcoming artists that have particularly grabbed your attention over the past 12 months?

Over the last 12 months I have enjoyed discovering the music of Fantastic Negrito, Nyssa Ray, Emma Donovan And The Putbacks, Eric Gail and guitarists on social media such as Larry Mitchell and Tora Dahle Aagard. On a side note, I am a big fan of LP and Don Walker.

Do you have any other particular hobbies or interests outside of music?

Spending time with the people I love. I also joined the gym again, which I find to be great for both body and mind. Most of the time however, I am spending time on my music, the promotion and marketing of my music or watching music concerts. Oh, but I do like the occasional Netflix binge.

Lecia Louise’s current single, ‘My Everything’, is available now via all major streaming platforms. She’s also got some exciting festival slots in the pipeline later in the year, which she’ll announce via her website lecialouisemusic.com and her socials. To read the full interview, visit blankgc.com.au.

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deserted mountaintop resort. As they discover an ice-breaker game laid out for them, dark secrets and truths are revealed amid a looming snowstorm and the winter bleakness. As they attempt to overcome their rivalries and find their way to safety, old jealousies, passions and resentments rise to the surface, creating a suffocating atmosphere of suspicion and deceit.

Whilst chatting about the main characters of ‘Shiver’, Allie felt like she most resonated with the female narrator, Milla Anderson.

“Milla is a total tomboy who lives and breathes sport. I guess in way, she’s a lot like me, only way more competitive - a trait that ends up being her downfall.

“Actually, there are a couple of other very competitive characters in Shiver who were inspired by some of the current top female snowboarders. I watched a plethora of their videos on YouTube and was just blown away by their skill and courage.

Shiver with Allie Reynolds Heralded as one of the most gripping thrillers of the year, ‘Shiver’, the debut novel by Gold Coast author, Allie Reynolds, is a sinister, psychological tale that will leave you holding your breath at every page.

Words by Prudence Clark

Drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie’s, ‘And Then There Were None’, as well as spending five years in the European and Canadian mountains as a semi-professional snowboarder, Allie believed the mountainous backdrop was the perfect setting for a thriller.

“Given the fact that one wrong step in an environment riddled with cliffs, crevasses and avalanches could literally result in your death, the mountains seemed like the ideal environment to base my novel,” she said.

“Basically, I took the concept of Christie’s characters being invited to a remote location under false pretences, then left stranded there with a killer in their midst, and gave it a contemporary twist. Think ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer meets ‘The X Games’!”

‘Shiver’ takes you on the chilling ride of a reunion weekend in the French Alps that turns deadly as five friends, who haven’t seen each other for ten years, discover that someone has in fact deliberately left them stranded at a

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“I also drew inspiration from watching and reading about other professional athletes.

During one particular interview, a sportsman said that his rival was one of the most competitive people on earth and throughout their professional sporting relationship, played constant mind games with him.

“When I heard that, my brain went into overdrive and I began imagining the deadly consequences of such games, consequences that in a roundabout way, also found their way into the book,’ she said.

Faced with one of the most difficult challenges authors come up against- writing in a dual timeline, Allie stuck it out through the use of the trusty ol’ post-it note. “’Shiver’ alternates between the present day, when the characters are stranded at their mountaintop reunion and ten years earlier, when they were young athletes training in the resort. I found it really complicated deciding what to reveal and when. I finally got there in the end though by plotting the scenes onto post-it notes and shuffling them about for hours to find the best order,’ she said.

“Who would’ve thought a yellow post-it note and a whiteboard could be an author’s best friend?”

Perhaps more driven and competitive than she would like to reveal, rather than resting on her laurels following the success of ‘Shiver’, Allie is already penning another novel.

“I've been super busy writing my next book, another thriller, set on a remote beach here in Australia. Although, in saying that, I do try and get to one of our beautiful beaches most days for surfing, swimming, snorkelling, walking, or just hanging out with my kids,” she said.

“Living on the Gold Coast is definitely a far cry from my snowboarding days in the mountains, but I haven’t looked back since.”

Anna Carey’s global arts practice One of the recent Griffith University Queensland College of Art graduates, Anna Carey, has taken her homegrown creativity and passion and transferred it to the other side of the Pacific. This Gold Coast-born, now LA-based artist interweaves model-making, drawing and photography into fictive architectural, urban spaces from cities such as Gold Coast, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs.

Words by Anna Itkonen

Anna finished her post-graduate studies last year, and according to her own words, it took a pandemic lockdown to focus without distractions.

memory is like that of an elephant to the smallest visual detail. She works from her intuition, her gut feeling coming before rational thought.

"Good news is that is done, so now I'm finally getting back into the studio working on a new series based on psychic shops. I've been watching a lot of supernatural tv shows to escape from my very dull, groundhog day existence, and I can't help express this mood in my work.

"I am not very analytical or good with numbers, so I think the work is just my mind dwelling in its natural habitat."

"Also, since I've only been in LA, it is a reaction to my environment. These psychic shops surround me all over the city.”

Anna described her work to us.

"All [my work] is a bit different, but I usually start with a familiar place I encounter or a photograph which triggers a memory or feeling in me. This experience is the base of each work, and I want to make a similar place to create the same familiar feeling for the viewer. Like a moment of Déjà vu.

"I use my own imagination to fill in the blanks, and in turn, this creates a global, generic style and memory which brings up that strange yet familiar feeling for the viewer. I then photograph the model outside with the natural landscape or add a backdrop similar to a set. The photograph creates a disorientating experience similar to the strange yet familiar feeling we have when encountering a place that brings up memories."

Anna has described her mind as very photographic and equally as dreamy. Her

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Like many in the younger generations, Anna is very much a citizen of the world, and her views on life, politics and art reflect this. "[Los Angeles] is very different to the Gold Coast because the COVID numbers are dramatically worse here. We have basically been in lockdown for the whole year and can go back into a lockdown at any time," she explained.

"I think that art always plays an important role in times of crisis as many people lean towards it for relief, healing and connection. However, like most industries today, art is suffering.

"The art world does exist in a hierarchical and capitalist reality, and what 2020 has revealed to everyone is that the less fortunate people in this reality are the ones that are suffering," Anna continued.

"I don't think that the art world is all that different. It is important to support and advocate for the less fortunate, local and emerging artists who are not benefiting from the capitalist system. The same [as it is] with inequality, racism, and climate change!"

Find our more about Anna and her work at annacarey.net.

Go big or go home (of the arts) Gold Coast cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts has recently announced two major outdoor artworks ahead of the opening of the new HOTA Gallery - Australia’s largest public gallery outside a capital city.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll - Photography by Anna Kucera

Commissioned by HOTA, the acclaimed artists, Queensland Waanyi artist Judy Watson and Sri-Lankan born, Sydney based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran will create bold new outdoor artworks responding to the site and welcoming visitors to the gallery. These new sculptural installations will be installed ahead of the opening of the new $60.5 million HOTA Gallery on 8 May 2021.

Responding to the history of the site and local Indigenous people, Brisbane based artist Judy Watson will present a multi-part installation which will serve as a place of gathering, education, knowledge, and ceremony for all visitors.

Surrounded by Indigenous native plantings, this layered, sculptural garden work includes a pathway forming a topographical map depicting the Nerang prior to European settlement. Piccabeen basket and dilly bag sculptures designed in collaboration with Quandamooka artists Libby Harward and Elisa Jane Carmichael will loop through the space and a two-metre tall feather canopy will provide a place for shelter. Local language and motifs will be sandblasted onto the bleachers that encompass the site, expressing cultural knowledges, histories and stories.

Watson is known for examining Indigenous Australian histories through public artworks and this mediative installation is a space for visitors to learn about the Indigenous culture that lies within the ground and air.

“The past lives within us,” says Judy.

“Ancestor’s dilly bags and baskets held within Australian and International collections are intertwined by the memory strands connecting contemporary Aboriginal artists work, in this case, Libby Harward and Elisa Jane Carmichael.

“The sculptural elements point to Aboriginal continuity and survival. The eagle feathers shelter and protect, the shells and stones embedded within the river form take us on a journey.

We listen to those who came before and follow them to our future.”

For his first ambitious work in the public domain, contemporary artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran (pictured) has created a monumental six-metre high, double-sided sculpture to be located at the lower ground entrance to the gallery.

Predominantly composed of bronze, Ramesh has combined a range of materials including concrete, neon and fibreglass

to create a multi-coloured avatar reflecting the vibrancy of the HOTA Gallery building. Holding a neon sketched figure companion and standing on a geometric plinth, this is Nithiyendran’s largest sculpture to date and will welcome visitors inside the gallery with outstretched arms and expressive and commanding tones.

“In the context of the building and that space, I think you need something that’s quite bold and eye catching first of all to anchor to that location,” Ramesh tells us.

“I was looking at lots of big sculpture in public space and I wanted to present a work that had a bit of humour but also kind of engaged critically with some of the other kinds of large bronze sculptures seen in public spaces.”

Ramesh also drew influences from the Gold Coast’s own aesthetic.

“I’d never actually been to the Gold Coast prior to the site visit so I thought the best thing to do would be to get a sense of the urban vernacular of Surfers Paradise where I was staying,” he explains.

“I think what struck me about that area was I noted lots of fibreglass animals around; koalas and cows. The other thing I noticed was the kind of retail signage which was often electricity-based so it was neon or LED and often polychromatic, at a level I hadn’t really seen in another city, so I wanted to think about those materials and use them creatively in my work.”

The $60.5 million HOTA Gallery will be the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia, spanning six levels and presenting a dynamic program of world premiere international exhibitions, Australian exclusives and new commissions.

Designed by award-winning Melbourne-based architects ARM, the gallery will include over 2,000m2 of AAA rated, international standard exhibition space and a dedicated Children’s Gallery, and will be home to the $32 million City Collection, consisting of more than 4,400 artworks (including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in regional Australia).

The HOTA Gallery opens official on 8 May 2021. Visit hota. com.au for more.

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Amanda Parer heads Beyond The Sand The world premiere of internationally renowned Australian artist Amanda Parer’s latest artwork will be taking centrestage at Beyond the Sand this March, as art lovers flock to the Surfers Paradise beachfront for this epic arts festival.

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

The free multi-medium cultural event will unveil Amanda Parer’s biggest art installation ‘Lost’, a never before seen larger-than-life artwork featuring rare botanicals that will be scattered throughout Surfers Paradise from 13 -21 March, transforming the beachfront into a vibrant floral inspired wonderland.

We caught a few minutes with Amanda as the project was in the process of being assembled.

Where did the idea for ‘Lost’ come from?

My artwork themes are centred around human’s experiences and relationship with the natural world, so this new piece ‘Lost’ is an extension of that. They’re all giant flowers and leaves and as you approach the artwork you’ll possibly just see beautiful flowers, but in fact they’re all endangered and extinct species. I like to entice people in with works that on the surface look like cute or beautiful, even friendly pieces, but there’s always a bit of undertone for people to contemplate and explore if they choose to do so.

How did you choose the species to include?

Once I started researching there were sadly so many pieces that were endangered or extinct to choose from. But I had to choose which ones suited aesthetically as a design so all the species are represented from each continent, just to bring home the fact that this is a global problem.

What are you most looking forward to about your visit to the Gold Coast for the installation?

The water’s a little bit cold here in Tasmania! Haha. So I’m looking forward to a warmer swim.

I’ve heard this referred to as your biggest work yet; how would you define that in terms of hours, preparation, actual size, or resources?

Probably all of the above, but what I like about doing installation work is that once you place more than one piece around in a given space it takes on the environment around it rather than being a sculpture that you walk around. There are eight separate pieces displayed up and down the

Dracula’s: Resurrected Who would have thought a Gold Coast dinner theatre would be one of the first live entertainment venues to re-open in Australia?

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Gold Coast’s own Dracula’s Cabaret became a flickering pilot light for the entertainment industry in Australia when it reopened last year, resurrecting its blood-curdling nightly shows with ghoulish glee.

The Newman family, who own and operate the famed Dracula’s Cabaret, have faced many challenges since opening their first theatre in Melbourne in 1964 and incredibly they have had a live stage show operating every week of every year for 56 years, without closing a single week - until COVID-19 hit, and the theatre was forced to close for 17 weeks.

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Esplanade, so it’ll definitely be the biggest in terms of surface area.

You’ve worked on beaches and sand before, do they present any unique challenges to your work?

Only in the sense that they keep their form with a continually blowing air blower inside the piece and sometimes the blower sucks in air so the risk is that sand gets sucked in too, but sand is a relatively benign object to get sucked in.

Previously known as Sand Safari, Beyond The Sea is a reimagined event that is going beyond existing offerings with eight largescale installations, unique artworks from up-and-coming artists and activities and workshops. The event will also feature the annual Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, performances, and roving entertainment.

The forced closure prompted innovation of the product and the family-led team worked hard to deliver a reopening plan which saw them leading the way for a return to COVID safe entertainment.

In July 10 2020, the doors of the theatre reopened to a reduced capacity of just over 200 instead of the regular 500 + seats and patrons are able to enjoy the show in their groups.

In addition, Dracula’s rose from the crypt with a brand new vampire variety show in tow, that will see the crew take their particular brand of bawdy revelry to the stage at The Palms, in Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

This travelling show, dubbed Dracula’s: The Resurrection Tour, will be unleashed on unsuspecting southern audiences with fan favorite and most requested acts, live rock music, sultry burlesque, jaw-to-the-floor costumes and razor’s edge comedy.

Luke Newman, Dracula’s Production Manager, is over the moon about the return to where it all began.

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Beyond the Sand’s enormous installations and activations will capture the attention of the social media savvy with an offering perfect for any post and unique social media opportunities for the audience to fully immerse themselves in the celebration on art.

This year’s art festival will feature a circustheme across nine captivating days and nights. The event will support Gold Coast accommodation providers by driving overnight visitation and encouraging visitors and local residents to come in early and stay late, to fully experience the Gold Coast’s art community offering.

Beyond the Sand runs on the Esplanade at Surfers Paradise from 13 to 20 March, 10am to 9pm daily. Visit beyondthesandgc. com for more.

“We’re taking the full-on Dracula’s show experience on the road,” he exclaims.

“Get ready for some original kitsch hysteria, with our signature underground style of vaudeville. Melbourne, we’re back!”

The Entertainment Industry has a spotlight on Dracula’s who have been able to get cast and crew back to doing what they love – delivering world-class entertainment.

Entertainment-starved hordes are returning to fill the house each night from Thursday to Saturday, dying to slake their thirst for live shows, with record bar and souvenir sales attesting to the ongoing popularity of this long-running dinner cabaret.

Dracula’s have been able to open four days a week with now 100% capacity, with the team working tirelessly to make the venue COVID-safe for its guests.

Visit draculas.com.au/tour for bookings, and to find out more about the Melbourne touring show.

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Mandy Nolan gets political

incredibly popular and delicious - and other organic produce he purchases from local growers.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Recently Blank visited Andrew on his property to chat about farming, philosophy and everything in between.

When we asked Andrew what drew him to farming, he replied “freedom”, something his 350 chooks also get to experience.

The free range chickens happily graze over a one-hectare fenced enclosure in the mornings and evenings, and roam freely about his property during the day. The hens on the farm live happily amongst organic bananas and black sapote trees.

Andrew even goes to the effort to rehome hens that no longer lay or have moved their way to the bottom of the pecking order within the flock. Giving these hens to a local rehoming agency allows older gals to live a happy life as a family pet or with a carer.

“We are all simply organisms, living within a symbiotic relationship with other organisms on this planet,” says Andrew.

Anyone who has read, watched, followed or chatted to comedian, author and activist Mandy Nolan knows she’s not afraid to get political in her work. Now she’s upping the ante by getting political on a whole new level, by running as a candidate for the Greens in the federal electoral division of Richmond in far Northern New South Wales.

Historically, the division has been a Nationals stronghold, a pattern Mandy is seeking to disrupt.

her. As followers of her writings, we felt certain she was going to turn her boundless energy into major action at some point.

“Australia needs leaders that represent their community, not their corporate donors,” she says.

Mandy believes also, that things have been building up to this moment.

“The Greens don’t take donations from corporations trying to buy influence, so by voting to put a Greens MP in Parliament, you’re sending a message to the Nationals and Labor that inaction on the climate crisis and skyrocketing economic inequality isn’t good enough.”

Mandy has lived, worked and campaigned in the region for over three decades.

She has been a vocal campaigner on the housing crisis on the North Coast, which has the highest rate of homelessness in NSW and is the author of a weekly column in the Echo.

“Look, I can write about change and I can talk about these issues. It’s like a natural progression in a sense I’ve been here for over 30 years and for over 20 of them I’ve been having these kind of conversations with my local community.

“People have been saying to me for years that I could do something about it all.

“You know I’m not a career politician, I’m not a lawyer, I’m coming from a place of grassroots political activism, and I’m committed to making a change.”

“I love this region a lot,” she tells us. “I believe we’ve been left behind at a regional level and at a local level. I’m excited about getting things happening, particularly looking at our housing issues and our coastal erosion issues, as well as bringing more of the arts and embracing all of the amazing talent that we have in this region.”

Mandy knows she’s got a big job ahead of her, but she’s prepared to tackle it head on.

Blank has written about Mandy’s work in the entertainment sector many times over the years, and although we’re an apolitical publication, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t think this move was a good fit for

“I may be a comedian, but politics is no joke,” she says. “For years, I’ve fought to give a voice to the voiceless in our community, now I’m going to take that fight to Canberra.”

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Meet you at the Markets: Part 1 Gandhi said, ‘be the change in the world.’ So let’s be that change. By shopping locally and with small business we can be very decisive with who our money goes to.

Meet you at the Markets is a column where you get to meet local farmers and stall holders and become a part of our market community.

Words and photograph by Dani Teveluwe

20 minutes from Murwillumbah you will find Andrew Price’s organic farm; One hundred lush acres dotted with fruit trees and orchards, banana plantations and chickens feeding and grazing freely.

You may know Andrew from the friendly greeting you receive from his stall at Burleigh Markets every Saturday where he sells his top quality, organic and free range eggs -

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As a farmer he creates and cultivates a mutually beneficial system for plants, animals and all other living things. This energy transfer, his attention and care, is the energy exchange in which he harvests a bountiful crop of bananas, capote, lemonades, eggs.

Everything is an energy exchange.

The farmer rears and cares for our stock and produce, we then pay the farmer for the time and attention they invested cultivating their produce which we then consume to sustain ourselves.

Having started farming as an industrial farmer, he has witnessed the negative impacts of chemical treatments, and oil-based fertilisers reducing the eating quality of the produce and increases the chance of disease.

Organic farming simply takes more work.

You are required to individually mulch and fertilise each plant – the chickens help with this too. Prune back, irrigate and care for each living thing, however it pays off tenfold with the quality of produce. Where attention goes, energy flows.

Moving forward Andrew is expanding his flock to service the Northey Organic Markets in Brisbane and is progressively planting more orchards which he plans to harvest in the years to come.

You can catch Andrew every Saturday morning at the Burleigh Markets. He’s the one of the first stalls as you enter the produce section.

Say hi and buy a carton of eggs off him – just please leave some for us!

Dragonflies and Damselflies Words by Samantha Morris

The Gold Coast covers 1,330 square kilometres and includes more than 80 suburbs housing 600,000 people. Within it there are 65 native vegetation types with more than half of the city covered in native vegetation. The city is also home to some 85 species of damselflies and dragonflies, with another 21 species recorded within 100km of the city boundary in the past 40 years.

A new publication by Gold Coast residents and entomologists Narelle Power and Damian White, alongside Chris Burwell explores these stunning animals in beautiful detail.

vegetation across the Gold Coast lends itself to a decent diversity of damselflies and dragonflies. They’re common where most of us live – local creeks and streams, river edges, ponds and even swamps.

“Damian and I have been photographing and documenting the dragonflies and damselflies of Australia for over 20 years, and observing them for well over 30 years,” author Narelle Power told Blank.

“You can often find the smaller species of damselflies on the edges of creeks,” Narelle explained, “they will settle on the vegetation around the water. If you look closely and pay attention, you can see them darting about catching other insects to eat.”

They both studied entomology at university, having been passionate about insects from a very young age.

“Dragonflies and damselflies lend themselves to both amateur and professional observation, similar to birds in many ways,” Narelle explained, “they are incredibly beautiful to photograph, and when you observe them for extended periods of time, you begin to recognise their habits and behaviours.”

‘Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Gold Coast’ published two months ago, is a 103-page tribute (and field guide) to the insect order Odonata found across the city. Odonata is made up of two suborders – Zygoptera (damselflies) and Anisoptera (dragonflies). It’s challenging to tell the two apart and the book gives you some insights into how to do that. It also explores the insects’ life stages as well as habitat and structural features of the insects.

Despite what you might think about the city and its penchant for development, the fact that we’ve retained 50% native

“The larger dragonflies you can see patrolling the creeks, and even patrolling patches of sunlight between trees. Many are fairly territorial, and if you observe them, you can see they will often return to a particular stick or piece of vegetation over and over again.”

That doesn’t mean these insects have it easy. Clearing around waterways is still the primary threat to dragonflies and damselflies and loss of habitat – both on land and water is having a detrimental impact on their ongoing survival.

The book is a visual feast for the senses with stunning colour imagery captured on every page. Books have sold as far afield as Western Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania and other councils are getting in on the act, snapping up Narelle and Damian’s special talents for their own field guides.

“We were commissioned to produce a series of five books for Ipswich City Council,” she said. Those books cover frogs and reptiles, fishes and other aquatic life, birds and mammals.

“Logan City Council also provided funds to produce a book for their local residents, Wildlife of Logan, which also included spiders, bees and ants.”

Those books come on the back of other guides focussed on our own city: ‘Wildlife of the Gold Coast’ and ‘Frogs of the Gold Coast’, both published in partnership with Loders Creek Catchment Association.

Narelle notes though that for some species, the development of parklands which include ponds and dams has to lead to an increase in their numbers.

“The Frog book covers all species found within the Gold Coast City Council region,” Narelle said. “The Wildlife book covered a range of vertebrate and invertebrate groups including butterflies, cicadas, fishes, frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals.”

“Climate change also appears to be having a significant impact, with many species formally only found north of the Gold Coast now appearing in greater numbers as they colonise areas further south,” she said.

Working in this space brings with in unique challenges, especially on the Gold Coast but Narelle says it’s “vitally important” to study our natural environment as well as document the fauna species we see every day.

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“We work as consultants doing fauna surveys throughout Queensland, and even when we aren't working, we are out in the bush looking for wildlife.”

“Although the Gold Coast like many cities, has suffered from loss of habitat and an increase in population, it still has over 50% vegetation cover and many protected areas, including City Council reserves and National Parks, and continues to provide extensive habitat for the numerous common and threatened species which call Southeast Queensland home,” she said.

“We feel that the more people understand and appreciate nature, the more they will do to ensure we don't lose what we have - you only protect what you understand and love,” Narelle said.

‘Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Gold Coast’ by Narelle Power, Damian White and Chris Burwell is available for just $15 from Gold Coast Botanic Gardens and Piccabeen Bookshop (Mount Tamborine).

You can also order direct from the author at narelle.power@ddwfauna.com.au.

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Somerset Storyfest releases massive 2021 program

Somerset Storyfest’s Writers’ Festival have released their 2021 programme bursting with events and workshops by stellar Australian authors to excite writers of all ages.

Wordsmiths and bookworms will have the opportunity to celebrate all things literature during the annual week-long event held on the Gold Coast on 13 to 20 March.

Storyfest CEO and Festival Director, Andrea Lewis is thrilled the literary event will be going ahead with an array of immersive events to nurture emerging writers.

“Following what was a traumatic year last year and having to cancel the event last minute, we are thrilled to be able to deliver a 2021 Festival,” she said.

“Storyfest will be one of the first significant events to return to the Gold Coast and schools from across Queensland are looking forward to this year’s event for their students.”

Storyfest’s programme aims to inspire, educate and captivate students through a range of immersive digital and storytelling workshops including Visual Narrative, Podcast Workshop, and Writing Stories That Matter.

“From the moment we announced Storyfest would be going ahead, we’ve received an influx of enquiries from schools eager to be involved,” Ms Lewis said.

“Some schools, like Longreach School of Distance Education and Murgon State Primary School will travel from regional Queensland to attend through the very generous support from our sponsors.

Students and adults will have the opportunity to meet with some of Australia’s most notable authors and visual storytellers including children’s author Andrew Daddo, adventurer and author Tim Cope, and young rising star of Queensland Poetry, Evelyn Araluen.

Renowned Australian author Melina Marchetta, known for her young adult novel Looking for Alibrandi, will also be meeting with aspiring novelists and will be sharing exclusive insight as to life as a writer.

“I’m very excited to be involved in this year’s event and helping to educate and inspire writers of all ages,” Ms Marchetta said.

Stone Cold Killer: Ollie Twohill Local one-man band Ollie Twohill is rapidly gaining the attention and admiration of anyone who enters his stompboxing, pedal-looping musical radius. Having honed his chops on the streets of busker-dom, the twenty-one-year-old Northern Rivers local has successfully transferred his street savvy sound (gritty and raw while infused with an upbeat and melodic core) to both the studio and to performance venues, culminating in the pending release of his powerful new single, ‘Stone Cold Killer’, which was recorded on the Gold Coast.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt

The song tells the tale of a bank robbery gone wrong and channels a dark and moody acoustic-noir bent while simultaneously delivering a memorably catchy chorus. You can check out our review of the track as part of Zac Fahey’s March New Music column.

To celebrate the launch of ‘Stone Cold Killer’, Ollie will be performing a very special show within the spectacular confines of the newly refurbished Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah on 27 March, where he will be playing two of his self-professed ‘heavy acoustic’ sets, followed by a special premiere screening of the film clip he recently made for the song, together with videographer Trevor Worden.

Read on for all the background on the clip as well as gaining an insight into Ollie’s background and where he’s looking to take his music.

Congratulations on your new single, ‘Stone Cold Killer’.

Can you put us in the picture on the inspiration behind it?

Thank you so much! I took big inspiration from watching the opening scene in 'Batman, The Dark Knight', where the Joker and his goons try to rob a bank.

The cross-genre Australian writer will be sharing her stories, wit, insight and context of some her massive range of novels and stories.

I was approached by filmmaker Trevor Worden who attended my previous single launch late last year. Trevor took the storyline to another level in directing a video that captures the intent and storyline of my song perfectly. Obviously I don't condone violence or crime but the song is written and narrated in third person by the victim being robbed and him reliving the crime and the unnecessary horror of the loss of an innocent life. The perpetrator initially celebrates and glorifies his deed, however soon realises that it’s a big mistake that will ruin his life forever, let alone the victim’s family. The video was shot over two days in Murwillumbah and featured two Gold Coast actors, Josh Lacy and Bridgette Armstrong.

Storyfest will operate under a COVID safe plan with more details on their website. A full programme of events can be found storyfest.com.au. Storyfest offers a variety of free community events although registration is required for contact tracing purposes.

You’ve got a single launch scheduled for the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah on 27 March. Will you be performing solo or with your new rhythm section? And are you looking to lock in a permanent backing band or

“I’ll be hosting three sessions throughout the festival where I’ll be speaking candidly about the working life of a writer and giving exclusive insight into the tools of my trade.”

Fun for all ages, internationally bestselling adults and children’s author Fiona McIntosh will be hosting a night to remember during the Literary Long Table which takes place on Friday 19 March commencing at 6.00pm.

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are you happy to work with an array of session musicians as the need arises now that you’re playing bigger venues?

Yes, I'm extremely excited about my single launch at the Regent as it has been recently refurbished and is such a beautiful and iconic art deco building. It's lovely and has a very different vibe compared to a traditional music venue.

I’ll be playing my solo acoustic heavy music that will feature two sets of 45 minutes of originals and I will end the night showing my new film clip for ‘Stone Cold Killer’ on the big screen.

Moving forward I’m looking to play with a rhythm section at larger venues in the second half of 2021 whilst still playing solo at venues that don't suit a band.

Where would you like to take your music for the rest of 2021 and beyond?

I've got so much planned for 2021. I'm going to be releasing five singles this year to build my song catalogue. I will continue to play solo in the interim until I’m convinced that my band is really tight before performing then I’ll be ramping up playing live gigs around the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.

I’ll also be heading into the studio with Dylan and the Hamilton brothers to record three more songs to release in the second half of 2021. I’ll continue to do heaps of songwriting so that I have a back catalogue of songs to select six single releases in 2022.

Ollie Twohill’s impressive new single, ‘Stone Cold Killer’, will be released on all streaming platforms on Thursday 25 March, whilst the striking video for the track will premiere on the big screen at the conclusion of Ollie’s launch show for it, at The Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah on 27 March.

Tickets for the launch can be found at the-regent.com. au. The film clip will be officially released on Monday 29 March through his website ollietwohillmusic.com and via his YouTube channel.

Getting Higher With Budjerah Breakout indigenous singer-songwriter Budjerah Slabb was always destined to channel his musical gifts, growing up in a vibrantly musical household and having the seminal sounds of 60’s soul and gospel greats such as Aretha Franklin and Sam Cook embedded into his musical DNA. Words by Anthony Gebhardt

2020 saw him stake his own claim as an artist of rare talent, releasing a rapturously received debut single, ‘Missing You’, which alighted at the top of the Triple J Unearthed charts, a track which melds his impeccable influences into his own unique and contemporary indie-pop and r&b concoction.

The talented eighteen year old is based in Fingal Head in the Northern Rivers region, traditionally owned by Bundjalung people, from whom Budjerah is descended. He has recently teamed up with award winning producer Matt Corby, whose studio is located close by and the two have developed a fruitful musical partnership which has further blossomed with the release of Budjerah’s brand new track, ‘Higher’.

Masterfully melding 70’s disco-soul with a splash of gospel, the track is a joyous celebration that showcases Budjerah’s breathtaking vocals and is the perfect forerunner for his upcoming debut EP, which is scheduled to be unveiled on 26 March.

In the lead up we managed to have a broad ranging chat with Budjerah, where he delves into his background and influences, how he goes about channelling his muse and where his new music will take him for the rest of 2021.

How long have you been writing and performing music and was there a catalyst that put you on your musical pathway?

I've always loved singing but I didn't start performing until I started high school. I auditioned for the school musical and I was really nervous in the lead-up to the actual show but once

it started and I was performing I really loved it and all my nerves were gone.

I wrote my first song when I was 15 for a music assignment in school as well, I left it to the night before to do and I freaked out and ran to my dad for help. It turned out really good, I got a B and my mum put it on Facebook and people seemed to really like it so I decided to keep going with it.

Can you put us in the picture with your new single, ‘Higher’ – what was the inspiration behind the track and how did the song writing and recording process play out?

For most of my songs the inspiration comes from my mood and feeling in the moment, it's a very honest expression of what I'm feeling at different times. For ‘Higher’ I was having a really good week, I was super happy and I couldn't sit still, I wanted to dance. Writing and recording this song was really fun, Matt Corby and I were just jamming the whole time and it just came together super easy, we just had fun.

You've also got your debut EP about to come out. Are your lead-in singles indicative of the vibe of the EP and how did you come to work with Matt Corby on it?

The EP is coming along very nicely, I'm so excited and can't wait for it to come out! ‘Missing You’ and ‘Higher’ express a lot of emotion and soul, they're a good starter to prepare you for the other tracks on the EP, where I go deeper into my own feelings and explore the more technical and creative side of my music.

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I'm so happy I got to work with Matt on this. I met him when I was 16 - I opened for him at a concert and we decided to write some songs together. I think it was meant to be because the songs on the EP are the first songs we wrote together. It just happened for us and I'm really thankful for Matt because he's a really good friend and I don't think the music would have been the same without him.

Who are a few of your biggest musical inspirations, both formative and current?

Some of my biggest inspirations are old school soul and gospel singers. I grew up listening to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin and learned a lot for them vocally and from their song-writing as well. Some on my current inspirations are Beyoncé and D'Angelo, I really love their singing as well.

Outside of music what do you enjoy doing? And do you have a favourite 'hang out' place or venue?

I really like playing videos games - Legend of Zelda is my favourite. I like surfing a little bit too, but I'm not super good, my sisters are heaps better. I like hanging out with my friends and going to different food places, I like trying new things and going to new places. Feels like I'm on an adventure.

Having announced himself as a major new talent to be reckoned with, Budjerah has certainly got what it takes to take his musical journey to the next level. Be sure to check out his joyous new single, ‘Higher’, available on all major streaming platforms. And keep a placeholder next to the date of 26 March, when his debut EP will see the light of day.

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This Means (Jess) war: Rapper Signs with Inertia Jesswar is an artist who we’ve long championed within the pages of Blank. The ex-pat Gold Coast artist (now based just up the road in Brisbane, on Yugambeh/Kombumerri land ) is a compelling presence on the Australian hip-hop scene, with her tough as nails, righteous raps a conduit for emblazoning her proud Fijian heritage and emboldening women to stand proud and step forth.

Five reasons you should go to Blues on Broadbeach in 2021 Ahhh our beloved Blues on Broadbeach. Fans of this epic event (including us) were absolutely devastated when COVID prevented it from going ahead in 2020. But now it’s back and raring to go in May 2021 with a lineup of musical royalty that will get you shaking in your shoes.

Words by Anthony Gebhardt - Photograph by James Hornsby and Georgia Wallace

Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

With the first lineup announcement including such musical gems as Tommy Emmanuel, The Black Seeds and Christine Anu, we cannot wait to see who the upcoming announcements will feature.

But like any amazing festival, it’s not only about the music.

The Weather

Here are five solid non-musical reasons why Blues on Broadbeach needs to be marked down as a MUST DO in your May 2021 diary:

The Food

The Peeps

People who love live music are always a tonne of fun. But there’s a special vibe that comes from down-and-dirty, cool-ascucumbers blues and roots lovers that you only find at a tiny handful of events, like our own Blues on Broadbeach. This lineup of unbelievable talent attracts real music lovers who are super keen to celebrate, laugh, dance and party all night long, and they’re a fabulous bunch to be around.

Make some new BFFs or just sit with a drink and people-watch to your heart’s content. But don’t take a shot every time you see a fedora, or you’ll be in trouble.

The Convenience

Feel like walking to your bed and crashing after a big day of tunes? There is a plethora of accommodation in Broadbeach to suit every taste and budget, so you might as well make a full experience of it by booking to stay with some mates for the festival’s duration. Some venues even overlook the stages so you can watch and listen to the bands without leaving the comfort of your own balcony. Rockin’ out in your PJs? Don’t mind if we do!

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May is a simply stunning time to be wandering around the Gold Coast. Not too hot, not too cold. Crisp, clear days and blue, cloudless skies give way to cooler nights, perfect for dancing under the stars.

Broadbeach ain’t considered the Gold Coast’s best dining precinct for nothing.

It plays hosts to some of the Gold Coast’s most popular restaurants that cover a range of cuisines such as Cuban, Moroccan, Vegan, Modern Australian, Italian, Greek, and as always, a surfeit of Asian and Asian-fusion options to delight the most discerning diner, from cheep and cheerful to fine dining. The main problem is choosing where to go!

She’s dropping her hotly anticipated debut EP, ‘TROPIXX’ on 5 March, which has been preceded by the release of a powerful new single, ‘Medusa’, it’s tough, relentless aura and hydra-headed statement of defiance and resolve breathing the same claustrophobic air of artists such as Bristol trip hop outlier Tricky. Medusa’s creepingly ominous vibe is mirrored in its striking video clip, which was produced by Colin Jeffs and Jeff Bar, who also put together the clip for her previous single, the equally striking call-to-arms ‘Venom’.

The release of ‘TROPIXX’ has been hotly anticipated for some time, and for Jesswar it’s been a case of purging herself through her art in order to come out stronger on the other side.

“Some of the songs from this project were written way back in 2017,” she explains.

The Beach

How many of the world’s best music festivals also boast a location adjacent to one of the most stunning stretches of beach in the world? Our guess is there aren’t that many, and Blues on Broadbeach is right at the top of the pack. People come from everywhere to hang at our beaches. So be sure to take advantage of your proximity to nature by getting your toes in the sand between sets.

Blues on Broadbeach runs from 20 to 23 May. The second lineup announcement will be dropping on 10 March, so keep your eyes peeled, and head over to bluesonbroadbeach.com for more.

“The years leading up until now have led me to where I finally feel like I’m in a really calm place. When writing TROPIXX I was going through a lot in my personal life and work life. I was tired of being talked down to and undermined, so writing TROPIXX was self-care for me. I finally felt like I got everything out through my art.”

To coincide with the EP’s release, Jesswar also recently signed a deal to join the Inertia Music / (PIAS) Recordings roster of artists, as opportunity for which she is over the moon.

“I feel super grateful to be working with Inertia/[PIAS]! I actually got the opportunity to show them my work during lockdown last year. There's a really beautiful sense of community at Inertia

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and I’m super excited to be working amongst some really beautiful people.”

The year of 2020 was no different for Jesswar than for many other artists struggling to come to terms with pandemic-related impacts, but in typically fighting fashion she took it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance in order to diversify her artistic skill set.

“For me, the biggest thing I learned through COVID is to work with what you got” she tells us.

“Make the best with what you got around you. It also taught me to think on my feet as anything could change at any given second.

I started diving into more production and focusing on building visuals for the videos we were creating. I feel through all the roadblocks with COVID that I actually had more time to spread my wings creatively and step into other realms within my art.”

Jesswar is clearly is a space where she is moving in an upwards trajectory in both her life and her music, for which she’s both grateful and more content.

“Things are working out real nice at the start of 2021!!. Every day I wake up and feel really grateful for where I am in my life and in work. Just to be able to make music and release it is something I feel super grateful to do in my life. 2021 and beyond is looking: Big, better, fuller thicker, calmer and softer!”

Jesswar’s in-your-face new single, ‘Medusa’, is out now, with her debut EP, ‘TROPIXX’ dropping like the proverbial J-Bomb on 5 March.

Strictly Acoustic - Currumbin RSL Paul Kirin - The Coolangatta Hotel

Naomi Connell - Aviary Rooftop Bar

Friday 5 March

Mark Bono - The Coolangatta Hotel Ben Jansz - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Charlie Bravo - Southport Sharks Bootleg Rascal + Saint Lane Miami Marketta

Hope D - Miami Marketta

The Delta Riggs - Miami Marketta

Fridays on the Lawn - HOTA Lawn Bar

Mike Edwards - The Coolangatta Hotel

Jason Delphin - Burleigh Brewing Co

Ooz - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

The Magnificence - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Jon J Bradley - Currumbin RSL

The Beatles vs The Rolling Stones - HOTA

Follow the Fox - Southport Sharks

Tuned Down for the Cause Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Sunday 14 March

Outer Control + Loud Goes Bang! + Local Anomaly + The Aunties. - Vinnies Dive Bar Runes Band - The Avenue Mojo Rising - Currumbin Beach SLSC

Thursday 11 March

Murdered by the Mic: Hip Hop Night - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Sean Fitzgerald - Miami Marketta

Atticus Chimps - Vinnies Dive Bar

Tahlia Matheson - Currumbin RSL AGENT 77 - The Coolangatta Hotel Boysclub + Anty! + Power Drill - Vinnies Dive Bar Raw Deep - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Stephen Green - The Coolangatta Hotel

Lily Budiasa - Mr P.P.'s Deli and Rooftop

Sunday 21 March

Lisa Hunt - Club Tallebudgera

Lisa Hunt - The Coolangatta Hotel

The Accidents - Currumbin Beach SLSC

Rick Barron - Burleigh Brewing Co

Late For Woodstock The Coolangatta Hotel

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The Pete Neville Jazz Experience - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple

Friday 12 March

Luke Yeaman - Currumbin RSL

The Dreggs - Miami Marketta Scott Whatman - Burleigh Bears

Alter Egos - Southport Sharks

Sneaky Sound System + DiskoDisco + Latour - Miami Marketta

Karl S Williams (with the band) - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple James D'Khan - Currumbin RSL Strictly Acoustic - The Coolangatta Hotel

Fridays on the Lawn - HOTA Lawn Bar

Zac Hubbard - Sanctuary Markets

Saturday 6 March

Shatter Brain + Entrapment + Idle Run + Tetrament - Vinnies Dive Bar

Braiden Penwarn - Burleigh Brewing Co

Mojo Rising - Currumbin Beach SLSC RJ Unplugged - Kurrawa SLSC

Astrodeath + The Black Swamp - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Summer Reggae Party 3 - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

The Wolfe Brothers + Andrew Swift - The Coolangatta Hotel

Thursday 25 March

Friday 19 March

Jock Barnes - Currumbin RSL

Mick Evans - The Coolangatta Hotel

Karnivool - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

BB Factory Album Launch Wallaby Hotel

Jethro Andrews - The Coolangatta Hotel

Richie Williams - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

The Switch - Southport Sharks

Locky - The Coolangatta Hotel

No Scrubs - Miami Marketta

Naomi Connell - Currumbin RSL

Sex and Chocolate - Burleigh Bears

Andrew Taylor - The Coolangatta Hotel

Fridays on the Lawn - HOTA Lawn Bar

Karnivool - Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Sunday 7 March EPIC - The Coolangatta Hotel TRICHOTOMY - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple

Saturday 13 March

Saint Barae + Ladia + Josh King - Vinnies Dive Bar Lily Grace Live + James Blundell - BURLEIGH BAZAAR O'Leary + the Munster Bucks Southport Sharks

Radolescent - elsewhere Exodus Official UTR DJ Showcase - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Fridays on the Lawn - HOTA Lawn Bar

noasis - The Coolangatta Hotel Club Night + Great Sage + Ivey DJ Set + Wigz + Common Concept DJs - Miami Marketta Simon Meola - The Coolangatta Hotel Game of Tones - Southport Sharks Josh Hamilton - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Sex and Chocolate - Tweed Heads Bowls Club Ollie Twohill - The Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah Nattali Rize - HOTA Paradise City: The Guns N Roses Show - CBD Live

Sunday 28 March Chris Bent - Burleigh Bears

Thornhill - Mo's Desert Clubhouse

Felicity Lawless - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Black Rabbit George and Felicity Lawless - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Lily Budiasa - Mr P.P.'s Deli and Rooftop

AGENT 77 - The Coolangatta Hotel

James Bondage & the Safewords + Tokyo Beef + Twin City Riot + Baby Fist + Ray-Nations (formerly ill-Nation) - Condong bowling club

Saturday 27 March

Tim Freedman - Soundlounge

Benno & Kesh - Currumbin RSL

Jason Delphin - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Mischevious - Southport Sharks

C.W. Stoneking - Mo's Desert Clubhouse Stories in the Key of GC HOTA

Dana Gehrman - ARTEMUS at Dust Temple

Karrie Hayward - Miami Marketta

Marshall Okell - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Lily Budiasa - Mr P.P.'s Deli and Rooftop

Jesse Morris Band - Sheoak Shack Gallery Cafe

Thursday 4 March

Saturday 20 March

Friday 26 February kulaz - Burleigh Bears The Beautiful Girls + Alex James Bowen - The Coolangatta Hotel

Gig Guide brought to you in partnership with Gigl.

To list your gig visit gigl.com.au OR email gigs@blankstreetpress. com.au

Joel Adams + Alex James Bowen + Liv Heyer - Miami Marketta Friendly Enemies - Kingscliff Beach Hotel Sliding Doors Live - Southport Sharks Shawn Markham - The Coolangatta Hotel Mike Edwards - The Coolangatta Hotel

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Women’s Arts Group honours local medical heroes

Meet Hayley Foster As a child of the women’s refuge movement, Hayley Foster knew from a young age she’d follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue her own passion for justice, wellbeing, and social change advocacy.

Decades later, while managing the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre, Hayley completed her Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University and went on to become CEO of Women's Safety NSW. This year Hayley and her team have secured changes to domestic violence laws and court procedures to ensure that from September 2021 in NSW, victim-survivors will be able to give evidence without direct crossexamination by their unrepresented abuser.

They have also advocated for changes to DV laws to automatically protect animals as part of an apprehended violence order.

Federally, they have successfully advocated for enhanced funding and reforms to support frontline agencies in dealing with the ‘shadow pandemic’ of escalating violence against women and have been advising the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia on an urgent national online family law list.

“Violence against women is at epidemic levels right throughout our communities, with one in four women experiencing some form of violence over their lifetime and intimate partner violence being the leading preventable driver of death, disability and illness in women aged between 15 to 44 years of age,” Hayley said.

“It perpetuates at such high levels because governments have not prioritised targeted measures to both address the violence and abuse and prevent it from occurring in the first place. This is, however, beginning to change as the community becomes more aware and focussed on the issue.”

Hayley was appointed CEO of Women’s Safety NSW in 2018 and has more than 15 years’ experience in the community and justice sectors. She says a key focus of her present work is to advocate for the criminalisation

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of coercive control which is at the core of domestic abuse, and for policing and court reforms to support effective implementation of these changes.

“As we’ve seen with the tragic Hannah Clarke case, coercive control is not just damaging, it’s extremely dangerous. We must update our laws to reflect the lived realities of victim-survivors of domestic abuse and send a clear signal that this harmful conduct will no longer be tolerated,” she said.

When Hayley graduated with her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons) from Southern Cross University in 2019 she was awarded the University Medal for being the highest academic performer in any Honours degree.

Just days later she met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s office to advocate for improvements to the family law system.

“I find my job extremely fulfilling, working with innovative experts across many sectors, our amazing member organisations on the frontline who support over 50,000 women escaping violence each year, and with victimsurvivors of violence themselves. The only way we get governments to prioritise these critical issues with real traction is by elevating the voices of a diverse range of people with lived experience and those advocating alongside them,” Hayley said.

“The knowledge and skills I have gained in my law degree have been instrumental in ensuring my effectiveness in the role as CEO of Women’s Safety NSW. I chose Southern Cross University because of the calibre of law degree and teaching staff. Knowing the law and how it operates in practice means I am able to ask the right questions of my members and better engage with key stakeholders. I would not be in the position I am today, driving these changes, without my law degree from Southern Cross University.”

A UNIQUE arts exhibition celebrating our Gold Coast medical heroes will open at One Arts Gallery in Surfers Paradise on 5 March.

MASKED is a group exhibition delivered by the Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) and their International Women's Arts Group.

It will feature 15 mask-related artworks and 30 paintings by five artists (Atousa Salehpour, Elham Lalehdoust, Esmeralda Maximo, Hengameh Shamlou and Rocio Alexandra), as well as guest artists Nasrin Vaziri from Gold Coast MAGIC and Chad & Charles from The Arts Exchange.

MASKED project co-ordinator Nasrin Vaziri said the mask was a symbolic element and how the artists show their appreciation of medical people who have been working on saving people’s lives during the pandemic.

"Through their work, artists explore masked faces highlighting the status of medical staff in various mediums and forms including traditional, contemporary, abstract and photopainting,” Mrs Vaziri said.

“The aim of this project is to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the workers who risked their lives for the health of the community.”

Each artist will exhibit artworks with different mediums and styles, including acrylic, photopainting, oils and mixed media.

“Through this project, we aim to engage the skills of our international artists to encourage a harmonious society.”

This exhibition will be held at One Arts Gallery in collaboration with Gold Coast MAGIC. The opening launch will be during Queensland Women's Week on 5 March, just before International Women's Day on 8 March.

Mrs Vaziri said this project had provided career development opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse female artists living on the Gold Coast.

“Through the delivery of a variety of workshops, we assisted the women to explore culture and

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identity in the context of the pandemic. We also explored ideas and concepts in art and taught them about exhibiting, arts opportunities on the Gold Coast, council's facilities and funding opportunities.”

The Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) in Southport was funded by the City of Gold Coast Council for this project in November 2020.

“Through various services and programs, MFO aims to promote a more accepting, harmonious and cohesive society where everyone, regardless of their cultural background, gender or faith, feels supported, safe, respected and welcomed,” MFO director Cornelia Queenie Babbage said.

“MFO believes that arts and cultural projects provide a fantastic means to promote the positive impacts of diversity and greatly enrich our city.”

This project is funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

MASKED will open at ONE Arts Gallery, 13 Verona Ave, Surfers Paradise, on 5 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with refreshment and live music. Entry is free and open to the public.

The exhibition will remain on display until 31 March. The gallery is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

On 8 March, The Art Exchange will also host a special Coffee ‘n’ Canvas sip and paint to raise money to support domestic violence victims for International Women’s Day at One Arts Gold Coast.

Painters will be taken step-by-step through creating a delicate painting featuring a butterfly sitting on water surrounded by natural beauty.

As Chad and Charles from The Art Exchange say, ‘this isn’t fine art, it’s fun art’.

Sofia’s Broadbeach 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach - Ph: 07 5531 5390

La Cha Cha Cabana

Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

Upstairs in The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre - Ph: 07 5562 0627

The Gold Coast gained a touch of European style when Sofia’s Broadbeach opened late in 2020.

Words and photograph by Marj Osborne - follow Marj @foodgoldcoast

Owner Henry Hunt brings us an allday dining venue oozing the casual sophistication of coastal Italy yet accessible enough for a weekday lunch.

Arms stretched wide in welcome, Sofia’s open-faced bar and kitchen look out to the alfresco dining area, the gardens and playground of central Broadbeach just beyond.

It was the smile that first got us in. The young couple gave customers such a warm welcome that of course we had to buy their food, even though it looked different. We tried arepas and loved them and the Perez family’s stall, Fiery Deli, became one of our favourite market brunch haunts.

We obviously weren’t alone, the family expanding their business from a market stall to a food truck, followed by a move to The Kitchens, Robina and Westfield Chermside.

Post their COVID closure in 2020, it’s great to see Eric and Trish, together with Eric’s bubbly brother Kevin, reopen their restaurant in The Kitchens renamed as La Cha Cha Cabana, a South American/ Caribbean styled bar and grill.

Their new grill combines healthy Venezuelan street food and the Gold Coast’s favourite food – cocktails.

Arepas, Venezuela’s favourite street food dish, holds pride of place in the menu.

Made on maize or corn meal and cooked to order, arepas are naturally gluten free, with no preservatives or additives. A pocket bread filled with your choice of pulled beef or free-range chicken, locally-sourced salad vegetables, onion, rice, black beans, haloumi, capsicum, avocado, fresh herbs and spices or any combination of the above,

an arepa makes a healthy, flavour-packed, filling meal which is easy to grab in two hands.

It’s food which fits neatly into the Gold Coast lifestyle: adaptable to our diet and easy to eat on the go; affordable yet nutritious; dairy and gluten-free, with fillings suitable for vegans, vegetarians, meat lovers or those with food intolerance.

With a delicious range of dishes, from starters of plantain chips and guacamole through arepas to steak with chimichurri or the Vegan Amazonian, a traditional plate of Venezuelan quinoa, beans, roast vegetables, salad, cooked plantains and mini arepas, the menu is boosted with a great range of cocktails essential to make the evening ‘cha cha’.

There’s a lot to enjoy in the Perez family’s new bar and grill, new ideas in their fresh and healthy menu as well as bucketloads of enthusiasm and good humour. It’s not just me (the couple’s arepa groupie from their ‘before kids’ days) that gets the joy. La Cha Cha Cabana is a multicultural haven; a place to have fun drinking cocktails with the world-travelling brothers whose friendly faces shine in welcome for tourists and locals alike.

NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of La Cha Cha Cabana.

Naming the restaurant after a family relative, Henry draws inspiration from his Italian heritage, his time growing up as a teenager in Florence and New York, and his managerial experience with the Merivale Group at Establishment and the 2-hatted Bert’s Bar and Brasserie.

With Head Chef Damien Styles on board, the food more than matches expectations.

In true Italian style, fresh produce is the hero, simply prepared to maximize flavour. A large part of the menu is made up of items to share, either singly or in combination.

“We decided to put lots of small dishes together so that everyone can enjoy the same experience,” says Henry, “simple small plates of salumi, seafood, vegetables, all with a focus of bringing people together through good food and wine.”

If Mediterranean style dining is king here, then the freshest seafood certainly is queen. Steering away from trendy to

Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

classic, seafood provides many of the memorable dishes on the menu due to their expert handling by Chef Damien, well known for his food at The Fish House and Etsu, as well as Berardo’s and Altitude on the Sunshine Coast and Mr Percival’s at Howard Street Wharves.

From Grilled Mooloolaba king prawns to Kingfish crudo with blood orange dressing, through live Oysters opened to order to Grilled Mooloolaba King Prawns, from Linguine with king prawns, garlic and chilli to Grilled whole baby snapper, Styles is a master of the art of minimal intervention maximum flavour, each dish simply dressed so that the seafood can shine.

Pair your food with some of Henry’s personal favourite premium Italian and local wines, or cocktails based on house made juices and syrups. Our tips are to look at Sofia’s wine by the glass and leave room for a limoncello, handmade in house, to finish. It’s superb!

Accessible for many levels of dining experience, Sofia’s is a great restaurant for anyone who appreciates great food. It’s a venue that would be equally suitable for a classy casual meetup and drink, a business or weekday lunch, a romantic dinner for two or a special family celebration.

Whatever your dining intention, let Henry and his team spoil you in this most romantic setting. Sofia’s is an experience not to be missed.

NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Sofia’s Broadbeach

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From Perth to Lismore: NORPA’s new Executive Producer Lismore NSW based NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) has not only secured $1,295,000 in March last year from an Australia Council for the Arts four year funding grant, they have attracted a new Executive Producer all the way from across the Nullabor. Jenna Mathie will be leaving the Perth Festival where she worked as a producer to join NORPA in what she describes as exciting times for the company. Blank asked Jenna why she’s making such a big move and what’s in stall for NORPA in 2021.

Daydreaming with Atticus Words by Natalie O’Driscoll

Hard hitting Gold Coast duo Atticus Chimps have kept up their steadfast musical release schedule over the last few years, with latest single ‘Day Dreams’ soon set to grace streaming platforms.

Punchy with a pop twist, ‘Day Dreams’ cements the band’s reputation as purveyors of the kind of chunky, melodic rock tunes that keep their fans on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next drop.

We caught up with Sam Chimp about this latest release and what we can expect from the boys next.

Words by Pip Andreas

“I thought this is an excellent opportunity to go and meet with a new community and help make work that speaks to a particular region.

“For me, especially coming from Perth which is a bit smaller than Sydney and Melbourne, I can really see the impact that arts and culture has everyday on communities and I’m excited to be able to see that in Lismore and the greater Northern Rivers area as well”, says Jenna.

Jenna saw the impact of arts not only on communities but individuals when she worked at EPIC arts, a Christian inclusive arts organisation that works with people with disabilities in Cambodia.

“It was life changing for those people and for their families and communities to see people with and without disabilities to see their stories being championed and shared. It reinforced to me the impact that art can have on the individual and the community. You saw young people growing and growing in confidence.”

A youth theatre outreach program will be a focus for NORPA in the coming years and they have just advertised for a Youth Theatre Director.

“We’re growing the scope of what we’re doing with young people in the Northern Rivers,” says Jenna. “Julian

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(Julian Louis, Artistic Director/CEO) is starting that with some workshops with young people in a few weeks.”

A particular element of Perth Festival’s CONNECT program Jenna would like to see at NORPA is the focus on outcomes.

“The CONNECT program was quite unique in that most of it is an outcome focus. In the arts there’s so much pressure on creating the work or doing the development or ending up with some sort of product.

“CONNECT is about immersion and knowledge sharing. From that we have seen great outcomes, but it takes the pressure off. I’m really interested to explore this idea further with Julian and the team.”

NORPA programs this year will include one for high school students and the touring program with works from around the country. There will also be a focus on seeding original NORPA works and there will be two artist residencies offering $15,000 each with the support of Create NSW. For more information about NORPA go to norpa.org.au/. The performance home of NORPA is the Lismore City Hall lismorecityhall. com.au/norpa/.

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Well first up – give us the goss on ‘Day Dreams’: how did it come together, and what inspired it?

‘Day Dreams’ was the song we used to play to open our set at a live show, but over time we became bored with it and wanted to update it to fit in with the direction our music was headed.

I re-wrote the song recently with a new riff, new chorus and new bridge, the only things I kept were the intro and some of the lyrics. I tried to write a song that has those clunky and dissonant chord progressions you find in a lot of hard rock and stoner rock bands, while really trying to make it pop at the same time. I was stoked with how it came out I don't know if there's a song that sounds anything like it. We really tapped into something here.

Are you actually “scared of silence”? If so, is that why you became a muso, so you could make noise all the time?

Not at all, the original line was ‘you're scared of silence, I'm peaceful when I'm distant and I'm present’. I changed it because sometimes trying to squeeze in too many syllables into a line can come at the expense of the melody and flow of the song, so I cut those words out. I can see how it'd be interpreted that way though! I love silence and letting your imagination run wild, and finding company that also is comfortable with that is great. Although, as is the way with most of my songs, I'm happy for people to interpret it however they like.

Does this track represent any kind of musical evolution for the group or do you feel like it’s right on brand?

Absolutely. I feel like I say this for every release, but I finally feel like we've found our sound.

A lot of the stuff we released over the years were songs that I wrote very early on in my development when I was still trying to figure it out, whereas ‘Day Dreams’ and future releases are songs that I'm writing right now. Playing the bass instead of guitar has changed the way that I've had to write riffs and - without realising it my vocal range improved as well. There's going to be a significant difference in quality and I hope that people are impressed with it.

What does the rest of your 2021 look like and where can peeps see you play next?

We're going to release two more songs in 2021, so keep your ears perked up! ‘Day Dreams’ will be out on streaming services on 10 March.

We're playing at Sol Bar on 5 March, Vinnies Dive on the Gold Coast on 11 March and Greaser Bar in Brisbane on 9 April. Pre-sales are available and all information regarding the shows will be available on social media. We've got a ripper set that we've been working hard on for the last year and we're excited to share it with every one!

Check out Atticus Chimps’ socials for the news of their awesome new track’s release, and keep your eyes on Vinnie’s Dive socials for 11 March show tix.

Meet the Pete Neville Jazz Experience Well, if you know the Pete Neville Jazz Experience, then you KNOW the Pete Neville Jazz Experience. And if you don’t, then welcome to a musical world that’s almost, but not quite, what you think it’s going to be. And all that jazz will be hitting Dust Temple in March.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Cavill Lane to host free Arts Festival Arts in the Alley is a free, all-ages arts festival being held in Cavill Lane over eight days in March.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Arts in the Alley has been developed as a way to reconnect the fringe of the Gold Coast to the heart of the city, and will take place from 12 to 20 March 2021 from 1-8pm.

Audiences are treated to an extraordinary and nostalgic night of brilliant music making.

They will hear original compositions and clever arrangements influenced by the iconic tunes of Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis, amongst many others.

Fast forward to 2018, and vibraphonist Dave Kemp invited me to play drums with his band – he and I met though various events in the world of percussion. I thought it was time to lead my band again – and musicians being musicians, you start to meet people when in a new city, and meet up with old connections. So the band has, apart from Dave on vibes, an old colleague from Sydney, Alfredo Lopes (sax and flute), and new musical friends Martha Baartz (saxes) and Liam Bulter (bass).

We caught up with the titular Pete Neville himself ahead of their latest performance under the Artemus Events umbrella, where they’re great faves.

How many years of professional musicianship does the band have between all its members?

Reminiscent of the cool jazz bands of the 1960s, The Pete Neville Jazz Experience is an original jazz quintet that brings together some of the most experienced players on the Gold Coast.

What is the band’s connection to the Gold Coast?

I’m originally from Sydney. I fell in love with Tamborine Mountain when my partner was working on a movie up here five years ago.

So when the opportunity arose later that year, we moved up and got out of the rat race and haven’t looked back. I have, however, been coming up to the Gold Coast, touring with bands for many years (Trout Fishing in Quebec and The Resin Dogs), and the whole area from the Sunshine Coast down to Byron.

How long have you been together as a group?

This band’s first gig was actually many years ago supporting You Am I at the Annandale Hotel in Sydney, a stalwart of Indie music, in the 90s. (Tim Rogers, a friend from school, actually wrote a song around that time that mentions my love of drummer Art Blakey – ‘And Vandalism’ from their No.4 Record).

I would guess around 120 years. That makes us sound old, but we all started playing professionally quite young.

Who are your major influences?

This brand new version of the band brings together a fine array of jazz improvisers playing music influenced by the 1960s work of artists such as Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Wayne Shorter, The Modern Jazz Quartet, and Art Blakey. But also melodically, there is an influence of 60s rock and pop, especially the Beatles. The band name is a nod to that era – Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The Pete Neville Jazz Experience is a show like no other, and tickets will sell out quickly. So hit up artemus.com.au/buytickets/pnje-mar21 and grab yours ASAP.

This debut arts event will showcase works from a unique collective of artists and performers, all coming together to celebrate with the community through a shared love of arts, culture, music and entertainment.

For the full program details, visit cavilllane. com.au/whats-on/arts-in-the-alley/ If you are keen to explore some of the works prior to the event, here are the current exhibiting artists: •

Contemporary Australian MixedMedia Painter, Debbie Schreiber instagram.com/debbieschreiberart

Cavill Lane in Surfers Paradise is playing host to Arts in the Alley, underscoring the importance of providing a central, public and free space for creatives and the community to come together and enjoy both the natural and human-made beauty that exists in our own backyard.

•

Visual & Performance Artist, Anthony Pieters anthonypietersartist.com

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Abstract Painter, privatearts.com.au

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Muralist, Smalls iwritesmalls.com

All while enjoying a variety of fabulous food and drinks, of course.

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Hand-crafted Embraces crystalembrace

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Original Aboriginal Artwork from Spirit of Australia Gallery spiritofaustraliagallery.com

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Abstract paintings by Art for Peace instagram.com/art_for_peace

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Original paintings and prints by Tervo Art instagram.com/@iamtervo

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Acrylic artist, Germ germ-artist.com

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Photographer, LJ instagram.com/the_ backlots

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Mixed media artist, Taneal Teresa Art tanealteresaart.com

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Mixed media artist, Jenny Smillie jennysmillieart.com

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Australian Multidisciplinary Artist, Amanda Gorman amandagormanartist.com

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The Real Human Anatomy Exhibition, anatomy.org.au

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Contemporary Abstract Artist, Carleen Janlewicz, amplifyarts.com

Local artist Anthony Pieters will be exhibiting his own unique blend of visual and performance art at the event, as well as giving away a piece of his artwork with a social media competition.

“I will be performing on Saturday 13 March throughout the night, creating several black and white drawings with music while dancing.” Anthony tells us.

“I am very excited about this local, community event where a variety of new to established artists are able to get involved in a collective event like Arts in the Alley. It is great to be a part of such an initiative in Surfers Paradise!”

The event will showcase 15 artist pop up shops and a range of exhibits, from original Aboriginal artwork to the human anatomy.

If you’re looking for your next piece of artwork, there is almost certainly going to be something on site that catches your eye.

So head down to Cavill Lane from 12 to 20 March to explore the exhibits, art shops and entertainment, including paint and sip sessions, live muralists, DJ sets and much more.

Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

Joanne

Russell

Jewellery, Crystal facebook.com/

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Commonside’s Fuzzy EP

It’s fuzzed out guitars to the front with Commonside’s classic 90’s rock inspired EP ‘Mars, Cars and Movie Stars’. Accurately describing themselves as a guitar band with a hint of Indie-Rock, a touch of PopPunk and a squeeze of Alternative, the band’s four track EP sees them weave these influences together seamlessly, creating a fun start to finish listen. With a new album already in the works at Love Street Studios and few local shows already under their belt this year, Commonside clearly have big plans for 2021.

Burning Jacobs Ladder’s Assured Debut EP

Making waves since his first release in December, Burning Jacobs Ladder (Jake Johnson) has backed it up with an assured debut EP titled ‘EP/1’.

Describing himself as alternative/ psych-rock, Jake borrows sounds from the classic blues/rock era in the opening tracks ‘Danger In Me’ and 'Dystopian Blues' before taking a dip into vintage psychedelica on tracks 'Seventh Fever Of The Mind' and 'Seeking The Light’. The heartwrenching EP closer 'Cleanse The Soul' strips things right back to just voice and acoustic guitar showcasing this talented songwriters full repertoire. Awesome stuff here from Burning Jacobs Ladder.

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Business Release Lo-fi Gem

Love Level’s Slow Burner BB Factory’s Live Grit

Another new act on the brink of releasing their debut EP, Business have offered us their latest single ‘Just Like Always’. Recorded with one microphone in a garage studio, the track is bursting with catchy hooks, building from a simple guitar riff into an up tempo indie pop jam. ‘Just Like Always’ has the sort of live energy that can only be found in low-fi, offthe-cuff recordings and marks the band’s strongest release to date.

One of the Gold Coast’s most exciting new acts Love Level have given us another fantastic track with the low key electronic slow burner ‘Why You Left’. Written about dealing with the sudden loss of a friendship, the track’s production and overall feel of the song follow the somber sentiment creating a truly emotional soundscape. Vastly different to their previous releases, ‘Why You Left’ shows great depth from this duo who are sure to deliver more gems like this on their forthcoming debut EP.

One of the Gold Coast’s most hard working blues bands BB Factory are showcasing their explosive live sound with the release of the first single from their forthcoming album ’Live At The Wallaby Hotel’. First penned by the band back in 2017, ’Fantasy’ is a love song written over a frantic, fast paced blues rhythm which is intensified even further with the grit and energy that comes with a live recording. All over in three minutes the track leaves us hanging for what’s to come on the album set for release on 25 March.

Daste Cure Their Writer’s Block

The Silencio’s Stay Positive

Joseph Vea’s Stunning Debut

After teasing us with the news of a debut album in the works at the end of last year, prolific local trio Daste have given us the first taste of what’s to come with their dreamy electronic new single ‘somebody like you’. Born on day 26 of a project where the band wrote a beat every day to help cure writer’s block the track was fleshed out further and given the final production touches

by Maxwell Byrne (Golden Vessel). ‘somebody like you’ is a silky smooth low-key electronic charmer that has us more than pumped for this forthcoming album.

The Silencio have stripped things back this month, revisiting their acoustic prog-rock roots on their new single ‘You’re Not Alone’. Delivering a message of encouragement to stay positive though rough times, the track offers a wide array of interesting sounds, mixing live and electronic sections seamlessly behind beautiful layered vocal harmonies and a driving beat. Complete with a high production video shot in Japan ‘You’re Not Alone’ is another slick release from this local four-piece.

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After blowing us away with his first two singles ‘Find Me’ and ‘Half As Much’, Joseph Vea has now released his stunning fourtrack debut EP. Featuring two new songs, the EP showcases Joseph’s effortlessly cool vocals, diverse musical style and his undeniable knack for writing catchy melodies. ‘Plastic Man’ is an earnest reflection on identity as the son of immigrant parents featuring smooth production and tasteful electric guitar while ‘Walls’ is a soul inspired, rhythm driven track about the role showing venerability plays in a relationship. Fantastic stuff here from Joseph Vea.

Soft Nylon’s Sparkling Synths

Local producer/songwriter and all-rounder Dylan Lindquist has taken time out of his busy schedule to release two tracks under his solo moniker Soft Nylon this month. The opener ‘Just A Walk In The Park’ is chilled electronica at it’s finest featuring a glitchy lead hook that trades between electric guitar and a sparkling synth. ‘Sidewalk’ picks up the tempo slightly and again builds around a catchy lead hook that is surrounded by beautiful synths and cleaver production.

GESTICULATIONS’ Collaborative Project

Local music fanatic Graham Ashton, who some might know as the front man from The Shambolics or as the owner of Footstomp Music, seems to have broadened his musical horizons even further with the release of an epic collaborative album under the name GESTICULATIONS. The record’s title ‘Sense Of Purgency’ sets the tone perfectly for an album full of deep lyrical wordplay and raw musical spontaneity, facilitated by Ashton’s unlikely partnership with fellow local music fanatic Benny D Williams. With every track offering a different collaboration and a unique sense of style, ‘Sense Of Purgency’ is certainly unlike any other record you’ll hear this month.

Art Lovers Australia hosts unique set of March workshops Chutney’s Rocketman

Chutney have stripped things back this month with the release of their mellow rock ballad ‘Invisible’. Lyrically drawing influence from a quote found on Elton John’s biopic ‘Rocketman’, the track expands on the sentiment with the help of layered guitars, smooth vocal harmonies and in-the-pocket drums. Not seeming to follow the lyrical thread whatsoever but definitely worth checking out for a laugh is the hilarious video that you can find on their Facebook page.

DENNIS. Puts A Smile On Your Face

2020 Gold Coast Music Prize winner DENNIS. has hit us with yet another glistening indie-disco banger ‘What You Do’. Featuring the rap vocal of Brisbane based artist Professor Paul, the track reels you in from the very first second, bursting with catchy melodies and clever production hooks. Lyrically lighthearted and sonically carefree, ‘What You Do’ is sure to put a smile on your face.

Anita Spring Catches The Midnight Train

Anita Spring is kicking off 2021 with her new single ‘Midnight Train’, an optimistic approach to a song written about the shocker of a year that was 2020. Acoustic guitar drives this country-pop tune along in a kind of pleasant shuffle while fiddle sounds and a frolicking drum beat sees the song dip a little into the traditional folk category. Accompanied by an equally pleasant video, ‘Midnight Train’ is sure to give you the warm and fuzzies.

Art Lovers Australia have hit the ground running at their new bricks and mortar gallery in Southport, with an eclectic array of workshops lined up for this month.

Words by Natalie O'Driscoll

Art Lovers Australia have hit the ground running at their new bricks and mortar gallery in Southport, with an eclectic array of workshops lined up for this month.

Gallery co-owner Nancy is excited to chat about the workshop hosts they’ve managed to score.

“A lot of our artists are not just great artists but are also great teachers,” she says.

“And they’re not just art either but lifestyle as well - like a Marie Kondo specialist will do a workshop here.”

Padre Shine A Light On Domestic Violence

Northern Gold Coast five-piece outfit Padre have released the lead single from their forthcoming album this month, ‘Brown’.

Continuing the storyline from 2020’s ‘Furious’ the new track dives into the life of a school bully and his violent, alcoholic dad, bringing more awareness to the ripple effect caused by domestic violence. Spoken word verses articulate the story well behind a meaty traditional rock backing that really comes to life in the chorus. Complete with a wellmade animated video, ‘Brown’ is an immersive experience that shines a confronting light on an important issue.

Veople Take Us Deeper

After melting our faces with their high energy blend of live/ electronic fusion in 2020 on their debut EP ‘EP_001’ local duo Veople have managed to take us deeper into their obscure world with the release of two stunning remixes. Brisbane-based producer Olympic Pool Maintenance League brings deep techno grooves to the seven and a half minute extended version of ’Tilt’ while producer Bcharre charges in with a brain-destroying edit of 'Maverick' offering his niche dark dance-floor aggression.

These remixes are not for the lighthearted and would be best consumed with bass turned to 11 at the 2am kick-on.

Adam Shannon Keeps It Raw

Adam Shannon is yet another musician reflecting on the artinspiring year that was 2020, releasing a nine-track album aptly titled ’20/20 Hindsight’. Offering an obscure take on deep digging blues, Shannon tells stories of love lost and trouble found in a raw, authentic style that is unmistakably his own.

Send your music, press kit and a high res photo to newmusic@ blankstreetpress.com.au Curated monthly by Zac Fahey Blank - issue #84 - March 2021

As a big fan of the Marie Condo lifestyle method, Nancy was sad when the Netflix series ended, and searched for something else with which to extend her skills.

Needless to say, the discovery of the workshop with facilitator Michelle Anderson definitely sparked some joy.

“She will do some demos of things like folding in a special way to make things more visible, she’ll demonstrate the system and we’ll get to practice the folding techniques,” Nancy enthuses.

“I love the whole order of it. You open up your teatowel drawer, and you’re excited!”

Of course there will be some more traditional gallery fare on offer, with furry animal illustration and abstract lessons both available throughout March. There will even be Aboriginal basket weaver with Aunty Erica Eurell, one of the weaving artists who participated in

the magnificent Sky Weave project at the 2020 Bleach* Festival.

“We will all do the basket weaving while her husband plays the didgeridoo,” explains Nancy. “And she’ll also tell some yarns about place – the gallery area was her playground as a child and she used to play in a quarry next to the Brickworks. So the session is really connected to country.”

Nancy is certain that students will thrive in the lessons, from introductory to slightly more advanced.

“You really can’t fail,” she declares.

“The teachers are all very good at helping you get to the next level, wherever you’re at.”

Art Lovers Gallery is situation at Unit 14 in the Brickworks Annex on Warehouse Road in Southport.

The full list of March workshops is below. Book at artloversaustralia. com.au/art-workshops/.

Intentional Living with the KonMari Method / Michelle Anderson / Saturday 6 March Introduction to watercolours / Natalie Popovski / Sunday 7 March Fantastically Furry animal illustration / Rachelle Favelle / Saturday 20 March Indigenous Basket Weaving / Erica Eurell / Saturday 27 March In the Moment - Abstraction and Intuition / Amica Whincop / Sunday 25 April

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ESCAPE TO A WORLD OF FILM 14-25 APRIL 2021 CLUELESS ON THE ROOFTOP

Friday 23 April Australia Fair

$35

MOVIE & MUSIC TRIVIA

Saturday 24 April QT Gold Coast

$35

BURLEIGH CINEMA

Sunday 18 | Two Hands Thursday 22 | I, Tonya Burleigh Brewing FREE Celebrate home-grown talent while sipping award-winning local craft beer with two nights of free films starring Aussie favourites. Kick back on Sunday night for the gritty crime comedy Two Hands, then pull up a deck chair and see Gold Coaster Margot Robbie’s Oscarnominated performance in I, Tonya. Registrations required.

It’s time to bend and snack!

Grab your Delta-Nu girl gang and welcome sorority queen Elle Woods back to the screen for the 20th anniversary of Legally Blonde. Wear your best freshman fashion – pink is encouraged, obviously.

Enjoy themed cocktails and courthouse munchies including pink cocktail on arrival.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM AT www.gcfilmfestival.com MAJOR PARTNERS

$14

We’re on a mission to crown Gold Coast’s ultimate film and music trivia champions and want to have a lot of fun along the way. Teams of between two and five will come together for a night of cold hard facts and epic prizes, presented in partnership with Gold Coast Music Awards and QT Gold Coast.

It’s time to grab your bestie and celebrate like Cher and Dionne with a special popup screening of the teen cult classic that gave us tartan skirts and knee-high socks – Clueless. Tickets include beanbag seating, complimentary drink on arrival and movie screening under the stars.

LEGALLY BLONDE PINK PARTY

Tuesday 20 April QT Gold Coast

EVENT PARTNERS