Social Life 20

Dellacomma Rio Rocks Out As INXS Frontman On Australia Day

Aman of many personas, a voice that transcends the ages and a performance that is guaranteed to rock any stage, Dellacomma Rio is always greeted to a superstar welcome when he comes to Airlie Beach.

Famed for his lifelike renditions of two of the world’s biggest stars – Jon Bon Jovi and Michael Hutchence - Dellacomma gives passionate, high-energy, larger than life performances at his shows that always rock out to packed audiences at The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel.

“I’ve performed in towns all over the world and you can never tell where you’re going to take off,” said Dellacoma. “But Airlie Beach is one of those places for me. This is the only hotel we ever perform at, the rest are convention centres and concert halls, but I love the crowd and the atmosphere which is why we keep coming back.”

Dellacoma was born in the US, (his dad is from Texas and his mum is from Brisbane) but he grew up in Tasmania from the age of two.

During his childhood, Dellacoma spent a lot of time attending an Acappella Church, where there were no instruments, just vocals, and he loved watching both his parents creating magical harmonies with others. Later on, he attended university and discovered theatre and went on to launch an acting career while living in LA. Dellacoma spent six years performing live theatre and featuring in some well-known TV shows in America before coming back to Australia and once again reuniting with his musical roots.

Following his return to Australia in 2007 Dellacomma recorded and toured with two Sydney based bands - Innertone and Sunset Riot.

He then launched his solo rock band career in 2014 with his first album, “Dead Will Rise”.

Earlier this year he released another album entitled ‘Blood’.

To most Whitsunday fans, however, Dellacoma Rio is best known as the front man for INXS Revived and the Bon Jovi tribute show.

“My passion is live music,” he said. “I always give more energy than I have in every show – the crowd can expect high-energy, high-passion – I always say that you can capture moments in live music – during a show you can create something special that can never happen again, share an experience that only happens in that moment.”

Bringing the flare and passion of live theatre to his shows, Dellacoma is renowned for his flamboyant live performances, video screens running along simultaneously to the show and crowd interaction which has everyone in Airlie Beach coming back for more each time he is in town.

“I love coming to Airlie Beach, there are a few towns who have really welcomed me, and Airlie Beach is one of them – it’s next level!” said Dellacoma.

“The Pub and the crowd that come along to my shows each time have a really special place in my heart.” Favourite song ever: ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith

Dellacoma Rio stars as Michael Hutchence in the Australian INXS Show which headlines on Australia Day at The Pub WHAT: INXS Revived WHEN: Thursday, January 26 TIME: From 3pm

Favourite song to perform: It’s My Life (Bon Jovi) or Never Tear Us Apart (INXS) Last song you listened to: ‘Madness’ by Muse WHAT: Bon Jovi WHEN: Friday, January 27 TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

WHAT: Australian INXS Show

WHEN: Saturday, January 28 TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

WHAT: Rock Anthems

WHEN: Sunday, January 29 TIME: 2pm – 5.30pm

Shred With Legends

At Bowen Skateboarding Weekend

This weekend North Queensland’s skateboarding royalty are coming to Bowen for an action-packed two-day event which is free for the community and open to all ages and abilities. Rumble is presenting a weekend of fastpaced skatepark fun which will feature Skateboarding Mayor of North Queensland Dexter Brassington who will come down from Townsville specially for the event.

Rumble’s head MC and commentator Theo George will also be part of the event, giving attendees a unique opportunity to meet the industry legend. “You’ve seen him on TV, you’ve heard him commentating some of the country’s best and now you’ll get the chance to meet him in person,” said event organiser Donny Fraser.

“This is a good opportunity to come down and give it a go – Bowen has two awesome skate parks right there and skateboarding is free and accessible to everyone – it is also really good for your mental health.” Donny is helping selectors for the 2032 Olympics, and he is looking forward to meeting some home-grown local talent. “There are some great skaters from the Whitsundays, and you should be able to see a lot of local talent on display at this event,” he said.

On Saturday, January 14 the action will kick-off at Bowen Front Beach Skatepark from 9.30am, finishing up at 1pm. On Sunday, January 15, the Queens Beach Skatepark will be at the centre of the action from 9am to 12pm. Everyone, from beginners to the more experienced, are invited to come along and learn from the best.

Get free lessons, tips and tricks, watch talented amateurs skate to impress and connect with the broader community, future events and a network of people who share your passion.

The event has been made possible by the PCYC in Bowen, through Australian Drug Foundation funding and the Bowen Local Drug Action Team. The first event of its kind, PCYC Bowen are hoping to make this a regular feature on their social calendar, along with other similar events supported by the same funding stream. “We have some of the top skaters in Queensland coming this year,” said PCYC Bowen Community Development Officer, Lynn Butler. “So, it’s an event not to be missed! There is also a free BBQ provided by the PCYC and skateboards available for use – so bring your mates and come on down this weekend!” to be postponed to later in the year so please keep an eye on the PCYC Bowen Facebook page for updates. WHAT: Skateboarding Workshop WHEN: This weekend

WHERE: Bowen Front Beach Skatepark, Saturday January 14 from 9.30am to 1pm Queens Beach Skatepark, Sunday January 15 from 9am to 12pm COST: Free thanks to PCYC Bowen