Caloundra Rockfest (Winter Edition) went ahead on July 10 at Norton Music Factory (West Caloundra). If you’ve never been there, it’s a hidden musical gem set-up for musicians by musicians, in the most unlikely of spots. Rockfest saw the likes of Jazzella (who’s current single, ‘Shoot’ is killing it right now), Owls of Neptune, Brisbane’s Speedracer, Taylah J & Stone Moth, The Blow-ins and Total Radio Silence all performing at the sold out event, which was racing funds for the Dunga Derby (an amazing cause to raise funds for families affected by serious medical issues).
Wasn’t 2020 that absolute worst for live music events? Well, thankfully, we’re all still here, and music festivals are coming back.
One of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest live music events is The Big Pineapple Music Festival (now in its 8th year - but technically the 7th generation of the festival) persevered and went full steam ahead on May 22. We sent photographer Chris Clow to take it aaaallll in.
First faced with the possibility of no dancing and other Covid regulations, then chuck in some rather unpredictable weather, Sunshine Sounds Festival appeared to be overly optimistic by name only.
BUT…
Despite all this, the inaugural Sunshine Sounds kicked in to gear in Eumundi over the first weekend of May, and showcased a phenomenal, diverse line-up featuring Kate Miller-Heidke, Katie Noonan, Busby Marou, Andrea Kirwin (on her album launch), Band of Frequencies, Sahara Beck. Miiesha, The Dreggs, Pink Matter, Jack Carty, Cigany Weaver, Asha Jefferies, The Feral Cats of Tokyo, The Dawn Light, Lydia Fairhall, Mark Moroney, Sarah King and Georgia Corowa.
Brisbane legends of epic folk metal, Valhalore - known for their immense sounds and live shows, have stripped it all back for their Intimate and Acoustic tour.
After a hectic rescheduling due to the last snap lockdown in Brisbane in the beginning of April, the stars aligned, and Valhalore made their way to Solbar on April 30 for an intimate performance. Joining them on the night were The Lost Knights, and GRMLN.
The very first Airwaves festival happened in peak COVID weirdness. It was among the first drive-in festivals and hosted the likes of The Dreggs, Sahara Beck, The Chats and more.
Featuring blistering sets from Sneaky Sound System, Paces, The Beautiful Girls, Ash Grunwald, Flaskas, Peach Fur and The Oogars, not to mention the epic afterparty featuring Niki De Saint.
Photographer Chris Clow battled the dancing crowds to get some masterful shots for the following gallery..
In a sign of a sprinkle of normality coming back to us, still fresh venue Nightquarter hosted Triple J faves (and previous Hottest 100 winners) Ocean Alley on December 12. Supported by Byron Bay’s Seaside, the energy is back, and the atmosphere was electric. It’s been a while since Ocean Alley have been up to the Coast, so a double-up show definitely described how we’ve missed their faces and music.
On the 10th and 11th of July, many of our favourite local artists step foot on stage for the first time in months at Nambour Showgrounds to attend the Airwaves Festival - Australia’s first Drive-in music festival.
Put together by local music heiress Cindy Jensen and her army, ‘Buskers by The Lake’, brought overwhelming joy to a starved live music lover of every genre, back out listening and grooving to live music once again... But this time it was a bit different.
Punk is a live and well on the Australian scene - and it will continue to bubble and spit in these times of self-isolation, and controlled crowd capacities.
Just before the world went in to meltdown, Amyl & the Sniffers made their way to the Sunshine Coast to headline Solbar, snarls, sweat and all, and brought Mini Skirt and Ascot Stabber to the fight.
The Sunshine Coast has become home to some epic music festivals, spread out over the area, with Caloundra Music Festival, Big Pineapple Music Festival and more… and you can add travelling festival The Drop to that list. Photographer Chris Clow went along to capture all the happenings at The Drop Festival in Noosa on February 29.
Sun, surf and music are the fundamental elements to the Sunshine coast lifestyle, so it comes to no surprise when the 3 are fused together, it creates an unparalleled vibrance that is, ‘The Drop festival’.
Stopping by Solbar on December 14, The Beasts were in full rock’n’roll force, playing on one of the hottest Saturday’s we’ve encountered in a long time… or maybe it was The Beasts that brought the heat? Supported by the legendary Adalita (Magic Dirt), and Gravel Samwidge.
Oh my. So much sweat, hair and goddamn rocknroll in one big night that saw 5 bands crammed onto a line-up at Solbar. Celebrating Big Whoops’ debut EP release (and drummer Rangi’s birthday), the stage was drenched on a cold August night. Supported by Byron Bay’s WHARVES (having just released a single, ‘Blame’), Brisbane’s Walken, and locals Muules and Zebrafinch, we sent photographer Cynthia Lee to capture all the sweaty, hairy gloriousness.
This year marks 10 years of The Point Music News delivering all the Sunshine Coast music news, gigs, upcoming artists, new releases, and incoming tours. It’s been a hard slog, but we’ve been privileged to see amazing acts grow and take on the national stage.
To celebrate this achievement, we threw the mother of all Point Parties on July 5 at Solbar - home to many a gig witnessed by The Point - and we invited some of our friends, old and new, along to kick it up a notch, with Bearfoot, In2nation, Gypsy Rumble, Forrest Run, Dear Willow, Not To Regret, Muules, The Sundowners, and Scrappy Coco bringing a healthy mix of genres for the night.
