Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a celebration of people coming together and bonding through the power of music. An impressive line-up for the three main concerts from Friday 6 November to Sunday 8 November showcases a wide range or musical genres with a selection of 20 epic bands appearing over the three nights. The festival aims to bring inspiring musicians and live music lovers together for a perfect weekend in paradise.
Festival Promoter Gavin Butlin says, “This is a true music festival where we have included many different types of music including Rockabilly, Reggae, Blues, R&B, Aussie Rock, Hip Hop, Country, Folk, Pop and Classic Rock. The only genre not covered is Heavy Metal. Every band appearing is extremely talented and worth listening to – whatever type of music you like. It’s just a real treat for music lovers”.
The festival has been re-jigged this year to increase the number of bands on the main stage and to start concerts earlier in the day ensuring festival goers can enjoy the most of the music and the stunning tropical setting. Mr Butlin says, “There is a mix of amazing headline acts, return favourite bands and some newcomers to Airlie Beach. Many of the performers are storytellers and songwriters and they understand the art of bringing people together through their music.”
Headline acts include the famous international 70s band 10cc, American singer-songwriter Toni Childs, Angry Anderson with the James Southwell Band, The Black Sorrows, Richard Clapton and Wendy Matthews. Crowd favourites from past years include the Mason Rack Band, 8 Ball Aitken, Bondi Cigars, House of Shem, Wanita and her Honky Tonk Bar Dwellers, Pop Standen & the Phil Emmanuel band, Electrik Lemonade, Bill Chambers, the Hillbilly Goats and Lance Friend and the Murky River.
Festival goers have a choice of buying a one day pass or a three day pass depending on how many bands they want to see. A three day pass gives you access to the main stage and over 200 musicians in 15 venues around the lively tourist town for the whole weekend. All passes entitle the pass holder to a free bus shuttle which runs all weekend and ensures easy and safe local transport. Passes are great value with a one day pass selling for $120 and a three day pass for just $245.
Festival tickets can be purchased online at www.mackayecc.com.au and www.bigtix.com.au.The line-up for the main stage performances is listed below and you can find more band information at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.
Friday 6 November
3pm – 10pm Main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club
- Bad Luck Kitty
- Annie O’Dee and the Hotshots
- Kieren McCarthy
- House of Shem
- Bondi Cigars
- The Black Sorrows
- Angry Anderson with the James Southwell Band
Saturday 7 November
3pm – 10pm Main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club
- The Natural Culture
- Electrik Lemonade
- Pop Standen & Phil Emmanuel Band
- Mark Atkins and Grungada
- Mason Rack Band
- Richard Clapton
- Toni Childs
Sunday 8 November
12pm – 6pm Main stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club
- The Steady Eddy Show featuring Lance Friend & Lightning Jack
- The Hillbilly Goats with Bill Chambers
- 8 Ball Aitken
- Wanita & Her Honky Tonk Bar Dwellers
- Wendy Matthews
- 10cc