Seasonal Fruit gears up for its Spring Edition on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves, promising an evening of vibrant Australian indie music to usher in the new season.
Organized by Felons Brewing Co. and Jet Black Cat Music, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of up-and-coming and established Australian acts. The Spring Edition features performances by Gut Health, Clamm, Parsnip, Radium Dolls, and Gimmy, representing a mix of indie, rock, punk, and psychedelic genres.
Gates open at 6 PM, with live music kicking off at 7:20 PM. The carefully curated schedule will see each act take the stage for hour-long sets, culminating in a headline performance by Gut Health at 11:20 PM.
First-release tickets are sold out, with general admission currently available at $36.50. Organizers advise that the event is strictly for those 18 years and over.
In a nod to the festival’s name, Seasonal Fruit, organizers promise to deliver the “freshest produce” in Australian music, showcasing emerging talent alongside more established acts right in Felons Barrel Hall.
Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking album “Tubular Bells” is set to come alive on stage at the Fortitude Music Hall on August 11, 2024 as part of its 50th Anniversary tour. The iconic instrumental work follows a successful sold-out run in the UK and Europe.
The concert, presented by DRW Ent & Future Factory, will feature an expansive live group led by Robin A Smith, Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator. Smith, who has worked with Oldfield for over 25 years, has arranged the performance to showcase the album in its entirety.
“Tubular Bells,” released in 1973, was Oldfield’s debut studio album, composed when he was just 17 years old. The album gained worldwide recognition when its opening theme was used in the horror film “The Exorcist,” propelling it to become the highest-selling instrumental album of all time.
The Brisbane show will not only include a full performance of “Tubular Bells” but also feature other Oldfield compositions such as “Moonlight Shadow,” “To France,” “Family Man,” and excerpts from “Ommadawn.”
Robin A Smith, Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator
Smith, whose impressive resume includes collaborations with artists like Rod Stewart and Andrea Bocelli, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “The wonderful thing about Tubular Bells is that it never seems to age. It takes you on a journey through progressive rock and electronica, blues, folk, jazz, and classical and along the way evokes such melodic beauty and drama.”
The concert is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. It’s important to note that the event is restricted to those 18 and over, and while Mike Oldfield himself will not be present, the performance promises to capture the essence of his pioneering work.
Tickets for this reserved seating event are now on sale, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience this landmark album live, half a century after its original release.
As the winter chill sets in, Fortitude Valley is heating up with a trio of highly anticipated pop culture events that promise to bring music fans together in a vibrant celebration of iconic artists.
From Kylie Minogue’s birthday bash to a massive Kate Bush tribute and the annual Madonna party, the city is set to become a mecca for pop enthusiasts.
To commemorate Kylie Minogue’s birthday and make up for her absence from the cancelled Splendour in the Grass festival, the Bloodhound Bar is hosting a Kylie-themed extravaganza. Attendees can expect a dance floor, licensed bar, and a DJ spinning over three hours of back-to-back Kylie classics, ensuring a night of pure pop bliss.
Most “Wuthering Heights” Day Ever
Photo Credit: Supplied
Date: Saturday, July 20th, from 2pm Venue: Frew Park, Frew St, Milton Tickets: Donate to participate on-site or via www.kristianfletcher.com
In a truly unique celebration, over 200 participants will gather at Frew Park to re-enact Kate Bush’s iconic “Wuthering Heights” music video. Dressed in striking red attire, attendees will learn the legendary dance moves and partake in a massive group routine, raising funds for the vital cause of DVConnect in the process.
18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party
Photo Credit: Supplied
Date: Saturday, August 17th, from 7pm Venue: Wickham Hotel, 309 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley Tickets: $25 per person + booking fee (18+)
Celebrating the Queen of Pop’s birthday in true royal fashion, the 18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party promises to be a night fit for pop royalty. Over four hours of Madonna’s iconic hits, music videos, a DJ, and a costume competition will take over the Wickham Hotel, allowing fans to embrace their inner Material Girl.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, Brisbane is gearing up for a summer of pop culture celebrations that are sure to leave music fans dancing and singing along to their favourite iconic artists. Whether it’s Kylie’s infectious beats, Kate Bush’s mesmerising choreography, or Madonna’s undeniable swagger, these events promise to be unforgettable experiences for pop enthusiasts of all ages.
In a major blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, iconic Fortitude Valley entertainment venue The Zoo will be closing for good in July 2024, after over 32 years in operation.
Owner Shane Chidgzey cited a “perfect storm” of financial pressures forcing the closure of the 500-capacity Fortitude Valley institution, as well as its sister venue, Stranded.
According to Chidgzey, the Zoo’s current revenue stands at only 60% of the previous financial year due to cost-of-living pressures impacting alcohol sales and a trend of declining drinking among younger audiences. Insurance costs have also nearly doubled in recent years to $65,000 annually.
Powderfinger performing at the Zoo, 1995 Photo Credit: Instagram / @powderfinger_bandofficial
“The model is broken, unfortunately, when it comes to music venues,” Chidgzey lamented. “You’ve got a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, which is huge … And there’s a new trend of not drinking, which is a wonderful trend for health but not so good for bars.”
The Zoo’s location in the government’s Safe Night Precinct added further financial strain through increased regulations, security costs, and higher rent compared to other local venues outside the precinct boundaries.
Chidgzey argued a levy on major international touring artists could help subsidise grassroots music venues. “They need to be putting a dollar transaction per ticket on that to put into local music,” he stated.
Opened in 1992, The Zoo quickly became an iconic part of Brisbane’s music fabric. Original owner Joc Curran reflected, “The Zoo was an impossible thing, that became possible because of community, love, and a belief that magic could happen … but now it is time to say goodnight.”
Renowned Australian musician Robert Forster, co-founder of The Go-Betweens, recalled the venue as “the first well-run, stable, encouraging, well-organised venue in Brisbane that I’d ever encountered,” providing a vital permanent space for local acts.
While plans are underway for farewell shows and an auction of memorabilia, the closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s live music ecology after over three decades of history.
In Jo Walker’s eulogy for The Zoo, he said “The place was small, but it felt like it belonged to all of us. And even when the air-con was finally installed, we earned that sweat.”
“It’s not enough to pour one out for these lost venues. We must support the precious spots we have left. Go see a local band. Shout another round. Tip the bartender. Buy the merch. Tell your friends. Get sweaty and get rowdy. That’s the legacy of The Zoo.”
