Elvis: A Musical Revolution hits the Gold Coast.
Elvis: A Musical Revolution hits the Gold Coast.
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! Elvis fever is set to hit as the Gold Coast rolls out the red carpet to welcome the smash-hit national tour Elvis: A Musical Revolution. Hip-thrusting its way to our very city for its spectacular Queensland premiere. Clear the calendar, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is coming to town… we’re shook (up)!
Opening on June 15, the award-winning Elvis musical will be rocking and rollin’ its way to the Gold Coast’s HOTA, Home of the Arts. Hosted by our technicolour hub of all things art, culture and cool for the entirety of the production’s Queensland run (you go Glen HOTA) – the stage will be hotting up as the all-star Australian cast dazzles with culture-defining ballads and captivating choreography to boot. Set to grace(land) the glitter strip for just four short weeks, this must-see production will be theatre at its most scintillating.
And really, would we expect anything less from a dazzling new bio-musical that follows the life of one of the most enigmatic musical phenomenons to have ever lived?! Proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises, this high-energy new production is as legit as they come. Bust out the bellbottoms, blue suede shoes, and/or bedazzle as many unsuspecting garments as you can. Because it’s not every day you get to immerse yourself in the iconic legacy of the King of Rock and Roll!
Penned by acclaimed international writers, the biopic musical is brought to life by some of the best in the biz. Shimmying and shaking its way through the pivotal moments in Elvis’ life from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi through to his triumphant 1968 Comeback Special. Joined by a host of triple-threat Queenslanders, Rob Mallett (Home and Away, Singin’ in the Rain) shines as Elvis, as the homegrown cast leads us through all the twists and turns of this temperature-rising stage show.
Backed by a discography that spans over 150 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certified albums and singles, naturally, the stage show’s soundtrack is bursting with wall-to-wall bangers (or should we say wing-to-wing).
We can’t decide if we’re more excited to rock out to ‘A Little Less Conversation’ or ‘Hound Dog’, (obviously, it’s ‘Can’t help falling in love’, like the hapless romantics-at-heart we secretly are). With no less than 40 of The King’s catchiest and most-loved hits squeezed in to this leg-shaking extravaganza, expect to be toe tapping along to all your all-time faves from the archives from start to finish. Elvis worshippers and music nuts alike will be in their absolute element, here!
Attracting fans from all over Queensland for its short but sizzling residency, audiences of all ages will be awe-struck connecting with the music of a generation like never before. Don’t miss your chance to catch to this riveting, rhinestone-studded stage sensation before Elvis leaves the building once and for all!
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: Opens 15 June, 2024
Words by Kellie Leader
STORY SPONSORED BY FULLER PR
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
Farm & Co Restaurant’s bounty of offerings are ripe for the picking.
Nestled in the scenically-blessed Tweed Valley countryside, Farm & Co Restaurant is a foodie haven famous for its sunflower-studded expanses and its unique farm-to-plate dining experience. Cudgen’s gorgeous drive-and-dine destination boasts a star-studded group of hospitality gurus who have harnessed this organic working farm’s magic.
Now they’re cooking up a fresh batch of experiences and tastes for us to discover. And we are ready as ever to oblige! What better time to escape the hustle-bustle and explore the wide open spaces a little further afield?
Farm & Co has been described as one of the locals’ best-kept secrets. We apologise in advance to the locals for spreading the word but locations this good can’t stay on the down low forever.
Inspired by a love for great food and top-notch service, Farm & Co Restaurant is dedicated to educating, nourishing, and inspiring its guests with sustainable produce and simple yet delicious cooking. Savoured alongside the paddocks where produce is grown. It’s a true taste of the Tweed Coast, perfect for family friendly outings and special events.
Jump in the car and head south for the weekly ‘Spritz and Sticks’. Hosted from 1pm-3pm every Sunday, diners can enjoy a delicious weekly rotation of $8 fire roasted skewers and spritzes. With options like Charred Pork Belly with House BBQ Glaze and Cucumber Pickle, Kingfish and Harissa with Mint Yoghurt or Oyster mushroom and miso butter with xo oil, all enjoyed with a selection of house-carbonated spritzes with house-made syrups. We’re there!
Cementing Farm & Co’s status as a favourite among families and daytrippers, the recently revived ‘Day on the Lawn’ series bolsters the venue’s already popular restaurant and adjoining farmgate store and café offering. Hosted on the last Sunday of every month, the picture-perfect destination opens its gates for a day of picnicking and live music filled farm-style revelling on the restaurant lawn – and perhaps even a brush with farm’s resident rescue piggies Hank and Pepe, if we’re lucky!
But don’t put a fork in us yet, we’re not done.
Legendary restauranteur David Moyle has joined Farm & Co Restaurant’s team of culinary co-conspirators in an advisory capacity, working with venue manager Amy Brown to craft the restaurant’s new winter menu around the property’s anticipated seasonal spoils.
Joining perennial fan faves like the puffed-up Pizza Fritta bread and signature Wood-Smoked Lamb Shoulder, guests can expect a fresh wave of delights including the Roasted Gold Band Snapper with Leeks and Sunflower Seeds, and Ham Hock and Farm Cabbage Terrine with Gentleman’s Relish. “We serve rustic, wholesome, good-quality food made with ingredients harvested daily from the farm as well as local organic produce, and David’s mentorship instils the confidence that what are doing is special, authentic and unique,” says Amy.
Anyone else suddenly very keen for a weekend sojourn south of the border? If you’re craving a culinary adventure that’s as fresh as the produce on your plate, make your way to Farm & Co
When:
Farm & Co Restaurant
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday (reservations 4pm – 7pm)
Lunch: Friday – Sunday (reservations 12pm – 3pm)
+ Sunday Brunch, Sunday Picnics and Sunday Spritz & Sticks (walk ins only)
Farm Store Café
Wednesday – Friday 7am – 2pm
Saturday and Sunday – 7am – 3pm
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen
Website: www.farmandcorestaurant.com.au
Instagram: @farm.and.co
Pro tip: visit Friday – Sunday when you can add a farm stroll to your restaurant experience!
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Mathilde Bouby
STORY SPONSORED BY FARM & CO RESTAURANT.
Meet the radio personality & cast member of MAMMA MIA! The Musical.
She is a force to be reckoned with and she is the female voice behind Gold Coast’s number one radio Breakfast Show on 1029 Hot Tomato. Add to that, she is the newly appointed ‘Tanya’ in the upcoming Gold Coast production of MAMMA MIA! The Musical (produced by GC Local Matt Ward). Emily Jade O’Keeffe is a woman of many talents, so it was only fitting that we interviewed the Gold Coast sweetheart ahead of her taking to The Star Gold Coast’s stage from Saturday 19th June this year. We chat about her career, her loves of the Gold Coast and what it will be like preparing for her new role!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve lived here on and off for 18 years now, the last stint has been for the last 9 years.
Tell us a bit about your career to date.
I’ve been working in the media for the last 25 years. I started in Tasmania in radio and moved all around the country for work; from Tassie to Townsville and everywhere in between. My highlights have been launching 1029 Hot Tomato and having a number one Breakfast Show – Galey, Emily Jade and Christo – here for 7 years now. I also launched Nova in Brisbane and was No 1 for 4 years there. Earlier on, I was working on Mornings with Kerri-Anne and with Channel 9 for 5 years. I also wrote during that time for the Courier Mail for a number of years both in print and being one of their first bloggers (when blogging became a big thing) as ‘Emily Everywhere’ which became their most-read blog.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I don’t have one I’m most proud of, I’ve been happy with every stage and what they all led to each time. My career has kept me busy and happy and fulfilled at every step. I feel really blessed to have been able to evolve and change and grab each opportunity as it came.
Growing up you performed in a variety of musicals and have been described as a self-confessed ‘drama nerd’, what initially drew you to the stage?
Both my grandfathers were performers. My grandad on my mum’s side was very musical and in bands and my grandad on my dad’s side was an amateur actor. That trickled down to both my Dad and Mum. I watched Dad act in local theatre and Mum play piano daily, so I was always around music and drama and I guess it was both nature and nurture in my family. I then continued the tradition but monetised it in the end by making it my full-time career.
What are you looking forward to most about your upcoming role as ‘Tanya’ in the Gold Coast production of MAMMA MIA! The Musical?
It’s come at a time where I needed some healing and fun after a marriage breakdown and as I get used to a new normal and new family dynamic, I really was searching for some light at the end of the tunnel. This gives me a chance to laugh and have fun with new amazing people and do what I love best, which is perform and make people smile.
What is your all-time favourite ABBA song and why?
That’s like asking who is your favourite child – I can’t answer that one. I love them all! ABBA Gold was the first CD I ever got. I got it for Christmas and if CDs could wear out, that one nearly did.
How much preparation goes into playing your part as ‘Tanya’?
I think Tanya is a lot like me, so some parts will come naturally, she’s cheeky, fun but loving and a fierce friend and that’s me. I just need to nail the dance moves and singing, rehearsals start soon so I’ll let you know.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Double Barrel Benowa
Coffee spot: Randy Warhol Southport
Restaurant: Kiyomi at The Star
Bar or pub for a drink: Nineteen at The Star
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I just love keeping it low key with lots of family time with the kids, parents and friends of my kids which involve good cheese and wine in friends backyards or my backyard while the kids play in the pool or run around having adventures, while we chill and chat.
Mamma Mia! The Musical opens on Saturday 19th June 2021 at The Star Gold Coast, grab your tickets here.
