An “incredible” mix of homegrown artists and up-and-coming singers from around the country is set to perform at an annual boutique music festival.
The line-up was revealed and tickets are now on sale for Sunshine Sounds, which will be held at the Eumundi School of Arts on September 2-3.
The event will feature a line-up including Frente, Elixir with Michael Leunig, Katie Noonan and string quartet, Abby Dobson (Leonardo’s Bride), Deline Briscoe, Clea, Eliott, Sue Ray, Cigany Weaver, Jungaji, Fred Leone, Louise King, Sugarbag Blonde, Mark Moroney, Frank and Louis, Layla Barnett and more.
Festival director and five-time ARIA Award-winning local songstress Katie Noonan said she couldn’t wait to bring the community festival back for its third edition.
“At its heart, Sunshine Sounds Festival uses the power of music to bring people together – and what better time to celebrate than the first weekend of spring and Father’s Day weekend,” she said.
“Our line-up for 2023 is incredible, with a real mix of artists with something for everyone.”
She said the event would include: “Indie-pop darlings Frente, who have recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their two-time ARIA award-winning record Marvin The Album; some of our country’s finest First Nations artists, including the legendary Fred Leone, who recently performed to a live audience of 100,000 for the AFL Dreamtime at the MCG; and poet laureate and official national living treasure Michael Leunig, with his folk-jazz band mates Zac and Ben and myself, from ARIA-winning band Elixir, in our second album collaboration A Small Shy Truth.”
It will be Frente’s first performance on the Sunshine Coast.
“Alongside these household names, we will be presenting some of the finest up-and-coming artists from around Australia and the Sunshine Coast, including 26-year-old Triple J darlings Clea and Eliott, festival favourites Cigany Weaver, the delightful Abby Dobson of Leonardo’s Bride fame and up-and coming-local artists Frank and Louis and Layla Barnett,” she said.
“One of the absolute highlights on the program is the inclusion of the Eumundi School of Music, our mentorship program for young musos from eight to 17 years.
“These little rockers will be strutting their stuff alongside top-notch Aussie musicians.
“I promise this will be a heart-filling and inspiring performance for all generations.”
The program will also include a performance by the Sunshine Sounds Community Choir, giving festival-goers the opportunity to join a group sing-song for all ages and abilities.
Pre-festival choir rehearsals will be held in the Eumundi CWA Hall on July 13 and July 27 and August 9 and August 23 from 7pm to 9pm for those keen to get involved.
Sunshine Sounds Festival 2023’s major sponsor is Live Music Australia, an Australian Government initiative, and it has local support from the Eumundi District Community Association, the Eumundi Historical Association and KIN Music.
The festival hours will be from midday to 10pm on Saturday, September 2, and from midday to 8pm on Sunday, September 3.
There are daily and full weekend tickets available for youths (over seven) and adults (18-plus) for purchase via Oztix.
For further festival info visit Sunshine Sounds Festival.
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