A Gold Logie-winning TV host and comedian is among the headliners for one of the region’s most anticipated arts and cultural festivals, which swings into top gear from this weekend.
NOOSA alive! returns from July 19 to 28 with a vibrant program of special events and premiere performances.
The 10-day festival welcomes international superstars and Australian entertainment royalty while also spotlighting exceptional local talent in stunning venues throughout Noosa.
Festival president Andrew Stafford said the specially curated program had events to appeal to every taste and budget.
“NOOSA alive! is part of Australia’s festival trail and this year Queensland’s cultural calendar is bursting with opportunity and choice,” he said.
“We are delighted to present international acts and also invite our up-and-coming talent to participate in our 22nd festival, including in our annual talent search Noosa STARS alive!
“We are proud to keep ticket prices affordable without compromising the quality of the program by making our performances, masterclasses and workshops accessible and appealing to all ages.”
At The J Noosa, Gold Logie winner Tom Gleeson performs his brand-new live stand-up show Gear on Saturday, July 20, while actor and author William McInnes graces the stage for an intimate ‘in conversation’ event supporting his new book, Yeah, Nah! on Monday, July 22.
Seaside Vibes, a two-day mini-music festival, returns to Noosa’s iconic main beach, with former Noosa resident and now Nashville country music star Wesley Dean headlining on Friday, July 19, and synth artist and producer Luke Millions headlining on Saturday, July 20.
The 7 Sopranos takes guests on a musical journey in an exclusive, one-night-only performance on Friday, July 19.
Satu In The Beyond – an all-star line-up of Australian musicians drawn from punk, indie and classical worlds – promises an unforgettable afternoon on Saturday, July 20. The electro-acoustic collaboration features globally renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra artistic director Richard Tognetti on electric violin, Midnight Oil’s Jim Moginie on guitar, Paul Beard on keyboards, Kiah Gossner on bass and Declan Kelly on drums.
Other musical acts include Taylor Swift tribute Reputation, and Twilight Classics, an evening of gourmet food, fine wine and exceptional music under the Bendigo Bank marquee on Main Beach.
Multi-award-winning international cabaret diva Meow Meow returns to Noosa direct from her sold-out Carnegie Hall debut for one show at The J Noosa on Friday, July 26.
Words and Music is an intimate event with Australian theatre royalty John Bell and extraordinary pianist Simon Tedeschi at The J Noosa on Thursday, July 25.
Mr Bell will also host an exclusive masterclass for 15 aspiring actors who successfully auditioned for the opportunity, curated specifically for NOOSA alive!
The NOOSA alive! literary program continues to grow with a crime writing panel bringing together Michael Robotham, Candice Fox and J.P. Pomare to The J Noosa on Tuesday, July 23, and a program of literary events at Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort with Jodi Rodgers (July 24), Chris Masters (July 26) and Chris Hammer (July 27).
Australia’s master magician and world record-holder Tim Ellis has created a mesmerising performance exclusively for NOOSA alive! at The J Noosa on Monday, July 22, and Harry Milas’s small workshops teach sleight-of-hand magic tricks from July 23 to 25 in the Lorrikeet Room.
It’s not just creative appetites that will be sated, with a selection of premium food experiences served throughout the festival.
The Italian Long Lunch at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant invites all to gather and enjoy warm conversation, good wine and beautifully prepared food on Sunday, July 28, and Sensational Seafood is a three-course lunch at Noosa’s renowned Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant on Thursday, July 25, where seafood is the indisputable star of the show.
A line-up of local bands will play into the winter sunset at a free, ticketed closing party on the picturesque Noosa River at Lions Park on Sunday, July 28, which includes Noosa STARS alive!, hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi.
For the full program and to purchase tickets click here.
NOOSA alive! is supported by principal partners Bendigo Bank and Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation, and presenting partners Noosa Council, Visit Noosa and Tourism and Events Queensland.
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