Get your live music fix at Queensland Music Festival

Music breaks down barriers and that’s just what the statewide Queensland Music Festival aims to do this July. This year’s festival is about more than just music – it’s also giving voice to issues like domestic violence and gender equality in the music industry.

Whether you want to get behind these causes or see some of Australia’s finest musicians perform, there are plenty of reasons to be part of the festival that only rolls around every two years. Here are some of the highlights of the three-week program.

Immersion

This free event gives you the chance to see some of Australia’s finest musicians perform in the artistic surrounds of The Johnson. The series takes place over ten nights, with a line-up that includes Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier, Montaigne, Jeremy Neale, Katie Noonan and members of All Our Exes Live In Texas. Tickets to this one are a lucky dip – register on the Queensland Music Festival website to be in the draw to head along to a show.

14–23 July at The Johnson

16 Lovers Lane

The Go-Betweens are one of Brisbane’s most beloved bands and this show will celebrate the 30^th anniversary of their seminal album, 16 Lovers Lane. See a star-studded line-up that includes Steve Kilbey (The Church), Katie and Tyrone Noonan (george) and Montaigne perform hits ranging from Streets of Your Town to Was There Anything I Could Do?

14 July at QPAC

Joh for PM

Who would have thought ex-Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen would be the inspiration for a musical? There are no wistful lovers in this locally produced comedy satire – instead you’ll be taping your toes to catchy tunes including Pumpkin Scone Diplomacy, Feeding the Chooks and the political ditty, Joh for PM.  

7–16 July at Brisbane Powerhouse

Songs That Made Me

The Songs That Made Me performance at The Tivoli is the culmination of a special festival program designed to empower singer-songwriters from regional Queensland. The show celebrates female talent with performances from Deborah Conway, Clare Bowditch, Hannah Macklin and all-female rhythm section, Brisbane choir Cheep Trill.

16 July at The Tivoli

You’re The Voice

Kate Ceberano, Isaiah and Katie Noonan will be joined by a 2000-member choir for a special event to raise awareness for domestic violence. You're The Voice is a free performance that will see choirs from all across Australia and Queensland come together, culminating in a soul-stirring performance of John Farnham’s iconic anthem, You’re The Voice. See it live at South Bank or tune in to watch it live streamed online.

29 July at South Bank Piazza

David Gray

Experience jazz and the music of Broadway and Hollywood played on a 1934-vintage cinema pipe organ. Scottish virtuoso organist David Gray is performing a special concert for the festival that will feature a series of orchestral masterpieces specially arranged for the cinema organ. Hear some of your favourite music in a new way as the young organ maestro conjures up a symphony of sound.

23 July at Kelvin Grove State College

KEY DETAILS

Queensland Music Festival
7–30 July
View the full program