Page 70 - Tropic Magazine Issue 22

TROPIC • ENTERTAINMENT

Tanks for the
memories

FAVE VENUE
This is the year to try the
Tanks Art Centre, thanks to an
incredible line-up of gigs
and events.
From full symphony orchestras at the
Sydney Opera House, to rock ‘n’ roll in
a commercial airport hangar via The
Triffid in Brisbane, we’re pretty blessed 1
in Australia when it comes to unique Jimmy Barnes, the raucous sounds of Self-proclaimed tropical ambassador Bobby
entertainment venues. New Orleans legendary party act, Hot 8 Alu will usher in his islander vibes and lush
Here in Tropical North Queensland, Brass Band, or Michael Franti dancing sounds on March 13, and a must-see piece
nestled deep amongst rainforest and lush through sold out crowds, every show at of work from Australian indigenous artist
botanical gardens, is the incredibly iconic the Tanks is an intimate affair. With a total Jessie Lloyd will allow audiences to hear
Tanks Arts Centre precinct. Operated capacity of around 650, you can interact near-forgotten songs when Mission Songs
by the arts and cultural arm of Cairns with artists as though you’re at your own Project takes place on March 14.
Regional Council, ‘the Tanks’ features private show. In fact, it’s quite common Bluesfest Touring in 2020 brings living
three historic WWII Royal Australian Navy for musicians and fans to have full-blown legends Buffy Sainte-Marie and John Mayall
fuel tanks that have been repurposed as conversations in-between songs. And it’s direct from Byron Bay’s Bluesfest to our
a bustling performing arts and cultural not just the punters who can’t get enough door on April 15 and 16 respectively. The
centre, hosting live music performances, of the distinctive performance space. The 2020 Tanks World Music Series features
art exhibitions, theatre, comedy and more. Beautiful Girls’ Mat McHugh made the Canadian trio, The Easter Pointers, on
Tank 5 is the official home for the region’s call that it’s his “favourite place to play in March 21, and Australia’s finest classical
best live music acts and combines Australia”, and Tex Perkins rates in his “top guitarists, the Grigoryan Brothers, on
amazing acoustics and a rare intimacy not 5 of the best venues I’ve ever played.” September 18. The Black Sorrows play
experienced in larger venues. Whether Enter a brand new decade and the Tanks March 20, Boy & Bear have announced a
it’s Midnight Oil, Rufus, Kasey Chambers, team has been ramping up the gig guide second show on March 26 with their first
with some of the biggest and most diverse show selling out in quick succession, and
music acts so that you can experience big Ian Moss will play over two nights in April.
city shows in your own backyard. With its candlelit entrance adorned with
Mat marks a return date to his beloved towering fig trees, gothic oil-stained
venue with The Beautiful Girls on February cylindrical walls, and fellow music revellers
8, and Sydney-based hip-hop trio True who feel like family, experiencing a show
Vibenation will bring their big bass, at the Tanks is truly a must, and with most
big beats and big horns on February 15. ticket prices averaging $50 and under, we
Australian blues legend C.W. Stoneking encourage you to make 2020 the year you
will play a rare intimate solo show on try the Tanks, if you’re yet to be converted.
February 28, followed by a brand new genre
of entertainment dubbed ‘gig theatre’, with MORE: tanksartscentre.com
award-winning local duo The Ironing
Maidens premiering a new piece
2 of work on March 7. 1. Ball Park Music at the Tanks
2. Tanks Amphitheatre. Pic: David Campbell

70 • Tropic • Issue 22