One of Queensland’s most unique concert halls, which has seen INXS and Midnight Oil gracing its stage, is struggling to keep its doors open due to COVID restrictions and border lockdowns.

The Kuranda Amphitheater is a sculpted botanical amphitheater located next to the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Barron Falls National Park, west of Cairns.

The idea for the amphitheater was first discussed in 1978 when a group of residents approached the Mareeba Shire Council about building a community hall and performance space for the village of La tropical forest.

The amphitheater was built in the rainforest in 1980 and its first live performance was Don Burrows in 1981.

Now that the venue is celebrating its 40th anniversary, the call is on to keep the doors open.

The site is community-run, receives no government funding, and relies on events to fund maintenance and pay bills.

Due to COVID, the last major concert to take place at the amphitheater was Xavier Rudd in 2019 and three major concerts were canceled in 2020.

Funds are dwindling

Liza Dewey has been president of the Kuranda Amphitheater Society (KAS) for 5 years and says outdoor theater has always been community-driven.

“Administration, maintenance, repairs, reservations, everything is done by volunteers,” she explains.

“We don’t get any funding, we just rely on concerts to raise money to help maintain the venue.”

Ms Dewey said it costs around $ 60,000 a year to keep the place open and pay the bills.

“It doesn’t matter if we have events or if the venue is just sitting there, it’s at least $ 60,000 a year to keep the doors open,” she said.

“We were fortunate last year to get a live music support grant, which paid our bills for six months, otherwise we probably would have closed before now.”

As well as being simply a concert and performance venue, Ms. Dewey says the Kuranda Amphitheater is important to the small rainforest village, which has been hit hard due to the border closures.

“The amphitheater has been the heart of this community for over 40 years,” she said.

“When everyone comes together, there is no separation of class, race or age.

A stellar history of performance

For the past 40 years, the amphitheater has seen the who’s who of Australian music perform on the rainforest stage including: Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, John Williamson, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, John Butler and INXS .

The amphitheater has also hosted international artists like The Wailers, George Thorogood, Mumford and Sons, UB40 and The Band.

“One of the most memorable concerts was that of John Butler about six years ago,” Ms. Dewey said.

“There was a cyclone coming and the organizers wanted to move it indoors in Cairns.

“All the punters went on social media and bombed John Butler not to move him and keep him in the amphitheater.

“We need a big concert”

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said the amphitheater has a rich and proud history of bringing the community together.

“The Kuranda Amphitheater is a unique place located in the middle of the rainforest in Kuranda,” she said.

“The volunteer committee can boast not only of bringing world-class shows to the Far North, but also of playing an important role in the community by organizing community events and providing a space for non-profit groups to. host their activities.

Mrs. Dewey says the situation is now getting serious and they are in desperate need of help.

“We are short of volunteers on the ground,” she said.

“People can help financially by donating because we are a registered charity or if there are any businesses that wish to donate, that would be of great help.

“We also need a big concert.”

Kuranda’s Spring Festival, 40th anniversary and fundraiser takes place on Sunday, October 3.

Last month, a one-of-a-kind amphitheater in Chilton was officially opened by local parish councilor Mark Urso-Calé.

The parish council was able to host the event to celebrate the new community open space that residents can use and enjoy now that Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Despite the wet weather forecast, the event went ahead and was well attended by local villagers, Chilton Parish and Vale of White Horse District Councilors. After the inauguration ceremony, four local entertainment groups took part in the celebration of the new facility. Wantage band Whooysa kicked off the celebrations by playing American folk roots music.

A wonderful surprise followed the Rock Choir Oxfordshire, as the crowd was tricked into believing that only one singer was involved, however, a fabulous Flash-mob caught everyone off guard and the performance turned out like a treat .

Home to Chilton, the Blewbury Brass Band then followed up with a mix of classic tracks and the day ended with the formidable The Undercovers, who were asked to play recalls.

The amphitheater was built before and during the pandemic, and was created by sculptor Tim Norris, who used the neighboring Diamond Light Source building as his main inspiration. The structure can accommodate up to 70 people and is carved into the landscape to take the form of the Harwell campus-based science facility, which produces intense beams of light for examining materials in scientific research.

The amphitheater and surrounding grounds were funded by developer contributions for public art as part of an agreement with the Vale of White Horse District Council to build new homes in the area. The parish council was successful in receiving £ 72,486 as a result of a £ 10,312 fund for research, consultation and commissioning for the art project.

Councilor Mark Urso-Calé, of the Parish Council of Chilton, said: “I am very proud to have been a part of the entire artwork project from start to finish and particularly proud of the event. today. I couldn’t have asked for more from the village, the performances put on by the artists, and I was so happy that everyone had such a great time.

“The artwork is a focal point for the area and so nice to have in Chilton. It’s so different from what you see in other areas and it’s really unique.

Cllr Margaret Crick, Chair of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It was great to come and see how funds from local promoters directly helped the parish council build such an ambitious project. I am sure it will be a popular space that will bring the community together and support our own goals to build healthier communities.

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne, Harwell and Chilton District Councilor, said: “I really enjoyed being a part of the opening celebrations, it was really nice to see everyone back together. I love the way the design and structure of the amphitheater reflects the nearby Diamond light source – very cool! Well done to everyone involved. “

Cllr Sarah Medley, Harwell and Chilton District Councilor, said: “This is a fantastic open space for everyone in the village, and the perfect place for community groups to put on small shows as well as a place to go. lovely for residents to meet and have fun. . “

ENDS

Phish continued his series of shows at The Shoreline Amphitheater, in Mountian View, California. The shows were originally scheduled for Stateline, Nevada.

The show followed Tuesday’s incredible performance with a new mix of song selections and masterful musical improvisation. With a somewhat late start due to issues with Page McConnell’s setup, the band debuted with “Mike’s Song,” in which Trey Anastasio warmed up by teasing a cover of the 1975 hit “Walk This Way”. The group then sank in “The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday ”, then Hebrew song “Avenu Malkenu “in” Weekapaug Groove “They closed the first set with” Cities “, which lasted over 15 minutes, in” Passing Through “in” Fluffhead “.

The second set started off with “The Lizards”, which sparked enthusiasm among fans, but it was what followed that clearly highlighted Phish’s constant tension during this run. They scrambled on the track for 34 minutes during which Anastasio teased “American Woman” and sang some of the lyrics as well. This rendition of “Tweezer” was the third song to pass 30 minutes this summer and is the fifth longest jam since Phish returned to performance in 2009.. The show quickly began to transform into a continuous jam of improvisations cascading through “Miss You “in” Piper “in” Twenty Years Later “, then” Twist “in” Backwards Down the Number Line “, to close the set.

Phish did an encore with “A Life Beyond The Dream”, then “Tweezer Reprise”, to end the evening for good.

To learn more and donate to the Caldor Fire Fund of the El Dorado County Community Foundation, click here.

Poster designed by Helen Kennedy

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this poster will benefit the Caldor Fire Fund of the El Dorado County Community Foundation.

Phishing
Coastal Amphitheater – Mountain View, CA
September 1, 2021

Set I: Mike’s Song> The Man Who Came In Yesterday> Avenu Malkenu> Weekapaug Groove, Brian and Robert, Thread, The Wedge, Cities> Passing Through> Fluffhead

Set II: The Lizards, Tweezer> Miss You> Piper> Twenty Years Later, Twist> Back Down The Digital Line

Enc: A life beyond dreams, Tweezer Reprise

Watch the opening of the set below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyFCzjMTg0E

DETROIT – There is another exciting premiere for the Michigan Opera Theater.

By reaching out to a new generation of theatergoers, the organization finds exciting venues to once again welcome audiences for live performances in safe spaces.

The new production Blue will actually be performed at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in Detroit.

“It’s the story of a black family in Harlem, a black man who is also a police officer and his wife. They have a child together. We come back and find out that the son was murdered by a police officer, so in the face of this tragic loss, the family is surrounded by their community and embraced by their community, ”said Yuval Sharon, Artistic Director of Michigan Opera Theater.

And once again, Michigan Opera Theater’s new Artistic Director is pushing the boundaries by creating a new audience by respecting and meeting them where they are, while keeping the devotee engaged, captivated and excited.

A d

“It’s such a musical city. The opera feels like it absolutely belongs and that’s what I would love to see happen, which includes going where the good music is going, going in honor of Queen Aretha Sharon added.

It’s not just a place Detroit residents are used to listening to great music. See the beautiful ripples of the Detroit River dance against the backdrop and enjoy boaters smuggling a view of the arts water.

It is the heart and soul of everything the Michigan Opera Theater strives to embody in a community that can appreciate innovation of all kinds.

Masks are compulsory at the show.

Read more: Local and national titles on music

Escatawpa, Mississippi, population (at last official census) 3,722, seems like an unlikely place from which a great rock band could emerge, and yet this is exactly where 3 doors down Just. Formed in 1996, the post-grunge rock band saw a big breakthrough with the release of Better life (2000), their first album which featured three singles on the charts: “Kryptonite”, “Loser” and “Be Like That”.

3 Doors Down plays Vina Robles Amphitheater on Sunday August 29 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $ 60 to $ 97 at vinaroblesamphitheater.com), celebrating the 21st anniversary of their debut album and “Kryptonite,” the song that launched their career.

“Especially after the last year everyone has had, I can’t wait to let off steam and celebrate with our fans this summer,” frontman Brad Arnold said in press materials. “It’s hard to believe that this was [more than] 20 years since our release Better life. This album has radically changed our lives, and we are incredibly excited to [play] Better life back and forth this summer. It’s going to be awesome, and we can’t wait to hit the road and see everyone out there! ”

The dead man theory open to.

This Sunday August 29, Numbskull and Good Medicine will bring a group so strangely endearing and intentionally weird that it’s somehow impossible not to take root. Electric Six plays The Siren (7 p.m.; 21 and over; $ 22 in presale at eventbrite.com or $ 25 at the door).

If you are unfamiliar with it, the first step is to go find their video for “Danger! High Voltage” online and enjoy it. As their bio explains, “Mixing garage rock, disco, punk, new wave and metal into cleverly silly, breathtaking songs celebrating hedonism in multiple forms, Electric Six hails from the same garage-punk scene. from Detroit of the late 90s and early 2000s that produced the White Stripes and Dirtbombs. They achieved international success through relentless touring and program recording and an unwavering commitment to their exaggerated style, delivering energy and nonsense in equal measure. ”

That’s a good summary, and if you liked “Danger! High Voltage” you should check out “Dance Commander” and “Gay Bar”. This is altitude camp at its most fantastic!

Me like bees opens the show.

Humboldt County Septet Dig the dirt plays SLO Brew Rock on Saturday. August 28 (7 p.m.; 18 and over; $ 10 at ticketweb.com), bringing their fresh and original take on funk and soul, with a thrilling brass section, heart-wrenching guitars and a punchy rhythm section.

You’ll hear influences from psychedelic rock, Motown soul, Afrobeat, and reggae, but at its center it’s “funk music inspired by the late 60s, dirty, greasy and filthy,” according to the group. . “You might have flashes of James Brown or Sly and the Family Stone, Otis Redding or Tower of Power, but don’t be fooled by the fact that you are in the presence of dizzying originality.”

Charitable works open to.

Also this week at SLO Brew Rock, local folk songwriter Chris Beland play an album release party on Friday August 27 (7 p.m.; all ages; free) with Jubilee in tatters opening.

Cover of Americana and honky-tonk Lucky nine play The Range of Santa Margarita this Thursday August 26, during dinner hours. The acoustic group has great versions of songs like “Chattanooga Dog”, “Fourth of July” and “Hello In There”, and The Range has amazingly good food. It’s the perfect combo!

SLO Town’s popular Concerts in the Plaza series continues this Friday August 27, with a progressive roots reggae act Kicks (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; all ages; free), playing in front of the Mission. Formed in 2003, the group offers a soulful and dancing mix of roots-era reggae, jazz and ska.

The Stone Soup Music Festival, Food & Street Fair return to Grover Beach this Saturday and Sunday August 28 and 29, with a full program of entertainment and activities in and around Ramona Garden Park. There are too many acts to list (visit clarkcenter.org for a full range), but highlights include The group of wave breakers, Ras Danny, and Unfinished. The event is free and attracts thousands of visitors. A favorite festival is the Tuesday Paws Dog Parade.

Out of excess of caution in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Basin Street regulars continue to broadcast their monthly hot jazz concerts, and this Sunday August 29, you can pick up the sounds of New Orleans Clint Baker Jazz Band and the Oasis Senior Center’s Oasis Ukulele Band starting an hour earlier than usual, at 1 p.m. (link via facebook.com/BasinStreetRegulars Where pismojazz.com). The event is free, but you can leave tips on paypal.me/BasinStreetRegulars.

I don’t know what I would do without the local public radio KCBX 90.1FM, which I turn to frequently for good music; local, state and national news; and unique programming like All things considered, Democracy Now, Counterspin, and Fresh air.

At Thursday August 26, KCBX joins 30 other public radio stations statewide to celebrate the second California Public Radio Day, which hopes to raise awareness and fund public radio stations like KCBX.

Funding for public radio has taken a hit in recent years, and the pandemic has exacerbated the problem by crushing major fundraising events such as the Live Oak Music Festival.

“The past year has underscored the importance of access to trustworthy public media for everyone in our communities,” KCBX said. “Amid unprecedented challenges, public radio stations statewide are united in what connects us. Whether it’s the importance of information or the power of music, we believe in the ability of public radio to raise the voice of the community to entertain, educate, inform and inspire, and our listeners too. From timely and localized reporting on fires to shining a light on our communities, public radio is essential. But without the financial support of our listeners, we are at high risk of failure.We are delighted to see our ranks grow in our second year, proving that California Public Radio Day is here to stay as a day for us to celebrate a common commitment. towards public radio and the unique and diverse lifestyles that make up our state. ”

Consider donating to kcbx.org. ??

Contact senior editor Glen Starkey at [email protected]

Phishing announced a contingency plan for the band’s planned concerts at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena in Stateline, NV on Tuesday August 31 and Wednesday September 1. Due to the dangerous conditions caused by the forest fires in the region, the group will instead perform two shows at Coastal amphitheater in Mountain View, CA on the same dates.

Tickets for Lake Tahoe shows will automatically be honored on their respective days at Shoreline. The seats at these shows will be general admission and will have different entrance times (doors at 5.30 p.m. / show at 7 p.m.).

Fans who have purchased tickets from an authorized ticket sales channel (Ticketmaster, Phish Tickets, CID or site websites), you will have until 5:00 PM. PT on Saturday August 28 to request a refund. These ticketing partners will contact all buyers on Thursday with further instructions.

Tickets for Phish’s shows moved to Shoreline Amphitheater will go on sale Thursday, August 26 at 12:00 p.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Please be sure to review Shoreline COVID Policies, which include the required proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative test.

According to announcement, donations to WaterWheel Foundation at these shows will benefit Caldor Fire Fund to El Dorado County Community Foundation, and will be matched by the group. All donations to this fund go directly to those affected by the fires.

While the new August 31 and September 1 site had to be moved far enough to be safe from wildfires, Shoreline is still within striking distance of Stateline—Google maps says you can do it in just over four hours. Plus, it brings Phish back to the famous Northern California hangar for the first time since 2015.

Related: Check out some sprawling drone footage from Phish in Atlantic City [Video]

The group recently completed the first leg of their 2021 summer tour. The 14 date trek through the eastern United States stopped in Rogers, AR; Pelham, Alabama; Alpharetta, Georgia (Night 1, Night 2); Nashville, Tennessee (Night 1, Night 2); Noblesville, IN (Night 1, Night 2, Night 3); Hershey, PA (Night 1, Night 2) and Atlantic City, NJ (Night 1, Night 2, Night 3).

The next stop for Phish is a three night run to The throats in George Washington on Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 27, 28 and 29. For a full list of upcoming Phish tour dates, head over to here.

The Seattle Center Festál Presents Music at the Mural announces a new group for this Sunday, August 29. Stay Grounded will join Two Story Zori in place of Ghost Horse. The concert begins at noon at the Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheater.

Stay Grounded, an eclectic and hardworking group of disciplined musicians of varying ages, ethnicities and styles, bring the harmonies and rhythm of island reggae to the Pacific Northwest, infusing their local heritage with a vibrant mix of modern pop. , R&B and rock. Seattle’s Two Story Zori, together since 2009, merge their own Pacific Island heritage with the feel-good vibes of reggae music, the upbeat feeling of rock and ska, and the ease of listening to catchy harmonic melodies for create their own original music and unique sound that covers many different genres.

Music at the Mural, a new five-concert series, launched on August 15. Hosted by the folks who bring Seattle Center Festál to the community, the series features multicultural, multilingual, and multirhythmic live music on five Sundays this summer, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., August 15, 22, 29, and August 5, 12. Sept. All performances are free to the public. The artists featured on Music at the Mural are rooted in the traditions and influences of East Africa, West Africa, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Pacific Islands and North America.

Seating (low back chairs, blankets or ottomans) for Music at the Mural is allocated on a first come, first served basis, limited to the capacity of the Lawn of the Wall Amphitheater. All participants are asked to physically distance themselves from other people who are not in their group, and face masks or blankets are strongly encouraged. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is urged not to attend. Please leave pets at home and check online at www.seattlecenter.com/musicatthemural for more information and restrictions.

Seattle Center Festál Presents Music at the Mural is a public program of the Seattle Center. To learn more about Summer at the Center, Seattle Center Festál, and other program offerings, visit https://www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.