Visit Scenic Rim

Tamborine Mountain artists open their studios

alice — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:33:09 +0000

TAMBORINE Mountain artists will open their studio doors to the public next weekend, for the third instalment of Studios of the Scenic Rim.
On May 19 and 20, visitors to Tamborine Mountain can join an open studio trail which takes in about 15 artist studios and artist collectives.
Studios of the Scenic Rim is a month-long celebration of local arts and culture and features artists and art studios right across the region.
While the region grew on the back of rural production, it also boasts a strong and vibrant arts community which is showcased during the month of May.
Sculptor Christopher Trotter will be the artist in residence at Marks & Gardener Gallery on Tamborine Mountain next weekend. His Dr Suess-styled sculptures, fashioned from disused pipes, scrap metal and old machines, are full of personality and life and are instantly identifiable.
This is the second year the Boonah-based sculptor has been involved in Studios of the Scenic Rim and he says it provides visitors with a rare insight into the creative process involved with producing professional art.
Newcomers to Studios of the Scenic Rim this year include sculptor Kate French and landscape painter Fiona Rafferty. Fiona is also a relative newcomer to Tamborine Mountain and says for a landscape artist the mountain hideaway is a 24/7 hub of inspiration.
As a landscape artist Fiona recreates her love of nature through paintings and drawings which she plans to share with the community when she opens the doors of her ‘log cabin’ art space.
Visitors to her studio will see Fiona painting for an upcoming exhibition as well as some of her drawings of the turtles under threat in a Western Australia salt lake.
Fiona’s work comprises an extensive range of media and techniques including black and white and digital photography, painting, printing making, drawing, sculpture, and hand-stitching.
“I incorporate text, symbols and codes in my work that relate to the geography and language of place. The text may be a direct quote from the source or referenced poetry stitched onto a screenprint or canvas,” explains Fiona.
“What I am finding at Mt Tamborine is there is such concentrated beauty and through my work I hope I encourage and inspire people to take a closer look at nature. It’s such as amazing place to live…the hills, the rainforest are very inspiring and it’s a very creative community.”
The Open Studios trail also takes in the studios of Louise Grove Weichers, Marianne Halpin, Bec Andersen, David Kennedy and Daniela Kuratli, Margaret Smit, Margaret Goldsmith, Lorraine Brown and Denise Shellshear.
Full details about the participating artists and their studio addresses are available at www.liveatthecentre.com.au Select the Open Studios link.
Entry to most studios is free and no studio is located more than 90 minutes from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Most artists will have works for sale and are available to undertake commissions.

Studios of the Scenic Rim runs every weekend until June 3 and is an initiative of the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
On May 26-27, artists in Boonah and Kalbar will gather in two historic buildings – The Boonah Butter Factory and the Wiss Emporium to show their wares.
On the final weekend, June 2-3, artists will be in residence and offering workshops at Canungra and Binna Burra.
For full details about Studios of the Scenic Rim go to www.liveatthecentre.com.au and click the Open Studios link.

Olive Grove makes a picturesque art studio

alice — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:36:04 +0000

BUDDING stonemasons, wood carvers and blacksmiths take note – the Scenic Rim arts community is here to help.

Art workshops are filling up fast for next weekend’s Arts in the Olives Festival. The Festival is part of the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s month-long Open Studios of the Scenic Rim initiative, which connects the public with professional local artists and offers a rare insight into the creative process.

On May 13, many of the region’s leading artists will gather in the Worendo Olive Grove in the Lost World Valley south of Beaudesert, where they will offer workshops in their craft.

Festival organiser, Chris Grimmett, says Arts in the Olives is now in its fifth year and each year the most popular workshop is blacksmithing.

It’s led by blacksmith Gilbert Loutit who teaches the fundamentals of hot forging, using 100-year-old blowers and traditional charcoal forges and anvils.

Ms Grimmett says the blacksmithing workshops are – as always – fully booked.

“Our most popular workshops by a long way are blacksmithing, they’re booked out a long way ahead and there are people on the waiting list,” she says.

“People around here are very hands on and they like to get in a try thing – blacksmithing just seems to appeal. There are not very many opportunities to learn blacksmithing, there’s very few people teaching it, so the opportunity to do this is amazing.”
This year the Art in the Olives Festival has a particular focus on sculpture. Stone and wood carving workshops have been introduced for the first time, as has a ‘drop-in’ environmental sculpture session, led by Casselle Mountford. Young and old can add to a sculpture which will be formed around one of the olive trees.
Ms Grimmett says there’s plenty on offer for young and old, including live music, food stalls selling fresh, local Scenic Rim produce and of course plenty of workshops.
The kids can drop in on a junk orchestra workshop – which fashions musical instruments from old pieces of metal, saucepans and anything else which will hold a tune. There’s free kitemaking workshops, face painting and river sculpture workshops too.

Mum might enjoy a rug making workshop, or perhaps the stained glass workshop? Also on offer is basket making, batik, landscape painting, crochet, photography and much more.
Arts in the Olives is organised by the Lost World Valley community and BADCAP – the Beaudesert and District Community Arts Projects.
It is the second event in the month-long Studios of the Scenic Rim Festival, which runs until June 3. Next weekend – May 19&20 – artists on Tamborine Mountain will open their studios to the public and the following weekend – May 26&27 – Boonah and Kalbar studios will take centre stage.
The final weekend – June 2&3 – artists will be in residence and offering workshops at Canungra and Binna Burra.

For full details about Studios of the Scenic Rim go to www.liveatthecentre.com.au and click the Open Studios link.
Book Arts in the Olives workshops at www.artsintheolives.com

Murri Arts celebrates our indigenous heritage

alice — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:43:03 +0000

The art and culture of the Scenic Rim’s indigenous people will be the focus of Murri Arts @ The Centre this Friday and Saturday, May 4-5.
The free event will run from 10am to 4pm at The Centre in Beaudesert.
Murri Arts features activities, exhibitions, bush food cooking demonstrations and performances, ideal for young and old.

Download the full Murri Arts schedule

MURRI ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Arts Dinner
Friday May 4, The Centre, Brisbane Street Beaudesert
Tickets $35/person and include a two-course dinner catered by Jymbilung House
See performances by one of Australia’s leading didgeridoo players William Barton, Mununjali man and musician David Page and the incredible Jaran Dancers. MC is Jarred Fogarty.
Buy tickets here until Thursday 5pm, or from The Centre Box Office.

The Rim Community Arts Project
The Rim is an arts and ecology community-based project that celebrates the Scenic Rim’s incredible landscapes through painting and poetry.
Come along and contribute to this community art piece, which has been developed over a series of community workshops.
Entry is free and no booking is required.

Grandmothers’ Stories
Grandmothers’ Stories is a community storytelling project facilitated by Marita Tomlinson. The project allows people to share stories of important women and moments in their lives.
Lorrain Iselein and Joan Quick will share their stories. They share a friendship which spans more than 50 years. Growing up in Beaudesert, their lives have crossed paths in different ways … on shared outings and through local community groups.
Lorrain is a Mununjali elder and was raised as part of the strong local indigenous community.
So when Joan discovered later in life that her grandmother had indigenous heritage, Lorrain helped her friend discover more about her ancestry.

Jingi Wahlu Photo Exhibition
This photographic exhibition by Marisol Da Silva features Beaudesert residents sharing their experiences of health and wellbeing through images, conversations and stories.

Black Screen Film Screenings
Short Films from the National Film & Sound Archive will screen during Friday and Saturday.
The films include Jandamarra, Tales from the Daly, Minnie Loves Junior, Bollywood Dreaming, Who Paintin’ dis Wandjina? Jolngu Guya Djamamirr and Storytime.
Screenings are on at 10am, noon and 2pm on Friday and Saturday at The Centre Beaudesert.
Entry is free, no bookings required.

Indigenous Culture Workshop
Graeme Blanco, who has been performing traditional dance for over 25 years, will talk about cultural heritage, look at significant artefacts and provide an introduction to important cultural traditions. He is Jaran’s Artistic Director and a Mununjali descendant.
2pm, Friday The Centre Beaudesert. No bookings required.

Launch of the Drumley Walk
The Drumley Walk is a series of easy walks to honour Aboriginal Elders of yesteryear, for their resilience and courage to keep living on their traditional lands.
Beaudesert – Saturday May 5
Mount Tamborine – Sunday May 6
Southport – Monday May 7
www.thedrumleywalk.com.au

Elders Morning Tea
Join local elders for morning tea at The Centre Beaudesert from 10am to 11.30am.
Free, no booking required.

Tukka Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations
Join Tukka Restaurant’s head chef Bryant Wells for demonstrations in how to cook native foods and even how to grow them in your back yard.
Bryant will cook Tasmanian Pepper berry smoked kangaroo on a BBQ and serve it with some locally-farmed fresh water yabbies.
Demonstrations are at 1pm and 2.30pm and are free. No booking required.

For full details about Murri Arts and the Open Studios of the Scenic Rim visit www.liveatthecentre.com.au

The Drumley Walk to honour indigenous elders

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:01:11 +0000

The Drumley Walk to honour the Aboriginal Elders of yesteryear has been split into three, shorter walks to be conducted over a three-day period, beginning in Beaudesert and finishing in Southport.
The walk follows the footsteps of Billy Drumley, who regularly walked from Beaudesert to Southport to visit his younger sister Jenny Graham and her large family, during the 1930s and 40s.
This year the walk headlines The Drumley Walk Arts Dinner, which will be held on Friday May 4 at The Centre Beaudesert.
The Arts Dinner will feature performances by internationally-acclaimed acts David Page and William Barton.
The first walk will leave Beaudesert on Saturday May 5.
Two walks are available, a 4km or a 17km walk. On Sunday May 6, visitors can join the 5km Drumley Walk and on Monday, May 7 the final leg of The Drumley Walk will be held in Southport.
Organiser, Rory O’Connor says as well as Billy Drumley, the walk also remembers other local leaders such as Bungaree, Sandy, King Coolum and his son, Joe Culham, Bilin Bilin – King of the Logan and Pimpama, Bullumm (John Allen), Jenny Graham, Warri, Nelli and others whose stories form an integral part of today’s community. Read more about Billy Drumley.
Find out more and register your interest for one or all of the three walks at www.thedrumleywalk.com
The Arts Dinner on Friday night is a true celebration of the indigenous heritage of the Scenic Rim.
It will be David Pages’ first public performance in his hometown Beaudesert and he is said to be looking forward to playing on stage with his cousin Lorraine Iselin. He will perform a drag performance, which is sure to bring the house down.
Lorraine says she remembers David putting on shows for her in her mother’s house in Peterson St, Beaudesert.
“We had a long room in our house in Petersen Street where Nelson lives,” she said.
“He was about eight and he would come out with his hairy skinny legs and he liked dressing up as woman then. He would lift his skirt and show half his leg and we would crack up. They were the good old days,” she laughed.
William Barton, one of Australia’s leading Indigenous musical icons, said it would be an honour to be able to meet the local community at an event that was so important to them.
Also performing will be Lorraine’s nephew, Graham Blanco, who leads the Jaran Dance Company.
Bookings for The Drumley Arts Dinner can be made at www.liveatthecentre.com.au Tickets are $35/head and include a two-course dinner.
A full schedule of events and workshops is planned for Friday and Saturday May 4-5 at The Centre as part of the Murri Arts Festival. These include:
The Rim Community Art Project – Free Event
Grandmothers’ Stories – Free Event
Jingi Wahlu Photo exhibition : a community conversation – Free Event
Black Screen 13 short films made by Indigenous film makers – Free Event
Tukka celebrity Chef cooking demonstrations – Free Event
Elders Morning tea – Free Event
Drumley Walk launch

Mt Barney is a world apart

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:59:23 +0000

Mt Barney’s best food, wine and accommodation will be showcased over May 26 and 27 at the 6th annual Hidden Tastes of Mt Barney Festival.
Tourism operators in the region will join together to provide five unique experiences to visitors, who are encouraged to ‘come for a day or stay for the weekend’.
Mt Barney is Queensland’s second highest peak and is a dominant feature in the natural landscape.
Activities and events will be held at five country properties and include wine tastings, Italian cooking classes, bush tucker tours and tastings, a gourmet bush tucker BBQ, alpaca introductions and a traditional Scottish Highland tea.
Entry is free and Mt Barney is located about 30minutes from Boonah and Beaudesert.
The participating operators are:
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages
Wine tasting is free, so sample the full range of wines from our boutique vineyard.
Stroll around our rambling country garden and experience the autumn colours or purchase
a glass of wine and a vineyard platter and relax while you take in the magnificent mountain scenery.
198 Seidenspinner Rd, Mt Barney
www.barneycreekcottages.com
5544 3287

Classi di Cucina Italiana
Pietro and Desley created the Schonell Pizza Caffe at UQ in 1991. They now teach Italian cooking. During A World Apart, pizzas and minestrone will also be on sale. Pop in for your free gelato tasting and see their sculpture garden.
111 Douglas Road, Rathdowney
www.italiancookingclasses.webs.com
5544 1008

Mt Barney Lodge
This ecotourism retreat is set right at the base of the 1354m Mt Barney massif. You are invited to explore the sustainable gardens and formal hedged herb garden, and join the hourly free bush tucker tour and tastings. A selection of gourmet BBQ bush tucker, bush-lemon meringue pie and tearoom drinks are available for purchase – laze by the creek, or claim a rustic table.
1093 Upper Logan Road, Mt Barney
www.mtbarnelodge.com.au
5544 3233

Rathdowney Alpacas
Rathdowney Alpacas at “Triple Peaks”, welcomes you with old-fashioned country courtesy.
Learn about “all things alpaca” when you are up close and personal with this unique animal.
Stroll around the neat cottage garden and browse in “The Alpaca Shack” for garments, accessories and giftware made with their supersoft fleece. Free farm tours throughout the day.
10 Mt Barney Rd, Barney View
www.ausalpaca.com
5544 3272

Thistledown Country Retreat
At Thistledown Country Retreat, the federation theme spills out into a series of closed gardens around a secluded cottage and elegant Queenslander homestead. Step back into a bygone era to relax and enjoy a Scottish morning or afternoon High Tea with fine china, and Highland Scottish savoury and sweet specialties.
68 Harper Rd, Barney View
www.thistledowncountryretreat.com.au
5544 3232

Tickets for A World Apart are free, and can be collected from any of the participating businesses or from local Visitor Information Centres. The ticket has a local map, full details of the event, and doubles as your prize draw entry.
All visitors to A World Apart are in the running to win over $600 of local products and experiences, just for having a great day out!!
For further information and contact Tracey on 5544 3233 or tracey@mtbarneylodge.com.au

Eat Local Week celebrates Scenic Rim produce

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:58:38 +0000

THE Scenic Rim, with its rich volcanic soil, is a fertile region that is home to some of the country’s leading fresh food producers.
Eat Local Week, being held from Sunday June 24 to Sunday July 1, will celebrate our food producers, farmers, chefs, and anyone associated with the Scenic Rim food industry.
This week-long event was born out of the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Local Living Economies program and is a celebration of the local food industry.
The focus will be on local farms, food producers, restaurants and the organisations and people who play a part in making locally-grown food more accessible in the region, and as this is the Australian Year of the Farmer, Eat Local Week will have a particular focus on the important role farming plays in the Scenic Rim.
Eat Local Week will open on Sunday June 24 with the Beechmont Zest Fest, a community event run by the Beechmont Business Enterprise Network and supported by Council.
Last year’s event featured farm tours, edible garden tours, food festivals, a permaculture tour and workshop, a growers forum, cooking classes for children and much more!
This year’s event will also include activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages and will raise awareness of Community Garden projects, farming/production processes and food nutrition.
A Council spokesperson says the aim of Eat Local Week is to inspire locals and visitors to incorporate locally-grown and produced food into their everyday lives.
“As well as promoting activities and events which showcase our local food producers and their products, we hope to provide networking opportunities between producers and end users so that Scenic Rim produce is available in more places around the region”.
“The aim is to assist local food retailers, restaurants, cafes and accommodation operators with easy access to the producers.
“The event also enables food producers to connect with their customers and gain first-hand feedback about their product.”
Eat Local Week – now in its second year – will close with an event which celebrates the region’s agricultural sector and food producers who were impacted by the flooding and rain events of early 2011 and recognises their efforts and achievements in their post event recovery.
Council is finalising plans for this year’s event and wants to hear from Scenic Rim food producers, restaurateurs, cafes and anyone else in the food industry interested in being involved in the program.
If you would like to take part in Eat Local Week please contact Cherie Fletcher at Scenic Rim Regional Council on 5540 5314 or email cherie.f@scenicrim.qld.gov.au

Wotif.com promotion launches this month

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:58:13 +0000

Keep your eyes peeled for some red hot Scenic Rim accommodation deals on www.wotif.com later this month.
A number of great Scenic Rim operators have put together some super special deals, which will be available on Wotif mid May.

Click here for the Scenic Rim page on Wotif.

Scenic Rim artists open studio doors to the public

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:07:30 +0000

ARTISTS across the Scenic Rim will open their work studios to the public for May’s Studios of the Scenic Rim festival.

The month-long celebration of local arts and culture features artists and art studios in Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Beechmont, Boonah, the Lost World Valley, Beaudesert and Kalbar.

Tamborine Mountain textile artist Bec Andersen says the Open Studios initiative provides visitors a rare insight into the creative process involved in producing art professionally. She will open her textile and rug making studio to the public and reveal how she uses trees, plant roots and even cactus to create natural colour dyes.

“Studios of the Scenic Rim is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to step inside the creative spaces of local artists. It makes art more accessible and supports the endeavours of our local talent,” she says.

Another participating artist, Christopher Trotter, will be an artist in residence at Tamborine Mountain, where he will display the Dr Suess-style sculptures which he fashions from scrap metal. He and Ms Andersen are two of more than 25 artists involved in the month-long open studios event.
Every weekend from May 4 to June 3 artists will open their studio doors to the public, or will convene in a central place to meet and discuss their art style, their creative approach and what inspires them.

The Open Studios Festival begins on May 4-5 in Beaudesert with the Murri Arts event and The Drumley Walk. The weekend will be a celebration of the indigenous Mununjali people of the Scenic Rim and features a community art and poetry project, the Jingi Wahlu photographic exhibition, indigenous culture workshops and an Arts Dinner featuring performances by the Jaran Dancers, William Barton and David Page. Chef Bryant Wells, of Brisbane’s Tukka Restaurant, will lead demonstrations in cooking with native Australian ingredients.

On May 13, a range of Scenic Rim artists, artisans and fresh food producers will gather in the Worendo Olive Grove in the Lost World Valley for Arts in the Olives. The day will feature art workshops, musical performances, free activities for the kids and gourmet food and wine stalls.

On May 19-20, Tamborine Mountain takes centre stage with local arts community opening their studio doors this weekend for the Open Studios of the Scenic Rim event. Participating artists include sculptors Christopher Trotter and Kate French, textile artist Bec Andersen, bookbinder Lorraine Brown and landscape artist Fiona Rafferty.

On May 26-27, Boonah and Kalbar will be featured with the historic Boonah Butter Factory hosting the Open Studios weekend events. Local artists, Felicity Smith, Catherine Anderson and Rachael Brook will be on hand to explain to visitors how they create their artwork.
Nearby at Kalbar a group of developing artists will exhibit their art at the 103-year-old, Heritage-listed Wiss Emporium.

On June 2 and 3, Open Studios of the Scenic Rim moves to Canungra and Beechmont for the final instalment. Meet local painters, fibre artists, potters and pets at the Wallaby Ridge Retreat Artists’ Studio in Canungra and see how they create their art. Book in for watercolour and drawing lessons, stay for afternoon tea or overnight.
At Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, artists Sharon Louise and Therese Flynn-Clarke will be in residence all weekend. Sharon Louise will offer two free photography workshops, while Therese will lead workshops in basket weaving.

Entry to most studios is free and no studio is more than 90 minutes from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, and some are much closer. Most artists will have works available for sale and are also available to work on commissioned pieces. Some Open Studios workshops must be booked in advance.

Download the Studios 2012 Booklet here

For full details of the participating studios and artists go to www.liveatthecentre.com.au and click the link for Open Studios.

10 things to do in the Scenic Rim in May

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:04:54 +0000

May is madness in the Scenic Rim. There is just so much going on you’ll need to stay for the whole month to enjoy it all.

1. Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Tuesday May 1, Boonah Cultural Centre
See some of the best acts from this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival live in Boonah. Every year Festival organisers choose a selection of the best acts to go on the road.
It’s a hilarious night of entertainment but be warned, the language and subject matter can be ‘colourful’.
Buy tickets online www.liveatthecentre.com.au or from The Cultural Centre box office.

2. Garterbelts & Gasoline Festival
May 4 to 7, Tamborine Mountain
A popular rockabilly and Kustom car show, featuring live entertainment, art, a rockabilly ball, dance workshops, movies and a hot rod carnival.
More information www.garterbeltsandgasoline.com.au

3. The Drumley Walk
May 4- 7 – Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain and Southport
The Drumley Walk is a series of easy walks to honour Aboriginal Elders of yesteryear, for their resilience and courage to keep living on their traditional lands.
Beaudesert – May 5, 4km and 17km walks available
Tamborine Mountain – May 6, 5km walk
Southport – May 7, 7km walk
The Drumley Walk follows in the footsteps of Billy Drumley, who regularly walked from Beaudesert to Southport to visit his younger sister Jenny Graham and her large family, during the 1930s & 1940s.
The event also remembers other local leaders such as Bungaree, Sandy, King Coolum and his son, Joe Culham, Bilin Bilin – King of the Logan and Pimpama, Bullumm (John Allen), Jenny Graham, Warri, Nelli and others whose stories form an integral part of today’s community.
More information at www.thedrumleywalk.com

4. Studios of the Scenic Rim
May 4 to June 3, various locations
Studios of the Scenic Rim is a month-long event which gives visitors the chance to step inside the workspaces of the region’s leading artists and see how they work.
Each weekend from May 3 to June 4, artists in communities across the Scenic Rim will open their studio doors and offer a unique insight into the creative process.
The Studios trail features photographers, textile artists, painters, sculptors, mask-makers, bookbinders and many more creatives.
No studio is more than 90 minutes from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and some are much closer. Studios are open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free.
Go to www.liveatthecentre.com.au for full details of the open studios and click here to find out more about the participating artists.

5. Bang Crash Tap
May 9, Boonah Cultural Centre
RAW Dance’s Bang! Crash! Tap! features a crew of two tap-dancers, an amazing Beat Boxing Champion and one of Australia’s most talented drummers. Bang! Crash! Tap! is a mind-blowing dance and percussion stage spectacular!
Buy tickets online at www.liveatthecentre.com.au

6. Boonah Show
May 12 & 13, Boonah Showgrounds
Don’t miss this bumper country show. It has all that you would expect of a great country show – horses, cattle, chooks, rides for the kids, showbags, country cooking competitions and a sensational night show.
Everything you need to know is at www.boonahshowsociety.org.au

7. Arts in the Olives
May 13, Worendo Olive Grove, Lost World Valley
The Scenic Rim arts and gourmet food communities converge on the picturesque Worendo Olive Grove this Sunday for Arts in the Olives – an art and food festival in the Lost World Valley.
It’s the latest instalment in the month-long Studios of the Scenic Rim event, which celebrates the talented artists who live in the region.
Arts in the Olives features art workshops, musical performances, free activities for the kids and gourmet food and wine stalls.
Workshop bookings are a must. Studios of the Scenic Rim continues every weekend until June 4 and gives visitors the chance to step inside the studios of the region’s leading artists.
Find out more at www.artsintheolives.com

8. Caldera in the Raw
May 19 to June 30, The Centre Beaudesert
Andra Temple, a conservation artist has created new paintings and drawings in a range of medium, showcasing the unique fauna and flora from the Scenic Rim area, with a special emphasis on wildlife areas that may be cleared for a coal seam gas pipeline.

9. A World Apart – Discover the Hidden Tastes of Mt Barney
May 26 & 27 – Mt Barney
This food and wine festival celebrates its 6th year and draws together the diverse variety of regional food and wine available in the Mt Barney region.
Five unique country properties are involved in this event and over the weekend will offer wine tastings, Italian cooking classes, bushtucker tours and tastings, a gourmet bushtucker BBQ, Alpaca introductions and a traditional Scottish Highland morning tea.
Find out more online.

10. Adam Harvey & Amber Lawrence
May 26, The Centre Beaudesert
Enjoy the music of these country greats at The Centre Beaudesert.
Buy tickets online at www.liveatthecentre.com.au

Tamborine Mountain hosts Garter Belts & Gasoline Festival

alice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:15:59 +0000

A festival celebrating 1950′s music and culture is set to takeover Tamborine Mountain on the May long weekend.
Garterbelts & Gasoline will run from May 4 to 7 at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim.
Festival Director Paul Biagini says there’s something for die-hard rockabilly enthusiasts and for those who are just interested in learning more about the American cars and culture movement which took off post WW2.
The weekend events feature a Rockabilly Ball, a hotrod parade, music, film, fashion, art and a soapbox derby.
Pre-bookings are recommended and if you’re not a rockabilly convert but want to find out more Paul says Sunday is the best day to attend.
“It’s a celebration of rockabilly culture – the music, the cars, fashion art movies lots of stuff,” says Paul.
“The rockabilly side of it centered round the 1950s and the hot rod Americana lifestyle.
“The people who love rockabilly are really really down to earth friendly people.”
The Festival is now in its 5th year and this will be the second year it’s been held at Tamborine Mountain.
Paul says last year’s event attracted hundreds of people to the mountain and he’s expecting the same again this year. He believes it offers busy, stressed people a chance to step back in time and enjoy the music and culture of a time gone by.
“It’s a form of escapism,” he says.
“People can put their glad rags on and listen to some music – it’s a bit of a time warp.”
Paul’s been into rockabilly his whole life. His father was a ‘greaser’ who loved the American cars of the 1950s. Paul couldn’t help be hooked … although he says his two left feet mean he’s never picked up the dance moves.
But there’s plenty of others who have and you can see them in full flight over the weekend.
Paul says Sunday is the best day for rockabilly newcomers to come to the festival and see what it’s all about.
The Festival moves to the Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds for the day, where you’ll see the cars, the art, the pin-up girls and of course hear the music, live on two stages.
The night-time events are great for the purists and on Saturday morning Curtis Rd will be closed for the vintage soapbox derby.
“The original soapbox derby racing at the turn of the century featured kids making cars out of old soapboxes because they were too poor to buy toys,” says Paul.
“Now the cars are just amazing, they’re built out of steel, some are timber. We have 44 cars entered this year.
“Rockabilly is really what happened when two cultures collided, mainly due to WW2. If we didn’t have WW2 we would have the great music and the great cars. Rockabilly fused a bit earlier than that in the mid 1940s, it was a fusion of early blues and country and then it really found its roots in the early 1950s.
“The hotrodding happened when the returned service men came back from WW2 to Southern California. All these guys had learned mechanic skills and there was an excess of old cars they could do up to make them go faster.”
Find out more about the festival at the website.