GARDENS GIG GOES DIGITAL
A TOWNSVILLE icon is set to be splashed around Australia for the first time as part of a COVID-19 facelift.
The annual Queens Gardens Concert usually welcomes 6000 people through the gates but, due to coronavirus restrictions, the outdoor serenade will play host to a limited physical audience this
year. However, in a bid to keep the traditional concert alive, the performance will be virtually broadcast on social media.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the digital broadcast was an “innovative idea” to continue the legacy of the annual concert.
“Everyone thinks that culture has to be held in the capital cities, but the reality is,
there have been some great musicians and artists that have come from regional Queensland,” she said.
“We have some great talent here and we know artists are struggling at the moment and the community is crying out for entertainment.”
Featuring local and Queensland artists, including the 1RAR band, the freestreamed concert will now
reach a wider audience showcasing homegrown talent.
Major Matt O’keefe said the 1RAR band would rehearse everyday in the three weeks leading up to the Queens Gardens Concert.
“This is a new thing for the band because it is an online performance so you don’t get that edge with a live performance and audience, and we have talked a lot about how to
maintain that connection,” he said. “We know the rehearsal needs to be comprehensive because once its done it’s out there for the world.”
Australian Festival of Chamber Music executive director Gavin Findlay said the decision to live-stream the concert was a game-changer.
The Concert will be held on October 24 at 5pm. Tickets are free at afcm.com.au/ festival/nafa-2020/