Catch the King of Cool at Blues on Broadbeach.
Catch the King of Cool at Blues on Broadbeach.
Music royalty on the Coast, Benny D Williams has been on the scene for over 20 years.
We sat down with the living legend to chat about his first appearance at the iconic Blues on Broadbeach festival and the array of instruments in his ever-growing arsenal.
It’s almost time for Blues on Broadbeach again, what can we expect from your sets?
This is my first year playing Blues on Broadbeach so I’m really excited about the opportunity to play such a well-established and respected event alongside some legendary acts. Therefore I’ll be delivering “all killer, no filler” for my two sets over the weekend.
What do you love most about the festival?
I love the fact that punters can wander around between stages and see a wide range of great rootsy music. There’s a magnificent vibe in the air over the whole weekend. It really is something special.
Tell me about your style of music, how do you describe it to people?
My music is an eclectic combination of soulful sounds featuring rhythmic percussive grooves and drenched in psychedelic sunshine.
How many instruments are in your arsenal these days?
It varies but for this special show I’ll be packing a few guitars, Djembe drums, harmonicas, a kazoo, a recorder, my trusty cowbell and a bunch of other bells and toys which I’ll probably end up playing all at once piped through a rather large pedal board of special effects. Maybe a clarinet too.
What’s your favourite thing about performing?
That fleeting moment shared with the audience. Letting go and flowing with the music as it takes me to places I’ve never been. Improvising grooves and building a song from nothing…there’s lots of things. Performing is like meditation, I always feel like I’ve cleansed my soul somehow after a show.
How have you seen the Coast’s music scene transform over the last 20 years?
The Gold Coast and Brisbane have blossomed into a thriving creative community in so many ways. We still have a long way to go before we can match Sydney or Melbourne but I definitely think the Bjelke-Petersen hangover is wearing off.
What do you mean by the “Bjelke-Petersen hangover”?
A long time ago Queensland was a very conservative state run by a crooked bunch of National Party politicians. Joh Bjelke-Petersen was the Premier and basically drove any creative types to Sydney and Melbourne to escape from this dodgy bunch who used the police as henchmen to shut down anything they thought was outside the boundaries of good taste and often with the use of physical violence, especially towards the LGBTQ community. My parents were theatre folk who moved to Melbourne from QLD back in the day. The National Party of the 70s and 80s was an evil, nepotistic, crooked regime and they all got busted in the Fitzgerald enquiry. Queensland has regained some of its arts culture and it’s hard to catch up after 20 years or so of stunted growth but we’re getting there.
How did you come to be involved in blues music…tell us your story?
Blues is the essence of everything I write essentially. I was raised on old rock and roll and that’s stuck with me. When I was a teenager I hunted out the originals that influenced people like Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and later I drenched myself in Zeppelin and Hendrix…still do! There’s something honest and delightfully simple about the blues that resonates with me, it’s pretty much my default setting. When I wake up in the morning I make a coffee and pick up a guitar and play/learn some blues riffs. I think that’s a pretty great way to watch the sunrise.
What’s up next for you after Blues on Broadbeach?
HEAPS! I’m currently releasing a new single every month in 2017 culminating in a big album launch in December. It will have all those songs on it and a few new ones including a live track. At the same time, I’m producing lots of other local acts in the studio. From a gig perspective I’m doing a very special dinner and show on the 22nd of June upstairs at Edelweiss in their beautiful function room, which will be an audiovisual feast for the senses. It will be rock solid.
Your favourite piece of life advice…
Follow your dreams, be good to each other and don’t litter. Let everybody do what they want to do as long as it doesn’t mess with anyone else’s trip.
You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t…
…watched the fireworks on the beach at NYE.
Favourites:
Beach: Not telling!! Haha.
Café: Iron and Resin Garage or anywhere that has live local music.
Music venue: To play at…at the moment I’m loving The Avenue in Surfers Paradise and Miami Marketta is great, there’s heaps! Still we need more venues that can handle live bands.
Bar: Cambus Wallace at the moment. Although I haven’t had the chance to hit any bars lately because I’ve been fairly busy. Hopefully soon!
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.
Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.
To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach
Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Kellie Leader.
Shenanigans are afoot, Gold Coasters. Yep, in case you’ve been off with the fairies – March means St Patrick’s Day is indeed upon us for another year. Who can resist the time honoured tradition of donning the green garb, and gathering over a cheeky pint of Guinness to celebrate Irish culture in all its glory… and who could forget waaay too many (questionable) impressions, to be sure, to be sure.
March 17th is the date famously reserved for good, old fashioned Irish-inspired revelling in cities across the globe. This year St Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday so many of the GC’s venues are celebrating an entire weekend of fun! If you’re wondering what’s on we’ve got you covered better than a kilt on a breezy day with all the best spots to bust out those second-hand Riverdance renditions.
Here’s a list of top Gold Coast spots to get your green on from north to south.
Come dressed in your best shade of green for an afternoon of music, dance, and merrymaking for St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the club! On 16 March, Irish You Were Beer will be playing from 1pm, with traditional Irish dancers backing it up at 2:30pm. The club will be offering special deals on traditional Irish food and drinks, including their Irish Stew with mash, veggies, Irish soda bread, and their Steak & Guinness Pie!
Where: 22 Thrush Avenue, Paradise Point
When: 11am-6pm, 16 March 2025
Harbour Town Premium Outlet’s favourite neighbour Dublin Docks is never light on Irish cheer, particularly not on St Paddy’s Day! There’ll be live entertainment, Irish food, and of course, the refreshing ales will be flowing with Guinness and Kilkenny on tap to really get in the spirit. But we should issue a very valid warning here; too many of the latter may induce the Irish flu come Tuesday morning (aka a humdinger hangover)! Irish soloist Tom Kimmet kicks off the festivities from 12pm on Sunday 16th March, while Irish dancing and tunes courtesy of Mama Ju Ju & the Jam Tarts set to soundtrack the merrymaking well into the evening on Sunday and Monday.
Where: Harbour Town Drive, Biggera Waters
When: Sunday 16th and Monday 17th March
Ya local, The Local Tavern, is also getting in on the Irish cheer! On Monday, 17 March, it will be business as usual with a Celtic flair. Expect plenty of Guinness (obvs), Irish chef specials and Richard Neill live from 3pm. Grab the gang for a perfect afternoon of St Patrick’s Day celebrations on the Gold Coast.
Where: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday 17th March
Why limit the fun to one day only? Surfers’ Irish icon, Waxy’s is going the whole hog with a full-blown St Patrick’s fest spanning the entire weekend… and frankly, we would expect no less! They’ve got Irish charm just burstin from the seams, which makes them a hard pub to rival when it comes to a St Patty’s Day hurrah. You can bet the entire place will be chockers this with live performances from modern Celtic band Limerick MCB, the Counterfeit Heros, Gold Coast Pipe Band, The Paddy Project, Tartan Shamrock Project, Pipe Band, Gallie and Bett Hammond. There will also be special performances from the Irish dance group Shamrock Dancers.
Where: 3206 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 15th – Monday 17th March
Who’s ready for St Patrick’s Day Karaoke at The Avenue? Seriously, who can resist belting out Zombie by The Cranberries (honourable mention: Nothing Compares 2U, because Sinead always slaps) whenever it comes on? Certainly not us! Get ready to grease your throats with Guinness and let it rip from 6pm. There will also be prizes for best dressed, so be sure to wear your best green fit. Entry is free, with plenty of prizes up for grabs! Grand!
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday 17th March
Witness a sea of green take over Cavill Avenue at Finn McCool’s! Immerse yourself in Irish spirit with their decked-out St Patrick’s Day long weekend lineup of Irish mayhem. Live music will be pumping the whole weekend with five bands set to go, DJs till late and a traditional pipe band at the ready. Irish dancers will deliver top-notch entertainment, with hearty fare to keep you fueled and Guinness flowing (and flowing, and flowing) all night long. Don’t miss out on the craic – RSVP now.
Where: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 15th – Monday 17th March
If you’ve been anywhere near a pub (or the internet) lately, you’ll know Guinness is having a moment. Aussies everywhere are obsessed with attempting the impossible: Splitting the G. So, Gelato Messina are jumping on the bandwagon with Scoop The G – a silky Fior di Latte gelato loaded with Guinness brownies and swirled with Guinness caramel. It’s got all the iconic rich, malty flavour of the world’s most famous stout, but with a sweet twist that’ll have you raising a cone instead of a pint.
Where: 2A Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Available in all Messina stores from Monday, 17th March, while stocks last
It’s a full-blown St Patrick’s Fest at this much loved local Irish icon. The extravaganza is shaping up to be their best yet, with 3 days of Celtic shenanigans prepared, including live performances by Irish musicians Mark Butler and Claddagh, Gallie, Gold Coast Pipe Band, The Gathering and Salliana7. We’re also spoiled with live performances by the Carolan Academy of Irish Dance! Of course, irresistible Irish bites like Beef & Guinness pies with mushy peas and Kilkenny beer battered Barra will also be coming thick and fast, so head down for what’s sure to be the best time outside the motherland itself! Get all the details here.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 15th – Monday 17th March
Get ready for a St Patrick’s long weekend full of specials (hello, $10 pints from 3-6pm) and challenges!! Among the sweet sound of Irish tunes by TJ and Cole Trio, Dunlin Drive, Big Fella Ling, Richard Neill and The Drunken Midnight Choir, there will be daily giveaways worth your weight in Arthur’s finest. One is a month-worth of FREE Guinness! Just buy a pint and a main meal to enter the draw! Not a hard ask when there’s Banger’s and Mash made with Guinness gravy on the menu and Guinness on tap (the only venue in Broadbeach that has it)! There will be Split The G challenges (win a free pint) and Jameson and Magners giveaways daily! Book your table now and celebrate in true Irish style.
Where: Shop 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
When: Saturday 15th – Monday 17th March
A truly special St Patrick’s Day celebration awaits. Celtica – a new ear of Irish heritage – is bringing their electrifying performance of Irish dance to The Star for one night only! From the producers of Celtic Illusion comes this awe-inspiring Irish dance spectacle starring an elite troupe of performers, including alumni from Lord of the Dance and Celtic Illusion.
Expect lightning-fast footwork, magnificent contemporary Irish music, and dazzling costumes as you’re transported straight to the Emerald Isle. This evening is essential for die-hard Irish dance fans and perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable night out with family or friends. Tickets start at $59.90. Don’t miss out—book now!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Saturday 15th March
Who’s ready for a full weekend of Irish shenanigans at Currumbin RSL? Irish Fest from March 15th –17th is all about live music, Irish dancing, top-tier pub grub and Guinness. The Lounge Bar will be buzzing with tunes from Eimhin Healy, Munster Bucks, Journey of a Fiddler, and more—plus some lively Irish dancing to get you in the spirit. Best part? It’s free entry! So round up your mates, throw on something green, and let’s celebrate St. Paddy’s the only way we know how—loud, proud, and with a pint in hand. Sláinte!
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
When: Saturday 15th – Monday 17th March
Get ready to don your greenest garb at Epic Skate Rink’s exhilarating St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Adult St. Patrick’s Night is an evening dedicated to fun, festivity, and of course, skating. This 16+ event promises a night of lively skating, great music, and festive spirit. Enjoy special treats like green slushies, green capsicum pizza, and non-alcoholic beer, all to enhance the St. Patrick’s Day vibe.
Where: 20/23 Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South NSW 2487
When: Sunday, March 16th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
