LAUREN BERICHON
The Broadbeach Country Music Festival celebrated its fifth year in style last Friday, combining the picturesque sandy beaches of the Gold Coast with both classic and modern country music.
The weekend long festival showcased the best of local and international country music talent, with household names Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley leading the Australian charge, while English superstars America were a crowd favourite.
Broadbeach Alliance Chief Executive Officer Jan McCormick expressed her feeling of pride for the festival:
“We are very proud of the line-up of talent that we have managed to secure this year. Not only do we have the absolute cream of the country music crop, we’re also showcasing top local stars like The Wolfe Brothers, Caitlyn Shadbolt and Sara Storer, who represent the future of Australian country,” Ms McCormick said.
For the first time this year, Kurrawa Park became the main headline stage. It was common sight to see a sea of board shorts and cowboy hats amongst the crowds as well as the ol’ surf board and leather boots.
Renee Britton, an eager spectator, said that the festival was a nice blend of Johnny Cash-esque country music as well as more modern country music, but they both tell a story both in the music as well as beforehand.
She described modern country music to be like the multi award winning trio known as Jetty Road. Their latest song and title of their current album is called ‘Hearts on Fire’. The song can be heard here.
Broadbeach Alliance is also responsible for other events including Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, Opera in the Park and the Broadbeach Christmas Carols.