Carnivale Rock ‘n’ Blues The Tropical North’s favourite blues musicians will take the stage during the inaugural Carnivale Rock ‘n’ Blues Bonanza on Sunday 23rd May at Rex Smeal Park, with organisers confirming Johno’s Blues Band (entire line up) Jesse Deane-Freeman, plus The Flying Libido Brothers (formerly Black Label) and Australia’s foremost festival duo Wizard & Oz (Andrew Farrell & David McMillan) will all appear.

The event will be presented by the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Radio Port Douglas and Events NQ, and promises to be a ‘sweet afternoon session of crackin’ music and community cohesion’.

Radio Port Douglas’ Michael Gabour, no stranger to producing music concerts after owning the Court House Hotel for many a year, said he agreed to organise the big gig ‘for the music’.

“One of my favourite things about my years at the Courty - apart from the colourful clientele - was the live music we used to present,” said Michael Gabour. “When Carnivale organiser Ken Dobbs called and asked me to produce a concert for this year’s program, I initially declined because my favourite music acts had either disappeared or relocated. On second thought, I said give me 72 hours while I try to get some friends back together!”

Once he put the word out, the answers came back quickly. “Jason from the Court House Hotel agreed to sponsor the first act Wizard & Oz who were regulars at the Court House during my day. It only took Rick Montgomery 48 hours to get the Johno’s Blues Band back together for the second slot. Jesse Deane-Freeman has agreed to come up from Adelaide and reunite with the Rhythm Aces.

And it turned out Black Label hadn’t disappeared; they had just morphed into the Flying Libido Brothers. Paul is still on guitar and vocals and Burkie on bass. We are going to re-create some of the magic. And new arrivals to the Tropical North’s music scene who missed it the first time around will have a chance to taste a bit of ‘Vintage Port’” said Michael Gabour.

In a move that will keep the price the public pay for the concert fixed at $10 per head, the concert's promoters have organised with Events NQ, the producers of the night before's Food, Wine & A Taste of Port, to use the same staging, lighting and sound as the evening before.

"This represents a considerable saving and we couldn't have planned this event without it because it means we can pay the bands, keep the gate price reasonable, and put on a great concert," said Michael Gabour.

The Carnivale Rock ‘N’ Blues Bonanza salutes these pioneers and legends of the Australian music scene, and is proud to present this united musical showcase event for Port Douglas Carnivale 2010. For tickets and info visit www.carnivale.com.au

Lineup includes:

Wizard & Oz, Jesse Deane-Freeman, Johno’s Blues Band, Flying Libido Brothers

When: Sunday 23rd May 2010

Time: Gates open at 1pm – Show starts 2pm – Gig closes 6.30pm

Where: Rex Smeal Park, Port Douglas

Tickets: At the gate or online at www.carnivale.com.au

http://www.carnivale.com.auPrice: $10 general admission, kids under 12 free