The beloved free, all-ages Creekfest returns to Currumbin RSL in June, and we just had to give you our must-watch picks for the event.
Who doesn't want to sit by a sparkling creek with friends, munching on hot chips, cool bevvie in hand, while a lineup of awesome live acts take to the stage one after the other? Creekfest might be the new-ish on the kid on the block but after the last couple of years it has firmly established itself as an absolute essential part of Gold Coast's cultural calendar.
This year's event, taking place from 23 to 25 June, is looking to be even bigger and better than before, and we are HERE for it.
The two massive stages will play host to an extraordinary lineup of talent over the three fun-filled, family-friendly days and nights, and when you check out the program, you might be a little overwhelmed at how much there is to see. That's where we come in. We've done the hard yards for you, and combed through the acts to find out top seven must-see picks from a truly terrific roster (and yes, we may have the SLIGHTEST bias towards Gold Coast artists. With the local talent around, who can blame us?)
Be sure to add these ones to the diary:
ASH GRUNWALD
Bit of a no brainer, this one. Headliner Ash Grunwald hails from the Northern Rivers and delivers a real gutpunch of bluesy feels to everything he produces. The 'Push These Blues Away' singer is Aussie festival fave and multi-award winner and nominee. With his extensive back catalogue, heartfelt lyrics and gorgeous husky vocals, Ash is the perfect musical complement to a laid back creekside festival experience. This guy is the real deal.
TIJUANA CARTEL
Unless you've been living under a rock, on Mars, with your fingers in your ears, then you've definitely heard of Gold Coast world music quartet Tijuana Cartel. Winners of Live Act of the Year at the last two consecutive Gold Coast Music awards, these genre-bending musos take all your expectations and turf them out the window. Call them experimental, avant-garde, psychedelic or whatever you like. At the end of the day, they're damn fine musicians and top shelf live performers. An unmissable act.
STEPH STRINGS
Fresh of a lauded performance at Blues on Broadbeach, Steph Strings is a San Remo-Melbourne based singer-songwriter who tells a story through her music. With influences from the John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana and Ziggy Alberts, Steph’s musical style entails bursts of percussion alongside Celtic, blues and coastal fingerstyle indie-rock. Steph has performed a sold-out show at Melbourne’s iconic Chapel off Chapel venue, as well as supporting popular artists like The Pierce Brothers, Kim Churchill and Ash Grunwald. 2022 has already seen Steph release her first single in over 4 years, ‘Dusty Road’ which has become a singalong crowd favourite. She has since taken her music internationally after being invited to perform at Les Escales Festival in France, as well as performing debut headline shows in London. One to watch.
GEORGIA HOAREAU
Gold Coast indie pop singer songwriter Georgia Hoareau is a true star in the making. Ever since she came to our (and everyone else's) attention with her absolute banger 'Seventeen', this Mudgeeraba local has developed her craft even further, drawing in more and more fans in the best and most organic way possible: Through the authentic delivery of quality music, relatable lyrics and word of mouth recommendations. She's definitely one of ours.
SHAG ROCK
Brissie mates Shag Rock have have managed - through sheer determination, skill and plenty of shenanigans - to sell out multiple national and international tours and amass over 40 million streams worldwide. Since the release of their debut full-length album 'Barefoot' (2017), the indie surf-poppers have toured the USA, embarked on multiple sold-out headline tours locally and across the ditch, and toured with the likes of Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale and The Rubens. With over 16 million streams alone on their single ‘Sunbleached Girl’ they’ve collected a passionately loyal fan-base. From school friends in the band room to rock stars in the green room? Not a bad effort. Go see what all the fuss is about.
SUNNY LUWE
Never has any artist more personified their name than luminous Gold Coast pop diva Sunny Luwe (pronounced 'loo'). After kicking off her career under her real name of Dani Teveluwe, Sunny underwent a musical evolution and emerged from her chrysalis a fully formed musical butterfly, complete with sunshiney pop vibes, to-die-for vocals and slick production that puts her regularly in our playlists and into the must-see-live category. Get some sunshine in your life and catch her at Creekfest.
SONS OF THE EAST
Australian band Sons of the East are an under-the-radar success story, racking up millions of streams and selling out shows across Europe and Australia without ever straying from their independent roots. And like their musical heroes, they built that impressive following through their incredible and energetic live shows, paired with a serious handful of exceptional original songs. So far the band has racked up more than 160 million streams on Spotify, 12 million streams on Apple Music and 40 million Youtube plays from around the world, as well as extensive international touring. Think timeless, smooth folk tunes and gorgeous harmonies. Yum.
Creekfest runs creekside at Currumbin RSL from 23 to 25 June 2023. It's a FREE, all-ages, non-ticketed event. Visit the website for full program deets.
