Festival of Arts kicks off with jazz, high tea, swords and spandex

The first official festival event will transform the MECC into a high-energy spandex romp on Saturday, July 1. Werk It by Circus Trick Tease is an adults-only circus event that is known for its sass, swagger, colour and acrobatic feats.

The Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch, on Sunday, July 2, is a much more relaxed affair.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year a sensational collaboration between Conjazz, the exceptional Australian jazz vocalist Gregg Arthur and renowned jazz pianist Peter Locke would have the crowd enthralled.

“And, of course, the array of delicious brunch delicacies never disappoints!” he said.

However, the Mayor said the hero event for the first week of the festival was the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub.

“The Civic Centre Precinct will transform into a hub of street food, craft beer and sensational entertainment from Monday, July 3, through to Sunday, July 9,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The shows at the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub are unlike anything we’ve had before,” he said.

“There’s a lot of excitement around having Le Coup in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent.

“This is a show with a lot of really intense, death-defying stunts – they are swallowing swords, cracking whips and breathing fire.

“It’s billed as ‘fight night at the circus’ and with the intimate atmosphere of the Ukiyo tent, audiences really will be ringside for the action.”

Festival and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said High Tea with Booff was also an intimate show – one that promised front row seats to every attendee.

“Each show has just 10 tickets; you are literally at a tea party with this eccentric, charming, larger-than-life character named Booff,” Ms Porter said.

“No two shows are the same – he goes off script, improvises and interacts with his audience in a way that is really original and hilarious,” she said.

“Grab your friends and come along, because High Tea with Booff is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.”

Also on show at the Civic Precinct is a captivating digital animation projection.

Mayor Greg Williamson encouraged visitors to the Festival Hub to check out Artspace Mackay while they were in the Civic Precinct.

“Artspace Mackay worked with Crossroad Arts to help celebrate its 20th birthday in a way that would make a big impact,” he said.

“Crossroad Arts and local new media artist Donna Maree Robinson facilitated a series of workshops with students and community members from all walks of life to create an animated artwork called ‘Time of our Lives’ that will be projected onto the façade of Artspace Mackay.

“The artworks are the participant’s interpretation of how they mark time and special occasions and features original artworks by local botanical artist Kate Brunner.”

Time of our Lives will be projected from 6pm to 8pm every evening from July 3 to July 9.

The following events, shows and activities are also on offer during the first week of the Mackay Festival of Arts:

• Throughout July – Artspace Exhibitions: Fire and Ash, Dylan Mooney: The Wall and Drawing Pottery Holiday Art Activities (June 24 to July 9) Drop in to Artspace Mackay to enjoy thought-provoking exhibitions and fun activities.
• June 29 to July 1 - Breathe In

Crossroad Arts bring you this hauntingly poetic performance piece that explores an alienating, alternate world of existence and the fragile line between connection and isolation.

• July 2 - Earring make and take workshop

Join local artist Michelle for a workshop where you can design and make your own earrings to wear to your favourite festival event.

• July 6 to 8 and 13 to 15 – Kucom Theatre presents Perfect Wedding

A bridegroom wakes on his wedding morning in his own bridal suite, with his bride-to-be about to arrive any moment, and finds a strange girl in bed beside him.  Hilarity ensues.

• Every Friday and Saturday in July – Fezzyray’s at Haunt Mackay

Don’t miss comedy, cabaret, burlesque, food and fun at Haunt.

For more information and to buy tickets for any Mackay Festival of Arts event, head to the Mackay Festival website