Savannah Sounds on the Reef was the ultimate music-meets-nature event as over 100 of the country’s local heroes were given the rare opportunity to boogie on the Great Barrier Reef during the pop-up event on Saturday 27 April.
If that weren’t enough, performers Sheppard, Kernaghan and Jackson used the opportunity to announce they’d each be returning to the region later in the year to play at Savannah in the Round from October 11 to 13.
They’ll be joined by the newly announced Darlinghurst, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Melanie Dyer, Roadtrippers, Black Image (Looking Forward/Looking Back), Route 33, Lane Pittman, Joan & The Giants, Denvah, Viper Creek Band and Jeremy Fletcher.
These names join an already stellar lineup including headliner Kip Moore, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, Vika & Linda, and many more.
Queensland-born indie music legends Sheppard have been an important voice in the Australian scene since they broke out with juggernaut single “Geronimo” in 2014, earning them ARIA Awards for Song of the Year and Best Group.
Now one of the nation’s most beloved musical exports, the group said they were ecstatic to perform the event that was unlike any other.
It was an unbelievable privilege to perform for these legends
Sheppard
“And at Moore Reef, the jewel in the crown of the Great Barrier Reef, no less!”
With over three decades in the industry, country music star Lee Kernaghan is a multi-award-winning artist known for his authentic storytelling across numerous chart-topping albums, including The Outback Club and Spirit of the Bush.
His contribution to Australian culture earned him the title of Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004.
“It’s a real privilege to meet and sing a few songs for some amazing local heroes at Savannah Sounds on the Reef,” Kernaghan said.
“And coming back to beautiful North Queensland for the incredible Savannah in the Round Festival in October will be a highlight of the year!”
After guests were able to take in the breathtaking beauty of their surrounds by taking a dip or having a snorkel, favoured local artist Kairos Kin took to the stage to kick off the show.
Legend Lee Kernaghan followed with his touching set, using the opportunity to thank his audience for their inspiring work across the country.
Country artist and the event’s MC Max Jackson was next up to perform for the crowd, warming them up for the day’s final set from country-pop icons Sheppard who put on a cracking show.
Set at the idyllic Seventh Wonder of the Natural World, the musicians used the unique
backdrop of the Tropical North to reward 100 of Australia’s local heroes, each nominated
by their community and awarded a ticket to the concert via a nationwide competition, with the concert of a lifetime.
Savannah Sounds’ local heroes represent the nation’s finest stand-up citizens – from Brett
“Magoo” Little who piloted a rescue helicopter during the floods, saving 16 people from
the roof of the Lions’ Den Hotel, to Charlie Erlewein, who at just 12 years old is saving our
turtles and marine life by lobbying to local councils and businesses about the harmful
effects of single use plastics and raising thousands of dollars for wildlife rehabilitation
centres.
The event has heightened anticipation for the upcoming Savannah in the Round, heading to
Mareeba in October. Ticket sales are now open.
Savannah Sounds was supported by presenting partner, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation,
in recognition of the event’s ability to deliver a proactive message about efforts to protect the reef and ocean habitats.
In response to the mass bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef this summer, the Great
Barrier Reef Foundation launched the Reef Rescue Appeal so that everybody can play their
part to support these urgent conservation efforts. Find out more at reefrescueappeal.org.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: More king tides expected in Cairns and From rubble to rebuilding lives.
