Browsing through the performers for the new On the Banks outdoor live concert series, one name stuck out. This series of gigs by the Brisbane River at South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt (just out front of QPAC) has some notable talent coming to entertain us in February and March, but hold on a minute – Grace Jones!!?? Really? Yep.
Now that got my attention, and I am sure it gets yours too. Her gig is at 6pm on March 5, so cancel everything that evening and get yourself a ticket. This Jamaican model, actor, singer and songwriter is now 77 – and she will be touring the country. Who knows, it might be her last time here, so you do not want to miss her.
Like a lot of us I was first introduced to Grace Jones by the 1985 Bond film A View to a Kill. She was one crazy (and dangerous) character in that movie. Later, I became a fan of her music.
Among her hits is Pull Up to the Bumper and Slave to the Rhythm, with Nightclubbing perhaps her most famous album.
It will be great to see her in the early evening in this prime location with a fabulous backdrop that includes Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. Hearing this news made me think back to World Expo 88 when I saw Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing nearby – not on the riverbank but on a pontoon moored just offshore. It was the highlight of Expo, as far as I was concerned.
On the Banks is a partnership between QPAC and South Bank Corporation. It’s a terrific initiative and will transform the Cultural Forecourt into a vibrant outdoor music destination across February and March. This spot used to be a lively focus for Brisbane Festival, when it pitched its Spiegeltent here, but it’s been a tad fallow of late. No longer!
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Running from February 25 to March 22, On the Banks features some amazing acts. As well as Grace Jones as part of the inaugural line-up, we get King Stingray, Marina (with special guest Mallrat), Maoli and Sarah Blasko. Hawaiian born Maoli will bring his genre bending island reggae and country soul to the party.
But wait, there’s more – hip-hop tour Droppin’ Science headlined by De La Soul with Oddisee & Good Company and Miss Kaninna; The Streets; Disco Club; and Bernard Fanning with special guests Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley and Georgia Mooney. There’s also Aussie pop singer Peach PRC with special guests Maude Latour and Salty; Punjabi music’s Blockbuster; and New Zealander Marlon Williams.
QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy says the partnership with South Bank Corporation is a great opportunity to expand Brisbane’s live music offering and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse.
“QPAC strives to present unforgettable performance events from every artform and musical genre,” says Healy. “Together with South Bank, we’re transforming the banks of the river in front of QPAC into an outdoor live concert venue and bringing the very best Australian and international acts to our doorstep.
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“Most years, the February and March period sees an influx of acclaimed national and international musicians tour cities across Australia, so it has been great to work with South Bank to create a new contemporary music program in a stunning location that ensures Brisbane audiences don’t miss out … and (we) look forward to it becoming a fixture on Brisbane’s already impressive live music calendar.”
South Bank Corporation CEO Julia Scodellaro shares Healy’s excitement.
“This is the first time we’ve partnered with QPAC on an event like this and I’m thrilled that our teams have been able to bring the event to life, combining the best of live music, our precinct and the city skyline,” says Scodellaro. “A key vision of our future South Bank master plan is bringing art and culture into the precinct, so this partnership makes perfect sense while creating unbeatable experiences for locals and visitors.”
State Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says On the Banks “will grow the state’s visitor economy, create employment opportunities and enhance the state’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination, delivering on our Queensland’s Time to Shine 10-year arts and cultural strategy as we prepare to take the global stage of Brisbane 2032”.
Yolŋu surf-rock phenomenon King Stingray will open the series, bringing their high-energy, uplifting sound to On the Banks on February 25. Emerging from Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land, King Stingray fuse Yolŋu Manikay (songlines) with indie rock, delivering an electric live show that celebrates culture, Country and connection. Since their meteoric rise with hits like Get Me Out, Camp Dog and Milkumana, King Stingray has earned the ARIA Breakthrough Artist Award in 2023, triple j Feature Album honours and a devoted national fanbase.
As for Grace Jones, well, she is known for commanding vocals, avant-garde costume design and theatrical mastery. Her shows remain unmatched in their power, artistry and scale.
She has inspired generations of musicians and visual artists alike, with figures such as Annie Lennox, Lorde and Rihanna citing her as a formative influence. Jones’s distinctive style, fearless persona and boundary-pushing performances have cemented her status as a global music, fashion and cultural icon, making her an enduring force.
“There simply is no one like Grace Jones!” claims the publicity blurb. I would have to agree with that.
Mind you, there is something for everyone with this series. Now, fingers crossed for fine weather, I guess.
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