New outdoor live concert series On the Banks starts tonight at the Cultural Forecourt in South Bank.
King Stingray is the opening act and there’s a pretty stellar line-up in coming weeks including the star act – none other than Grace Jones. Amazing.
A collaboration between QPAC and South Bank Corporation, On the Banks literally sits beside the Brisbane River and is backdropped by the city skyline. This celebration of live music is set to capture the essence of a Queensland summer — warm evenings, world-class performances and an inviting community atmosphere. And hopefully no rain, as On the Banks transforms the riverside into a hub of music, connection and creativity.
On the Banks will transform the riverside green space before QPAC into a vibrant live music venue with bars and catering. It will run until March 22 and feature a diverse list of Australian and international headliners and supporting artists.
February 25 – King Stingray supported by Jack River and The Bouys.
Opening the series, Yolŋu surf-rock phenomenon King Stingray will bring their high-energy, uplifting sound to On the Banks. 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. Indi band The Buoys, alongside the shimmering vocals of Jack River, will open the gig.
February 26 – MARINA supported by Mallrat
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Fifteen years since her last visit, global art-pop force MARINA makes her long-awaited Brisbane debut at On the Banks. Her new album, Princess of Power, is a euphoric, high-energy exploration of healing, empowerment p0ulsing with disco-lit electropop and declarations of freedom, love and feminine energy.
Brisbane-born songwriter Mallrat joins MARINA as special guest. She has been breaking barriers since her debut, amassing over half a billion streams, a No.1 ARIA charting album, sold-out international tours, platinum certifications and collaborations with artists including Azealia Banks, BENEE, The Chainsmokers and Cub Sport.
March 1 – Droppin’ Science with De La Soul, Oddisee & Good Company and Miss Kanina
Droppin’ Science is a night dedicated to hip-hop in all its forms, celebrating the culture, the pioneers who opened doors and the new wave of trailblazers walking boldly through them. True pioneers of the genre, the De La Soul trio has redefined rap with their playful lyrics, jazz-infused beats and ground-breaking debut, 3 Feet High and Rising.
With a career spanning more than three decades, De La Soul continue to inspire generations, delivering feel-good energy and unmatched stage presence wherever they perform. Rapper and producer Amir Mohamed (aka Oddisee) and his backing band, Good Company, will bring their lyrical commentary on socio-political issues intertwined with soulful funk along with proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman, Miss Kaninna, the first independent Aboriginal woman to be nominated for a single at the ARIA Music Awards.
March 5 – Grace Jones supported by The Illustrious Blacks
A cultural titan, style icon, and one of the most influential performers of the last half-century, Grace Jones is known for commanding vocals, avant-garde costume design, and theatrical mastery.
With hits like Pull Up to the Bumper, Slave to the Rhythm, and Walking in the Rain, 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’ 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. Self-proclaimed Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punks, DJ/Music duo The Illustrious Blacks is the support act which makes sense.
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March 6 – The Streets supported by Shady Nasty
From the UK, On the Banks will welcome Mike Skinner, aka The Streets, for the first time performing in full A Grand Don’t Come for Free. The Streets have shaped the sound and spirit of UK hip-hop, garage and grime since the early 2000s. With anthems like Blinded By the Lights and Dry Your Eyes, Skinner’s razor-sharp lyricism and innovative production have made him a Glastonbury veteran and one of the most influential storytellers of his generation.
March 7 – DISCO CLUB (Sold out)
This was the first show to sell out. Its two creators, Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, are from Brisbane. Their shows sell out everywhere apparently, so they have clearly tapped into a market that wasn’t being catered for previously. Disco Club has swept the nation, bringing tens of thousands of women together for the ultimate night out singing and dancing. Playing hits from the ’80s, ’90s and beyond, Disco Club is everything women miss about clubbing, and nothing they don’t.
March 15 – Bennard Fanning joined by Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley and Georgia Mooney
Celebrated singer-songwriter Bernard Fanning will make his way to On the Banks for a Brisbane final encore for his Tea & Sympathy 20th anniversary tour, celebrating two decades since the release of his critically acclaimed debut solo album.
March 19 – Peach PRC supported by Maude Latour and Salty
Australian pop sensation Peach PRC is celebrated for her emotionally rich and vulnerable yet honest songwriting. Her debut EP Manic Dream Pixie shot to number one on the ARIA Album Charts. She’s lit up stages at Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and Spilt Milk, while amassing tens of millions of streams globally. Maude Latour and the bold pop of Salty will kick off the evening for Peach PRC.
March 20 – Maoli (sold out)
Reggae and country-soul super star Maoli is bringing his island-infused sound to On The Banks and if you have a ticket, you’re lucky. This upcountry Maui vocalist has become a defining voice of modern island music, blending traditional Hawaiian influences with rock, reggae and the heartfelt storytelling of country greats. Now teaming up with hitmakers Dann and David Huff, Maoli continues to champion his culture on the world stage.
March 22 – Marlon Williams supported by Sarah Blasko
Flying in from Aotearoa, the inimitable Marlon Williams will bring his velvet vocals and cinematic ballads to On the Banks to perform his new album Te Whare Tīwekaweka – entirely in Te reo Māori (Māori language), alongside songs from his acclaimed catalogue. Singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko will join him. She’s a three-time ARIA Award winner, 18-time ARIA Award nominee, has won the J Award for Australian Album of the Year and has been three times shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize.
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