The Cat Empire is bringing the brass, beats and barbecue back to HOTA this summer
Big brass sounds, smoky barbecue and an ice-cold drink in hand. Sounds like a pretty good way to spend a summer evening, doesn’t it? HOTA’s Big Brass Barbecue is making its return this January, bringing a seriously impressive line-up of Australian talent to the Outdoor Stage for six hours of funk, soul and feel-good festival vibes.
There’s something about the sound of a brass band that makes it almost impossible to sit still. The blare of trumpets, the punch of trombones, the deep rumble of a tuba and those infectious, foot-stomping rhythms that seem to get right into your bones. Come Saturday January 23, HOTA’s Outdoor Stage will be putting that theory to the test as Big Brass Barbecue returns for another round.
Leading the charge is Australian festival favourite The Cat Empire, whose unmistakable blend of jazz, funk, ska and Latin-inspired rhythms has been getting crowds on their feet for more than two decades. Renowned for their high-energy live performances and genre-defying sound, the band is heading back to the Gold Coast to headline what promises to be one very lively evening.
“We’re stoked to be heading back to the Goldie to headline the Big Brass Barbecue in January,” says The Cat Empire bandleader Felix Riebl. “We’ve got stacks of friends from other bands sharing this stage, so it’s going to be a lot of fun and a huge show.”
And they’re not the only ones bringing some serious musical firepower. Joining the line-up is Melbourne’s Horns of Leroy, featuring powerhouse vocalist THNDO, who will be channelling the infectious energy of New Orleans brass music. Brisbane’s nine-piece funk-rock outfit The Steele Syndicate will also take to the stage, complete with a four-piece horn section guaranteed to get things moving.
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Adding a distinctly local flavour to the festivities is the Gold Coast City Brass Band, which will be celebrating an impressive 125 years in 2027. The much-loved ensemble has been bringing people together through music for generations, making its appearance at Big Brass Barbecue a particularly fitting addition to the program.
Of course, with a name like Big Brass Barbecue, you can expect more than just great music. HOTA’s sprawling Outdoor Stage will transform into a laid-back summer playground, with barbecue food trucks dishing up smoky favourites and outdoor bars keeping the cold drinks flowing. Settle in on the lawn with your favourite people, grab something tasty and enjoy the soundtrack as the sun goes down. Or, if the mood strikes, get up and have a dance. We suspect sitting still might prove a little difficult.
The all-ages event will deliver six hours of live entertainment, making it an excellent excuse to round up the crew or bring the whole family along for an evening out.
Big Brass Barbecue takes over HOTA’s Outdoor Stage on Saturday January 23, 2027. Tickets are on sale now, starting from $39. Head to HOTA’s website for more information and to secure your spot.
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