After a hoedown of a good time last year, the highly anticipated REEF STAMPEDE returns to The Reef Hotel Casino this March. An official partnership with the Professional Bull Riders [PBR], the 2016 hoedown features a coveted line-up of the best of the best, including some ‘supercharged hillbilly pop’ by headliners The Pigs. Other music highlights on the jam-packed two nights include sets by Roz Pappalardo and The Wayward Gentlemen, The Hillbilly Goats and The Tony George Band. There will also be appearances by the cowboys of the PBR.
The 2015 REEF STAMPEDE saw the entire Casino complex swamped by country- lovin’ music fans, kicking off the party early and taking the hoedown into the night. This year’s event at The Reef Hotel Casino promises to be bigger than ever and will also feature a mechanical bull, Flinders Saloon & Grill Texas Table Menu, street characters and tonnes more of buckling fun! There is also an exclusive meet and greet after the PBR on the Friday night with the cowboys in the Sports Arena, an event that provided so popular during last year’s REEF STAMPEDE that the venue was swamped with PBR enthusiasts.
The Pigs have been fast earning themselves a reputation as a band to watch – and party with. Described as ‘unashamed bluegrass singers’, they’re a familiar face on the festival circuit and are renowned for their vibrant live shows. They have an uncanny ability to run hit pop songs into down-right footstompers, and have earned fans far and wide thanks to their quirky original numbers. With anthems like Macho Moisturiser and Hey Christina to name a few, it isn’t surprising to find The Pigs have their fare share of accolades, including numerous Golden Guitar nominations.
Far North Queenslander Roz Pappalardo returns to the REEF STAMPEDE this year with her Wayard Gentlemen. A favourite on the North’s live scene, Roz is one half of indie folk duo Women in Docs, and has effortlessly carved her own niche with her alt-country band since the release of her debut album in 2009. Roz Pappalardo & The Wayward Gentlemen are described as a showcase of ‘soaring and committed slide guitar, smooth upright bass, rocking drums, mad keyboard, a vintage Fender and a sassy front woman who rocks even when she sings a ballad’. There is no doubt, this formidable musical force will get the hoedown happenin’ in fine style!
The Hillbilly Goats have put Cairns’ country music on the map. What began as a mission to strip back layers of modern music and transport listeners back on a journey, has evolved into national acclaim. Their colourful costumes, stories and enigmatic live shows demonstrate that they are so much more than a band, they really are an experience. Since their inception, they have appeared on some of the country’s most reputable festivals, including Gympie Muster, Wallaby Creek Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Murwillumbah Country Roots Fest, to name a few. Any time in the company of The Hillbilly Goats is guaranteed to be entertaining, in old-time style!
Each evening wraps up with The Tony George Band, well-known for their party-atmosphere, and the perfect culmination for a country-extravaganza!
The Reef Stampede runs across Friday 18th and Saturday 19th March 2016 with live music and activity throughout The Reef Hotel Casino complex from 7pm nightly. Including Street characters, the Zinc FM Mechanical Bull Rodeo winning tickets to the PBR, the Flinders Bar & Grill Texan Table Menu, prizes and giveaways. Over the weekend someone will win a trip to the Mt Isa Rodeo with XXXX and enter for chance to Win the R.M. Williams Pack with Bundy. The Pigs commence after the PBR event on Saturday.
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