Tropical North Queensland’s Savannah in the Round is a three-day festival that will take place over the Queen’s Birthday (1-3 October) long weekend. With an impressive line-up that boasts over 40 established and rising acts performing over three stages, it truly is worth the price of admission.

However, let’s be honest. Most of us will buy a ticket and hang around the main stage all day hoping to hear John Williamson sing True Blue, watch Lee Kernaghan break out some Boys From The Bush, dance along with Southbound or rock out to Come Turn Me On from Casey Barnes etc. While these big names are guaranteed to put on killer shows, here’s five emerging artists we think are equally worth checking out!

Cameron Cusack

Cameron Cusack is a two-time Toyota Star Maker finalist who has toured with Troy Cassar-Daley and The Wolfe Brothers. He recently released his long-awaited new single, Song of a Pirate, which refers to the entertainers life as somewhat similar to life on a lonely ocean, filled with excitement and adventure stealing hearts and moving on, however an emptiness and sense of pressure of a life that no one really understands can sometimes prevail. The contemporary country cross reggae artist can break your heart with a beautiful country ballad in one breath, and in the next, ignite your spirit with a sultry reggae tune that transports you to an idyllic far-away holiday destination.

Felicity Kircher

Felicity Kircher is a 16-year-old multi-award-winning young artist who is fast establishing herself in the industry.  She is not only an accomplished singer, but also a multi-instrumentalist who plays violin, guitar, and piano. A 2017 graduate of the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music, she’s performed with Casey Barnes and Troy Cassar-Daley and has been singing regularly at Brisbane’s EKKA since the age of seven. Her expressive, honest, and genuine story telling ability through her songs, touches people’s hearts wherever she goes.

Route 33

Comprised of Jock Barnes and Trent McArdle, Route 33 grew up on the Sunshine Coast where they met through the sporting field. They started jamming together almost a decade ago, and now they’re an ARIA #1 Australian Country charting duo. Renowned for their action-packed performances, they’ve quickly become a fan favourite, and are in hot demand on the festival circuit. It is always a party when these guys hit the stage, at venues big or small, you can’t avoid their energy and connection with the crowd.

The Tony Q Band

The Tony Q Band has a distinctive sound like no other, with their roots grown from country rock, blue grass and some good old-fashioned chicken pickin’. The band came together at the beginning of 2016 when lead singer, Tony, a soldier in the Australian Army, had returned from active service in the Middle East. However, with each member of the band having at least 15 years’ experience behind them, The Tony Q Band puts on an energetic show that will have you dancing and singing all night long.

Yazmindi

A multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Cooktown, Tropical North Queensland, Yazmindi recorded her first song at age 12, joined a country rock band at 13, and released her debut EP in 2014. With comparisons to performers like Missy Higgins, Ed Sheeran and Kimbra, her experimental style fits in anywhere from indie alternative, folk with a touch of harmonica and stomp box, to 90’s pop, rock, funk, soul and jazz. She also loves to create wacky youthful songs about her mum running over her cat, to love songs about chocolate, teenage life, and society that you have to hear to believe!

Savannah in the Round is located at Kerribee Park (Mareeba Rodeo Grounds), just 7 kilometres from the centre of Mareeba in the Cairns Hinterland. Its main stage is inside the rodeo area, with a floored mosh pit, camp chair area and tiered outdoor area seating. The festival will also host an Indigenous cultural program, community entertainment, local produce and goods, paddock to plate and a range of accommodation options.

For more information and tickets go to www.savannahintheround.com.au.

Image: Supplied