The Winners
The Alley Project - 34.3%
BEST ART EXHIBITION
The creation of The Alley Project in May was a big milestone for the Cairns artistic community. Much more than just a simple exhibition, it was a colourful showcase of legal aerosol, street art and hip-hop culture that propelled this vibrant form of expression into the public eye. No longer was street art or graffiti something to be afraid of, The Alley Project proved that is in fact a legitimate form of modern art and added some much-needed colour to the inner CBD. Created as a joint initiative between contemporary arts collective The Upholstery, fashion boutique Tastey, Caffiend and a group of Cairns’ top graffiti artists, The Alley Project is a 75m-long wall on Grafton St. The initiative opened doors for local street artists around town, with countless other projects commissioned as a result of what people saw when the wall was unveiled. With over 700 people in attendance the opening night, The Alley Project has become a permanent part of the Cairns streetscape and changed public opinion of aerosol and street art in the local region.
The Alley Project is located at 78 Grafton St, Cairns (the alley adjacent to Caffiend). For more information, check www.taste-y.com or www.theupholstery.com.
Salt House - 30.4%
BEST BAR
Before the establishment of Salt House, Cairns was crying out for a sophisticated bar and restaurant where punters could go, relax and unwind on the waterfront. Salt House delivered on all fronts when it opened in May of 2009 and has since become one of Cairns’ hottest bars, with a dedicated and stylish clientele and some fantastic high-class dining options to boot. Their impressive look is courtesy of acclaimed Sydney designer Michal McCann of Dreamtime Australia Design and their fluid space allows uninterrupted views of the ocean, marina and mountains and circle the city. Their faith in Cairns’ music scene certainly was also big factor in their success, with fresh local artists from a wide range of styles taking to the stage nearly every night and day of the week. With their recent New Year’s Eve show featuring Faker and Tim Rogers proving they are also able to shake it with the big boys on the national touring front, the sky is the limit for Cairns’ favourite bar in 2010.
Salt House is located at Marina Point, 6/2 Pierpoint Rd, Cairns. For more information, check www.salthouse.com.au.
Ministry of Sound - The Annual 2010 - 40%
BEST CLUB NIGHT
Global clubbing juggernaut Ministy Of Sound is no stranger to Cairns dance fans, consistently delivering some of the biggest events with the top DJs and artists from both Australia and around the world. While they had several stellar moments in 2009, the crowd’s choice was clear in the timeOUT Awards, with their Ministry Of Sound: The Annual 2010 in November taking out the Best Club Night category with 40 per cent of the vote. Featuring Melbourne dance superstar John Course and rising Canberra stars The Aston Shuffle, MOS: The Annual 2010 was packed to the rafters with punters and an easy choice for many of those voting in the timeOUT Awards.
Ministry Of Sound’s Annual 2010 was at Gilligan’s on November 13.
Carl Barron - 36.8%
BEST COMEDY ACT OR SHOW
There are very few comedians in Australia that enjoy the popularity and cult-like following as Carl Barron. His sell-out run of shows at the Cairns Civic Theatre in April proved that Barron was a comic tour-de-force unrivalled by anyone in the country and even, the world. Growing up in Longreach in Central Queensland as the son of a sheep shearer, Barron’s big break in the comedy scene came in Sydney when he walked onto the stage and told everyone how a bird had done their business on his head. The rest, they say, is history. Carl’s non-threatening, observational style of comedy appeals to everyone, young and old, and he has touched the hearts and minds of thousands of people with his gentle, awkward, self-conscious and relaxed style of comedy. Carl has had crowds in stitches in all corners of the globe, from his home-turf here in Australia, through the USA, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Singabore, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Scotland. It is with a burp and a belly laugh that timeOUT declares Carl Barron’s Walking Down The Street as the best comedy show of 2009 in the timeOUT Awards.
Carl Barron performed Walking Down The Street at the Cairns Civic Theatre in April. For more info about Carl Barron, check www.carlbarron.com.
Tanks Arts Centre - 31.8%
BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE (NON PUB OR NIGHTCLUB)
Kaki King, Katie Noonan, Emma Donovan, Eric Bibb, Nano Stern, Montreal Guitar Trio, Way Out West, Paprika Balkanicus, Tex Perkins, Lior, The Vampires, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Augie March, Bob Evans, Oehlers, Grabowsky and Beck, Salmonella Dub, Band Camp, The Stones, West End Composers, Don Walker, Black Arm Band, The Backsliders, Christine Anu, Mental Health Art Week, Seaman Dan, Tropical Pride Festival, Grace Knight, George Telek & David Bridie, the Merchant Of Venice, Mein Doppelganger, Jeff Lang, Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band, You Am I, Sneaky Beats, Cycas Circus and loads more … the Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill requires little introduction to Cairns entertainment and arts fans. As one of the busiest, most creative and iconic venues in town, it didn’t take Cairns much convincing they were top of the crop in their field in the inaugural timeOUT Awards. And with a list of stellar acts already confirmed for 2010, including Angus and Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, James Morrison, Bernie McGann, Toni Childs and heaps more, it doesn’t look like it’s letting up anytime soon at The Tanks.
The Tanks Arts Centre is located at 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill. For more information about the Tanks, head to www.tanksartscentre.com.
Winter Solstice Festival - 34.2%
BEST FESTIVAL
In the expanse of the Australian outdoor festival culture, Winter Solstice Lifestyle Gathering holds a special place in the hearts and minds of punters from not only Cairns, but from around the country and indeed the globe as well. The annual event, in its fourth year in 2009, was one of the region’s biggest and most creative festivals, attracting well over a hundred acts, performers, healers and artists over four days and three nights in the rugged beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. The thing about Winter Solstice is that it’s much more than a Far North Queensland event, instead being one of Australia’s premier alternative life style festivals with a strong focus on entertainment for all the ages and a holistic festival experience. Thousands of punters have been known to travel from interstate and overseas just to attend, proving it’s not only one of the region’s top music and arts events, but a global tourism drawcard as well. With a broad range of musical styles – from electronic music to live bands and solo acts – as well as roving performers, fire shows, healing areas, sustainability exhibitions and market stalls, Winter Solstice definitely deserves its spot as the winner of the Best Festival in the timeOUT Awards 2009.
Winter Solstice Lifestyle Gathering 2010 will be held on June 18-21 on the Atherton Tablelands. For more information about the event, check www.wintersolstice.com.au.
The Hangover - 35.5%
BEST FILM
Todd Phillip’s hilarious comedy The Hangover was one of the surprise hits of 2009, telling the story of a bachelor party in Las Vegas going very, very wrong. While it was undoubtedly one of the funniest films of the year, it came as a complete surprise to timeOUT to see that Cairns resoundingly voted it as their favourite movie of the year, ahead of big gun blockbusters like Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen, Twilight: A New Moon, Star Trek and more (although it may have been a different story if Avatar had been in the running). Starring a reasonable unknown cast of actors, The Hangover’s success lied in its ability to turn its genre on its head and deliver laugh-after-awkward-laugh for the entire length of its 1 hour, 48 minute duration. If you ever wondered what would happen if you crossed a tazer, drugs, condoms, naked Asian gamblers, a tiger and four blokes on the trip of a lifetime, The Hangover is it. Just don’t forget your greasy food and Beroccas.
The Hangover premiered at Birch Carroll and Coyle in June. For more information about local movie times, check www.birch.com.au.
Canniblast - 24.4%
BEST LOCAL BAND
Metal giants Canniblast were an unstoppable juggernaut in 2009. Their win in the Best Local Band category of the timeOUT Awards proves two things: 1) that metal is a much bigger genre in Cairns than many people give credit for; and 2) that Canniblast are much more than just another metal band. Characterised by their brutal and energetic delivery, hilarious on (and off) stage antics and ability to rock the crowd wherever they go, Canniblast has an enviable reputation in not only the local scene but up and down the East Coast as well. Their self-produced debut album Blasticide in 2008 was a big hit for the boys and with a dedicated legion of fans around the globe, their popularity is a testament to the strength of the local live music scene and ensures that they are worthy winners of Cairns’ favourite local band in the 2009 timeOUT Awards. Rock on!
You can catch Canniblast at the Smithfield YMCA on January 16. For more information about the band, check www.myspace.com/canniblast.
New World Audio - 32.1%
BEST LOCAL DJ OR PRODUCER
New World Audio (aka DJ Skotty) has been one of the big success stories to come from the Cairns dance scene in 2009. Kicking off his career around five years ago, Skotty quickly made a name for himself in the local scene as one of the top Cairns-based DJs, holding down residencies at some of our biggest and best clubs as well as supporting the likes of Paul Van Dyk, Tom Neville, Potbelleez, tyDi, TV Rock and more. However, a trip to southern states of Australia in the early part of 2009 was the turning point in his career, with the birth of his studio project New World Audio. His dynamic deep progressive house and tech sound quickly caught the attention of labels like Melbourne’s Indented Records and Sydney’s Indigo Muzik, launching his new baby onto the international stage in spectacular style. With several of his releases rocketing straight to No.1 on the Juno Download charts (one of the world’s largest dance music retailers) and slots at Infected Mushroom at Gilligan’s (with his new live three-piece electronic band Sub Human Funk) and the Gold Coast Big Day Out, New World Audio is definitely here to stay and a name to watch in 2010.
New World Audio plays at Infected Mushroom this Friday night, in the Silent Disco in the Gold Coast Big Day Out and lots more. For more info, check www.myspace.com/newworldaudio or www.soundcloud.com/newworldaudio.
Marcus Cappellazzo - 39.9%
BEST LOCAL SOLO ARTIST
If you’ve been kicking around the Cairns entertainment scene for the past decade or so, chances are you’ve caught Marcus Cappellazzo in action sometime, somewhere. As one of the region’s busiest and most talented solo performers, Marcus is a true “quiet achiever” who has a long history in Cairns entertainment and arts which extends right back to his schooling years at Cairns High, where he was the lead in many of their major musicals as well as being part of several bands. His repertoire encompasses not only stellar original pieces, but also a selection of tasteful covers, all delivered with his powerful voice and charismatic stage persona. Marcus is also part of two local bands – Vaness, a duo with Simon McMenamin that plays at Salt House and Meow Meow, a hilarious costumed outfit that plays on the back deck at Gilligan’s. Marcus is one of the busiest men in show business in Cairns and a deserving winner of our best local solo artist in the timeOUT Awards. Stay tuned for his debut self-titled EP that will be released in late March.
You can find Marcus Cappellazzo week in, week out, at venues around Cairns, including Saturdays at Salt House (with Vaness) and Sundays at Gilligan’s (with Meow Meow).
Gilligan's - 43.7%
BEST NIGHTCLUB
It was a turbulent year in the Cairns nightclub industry, with the global financial stress hitting some venues hard. Clubs came, clubs went … but Gilligan’s managed to buck the trend like only they know how and firmly maintain its position as Far North Queensland’s club of choice. There isn’t a night of the week that Gilligan’s isn’t busy and their impressive roster of touring artists and shows – including the Obese Records Block Party, Quiksilver Pro Show, OneLove, RnB Superclub, Battle Of The Bands and Ministry Of Sound – proved to be the big winner for the inner city venue. Their G-Spot loyalty system was also a great new introduction for the year, rewarding punters for their patronage and offering heaps of great prizes and giveaways to members, while their penchant for decorating the venue in spectacular style certainly didn’t go unnoticed either, with events like Saints And Sinners, Carnevil and most recently 2010 AD. Gilligan’s are a force to be reckoned with in the Cairns entertainment and nightlife scene and a deserving winner of the Best Nightclub category of the timeOUT Awards in 2009.
Gilligan’s is located at 57-89 Grafton St, Cairns. For more information about the venue, head to www.gilligans.com.au.
Blue Sky Brewery - 52.3%
BEST PUB
It’s no secret – Cairns loves a beer – and the best place for a beer is now officially Blue Sky Brewery. As the regions only local brewery, Blue Sky has been the place of choice for Cairns drinkers since opening in 2008. Their signature beers are brewed on site by award-winning brewer Hayden Mokaraka, ensuring a distinctly Far North Queensland taste courtesy of only natural ingredients including pure water from Crystal Cascades. But it’s not just about the amber fluid either – Blue Sky has one of the biggest and best stocked bars in Cairns (no matter what your taste), stylish relaxing ambiance and their food is definitely above par as well. With the most votes out of any category in the timeOUT Awards, Blue Sky always had a bit of a job on their hands to notching up a win in the Best Pub section, but a massive 52.3 per cent of the poll proves once and for all that Cairns loves Blue Sky … and Blue Sky loves Cairns.
Blue Sky Brewery is located at 34-42 Lake St, Cairns. For more information, check www.blueskybrewery.com.au.
The King and I - 23.1%
BEST THEATRE OR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
The Cairns Choral Society has a glowing and long history in the Cairns entertainment scene, as one of the region’s most dedicated production companies and choirs. Formed in 1923 under the guidance of its then conductor Mr J.T. O’Connor, the Choral Society is an iconic part of the Cairns musical and theatre landscape that proves year-in, year-out, that they are of a total professional standard, despite working on a tight budget and with a huge team of volunteers. Their January production of the Roger and Hammerstein classic The King And I was the crowning jewel in their 2009 roster, with a massive cast of talented performers complimented by lavish stage and set design and expert direction by Venera Walsh and her dedicated team from the Society. A true family production that enjoyed massive run of shows at the Cairns Civic Theatre, The King And I was sublime musical theatre that fully deserved its win in the 2009 timeOUT Awards.
The Cairns Choral Society’s next production is Oliver!, a stage rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic novel at the Cairns Civic Theatre from January 8-23. For more information about the Cairns Choral Society, head to www.cairnschoralsociety.org.
Hilltop Hoods - 33.6%
BEST VISITING BAND
In what was undoubtedly their biggest year in the group’s entire history, Adelaide’s Hilltop Hoods have capped off a mega successful year by taking out Cairns’ favourite visiting band or live act in the timeOUT Awards. The undisputed kings of Aussie hip-hop were unstoppable in 2009, launching their own label, Golden Era, as well as topping the Australian charts (again) with their latest album State Of The Art. Like 90 per cent of their shows around the country, both times they played in Cairns was a complete sell-out and it’s not hard to see why. Quite simply put, Hilltop Hoods are the tightest and most captivating hip-hop act from Down Under, and their ability to engage and rock the crowd is unmatched by nearly any act in the country, irrespective of style or genre. The roar of 7000 people strong at the timeOUT Concert can’t be denied and the boys did it all again when they rolled into Brothers on the last stop of their Still Standing national tour in December. Contrary to what you may expect from one of the biggest acts in the country, Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris are approachable and aren’t afraid to party on with their fans until the wee hours, so it’s little wonder why the Hoods took out their category in the 2009 timeOUT Awards.
The Hilltop Hoods headlined the timeOUT Concert in August and Brothers in December. To see Jesse Kuch’s video interview with the boys, head to cairns.com.au/timeout.
Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock - 20.7%
BEST VISITING DJ OR PRODUCER
The best visiting DJ or producer was always going to be a hotly contested category of the timeOUT Awards, but it comes as little surprise that Sydney wonder child Kid Kenobi and his protégé MC Shureshock took out the overall prize, edging out close competition from the likes of The Stafford Brothers and Spoonbill. Around for a good 13 years or so, the so-called “golden boy” of the Australian club scene has a massive year in 2009, launching his own label Klub Kids as well as hitting the studio in a serious way, with remixes of some of the biggest names in dance, rock and pop. No stranger to Cairns dance fans, Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock are regular visitors to Far North Queensland, yet it doesn’t mean that when they come, it’s any less special. With heaps more coming from the Kid in the new year, we are proud to announce that he was chosen by you as Cairns’ favourite visiting DJ and producer in 2009.
Kid Kenobi performed at The Heritage in March and October. For more information about Kid Kenobi, head to www.myspace.com/therealkidkenobi.
Flo Rida - 21.2%
BEST VISITING SOLO ARTIST
Brothers had an impressive roster of shows in 2009, but one undoubtedly took to the cake: Flo Rida. Being lucky enough to score the only regional show of his recent Australian tour, Brothers was packed to the brim when the megastar of hip-hop and R’n’B took to the stage in September. Narrowly edging out another Brothers show in the timeOUT Awards (Paul Kelly in May), Flo Rida was a real treat for lovers of US hip-hop and R’n’B and a major coup for the Cairns live music scene in general. Far North Queensland hardly ever sees superstars of this calibre hitting town and with a repeat performance not likely to happen anytime soon, it is with great pleasure we crown the man from Florida the winner of the best solo artist category of the timeOUT Awards in 2009. Sing it with me… “Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur…”
Flo Rida played Brothers in September. For more info, check www.officialflo.com.
The Alley Project - 34.3%
BEST ART EXHIBITION
The creation of The Alley Project in May was a big milestone for the Cairns artistic community. Much more than just a simple exhibition, it was a colourful showcase of legal aerosol, street art and hip-hop culture that propelled this vibrant form of expression into the public eye. No longer was street art or graffiti something to be afraid of, The Alley Project proved that is in fact a legitimate form of modern art and added some much-needed colour to the inner CBD. Created as a joint initiative between contemporary arts collective The Upholstery, fashion boutique Tastey, Caffiend and a group of Cairns’ top graffiti artists, The Alley Project is a 75m-long wall on Grafton St. The initiative opened doors for local street artists around town, with countless other projects commissioned as a result of what people saw when the wall was unveiled. With over 700 people in attendance the opening night, The Alley Project has become a permanent part of the Cairns streetscape and changed public opinion of aerosol and street art in the local region.The Alley Project is located at 78 Grafton St, Cairns (the alley adjacent to Caffiend). For more information, check www.taste-y.com or www.theupholstery.com.
Salt House - 30.4%
BEST BAR
Before the establishment of Salt House, Cairns was crying out for a sophisticated bar and restaurant where punters could go, relax and unwind on the waterfront. Salt House delivered on all fronts when it opened in May of 2009 and has since become one of Cairns’ hottest bars, with a dedicated and stylish clientele and some fantastic high-class dining options to boot. Their impressive look is courtesy of acclaimed Sydney designer Michal McCann of Dreamtime Australia Design and their fluid space allows uninterrupted views of the ocean, marina and mountains and circle the city. Their faith in Cairns’ music scene certainly was also big factor in their success, with fresh local artists from a wide range of styles taking to the stage nearly every night and day of the week. With their recent New Year’s Eve show featuring Faker and Tim Rogers proving they are also able to shake it with the big boys on the national touring front, the sky is the limit for Cairns’ favourite bar in 2010.Salt House is located at Marina Point, 6/2 Pierpoint Rd, Cairns. For more information, check www.salthouse.com.au.
Ministry of Sound - The Annual 2010 - 40%
BEST CLUB NIGHT
Global clubbing juggernaut Ministy Of Sound is no stranger to Cairns dance fans, consistently delivering some of the biggest events with the top DJs and artists from both Australia and around the world. While they had several stellar moments in 2009, the crowd’s choice was clear in the timeOUT Awards, with their Ministry Of Sound: The Annual 2010 in November taking out the Best Club Night category with 40 per cent of the vote. Featuring Melbourne dance superstar John Course and rising Canberra stars The Aston Shuffle, MOS: The Annual 2010 was packed to the rafters with punters and an easy choice for many of those voting in the timeOUT Awards. Ministry Of Sound’s Annual 2010 was at Gilligan’s on November 13.
Carl Barron - 36.8%
BEST COMEDY ACT OR SHOW
There are very few comedians in Australia that enjoy the popularity and cult-like following as Carl Barron. His sell-out run of shows at the Cairns Civic Theatre in April proved that Barron was a comic tour-de-force unrivalled by anyone in the country and even, the world. Growing up in Longreach in Central Queensland as the son of a sheep shearer, Barron’s big break in the comedy scene came in Sydney when he walked onto the stage and told everyone how a bird had done their business on his head. The rest, they say, is history. Carl’s non-threatening, observational style of comedy appeals to everyone, young and old, and he has touched the hearts and minds of thousands of people with his gentle, awkward, self-conscious and relaxed style of comedy. Carl has had crowds in stitches in all corners of the globe, from his home-turf here in Australia, through the USA, UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Singabore, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Scotland. It is with a burp and a belly laugh that timeOUT declares Carl Barron’s Walking Down The Street as the best comedy show of 2009 in the timeOUT Awards.Carl Barron performed Walking Down The Street at the Cairns Civic Theatre in April. For more info about Carl Barron, check www.carlbarron.com.
Tanks Arts Centre - 31.8%
BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE (NON PUB OR NIGHTCLUB)
Kaki King, Katie Noonan, Emma Donovan, Eric Bibb, Nano Stern, Montreal Guitar Trio, Way Out West, Paprika Balkanicus, Tex Perkins, Lior, The Vampires, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Augie March, Bob Evans, Oehlers, Grabowsky and Beck, Salmonella Dub, Band Camp, The Stones, West End Composers, Don Walker, Black Arm Band, The Backsliders, Christine Anu, Mental Health Art Week, Seaman Dan, Tropical Pride Festival, Grace Knight, George Telek & David Bridie, the Merchant Of Venice, Mein Doppelganger, Jeff Lang, Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band, You Am I, Sneaky Beats, Cycas Circus and loads more … the Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill requires little introduction to Cairns entertainment and arts fans. As one of the busiest, most creative and iconic venues in town, it didn’t take Cairns much convincing they were top of the crop in their field in the inaugural timeOUT Awards. And with a list of stellar acts already confirmed for 2010, including Angus and Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, James Morrison, Bernie McGann, Toni Childs and heaps more, it doesn’t look like it’s letting up anytime soon at The Tanks.The Tanks Arts Centre is located at 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill. For more information about the Tanks, head to www.tanksartscentre.com.
Winter Solstice Festival - 34.2%
BEST FESTIVAL
In the expanse of the Australian outdoor festival culture, Winter Solstice Lifestyle Gathering holds a special place in the hearts and minds of punters from not only Cairns, but from around the country and indeed the globe as well. The annual event, in its fourth year in 2009, was one of the region’s biggest and most creative festivals, attracting well over a hundred acts, performers, healers and artists over four days and three nights in the rugged beauty of the Atherton Tablelands. The thing about Winter Solstice is that it’s much more than a Far North Queensland event, instead being one of Australia’s premier alternative life style festivals with a strong focus on entertainment for all the ages and a holistic festival experience. Thousands of punters have been known to travel from interstate and overseas just to attend, proving it’s not only one of the region’s top music and arts events, but a global tourism drawcard as well. With a broad range of musical styles – from electronic music to live bands and solo acts – as well as roving performers, fire shows, healing areas, sustainability exhibitions and market stalls, Winter Solstice definitely deserves its spot as the winner of the Best Festival in the timeOUT Awards 2009.Winter Solstice Lifestyle Gathering 2010 will be held on June 18-21 on the Atherton Tablelands. For more information about the event, check www.wintersolstice.com.au.
The Hangover - 35.5%
BEST FILM
Todd Phillip’s hilarious comedy The Hangover was one of the surprise hits of 2009, telling the story of a bachelor party in Las Vegas going very, very wrong. While it was undoubtedly one of the funniest films of the year, it came as a complete surprise to timeOUT to see that Cairns resoundingly voted it as their favourite movie of the year, ahead of big gun blockbusters like Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen, Twilight: A New Moon, Star Trek and more (although it may have been a different story if Avatar had been in the running). Starring a reasonable unknown cast of actors, The Hangover’s success lied in its ability to turn its genre on its head and deliver laugh-after-awkward-laugh for the entire length of its 1 hour, 48 minute duration. If you ever wondered what would happen if you crossed a tazer, drugs, condoms, naked Asian gamblers, a tiger and four blokes on the trip of a lifetime, The Hangover is it. Just don’t forget your greasy food and Beroccas.The Hangover premiered at Birch Carroll and Coyle in June. For more information about local movie times, check www.birch.com.au.
Canniblast - 24.4%
BEST LOCAL BAND
Metal giants Canniblast were an unstoppable juggernaut in 2009. Their win in the Best Local Band category of the timeOUT Awards proves two things: 1) that metal is a much bigger genre in Cairns than many people give credit for; and 2) that Canniblast are much more than just another metal band. Characterised by their brutal and energetic delivery, hilarious on (and off) stage antics and ability to rock the crowd wherever they go, Canniblast has an enviable reputation in not only the local scene but up and down the East Coast as well. Their self-produced debut album Blasticide in 2008 was a big hit for the boys and with a dedicated legion of fans around the globe, their popularity is a testament to the strength of the local live music scene and ensures that they are worthy winners of Cairns’ favourite local band in the 2009 timeOUT Awards. Rock on!You can catch Canniblast at the Smithfield YMCA on January 16. For more information about the band, check www.myspace.com/canniblast.
New World Audio - 32.1%
BEST LOCAL DJ OR PRODUCER
New World Audio (aka DJ Skotty) has been one of the big success stories to come from the Cairns dance scene in 2009. Kicking off his career around five years ago, Skotty quickly made a name for himself in the local scene as one of the top Cairns-based DJs, holding down residencies at some of our biggest and best clubs as well as supporting the likes of Paul Van Dyk, Tom Neville, Potbelleez, tyDi, TV Rock and more. However, a trip to southern states of Australia in the early part of 2009 was the turning point in his career, with the birth of his studio project New World Audio. His dynamic deep progressive house and tech sound quickly caught the attention of labels like Melbourne’s Indented Records and Sydney’s Indigo Muzik, launching his new baby onto the international stage in spectacular style. With several of his releases rocketing straight to No.1 on the Juno Download charts (one of the world’s largest dance music retailers) and slots at Infected Mushroom at Gilligan’s (with his new live three-piece electronic band Sub Human Funk) and the Gold Coast Big Day Out, New World Audio is definitely here to stay and a name to watch in 2010. New World Audio plays at Infected Mushroom this Friday night, in the Silent Disco in the Gold Coast Big Day Out and lots more. For more info, check www.myspace.com/newworldaudio or www.soundcloud.com/newworldaudio.
Marcus Cappellazzo - 39.9%
BEST LOCAL SOLO ARTIST
If you’ve been kicking around the Cairns entertainment scene for the past decade or so, chances are you’ve caught Marcus Cappellazzo in action sometime, somewhere. As one of the region’s busiest and most talented solo performers, Marcus is a true “quiet achiever” who has a long history in Cairns entertainment and arts which extends right back to his schooling years at Cairns High, where he was the lead in many of their major musicals as well as being part of several bands. His repertoire encompasses not only stellar original pieces, but also a selection of tasteful covers, all delivered with his powerful voice and charismatic stage persona. Marcus is also part of two local bands – Vaness, a duo with Simon McMenamin that plays at Salt House and Meow Meow, a hilarious costumed outfit that plays on the back deck at Gilligan’s. Marcus is one of the busiest men in show business in Cairns and a deserving winner of our best local solo artist in the timeOUT Awards. Stay tuned for his debut self-titled EP that will be released in late March. You can find Marcus Cappellazzo week in, week out, at venues around Cairns, including Saturdays at Salt House (with Vaness) and Sundays at Gilligan’s (with Meow Meow).
Gilligan's - 43.7%
BEST NIGHTCLUB
It was a turbulent year in the Cairns nightclub industry, with the global financial stress hitting some venues hard. Clubs came, clubs went … but Gilligan’s managed to buck the trend like only they know how and firmly maintain its position as Far North Queensland’s club of choice. There isn’t a night of the week that Gilligan’s isn’t busy and their impressive roster of touring artists and shows – including the Obese Records Block Party, Quiksilver Pro Show, OneLove, RnB Superclub, Battle Of The Bands and Ministry Of Sound – proved to be the big winner for the inner city venue. Their G-Spot loyalty system was also a great new introduction for the year, rewarding punters for their patronage and offering heaps of great prizes and giveaways to members, while their penchant for decorating the venue in spectacular style certainly didn’t go unnoticed either, with events like Saints And Sinners, Carnevil and most recently 2010 AD. Gilligan’s are a force to be reckoned with in the Cairns entertainment and nightlife scene and a deserving winner of the Best Nightclub category of the timeOUT Awards in 2009. Gilligan’s is located at 57-89 Grafton St, Cairns. For more information about the venue, head to www.gilligans.com.au.
Blue Sky Brewery - 52.3%
BEST PUB
It’s no secret – Cairns loves a beer – and the best place for a beer is now officially Blue Sky Brewery. As the regions only local brewery, Blue Sky has been the place of choice for Cairns drinkers since opening in 2008. Their signature beers are brewed on site by award-winning brewer Hayden Mokaraka, ensuring a distinctly Far North Queensland taste courtesy of only natural ingredients including pure water from Crystal Cascades. But it’s not just about the amber fluid either – Blue Sky has one of the biggest and best stocked bars in Cairns (no matter what your taste), stylish relaxing ambiance and their food is definitely above par as well. With the most votes out of any category in the timeOUT Awards, Blue Sky always had a bit of a job on their hands to notching up a win in the Best Pub section, but a massive 52.3 per cent of the poll proves once and for all that Cairns loves Blue Sky … and Blue Sky loves Cairns. Blue Sky Brewery is located at 34-42 Lake St, Cairns. For more information, check www.blueskybrewery.com.au.
The King and I - 23.1%
BEST THEATRE OR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
The Cairns Choral Society has a glowing and long history in the Cairns entertainment scene, as one of the region’s most dedicated production companies and choirs. Formed in 1923 under the guidance of its then conductor Mr J.T. O’Connor, the Choral Society is an iconic part of the Cairns musical and theatre landscape that proves year-in, year-out, that they are of a total professional standard, despite working on a tight budget and with a huge team of volunteers. Their January production of the Roger and Hammerstein classic The King And I was the crowning jewel in their 2009 roster, with a massive cast of talented performers complimented by lavish stage and set design and expert direction by Venera Walsh and her dedicated team from the Society. A true family production that enjoyed massive run of shows at the Cairns Civic Theatre, The King And I was sublime musical theatre that fully deserved its win in the 2009 timeOUT Awards. The Cairns Choral Society’s next production is Oliver!, a stage rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic novel at the Cairns Civic Theatre from January 8-23. For more information about the Cairns Choral Society, head to www.cairnschoralsociety.org.
Hilltop Hoods - 33.6%
BEST VISITING BAND
In what was undoubtedly their biggest year in the group’s entire history, Adelaide’s Hilltop Hoods have capped off a mega successful year by taking out Cairns’ favourite visiting band or live act in the timeOUT Awards. The undisputed kings of Aussie hip-hop were unstoppable in 2009, launching their own label, Golden Era, as well as topping the Australian charts (again) with their latest album State Of The Art. Like 90 per cent of their shows around the country, both times they played in Cairns was a complete sell-out and it’s not hard to see why. Quite simply put, Hilltop Hoods are the tightest and most captivating hip-hop act from Down Under, and their ability to engage and rock the crowd is unmatched by nearly any act in the country, irrespective of style or genre. The roar of 7000 people strong at the timeOUT Concert can’t be denied and the boys did it all again when they rolled into Brothers on the last stop of their Still Standing national tour in December. Contrary to what you may expect from one of the biggest acts in the country, Suffa, Pressure and DJ Debris are approachable and aren’t afraid to party on with their fans until the wee hours, so it’s little wonder why the Hoods took out their category in the 2009 timeOUT Awards. The Hilltop Hoods headlined the timeOUT Concert in August and Brothers in December. To see Jesse Kuch’s video interview with the boys, head to cairns.com.au/timeout.
Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock - 20.7%
BEST VISITING DJ OR PRODUCER
The best visiting DJ or producer was always going to be a hotly contested category of the timeOUT Awards, but it comes as little surprise that Sydney wonder child Kid Kenobi and his protégé MC Shureshock took out the overall prize, edging out close competition from the likes of The Stafford Brothers and Spoonbill. Around for a good 13 years or so, the so-called “golden boy” of the Australian club scene has a massive year in 2009, launching his own label Klub Kids as well as hitting the studio in a serious way, with remixes of some of the biggest names in dance, rock and pop. No stranger to Cairns dance fans, Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock are regular visitors to Far North Queensland, yet it doesn’t mean that when they come, it’s any less special. With heaps more coming from the Kid in the new year, we are proud to announce that he was chosen by you as Cairns’ favourite visiting DJ and producer in 2009.Kid Kenobi performed at The Heritage in March and October. For more information about Kid Kenobi, head to www.myspace.com/therealkidkenobi.
Flo Rida - 21.2%
BEST VISITING SOLO ARTIST
Brothers had an impressive roster of shows in 2009, but one undoubtedly took to the cake: Flo Rida. Being lucky enough to score the only regional show of his recent Australian tour, Brothers was packed to the brim when the megastar of hip-hop and R’n’B took to the stage in September. Narrowly edging out another Brothers show in the timeOUT Awards (Paul Kelly in May), Flo Rida was a real treat for lovers of US hip-hop and R’n’B and a major coup for the Cairns live music scene in general. Far North Queensland hardly ever sees superstars of this calibre hitting town and with a repeat performance not likely to happen anytime soon, it is with great pleasure we crown the man from Florida the winner of the best solo artist category of the timeOUT Awards in 2009. Sing it with me… “Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur…”Flo Rida played Brothers in September. For more info, check www.officialflo.com.
