Brisbane’s all abilities battle of the bands rocks Eatons Hill Hotel
Thursday 23 May, 2019
The likes of Rita Ora, Powderfinger and even Prince have graced its stage but this week the iconic Eatons Hill Hotel hosted Endeavour Foundation’s Battle of the Bands, celebrating artists of all abilities.
More than 140 people with disability making up 14 acts, including bands and solo performers from around Brisbane and South East Queensland gathered at the venue to kick out the jams as superstars for the day.
Endeavour Foundation’s Executive General Manager - Service Excellence, Kerin McMahon said the day was about focusing on ability.
“We support more than 4000 people with a disability in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and I’ve seen what a difference creating music and performing can make to them,” Ms McMahon said.
“Performing on stage gives people a chance to overcome their nerves, boosts their self-esteem and turns their possibilities into reality.
“People with disability are often told what they can’t do and we wanted to create an event that puts them front and centre to enable them to show the world what they can do.”
Ms McMahon said Endeavour Foundation’s inaugural Brisbane Battle of the Bands was based on the success of a similar event on the Sunshine Coast.
“For six years, we’ve run a battle of the bands on the Sunshine Coast and it’s just gone from strength to strength. We decided to replicate it here so people in Brisbane would have their chance to shine too.
“We had bands and solo acts from Alexandra Hills, Lawnton, Wacol, Redcliffe, Kingston, Windsor, Geebung and as far as the Gold Coast, which shows how excited people are to take part.
“Some of our performers even made their own costumes and musical instruments and written their own lyrics and music, which is a huge effort and I’d like to thank everyone for taking part.”
Performer Nicholas Dale, a member of the KingStones, said being on stage makes him feel like a superstar.
“I love the feeling of being on stage under the bright lights performing for the adoring crowd,” he said.
“I feel our performance at the battle of the bands was bigger and better than ever.”
Plans are already in place for the event to continue next year. Endeavour Foundation’s Sunshine Coast Battle of the Bands will take place at “The J” in Noosa in August.
Media contact Ash Moore M: 0472 809 503 E: as.moore@endeavour.com.au
