Popular Summer Tunes Program gets into swing for 2019

Pack a picnic basket, dust off the folding chairs and blanket, grab a hat and sunscreen before heading out to enjoy Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) popular Summer Tunes 2019 Program starting at three city parks from Sunday, January 6.

TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr Geoff McDonald is inviting residents to add a Sunday park outing to their social calendar during January and February.

“The free musical program is a great way to relax across the summer holiday season in our prized civic parks in Toowoomba and at six regional locations,” Cr McDonald said.

“Round up family and friends to while away a relaxing few hours with a wide range of talented musicians.

“Entertainment will be held each Sunday in January (except the Australia Day weekend) and February at Toowoomba’s Picnic Point and Laurel Bank Park (from noon to 3pm) with two performances each at Queens Park near the children’s play area off Margaret Street (from 10am to noon – January 6, February 3) and at the State Rose Garden in Newtown Park (noon to 3pm on January 20 and February 24). Sparkles Face Painting will be available to brighten children’s faces at Queens Park every Sunday from 10am to noon.

“Regional audiences also will be in for a treat with Summer Tunes heading to Oakey, Crows Nest, Cecil Plains, Pittsworth, Goombungee and Cambooya starting in February.

“Summer Tunes is as much a part of our summer as cicadas, sizzling barbecues, backyard cricket, picnics, kids playing outside and the whirr of lawn mowers.”

TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said Council’s civic parks and gardens offered a perfect setting for summer holiday escapes with picnic settings and plenty of playgrounds for children to enjoy.

“Our region’s parks are a top tourist drawcard at any time of year and this is another reason to head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the region’s recreation areas,” Cr Ramia said.

“The schedule offers a great showcase of talented musicians who will play tunes from a wide range of music genres set in the spectacular backdrop of our civic parks.

“Come along, tap your feet, clap and sing along to some great sounds. There will be something to suit all music tastes.”

This Sunday’s program opens with the Alison Bryant Quartet and Sparkles Face Painting at Queens Park, The Hobsons at Picnic Point and Let’s Dance Band at Laurel Bank Park.

The 2019 entertainers include: The Alison Bryant Quartet, The Hobsons, Vavachi Jazz & Swing, Killin Time, Toowoomba Municipal Band, Slow Train Coming, 2 Timing, Jim Miller Big Band, Let’s Dance Band, Blue Room Blues, Paul Edwards Quartet, Johnny Jump Up, Timeless, Undercover, Flashback, Toowoomba Ukulele Club, Women in Harmony, Tux, Topp Gear, Broxburn Music Club of Pittsworth, Sax Plus and Black Velvet Quartet.

The Regional Summer Tunes Program starts on February 3 and can be enjoyed at the following locations: Oakey: February 3, Arthur Shooter Park, Slow Train Coming 10am-1pm.

Crows Nest: February 3, Centenary Park, Curnow Street, Killin Time. 11am-2pm.

Cecil Plains: February 10, Cecil Plains Homestead on the Condamine, Tux. 10am-1.30pm.

Pittsworth: February 17, Pittsworth Pioneer Village and Historical Museum, Topp Gear. 4-6pm.

Goombungee: February 24, Mocatta St near the War Memorial, Undercover, 12-3pm.

Cambooya: February 24, Cambooya Recreation Grounds, Black Velvet Quartet, 3-6pm.

Full details can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/summertunes or by calling 131 872 for more details.

Caption: Cr Geoff McDonald (right) tests his vocal cords with UnderCover's Gayle Dixon, Ian Dixon and Martin Paroz in readiness for the start of Summer Tunes 2019. UnderCover will perform at Laurel Bank Park on February 17 and Goombungee on February 24.