Dance Monkey singer heading to Cairns

Cairns Regional Council has added a fourth Australian artist to its Cairns Summer Sounds series.

Tones and I, real name Toni Watson, joins John Butler, Bernard Fanning and Amy Shark as part of an all-star Australian line up to perform at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) in February.

Based in Melbourne, Tones and I’s breakout single Dance Monkey (released in May 2019) has shattered Australian music records.

In November 2019, Dance Monkey became the longest-running number one song on the ARIA Singles Chart, and it recently clocked-up over two billion streams.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning was delighted to announce a fourth stellar performer for the series and was sure demand for tickets would be high.

“Ticket sales for Cairns Summer Series has been strong and considering the national popularity of Tones and I, I would encourage residents to get in early to secure their seat,” Cr Manning said.

“Cairns Summer Sounds enhances our cultural repertoire and having four Australian talents with international recognition on board this year, launches this series firmly on the front foot.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Cairns Summer Sounds would support local jobs and the city’s COVID-19 economic recovery.

“The line-up of top Australian music talent for Cairns Summer Sounds is the perfect excuse to pack a bag and spoil yourself with a February break in the Far North,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This live music experience is exactly what the Palaszczuk Government had in mind when we launched the North Queensland Events Recovery package.

“It benefits the Cairns economy from accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants to tour businesses.

“Cairns Summer Sounds brings live hit music to an already stunning combination of the Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforests, hospitality and Australia’s best local cuisine.

“It’s hard to go past Cairns this February as Queensland’s premier cultural and live music holiday destination.”

Cairns Summer Sounds, a string of shows presented by Cairns Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), kicks off with legendary independent artist John Butler, with two performances on 4 and 5 February.

Tones and I will take to the CPAC stage for two shows, on 13 and 14 February.

Bernard Fanning, who is best known as the front man for Australian rockers Powderfinger, before he kicked off a successful solo career, plays 20 and 21 February

Finally, Cairns will then be treated to Australian pop singer-songwriter Amy Shark, ahead of her national tour with Cairns shows on 26 and 27 February.

Tickets are available for all shows via Ticketlink