music
NEW! Will Day WHEN: Saturday 9 August, 8pm-10.45pm WHERE: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill Brisbane-based country artist Will Day is fast making his mark on the Australian music scene. Known for his powerful vocals, infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling, Will delivers a dynamic live performance that keeps crowds coming back for more. His debut album Countrified (2021) cemented his reputation as one to watch, and he’s since shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry including Morgan Evans, Shannon Noll, Diesel and The Black Sorrows. Will has also performed at some of Australia’s most iconic country music festivals including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Savannah in the Round and the Gympie Music Muster. He has recently spent time in Nashville, performing at CMA Fest showcases and writing songs for his next album, due for release in 2026. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s rising country stars live at the Ekka! Ekka’s Country Music Showdown WHEN: Saturday 16 August, 9am-12.40pm (Junior) & 1pm- 6pm (Open) WHERE: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill Now in its 11th year, the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown brings together Queensland’s best emerging talent in the ultimate search for the next country music star. Musicians will compete in front of Ekka crowds and a panel of industry judges, performing two songs each for the chance to win career-boosting prizes worth more than $70,000. This year’s showdown features a stellar line-up of 24 entrants across both the Open and Junior categories, including Jarrad Wrigley who captured hearts on Farmer Wants A Wife this year and Keely Ellen whose emotional performance brought the judges to tears on Australian Idol 2025. The prize pool includes the prestigious Troy Cassar-Daley Scholarship to the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth; paid gigs at Ekka 2026, Gympie Music Muster and Lefty’s Music Hall in Brisbane; music video and website production services; a professional photo shoot; musical gear; interviews and airplay on Kix FM; and more. It’s set to be the biggest and most exciting showdown yet!
NEW! Phoenix Rising Rock Cover Band WHEN: Tuesday 12 August, 8pm-11pm WHERE: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill Making their Ekka debut, Phoenix Rising will bring rock classics, party sing-alongs and toe-tapping favourites to the stage - many of which other cover bands often overlook. This dynamic Gold Coast band delivers a high-energy show packed with hits from Bon Jovi to Dolly Parton, guaranteed to get music lovers of all ages on their feet. Known for their polished performances and ever-expanding repertoire, Phoenix Rising promises a night of unforgettable energy and crowd-pleasing anthems. Hayley Marsten WHEN: Saturday 16 August, 3pm-6pm WHERE: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill If HAIM and Shania Twain made music together, the result might sound like Hayley Marsten. Her acclaimed sophomore album Girlhood debuted at #4 on the ARIA Country Charts and has been praised for its dramatic country anthems with a 1970s rock edge. A Queensland Music Award nominee and rising star, Hayley brings a mix of sass, soul and raw honesty to every performance. Catch her live and experience the sound of a bold new voice in Australian country music. Folk Musician Alex Crook WHEN: August 8, 11, 12, 14, 15 from 3pm-5.45pm and August 16 from 1pm-2.45pm WHERE: XXXX Stockmen’s Bar & Grill Brisbane-based folk-pop singer-songwriter Alex Crook will captivate audiences with emotive melodies and soulful lyrics. Blending acoustic folk with modern pop influences, his heartfelt sound and introspective storytelling offer a refreshing take on the folk genre. Don’t miss the chance to experience Alex live at the Ekka as he
shares songs that speak straight to the soul. NEW! Dee Jaye Bux - DJ Set WHEN: 7.30pm-9pm daily WHERE: Multicultural Plaza Music Stage
Australia’s top country music DJ, Dee Jaye Bux, will be spinning every night of Ekka with his signature blend of country and funky remixes. With more than 23 years of experience, he has worked alongside legends like Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham and Tim McGraw. Dee Jaye Bux knows how to keep the crowd energized and dancing, creating an unforgettable Hoe-down Honky Tonk atmosphere.
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