Local musician looks forward to turning up the heat at riverbank event
Published on 30 November 2016
Musician Upile Mkoka and his band Weathered are looking forward to putting on a special performance at next week’s official opening of Stage 1A of the Rockhampton Riverbank project.
The group, who wrote the River Revery theme song for this year’s Rockhampton River Festival, is among the planned acts to mark the milestone moment on the key project.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow is encouraging everyone to come along on Friday, December 9, and check out the works that have been completed so far along Quay St.
The Riverbank Revitalisation is a $36m project, including $15m from the Queensland Government and $7m from the Federal Government.
As well as the official opening there is a double reason for a Regional celebration, with Mayor Strelow handing the Key to the City to Olympic cycling great Anna Meares on the night.
Upile said he was looking forward to being involved in what would be the band’s final performance of the year.
“It’s going to be a really exciting night for Rockhampton,” Upile said.
“The work along Quay St looks great. Every time I drive over the bridge I look down and see how it’s progressed.
“I can’t wait to actually get there on the night, walk along the street and then play in front of a big crowd.”
Mayor Strelow said the road works people could see from the bridge were only part of the story of what was happening along the Riverbank.
“On the night people will also be able to see for themselves how we are using technology to help transform the Riverbank,” Mayor Strelow said.
“We will have some of our new LED smart street lights operational. These have many wonderful features including an integrated public speaker system, synchronised coloured way finding lights and are controlled through a smart device.
“People will also be able to use the free public Wi-Fi.
“And for the first time people will be able to see the façade lighting of our historic buildings along Quay Street.”
She encouraged everyone to also check out the custom-made street and garden furniture that had been installed. Some of these pieces incorporate mood lighting.
“There will be other surprises too,” Mayor Strelow said.
Weathered will be followed by another musician Katrina Christensen on the main stage later in the evening.
A market will also be running with food options and there will be activities for children.
What’s happening: Anna Meares presented Key to the City and official opening of Stage 1A on Rockhampton’s Riverbank
When: Friday, December 9, from 5pm. Official proceedings from 5.30pm.
Where: Quay St, between Fitzroy St and Denham St
Entertainment: Market stalls, music, food
Cost: Free