The Cat Empire ProfileThe Gold Coast is always an exciting place to be in summer, but in January, the Home of the Arts (HOTA) makes a case for hosting an unmissable event.
On Saturday, 23 January, HOTA’s Outdoor Stage will be the site of Big Brass Barbeque, a celebration of live music and summer on the Gold Coast. Featuring headliners The Cat Empire, the event also stars Horns of Leroy featuring Thndo, The Steele Syndicate and the Gold Coast City Brass Band.
Brass, beats, and BBQ are the themes of the January long weekend. With live music taking over one stage, the event offers a stellar line-up providing sublime summer entertainment and food. The one-day festival is the place to welcome friends and family and launch into 2027 with a bang.
Tickets to the 2027 Big Brass Barbeque are available from 11 am AEST for just $39 via the HOTA website.
The Cat Empire’s inimitable band leader, Felix Riebl, said of the event, “We’re stoked to be heading back to the Goldie to headline The Big Brass BBQ in January. We’ve got stacks of friends from other bands sharing this stage, so it’s going to be a lot of fun and a huge show.”
HOTA Commercial Programming Director Mark Duckworth added that the festival has become a summer highlight for Gold Coast music lovers.
“Big Brass Barbeque is everything we love about summer at HOTA with incredible live music, a spectacular outdoor setting and an atmosphere that brings people together,” Duckworth said.
He continued, “Following the response to our inaugural event, we’re excited to bring it back even bigger. It’s the kind of event where the food will be sizzling, the drinks will be icy, with The Cat Empire leading a fun-fuelled line-up of brass, funk and soul.”
Big Brass Barbeque held its inaugural event earlier this year, headlined by the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.
The Cat Empire’s most recent album, Bird in Paradise, dropped last March.
Bird in Paradise marks The Cat Empire’s boldest, most vibrant release to date. Born of spontaneity, raw energy, and musical alchemy, it brings the group back to their organic roots while experimenting with flamenco, funk, Latin, jazz, and Creole influences.
Upon its release, frontman Felix Riebl said, “We didn’t set out to make this record — it found us. It’s a celebration of spontaneity, togetherness, and letting music lead the way.”
