Car Park Party

Friday 11 - Sunday 13 July

Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 July

For the first time ever Ipswich Civic Centre will be activating its carpark with six action packed nights of entertainment as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Featuring captivating performances by local Tulmur and Meanjin artists across multiple artforms, engaging workshops, bespoke roving entertainment, and more! Plus, a fantastic range of delicious food and drink options will be available each night.

Event details

11, 12, 13 July and 17, 18, 19 July

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Various

Ipswich Civic Centre Car Park

Read about the artists:

VOiiiD Collective

 

Meet the VOiiidians!
A motley crew of consistently colourful and fiendishly freaky oddballs who inhabit the wonderland of the VOiiiD. This exceptionally eccentric family of outrageously quirky characters lives for any chance to dance, prance, and play. Keep your eyes peeled—they might be just around the corner at the Ipswich Civic Centre!

VOiiiD Collective, is a company dedicated to empowering independent artists to share raw and vulnerable stories. We challenge perspectives on both individual and global issues through unapologetic, hyper-visual, and multimodal works. Our mission priorities sustainability and inclusivity, aiming to utilise a minimum 80% recycled materials in our creative ventures.

Caro Francis

 

Caro Francis is rapidly gaining attention for her fresh and idiosyncratic take on underground electronic music. The enigmatic Ipswich-based producer’s songwriting, sound palette, and innovative production has caught the ear of tastemakers both here and abroad, with tracks that artfully blend left-field club sounds, experimental rhythms and a keen ear for melody.

B33fcake

If there’s one thing that Ipswich’s B33fcake can make you do, it’s dance. His selections push and pull between emotional and down-right funky, fusing the experimental sides of UK Garage, Breaks and Electro with one goal in mind – to make you move and shake like no tomorrow!

Circus Ipswich

What happens to the stuff we throw away? Is it truly rubbish or can it be transformed into something extraordinary?

Join the Circus Ipswich performers as they balance, juggle and tumble through an extraordinary exploration of junk, waste, and beauty. Dazzling feats of acrobatics, tumbling and object manipulation, they will turn trash into treasure and prove that with imagination, nothing is ever truly wasted!

Prepare to be inspired to rethink what we throw away.

Beautiful Junk– A performance by the Circus Ipswich Street Circus Troupe

Stelle

Meet Stelle, the 19-year-old rising star from Southeast Queensland. From a Dora the Explorer microphone at age 3, writing songs from the age of 6, to captivating audiences around Ipswich, Brisbane, and the Scenic Rim from the age of 16, her journey is one of passion and talent.

Influenced by artists like Gracie Abrams, Missy Higgins and Olivia Rodrigo, Stelle’s music is a vibrant blend of indie, pop, and folk. With performances at the renowned Kalbar Sunflower Festival as well as opening for the Gold Coast award-winning artist “Lyric,” she’s making her mark in the big world of music. Get ready to be swept away by Stelle’s infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics.

The Emmavilles

Formed in 2019, The Emmavilles are an alt-country rock band from Tulmur/Ipswich, Australia. Blending sentimental storytelling with slowburning guitar driven tones, their songs recall subjects closest to their hearts; childhood memories and family dysfunction, dystopian dreamings, and observations of middle age life in a modern age.

“Made up of slowburning country and rock, The Emmavilles are soft-spoken and clouded in a haze of bittersweet recollections. Follow them in their travails, however, and you’ll run across a mostly hidden energy and passion, only surfacing when the band recall the things that are closest to their hearts. Slow Food Song is just that sort of number. It’s also an ode to some simple comforts which are slowly killing us, with a side order of fries and a vanilla coke.” Chris Cobcroft, 4ZZZ

gregory

With indie dream pop band gregory, get ready to have your heart broken, mended and party it all away in one night – expect sugary fuzzed-out guitars, slick drums & bass grooves and powerful, all-out vocals.

Formed in the melting pot of Brisbane’s vibrant band scene, the group bubbled their way into the hearts of local punters playing curated house shows, supporting local greats and playing festivals such as Jet Black Cat Music’s ‘Seasonal Fruits’. To date gregory have released handful of singles; ‘She Is’, an anthemic ode to self, ‘Quiet On My Own’ a reflection on finding comfort in routine in a time of uncertainty, and ‘Friend of a Friend’ serving festival nostalgia, and a definite nod towards the groups’ more psychedelic influences.

The group’s live show is where they feel most at home. The band are effortlessly tight, dynamic and enjoying every moment on stage. Through a journey of vulnerable ballads to feel-good dance grooves, the down-to-earth frontwoman, Meggan, will have you in the palm of her hand. Not to be missed at SPARK Ipswich Carpark Party!

Paulina

Paulina, a 20 year-old Tulmur/Ipswich-based artist, has been making waves with her emotive songwriting and ethereal vocals. Her journey began in a household rich with diverse musical influences, leading her to discover her passion for songwriting and performance.

With accolades like the ‘Youth Award’ at the Queensland Music Awards and support from major platforms like Spotify and triple j, Paulina continues to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling and lyrical depth.

Misteria Towler

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Misteria Towler is a proud Wiradjuri artist and producer, living and working on Yuggera and Turrbal country. She has trained at the Aboriginal Centre of Performing Arts, completing a Diploma of Performing Arts (dance) in 2019. Since then, she has performed with Digi Youth Arts in ‘COOKED’ a theatre show at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC and travelled to Germany with Digi Youth Arts to perform in Uncle Richard Bell’s ‘Embassy’ at Documenta15 in 2022.

In September 2023 Misteria performed the first version of ‘Belonging’ at the Institute of Modern Art, alongside Daniel Boyd’s exhibition ‘Rainbow Serpent’. In October 2024, Misteria received a Hatchery 4305 residency at Studio 188, where she further developed ‘Belonging’ followed by a full performance of the new work.

SOLCHLD

Enter the world of SOLCHLD—the Magandjin-based Jamaican-Arrernte R&B-Soul artist and spoken word poet. With a signature bouncy cadence and infectious melodies, SOLCHLD is a powerful presence whose music and wordplay take you on a journey of the heart and soul.

Denzel Kennedy

 

Denzel Kennedy is a Tulmur/Ipswich based Indigenous Hip-Hop & Rap artist. Denzel’s cultural roots run deep, gathering inspiration from his Kalkadoon heritage and the traditional country that surrounds the Mount Isa region. Fusing this influence with some of the Rap genre’s finest MC’s; J. Cole, Joey Badass, Kobie Dee, and JK-47 – Denzel blends traditional hip-hop elements with boom-bap and jazz influences, creating a sound that is both contemporary and culturally resonant. Through his music, Denzel explores narratives, experiences, and challenges in his life, bringing these stories to a broader audience.

His discography to date showcases his range and versatility, with his debut LP ‘IDEL’, followed by ‘Thank You For the Tutorial’, ‘Grammys’, ‘The Knicks Freestyle’, and ‘Karma’. In 2021, Denzel signed with Blak Label Music, setting the stage for his anticipated sophomore EP. ‘Devote ur Heart’ was released with massive success, featuring pride of place on Spotify’s home page on release, and ongoing support from playlisting and radio rotations. Denzel’s recent EP ‘lost in the crowd’ was a continuation of his artistic growth, propelling him into featuring on Spotify playlists: Beats n’ Bars, R&B Feels, The Drip (cover artist), Deadly Beats, Blak Australia; Apple Music’s New Music Daily, FIRST, Blaklist; and Amazon Music’s Blak Loud.

Upon running his own shows, 2022 saw Denzel flourish in support for Australian Rap-Music legends Horrorshow, a milestone performance that marked his emergence as a promising talent in the Australian hip-hop scene. Continuing his performance crusade, Denzel billed on Lee Munro’s no1network Brisbane show, sharing the stage with renowned artists Dredubb, Siala and JK-47. In March 2024, Denzel’s creativity and vision were recognized on a national level when he won the Triple J x NIDA Music Video Competition. The music video was released in 2024, further elevating his profile. This opportunity led to support act slots with Indigenous rap colleague Kobie Dee on his 2024 tour ‘Chapter 26’, and numerous First Nations events and showcases in Brisbane city.

Denzel’s music has also achieved considerable success on digital platforms, reflecting his ability to resonate with a wide and diverse audience. With over 100,000 cumulative streams across Spotify, his tracks have captivated listeners across the globe. Additionally, his sounds have become a viral sensation on TikTok, amassing over 2 million views.

Aiming to empower the next generation of musicians, Denzel is set on sharing his knowledge and experience to help them navigate the challenges of the Music Industry. His dedication to these efforts reflects his belief in the transformative power of music and his desire to use his platform for positive change. His upcoming LP represents a new chapter in his artistic evolution. This project continues his exploration of identity and culture, blending hip-hop with jazz elements to create a nuanced reflection on his experiences. Through this EP, Denzel aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation about First Nations representation in the arts while pushing the boundaries of his own creative expression.

Lossi

Lossi (fka ‘doyouloveme?’) is a Nyikina, African-American, and Mexican DJ, Producer, and Songwriter based in Meanjin (Brisbane). Known for his infectious beats, and deep-cut samples, Lossi effortlessly blends House, R&B, and Hip-Hop, creating high-energy sonic journeys that captivate listeners and keep the dancefloor moving. Drawing influence from dance music icons Oppidan and Kaytranada, as well as Australian Hip-Hop DJs Mistah Cee and K-Time, Lossi crafts unique soundscapes by remixing popular tracks with his self-produced beats, offering a fresh spin on timeless classics.

With a focus on the live experience, Lossi has shared stages supporting artists like Denzel Kennedy, Siala, Khi’leb, Alf the Great, Miles Nautu, ALBI, and JVMMY. His live presence has also extended to commercial gigs, including launch parties for Magpie Goose and Blaklash (2023/2024), as well as his festival debut at rapper Miles Nautu’s debut Promiseland set (2024). Additionally, Lossi has joined hyper-pop artist ALBI on KYE’s Australian Tour (2023), Denzel Kennedy on HorrorShow’s Australian tour (2022) and headlined the Washington Youth Summit as an international export (2023).

An established collaborator, Lossi frequently works with Denzel Kennedy, supporting all of his tours and showcases. As a producer and songwriter, Lossi has earned over 300k streams, contributing production and writing credits to tracks featured on prominent Spotify and Apple Music playlists. He also shines behind the scenes, with production credits across Blak Label’s roster, working with artists like Quinta, Alf the Great, Denzel Kennedy, and other notable First Nations talents such as Keely and Chill Cheney. With a strong vision for nurturing talent, Lossi continues to elevate both his own career and the careers of emerging artists, both locally and internationally.

DAMIEN

With comparisons to Depeche Mode, Regurgitator and T.I.S.M, Australia’s DAMIEN uses a tabletop loop station to blend pop and industrial elements to create his unique style of alt-pop electronica.

Since his conception in 2020, DAMIEN has created an impressive catalogue of music and garnered high praise both locally and abroad.

Ode2Joy

Ode2Joy is the moniker of Brisbane-based artist Alistair Taylor, who mixes emo, baroque and EDM music to create a unique brand of deconstructed pop.

Since 2024, he has performed as Ode2Joy both locally and interstate, and in October released his debut EP, CR33K SONGS. Taylor has previously performed and recorded with artists like The Goon Sax, Pious Faults and The Go-Betweens’ Robert Forster.

Corporate Services DJs

Bringing a mix of soulful house, throwback tunes and French touch sounds, Corporate Services DJs will take you back to the days where you had your feet in the sand in Ibiza, or partying in a field in central France, or the time you left Ministry of Sound in London and hopped on the tube.

The possibilities are endless and the night is young. Free yourself and lose yourself to the sound.

This is Corporate Services DJs.

Franky Smart

FRANKY SMART (aka Claire Walters) is a powerhouse entertainer who’s performed across Australia and beyond. From musicals and cabaret to festivals and corporate events, she lights up every stage she steps on.

She’s worked with Aussie legends like Bert Newton, Patti Newton, Kate Ceberano, Rhonda Burchmore, Megan Washington, and more. Check out her self-titled EP with her band, Franky Smart, produced by Joel Myles and Chrispy Lait at Head Atlas Studios.

Don’t miss her DJ set packed with bangers and the tracks that define her style.

Steve Mondel

Steve Mondel is a folk/country and Americana style artist based in Tulmur/Ipswich Queensland, Australia. Drawing on an upbringing in the suburbs of Queanbeyan to Perth and many places in between, Steve’s music is inspired by the challenges of outer suburb life and the stories of love and reluctant participation in the daily grind.

Cutting his teeth in the Brisbane indie rock scene during the 2010’s with Born Joy Dead, playing in support of artists such as The Whitlams, Bad//Dreems and Ball Park Music. Steve’s focus has now landed on songwriting and story telling through earthy county folk.

Paying homage to influences such as John Prine, Paul Kelly and Tyler Childers honest story telling with a distinct flavour of western suburbia and country folk.

Red Hill

Red Hill are an indie folk rock band, primarily operating from the southside of Brisbane/Meanjin: not to be confused with the inner-northern suburb, which in the 2016 census had a population of 5,560. Quirky & queer, they are here to rock your socks off and then gently and lovingly place them back on your feet.

Formed in 2022, the band has a strong focus on collaborative songwriting, telling stories about relationships, self-love, and personal growth through relatable lyricism and blissful four-part harmonies. Captivating audiences with their authentic stage presence, Red Hill has already shared line-up spots with local indie scene favourites such as Voiid and Platonic Sex.

Sherman & Field

Explorers of soundscapes, found/ environmental sounds, devices, electronic beats; indeterminate improvised creations, sculpting immersive experiences; psych explorations to hypnotic trans-journeys of sound…most importantly – that very juncture in time and space – the perfect and imperfect, the intended and unintended, and whatever transmits in between.

Queensland Government

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