Bunker ‘hoedown’ a lifeline for Gympie music industry after Muster heartbreak

The Bunker Smokehouse and Bar have nearly sold out of tickets for the blockbuster concert featuring Aussie country music star Brad Cox as the headliner, as well as homegrown heroes Caitlyn Shadbolt and Linc Phelps on the bill.

Australian country music singer Brad Cox will headline The Bunker Hoedown in Gympie this weekend.

One of Gympie’s favourite new eateries has thrown the struggling local music industry a massive lifeline in the form of a “hoedown” live and unplugged in the Gold City on Saturday night.

The Bunker Smokehouse and Bar have nearly sold out of tickets for the blockbuster concert featuring Aussie country music star Brad Cox as the headliner, as well as homegrown heroes Caitlyn Shadbolt and Linc Phelps on the bill.

Tickets are flying out the door for The Bunker Hoedown! If you haven't heard, we have a #live music event happening...

Posted by The Bunker Smokehouse and Bar on Wednesday, August 25, 2021

The unique live music event will see the intimate setting of The Bunker filled with the familiar aromas of the BBQ along with beers, cocktails and great tunes.

Bunker co-owner Jarrod Dangley said he was excited to see a “fantastic gig” come to life, born from collaborations between he and wife Lauren’s foodie business venture Beauty and the Beard Eats and Events and Thirsty Merc guitarist Matt Smith and his company Smith Entertainment.

“Matt came to me and said a lot of artists are really having a hard time at the moment,” Mr Dangley said.

“He told me ‘you’ve got a great venue, could you throw together a bit of a something?

Caitlyn Shadbolt is on the Hoedown line-up. Photo Patrick Woods / Sunshine Coast Daily.

“We have wanted to be sort of a backflow for artists that pass through Gympie. We’ve got some really good homegrown talent here and also some awesome national artists.

This weekend I’m playing in my home town for the Bunker Hoedown! Only a few tickets left so grab them while you still...

Posted by Caitlyn Shadbolt on Monday, August 23, 2021

“Caitlyn Shadbolt and Linc Phelps are a couple of really really good homegrown artists that have done big things in the music world.

“We're really proud to show off these awesome homegrown artists.”

Gympie musician Linc Phelps is also on the Hoedown line-up.

Mr Dangley said the effects of the ongoing COVID pandemic on the music industry hit home for him when planning the hoedown.

“It doesn’t affect you until it’s in your backyard. You can listen to them on Spotify and all that, but these guys don’t get paid if they’re not playing gigs,” he said.

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There were only a handful of tickets left for the 18+ event, with the last few general admission tickets available to purchase for $58.90. Click here to grab yours.