Brisbane's The Steele Syndicate Joins The Cat Empire at HOTA's Big Brass Barbecue

The nine-piece band will bring their four-piece horn section south, and they won't be the only brass on the Outdoor Stage.

Horns of Leroy come up from Melbourne with THNDO, bringing a New Orleans brass sound. Gold Coast City Brass Band is the local act, a much-loved ensemble that turns 125 in 2027 and, HOTA says, connects generations through live brass.

Headlining are The Cat Empire, an Australian band with an international following, known for high-energy live shows that mix genres. "We're stoked to be heading back to the Goldie to headline The Big Brass BBQ in January," says band leader Felix Riebl. "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."

The Steele Syndicate. Photo: supplied.

Over the evening the Outdoor Stage will move through brass, funk, soul and roots music. Audiences can sit out on the lawn into the night, with BBQ food trucks, outdoor bars and room for friends and family.

It is an all-ages event with one stage and six hours of music, pitched as a way to start the year with a big night out.

Horns of Leroy. Photo: Lucy Spartalis.

Mark Duckworth, HOTA's Commercial Programming Director, says the event is fast becoming a summer fixture for music fans. After the response to its first event, HOTA is bringing it back bigger.

Tickets went on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10 November.

Big Brass Barbecue

• What: An all-ages outdoor day of brass, funk and soul
• When: Saturday 23 January 2027, six hours of live music
• Where: Outdoor Stage, HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
• Tickets: From $39 at hota.com.au