Acclaimed country music singer/songwriter performer Drew McAlister is having a car park party at his favourite watering hole this weekend and he’s inviting all Mountains country fans along for the ride.
“It was something that a friend of mine Kevin Cunningham and myself came up with, so my band could play and a couple of other local bands could play.”
Backed by a band of four, McAllister – along with Seleen McAlister and The Smoking Willies – will host the seven hour party, with Texas food on offer and plenty of fun for all ages.
McAlister has performed “on and off over the years” at the Ori, having been enticed to move to Springwood with his young family seven years ago by another well known performer, Geoff Robertson.
“Geoff had been talking me into moving up to the Mountains for years. It’s God’s country – we moved here seven years ago, when my daughter was three months old. And the Ori is my local hotel,” he said.
With gigs all over the country, he’s delighted to be able to stay around for the weekend.
“I’m away a lot with the band, we have to go away for days on end, so it’s good to be local, which is why I wanted to do it in Springwood.
“It’s a lot of work (the event), we are still working on it now with a lot of help from local people and they’ll be pitching in on the day. Kevin is a local builder and has a local gym and he is the driving force.”
McAlister was part of a country duo McAlister Kemp. He is now on his third solo album, signed with ABC/Universal Music.
McAlister’s new album titled Coming Your Way will be released on September 29, with pre-order sales details available via his Facebook page @Drew McAllisterFacebook.
“I don’t stray too far with what I want to say in songs,” he said. “This album will have some really contemporary production. It’s produced by a pop guy called Andy Mak, it’s about life, loves, it will make you laugh, cry and want to party.”
One of the songs he hopes will be a hit is called Kissing a Girl Goodnight – a love story all about parenthood.
The $45 cover price for adults cover the entertainment. Children are free and there will be a jumping castle and face painting on offer. One of the food vendors on site will be Hops & Co Texas BBQ. There will also be “cool Texas burgers”.
“I’m a big fan of smoked meat, it’s kind of goes with the carpark party theme.”
‘Drew’s Car Park Party’ will be at the Oriental Hotel in Springwood on Saturday, August 19 from 2pm to 9pm. Tickets are now available through www.trybooking.com/PWWS. Children 16 and under are free. Adults can also buy the $45 tickets on the day by cash or eftpos.
The Ori has ensured guests will be kept warm, with four gas heaters in the carpark. He is hoping the event will be popular for guests young and old.
”It’s a family thing (the party), when I look at my genre of music and the age bracket I cover with my fans, its very diverse. I also think we are going to be really lucky with the weather.”
‘Drew’s Car Park Party’ will be at the Oriental Hotel in Springwood on Saturday, August 19 from 2pm to 9pm. Tickets are now available through www.trybooking.com/PWWS. Children 16 and under are free. Adults can also buy the $45 tickets on the day by cash or eftpos.
