In March 2017 for the first time ever, Southern Comfort will bring the soulful and vibrant spirit of New Orleans to Australia as part of the inaugural Southern Carnival.
Bringing the full New Orleans experience to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Southern Comfort will introduce Australians to this fascinating city’s unique melting pot of music, food and culture. Enjoy authentic Nola favourites like Po’ boys and Gumbo while sipping on signature drinks including the legendary Southern Hurricane. The Carnival’s live entertainment line-up will feature Southern American styles of jazz, swing, blues and funk, showcasing the best talent in Australia.
Following its huge success in Melbourne, the Carnival heads north to Sydney’s Smokey’s Cabin from 15 – 25 March. Nestled upstairs of Surry Hills’ Surly’s, Smokey’s Cabin is a Northern American themed world of hickory, smoked BBQ, cold drinks and good times. Sydneysiders can enjoy Southern delights including Oysters Rockefeller, Po’boy Sandwich and Creole Smoked Chicken Maryland. Thirsty? Wash it down with a selection of Southern cocktails such as the Southern Comfort Fizz, Southern Sazerac and Southern Hurricane. With food and drinks sorted, sit back and soak up the infectious energy of amped up country & blues outfit The Sweet Jelly Rolls, alt country rock & roll sounds of Papa Pilko & The Bin Rats and mesmerising singer-songwriter Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats. The Carnival kicks off at 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday, free entry.
Next, it’s Brisbane’s turn, with Southern Carnival coming to life at Brooklyn Standard in Brisbane’s CBD from Thursday 30 March to Saturday 1 April. Enjoy authentic Nola favourites including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Po’ boys with fried oysters, bacon, lettuce + tomato on fresh baguette and Gumbo with chicken, prawn, andouille sausage + corn in a thick creole stew. Indulge in Southern Carnival Signature Cocktails including Southern Comfort Hurricane, Slow Comfortable Screw and Lazy Boy which features Southern Comfort, Buffalo Trace, Aperol, lemon and apple juice served in a Collins glass and garnished with an apple fan.
Brooklyn Standard’s underground saloon vibes and spacious stage make it the ideal space to experience Brisbane’s best musicians. Kicking off the Carnival on Thursday 30 March is 4-piece jazz funk outfit Moneypenny, followed by West Texas Crude and their mash-up rockabilly, blues, country, funk, metal sound. On Friday 31 March, soulful singer-songwriter and prolific blues guitarist Mojo Webb takes to the stage followed by the ultimate live party group, Millennium Band, bringing back the party anthems and house classics of the last 20 years. Check out The Demon Drink and their rockin’ country takes on classic favourites on Saturday 1 April and be sure to stick around after their set to soak up the infectious energy of funk + soul band Fifth Avenue.
Southern Comfort Carnival is bringing the heart and soul of New Orleans to Australia – don’t miss out on the celebration!
Southern Comfort Carnival Details
Sydney Carnival
Dates: Wednesday 15 – Saturday 25 March, 2017
Time: From 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday (venue closed Sun, Mon, Tues)
Location: Smokey’s Cabin, Upstairs of Surly’s – 182 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW
Brisbane Carnival
Dates: Thursday 30 March – Saturday 1 April, 2017
Time: From 6pm ‘til late
Location: Brooklyn Standard – Eagle Lane, Brisbane City
