Bayside Beat brings best to town

Tickets to the inaugural Bayside Beat, featuring Australian ska and jazz rockers The Cat Empire, are now on sale.

The internationally recognised band is the headline attraction in nearly two weeks of events and activities aimed at promoting the South West Autumn Racing Carnival which runs from March 3 to 14.

The Graham Bicknell Music Shell plays host to the March 9 event which also includes performances from West Australian youngster Matt Gresham and Melbourne soul outfit Saskwatch.

Gresham’s unique combination of blues, roots, reggae and folk have seen him firmly entrench himself as a favourite of the Perth music scene and he has produced four critically acclaimed albums to date.

In addition to performing at Edinburgh Fringe, nine-piece ensemble Saskwatch appeared all over Australia in 2012 and will also spend much of this year on the road, promoting their debut album Leave It All Behind.

Bayside Beat is a Bunbury Turf Club initiative made possible by State Government funding aimed at increasing the profile of iconic regional race rounds.

In addition to Bayside Beat, the city will also run a number of other events over the week including the South West Fashion Festival, the Bunbury Aquathon and the City of Bunbury Viva.

Tickets to Bayside Beat cost $66 and can be purchased from the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.