Saturday nights haven’t been the same for many locals as the Mt Gravatt Marketta remains closed amidst the coronavirus restrictions. Owner Jim Gloftis, however, has high hopes for an opening before Christmas but he explained the one setback preventing him from unlocking the gates to the street food hive.
Mt Gravatt Marketta might be a foodie’s go-to place for the trendiest street food in town. However, patrons also like the variety of live band performances that draw the crowd to get up and dance
The government, however, has a strict sanction against social dancing violations. Mr Gloftis said that the fines are so expensive that he’s not willing to take the risks.
However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently released the next phase of relaxed rules for Queensland for October, November and December.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The plan includes the approval of COVID-19 safe wedding dancing activities by December and “further review of dancing restrictions.”
“We have always said that we would continue to ease restrictions where we could in a staged and balanced way to keep Queenslanders safe – and this plan does just that,” the Premier said.
“The new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions. That includes increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions.”
NEW ROADMAP: Today we’re releasing a new roadmap to easing restrictions for October, November and December 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/JkeHmXyDdu
Mr Gloftis thinks that the government will have some good news before Christmas that will allow Mt Gravatt Marketta to finally open. He reveals he hasn’t stopped receiving enquiries about the reopening as people are eager to return to the showgrounds for the food, the grub and the music.
The businessman is also the owner of Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta, which reopened more than a month ago. However, he revealed that the site is operating at a loss but he wants to continue helping out the stallholders.
Evening market get-togethers, sumptuous food, live music, cocktail and wine bar, and boutique beer are all business as usual at the Mt Gravatt Marketta as it kicks off 2018 with a full January schedule. Happening as usual every Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the street food market takes after its sister, the Miami Marketta of the Gold Coast, and serves up lots of good vibes and weekend partying for the first month of the new year.
Launched in August of 2016, Mt Gravatt Marketta prides itself with an excellent collection of food stalls that it invites to participate. Over time, as the market built its credibility, it has become sort of expected for people to be served unique cuisine offerings. These days, what they wait for is the interesting line-up of bands and the set lists that would keep them company as they eat and drink the night away.
Here is the list of performers that are all set to entertain guests this January at the Mt Gravatt Marketta.
Hello Tut Tut on 6th January
Credit: Hello Tut Tut Facebook
Hello Tut Tut is known for their fun and energetic performances. They also perform their original music for people to get a taste of their rich European roots. They also carry out renditions of the Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy, and Latin musical traditions. In each of their acts, Hello Tut Tut combines their original style as they also belt out contemporary dance music; hence, they have been the favourite among those who eat and breath partying and dancing.
Mick Buckley & The Hepcats on 13th January
Credit: Mick Buckley & The Hepcats Facebook
Known for its rockability, rock ‘n roll, and jump swing music, Mick Buckley & The Hepcats is a fixture to any party scene. Mick Buckley also boasts of an extensive experience in the music industry, not just locally but internationally as well.
Mick had his first brush with fame as the drummer for The Radiators. He then became a solo pianist, performing rock, swing, and boogie and had since been known for his feel-good music.
Throughout his career, Mick has attained Platinum and Gold album sales and has performed in concerts and festivals around Australia and the US. At some point, he has also been the front man and lead vocalist for the School for Scandal & The Big Heat. In the US, he played the piano in some of the most iconic places in New Orleans, Nashville Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas.
Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band on the 20th January
Credit: Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band Facebook
Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band is known for playing African party songs, Reggae, calypso, Latino, 70s, 80s, 90s, old school, motown, as well as modern hip hop, R & B, and rock and roll.
Joe Tee arrived in Melbourne in 1984 from Ghana. He formed the Afrodisa band in 1988. The band had since been a regular act in major festivals in the country such as the Melbourne Music festival, St. Kilda festival, Moomba Festival, Piccolo Speleto Festival and many more.
The Steele Syndicate on 27th January
Credit: The Steele Syndicate
The band is known for playing old school funk, reggae, ska, and indie rock. They have played regularly across known music venues in Brisbane and have performed at The Sydney Opera House. Among its many accolades are headlining a Sunshine Coast festival, touring the Byron Bay, and playing on a yacht off Mooloolaba. The band has also won the Sigma Stockies Band Competetion in 2016 and the Brightside Homegrown Battle of the Bands in 2015.
In 4th August 2016, the Steele Syndicate has debut its album titled “Antipodes”. The album’s launch in Newstead has been attended by 600 fans and its sing “Where I need To be” has been receiving nationwide attention as it continues to play on local radio stations.
At the heart of Mt Gravatt is Still the Good Food
As always, the marketta will feature 60 different food stalls and food trucks, all at reasonable prices. Some of the street food stalls joining the marketta are:
· Hugh’s Bulgogi Korean Food
· Samba Catering Co. which serves authentic Spanish paella, Brazillian moqueca, and Char-grilled BBQ
Chicken & Spanish Chorizo Credit: Samba Catering Co Facebook
· District 1’s rice paper rolls packed with prawns, chicken and tofu
Credit: District 1 Facebook
District 1 aims to be Brisbane’s Ho Chi Minh City. It looks forward to become the hub where people gather to chomp down the quirkiest street food.
· The Barrio’s super spicy Filipino skewers
Skewers Credit: The Barrio Facebook
The Barrio brings to Brisbane Filipino and Latin-Asian fusion cuisines. They serve meals created from recipes passed down from their families.
Photo Credit: Featured image from http://www.qigongbrisbane.com
Nurture your health and longevity through special movements and meditation. Qigong is known all over the world to boost energy and calm the mind. It also promotes coordination, flexibility, resilience, strength, and vitality.
Photo Credit: Featured image from https://www.humanrights.gov.au/file/4953
This “Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect Seniors Workshop” aims to help the silver-haired locals cope up with the digital age. They’ll be taught to learn the basics of secure internet use that includes viruses and malware protection, safe online payments, and strong password creation.
Photo Credit: Featured image from https://www.eventbrite.com.au
Learn a handful of tips from Sue Schoonbeek on “how to relate to others in your workplace in a winning manner.” Ms Schoonbeek is a “friendly, decisive, energetic and logical knowledge specialist” who wants to share what she knows to the community.
Photo Credit: Featured image from http://shop.ironlak.com
Artists and aspiring artists of all ages and any skill level are invited to join a fun afternoon session. The session’s activity consists of drawing and sketching with Ironlak Strikers alcohol-based twin graphic markers.
This time, the kids will be the ones nailing it in the well-appreciated live action epic adventure role play game brought by “The Warsong: Larp Brisbane”. Kids aged five to 16-years-old are invited to join the fun.
Photo Credit: Featured image from https://theweekendedition.com.au/events/mount-gravatt-showgrounds-markets
Have a colourful Sunday morning along the market stalls at the showgrounds. They’ve got almost everything from fruits, vegetables, delicacies, second-hand goods, to random Bric-a-bracs.
