Artist Spotlight
Waterview Winter Music Festival features a lineup of outstanding live performers bringing rock, blues, roots and original music to the stage at Baffle Creek Retreat in the Gladstone Region, Queensland.
From internationally touring blues artists to high-energy Australian bands, these performers represent the strong live music culture that the festival celebrates.
Experience these artists live from 19–21 June 2026.
Headliner
8 Ball Aitken
International touring blues artist 8 Ball Aitken brings his signature blend of blues, rock and soul to the stage at the Waterview Winter Music Festival.
With his gritty vocals and distinctive slide guitar, Aitken has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most dynamic blues performers. Over the past decade he has toured extensively across Europe, the USA and Australia, performing in more than 20 countries.
In 2012, Aitken relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent nine years working alongside many of the best musicians in the blues scene. His international experience helped shape the powerful sound he brings to the stage today.
His albums Ice Cream Man and Ice Cream Man 2 both reached #1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts.
Performing with his four-piece band, audiences can expect a high-energy set of original blues, swamp-rock grooves and soulful slide guitar.
Featured Artists
Mason Rack Band
The Mason Rack Band delivers a bold mix of gritty blues, thumping rock and dark ballads driven by slide guitar, raspy vocals and powerful percussion.
This Gold Coast trio is known for their raw and authentic sound and powerful live performances that connect deeply with audiences.
With more than 3,500 live shows behind them, the band has built a loyal fanbase across Australia and internationally, performing at festivals in New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Canada.
Matty Rogers Band
Northern Rivers based Matty Rogers delivers a powerful blend of soul, blues and Americana rock drawn from deeply personal songwriting and emotionally charged performances.
Known for his authenticity both on stage and in the studio, Rogers creates performances that resonate strongly with audiences through themes of love, unity, acceptance and the human experience.
The Matty Rogers Band is a high-energy quartet known for their strong chemistry and engaging stage presence.
Special Performances
Slowhand Sultans
Slowhand Sultans deliver a tribute performance celebrating the music of legendary guitarists Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler.
Tim “Slowhand” Gaze faithfully captures Clapton’s guitar style, while Mick “Sultan” Melit recreates the distinctive tone and fingerstyle playing of Mark Knopfler.
Supported by Tom De Voss on drums and Ian Lock on bass, the band performs a powerful show celebrating the timeless music of Clapton and Dire Straits.
Ben Barker
Ben Barker brings a unique performance style combining guitar and didgeridoo played simultaneously to create a powerful and distinctive sound.
Drawing on his Biripi/Dunghutti heritage alongside his Australian Irish background, Barker blends cultural influences with psychedelic rock and rhythmic storytelling.
His performances combine melodic guitar, haunting didgeridoo textures and driving alternative rock riffs to create a captivating live experience.
More Artists Coming Soon
Additional artists will be announced as the festival approaches.
Waterview Winter Music Festival will continue revealing performers across rock, blues, roots and multicultural music as the program develops.
Apply to Perform
Applications are still open for artists who would like to perform at the festival.
Musicians, performers, presenters and workshop facilitators can apply through DC World Entertainment.
Visit:
www.dcworldmusic.com