Entertainment
3 July, 2026
Blues talent unite under hill
AUSTRALIAN blues musician Ray Beadle will headline Tanks Blues at Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday 4 July, joining local guitarist Ryo Montgomery and blues stalwart Ian “Johno” Johnson for a night celebrating the region’s blues heritage.
Held in Tank 5, the performance will feature Mr Beadle, alongside a special collaboration between Mr Montgomery and Johno, bringing together generations of Cairns blues musicians with a set built on decades of friendship and shared musical roots.
Mr Beadle said the enduring appeal of the blues came from its ability to connect with universal experiences.
“The blues is a simple concept. It’s relatable and undeniable. What I mean by that is you might be cruising along and everything is fine…. until one day something happens and things get a little tough all of a sudden,” he said.
“That feeling of dread, struggle and then resolution coming out the other side is a journey we have all experienced.
“That is why the blues will always be relevant.”
Mr Beadle said audience connection remained central to every performance.
“I think audience connection depends on whether the performer translates his or her emotion strongly enough for the audience to receive and feel something.
“I love playing everything from the start of the show to the end, for me it’s as much about interacting with the band as well as self-expression. I am very much looking forward to playing at Tanks Arts Centre.”
For Mr Montgomery, performing with Johno carries special significance, as the pair share a connection that stretches back to his childhood and to a family history closely linked to the evolution of Cairns’ blues scene.
Having played his first gig at the iconic Gong Show at 13, Mr Montgomery said returning to the stage alongside his longtime mentor was an honour.
“Johno was, and always will be, a huge inspiration to me. Sharing the stage with him for this show is a true honour and, in many ways, a thank you for everything he has shared with me over the years.”
Tanks Blues will be held in Tank 5 at Tanks Arts Centre on Saturday 4 July. Tickets are $39 and are on sale through the Tanks Arts Centre website.
