Festival Hub Esplanade Main Stage
5.15pm - 8.30pm: The Next Wave Showcase
8.45pm - 9.45pm: Miss Tee Ketu Band
From rehearsal room to main stage, The Next Wave showcases the next generation of original musicians from the Cairns region.
Presented by Enter Stage Right, this artist development initiative culminates in a special performance at Cairns Festival, with emerging artists taking over the Esplanade Main Stage on the Festival's final night for an unforgettable celebration of local original music.
Line-up announced:
YINDALI SHARP
Blooming from the Atherton Tablelands, Yindali Sharp is a singer-songwriter whose heartfelt folk-pop songs reflect the journey of youth with honesty, resilience and warmth. Her captivating melodies and thoughtful lyrics are sure to charm your ears and soothe your soul.
DESIRÉE HOBBINS
Desirée Hobbins is an emerging artist from the Canadian Prairies whose music is rooted in connection- the love we find, the heartbreak we experience, and the healing that follows. Inspired by folk and blues traditions, she blends heartfelt songwriting with soulful, cathartic vocals to explore the connections that shape us, from personal relationships to the delicate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through her music, Desirée hopes to create a space where listeners feel seen, understood, and less alone.
OWEN JACOB BAND
Owen Jacob Band is a Cairns-based blues, grunge, and alternative rock outfit blending soulful storytelling with powerful guitar-driven performances. Drawing influence from Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, Hendrix, and Neil Young, the band delivers original music that balances raw emotion, dynamic musicianship, and memorable hooks. Recent highlights include a runner-up finish at the Passport to Airlie finals and the release of their debut EP, Cobblestone and Dragonflies.
Owen Jacob leads on vocals, lead guitar and songwriting, joined by Marcin Kwiatkowski on lead guitar, Gary Hill on bass and Ollie Van Ballegooyen on drums and percussion.
MC PYRIT
MC Pyrit is an Australian hip-hop artist specialising in boom bap. Renowned for his compelling storytelling, intricate rhyme schemes and high-energy performances, he delivers authentic hip-hop with skill, passion and a commanding stage presence.
AURELLE & THE JAMS
Far North Queensland singer-songwriter Aurelle delivers an energetic blend of heartfelt original music. Her songs tell relatable stories drawn from personal experience, earning recognition with four released singles, including Magpie, which reached No. 4 on the AMRAP charts, and Stumbling, which climbed to No. 3.
Her debut seven-track EP, produced by Golden Guitar winner Michael Moko (Brisbane) and Nigel Pegrum (Cairns), is due for release in August and features the talents of a range of Far North Queensland musicians.
Known for her engaging stage presence, Aurelle creates an interactive live experience that gets audiences dancing, singing along and sharing in the positive energy of her upbeat performances.
With Headliner Miss Tee Ketu Band to take us through to the end. Hailing from Cairns, this dynamic 8-piece band is fronted by Te Iria “Miss Tee” Ketu, a seasoned performer with over 25 years of live stage experience and more than 15 years performing with bands and as a solo artist.
Led by Miss Tee’s powerful vocals, guitar, and commanding stage presence, the band delivers a polished live show grounded in original music, soulful storytelling, and strong musicality.
With experience across festivals, corporate events, and major live stages, the group brings together accomplished local musicians to create a vibrant, high-energy performance that reflects the strength and diversity of Cairns’ live music scene.