Kings Beach Tavern (KBT) has beaten Solbar and Miami Marketta to take out the Best Regional Venue at the Queensland Music Awards overnight.

The much-loved Caloundra venue is also the proud sponsor of Yelo’s weekly gig guide.

Attracting world-class live entertainment such as The Black Sorrows, Wendy Matthews, Sporty Spice/Mel C, Rogue Traders (pictured), Jon Cleary, and Phil Jamieson, the KBT is a staple for the Coast’s nightime economy.

The venue is also big supporters of local artists such as master folksters, The Dreggs, and long-haired rock legend Pricey (pictured), formerly of The Chats.

The man who leads the charge is Senior Operations Manager Jason Smith, who admits to being slightly under the weather today after the historic win.

Jason came to the KBT in 2022, with the venue growing in popularity overnight, proving this guy knows how to entertain.

With crowd-fave events such as Drag Queen Bingo (pictured), Sunday Sunset Sessions, and Wednesday Trivia, the KBT is a kick-on venue and the go-to for ‘parma’ appreciation.

The place fills with adrenaline-loving patrons for live-streamed sporting nights, and they even have a local tradie rewards program.

Jason was humble about the win, saying he was just happy to be nominated.

“I didn’t really think we’d win,” he says.

“We were happy enough that we were nominated in the top six, then to get down to the top three, I was like ‘yeah I’m cool with that’.

“With 40 percent being judge nominations and 60 percent being the people’s choice, it’s the people who voted for us.

“They really are engaged with what we’re about and Caloundra gets behind us.

“So when it comes down to these events, they really support it. It was a nice surprise.”

KBT’s ‘simple’ ingredient for success

Jason says the secret ingredient to being the state’s best regional venue is “simple”.

“It’s build by association, it’s nothing crazy, we keep it simple.

“We try to put on a good show at a fair price so that customers walk away happy; from having their favourite drink to seeing their favourite show.

“The acts having a good time is just as important as the poeple having a good time.”

This means working with the artists to make sure they have the same experience as their fans, he says.

“It’s just constant engagement, from the crew and managers to roadies, and making them feel a part of the event too.

“We work with them and give them everything they can to support what they’re trying to achieve.

“It’s all just open comnmunitation, giving them whatever they need to deliver their show, and it works.”

Jason thanked customers for their part in what he says was a community effort.

“If you voted for us we thank you. If you attended one of our shows, thank you.

“If you’re planning on catching a gig at Kings, thank you.

“We promise you will have a blast.”

The Queensland Music Award for Regional Venue of the Year was presented by Oztix and The Music.