Powderfinger’s Jon Coghill has been drumming up the crowds ahead of his second appearance in 13 years.

Jon recently took up a Christmas challenge to play a full set with local swamp-blues musician, 8 Ball Aitken.

Jon will play alongside the APRA-award nominated rocker at the Tramfest Christmas Festival on Saturday.

The free community event will have loads of family-friendly cheer, with food trucks, a pop-up bar, and rock-climbing wall.

There’s also face painting, roving entertainment, markets, and Santa, who will have gifts for the kiddos.

Live music will be supplied from All Strings Attached, Lazy Guns and The String Fusion Rock Orchestra.

Jon says the challenge came from a run-in with former Nambour Councillor Greg Rogerson.

“Rogo was working the barbecue… when he got a call,” he says.

“I had to pull his phone out of his back pocket and it said ‘8 Ball Aitken’. 

“He was calling Rogo to say his drummer had pulled out. Rogo looked at me and I could see him calculating.

“Next thing you know I’ve agreed to the gig. And I’m pumped.”

Famous Nambour alumni

Coghill graduated from Nambour State High School in 1988, where his father was a physics teacher, and also where several other famous alumni attended such as former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

“I met 8 Ball years ago when he was at the ABC and I was presenting – bloody lovely guy and a Sunny Coast genius,” he says.

“I’ve never played with him in my life, but his music is awesome. 

“He’s a seriously good songwriter and musician, and I’m gonna be pushed to keep up with such a master. 

“I am not in fine form. I will have to practice.”

Nambour the capital of music

Once known for being “the sugar mill capital of the Sunshine Coast”, Nambour has a rich history and is chock-full of character-buildings and charm. 

Jon has joined a long list of others who also want their city to return to its former glory.

“Bring it on. Let’s see the next AC/DC from Burnside or the Heights for goodness sakes. 

“It’s gonna rock the bejesus outta Nambour and might even light up some sugar cane paddocks and rain black snow. Yew!”

Event details:

Road closure: There will be a partial closure of Mill Street, between Club Namba Hotel and Royal George Hotel. C-Square Carpark will remain accessible for the full duration of the event.

Please note: Thirsty Camel bottle shop will not be open for drive-through during the event.

Tramfest Christmas Festival is hosted by Nambour Tramway Company, Sunshine Coast Council and Nambour Chamber of Commerce.

Tramfest is supported by Sunshine Coast Council and was formed to help activate Nambour’s town centre and the Special Entertainment Precinct.

It runs regular events to raise money for its vision of having a tram in the city.