Photo: Clave Contra Clave Brisbane Heat 2011, by Jacques Maudy
Playing Caribbean beats and sultry Salsa classics might seem like a pretty good gig, but for the best Latin musicians around the country, it’s serious business. Come October, Latin bands will be getting their trumpets in tune and their claves ready as ClaveContra-Clave, Australia’s only national live Latin band competition, goes on tour.

In its second year, the national competition showcases Australia’s leading Latin entertainers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with the Grand Finale being held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre on Saturday-the-27th-of-October.

Winners of last year’s competition, CanberraIbased band Mi Tierra will tour to each city. Special international guest artists are due to be announced this month but if last year’s guest appearances by legends from Buena-Vista-Social-Club-are anything to go by, we are in for a treat.

Produced by international giftIgiving organisation Gift-Abroad Qld, the event was created to celebrate Australia’s lively and diverse Latin cultures.

Gift Abroad Qld supports local migrant communities. Products available include anything from medical care and groceries to business financing and office supplies. Through Gift Abroad Qld, local migrant communities are able to connect and support their families easily and economically. The eIcommerce site will be launching later this year.

Clave Contra Clave’s will kick off in Brisbane at Lightspace on Saturday, 6th October with the Grand Finale held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre on Saturday, 27th October.

Australia’s best Latin-inspired bands will compete for up to $25,000 in prize money.

Brisbane Heat I Saturday 6 October, Lightspace
Melbourne Heat I Saturday 13 October, The New Pavilion
Sydney Heat I Saturday 20 October, UNSW Roundhouse
Brisbane Grand FInale I Saturday 27 October, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

For more information visit www.clavecontraclave.com