Coast Acoustics Unplugged featuring The Humbuckin' Pickups

The Humbuckin' Pickups

Sunday 23 August 2026 | 12:30 PM

Nerang
A great afternoon of acoustic music including The Humbuckin' Pickups, our feature act.

The first time I saw Mahney Cain perform was about 15 years ago at RedFest, and then again at one of the Coast Acoustics folk festivals at Nerang. I vividly remember her playing the bones, an unusual and fascinating instrument, and an amazing talent to watch.

These days Mahney is one half of The Humbuckin’ Pickups, a standout Australian roots act blending folk, country and story-driven songwriting with warmth, humour and plenty of stage chemistry.

At the heart of the band are Ewan Cloonan on vocals, guitar, banjo and harmonica, and Mahney Cain on vocals, double bass and bones. Their seamless harmonies and driving rhythms have made them favourites at festivals including Woodford, Tamworth and the Gympie Muster.

While most often performing as a dynamic duo, The Humbuckin’ Pickups also expand to a trio or full band for selected shows, bringing an even bigger sound to the stage.

Formed in 2013, the band has built a strong reputation for original songs inspired by real-life stories of regional Australia. Their latest single, “How the Other Half Live,” showcases that storytelling style, with a fourth studio album on the way and international touring also ahead.

For me, though, it’s particularly nice to see Mahney performing again after first watching her all those years ago, and yes, she still plays the bones.

Schedule

  • 12:30pm to 3:00pm – Open Mic (White Board Session) Bring your stories, your instruments, your voice, your favourite song- whatever your heart desires. The stage is open to all. It's your moment to shine in our welcoming, creative community. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
  • 3:30pm to 4:30pm – Grab a cold drink from our bar, sit back, and be entertained by The Humbuckin' Pickups

Our open mic stands out from others with our dedicated audience, no distractions and professional sound. Immerse yourself in the artistry of the performances with like-minded people.

Getting there

Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with Translink's journey planner.

Parking may be limited. For metered parking, use the EasyPark app to start, end, and extend your parking direct from your phone to avoid fines. For more information visit City of Gold Coast's Parking page.

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