Henry Catania is a star on the rise. At just 15, he’ll be headlining the new Youth Showcase at the Maleny Music Festival as well as MCing the event.
The young musician got the surprise of his life, when he was singled out of the crowd by Keith Urban at his concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday 17 August.
The tickets were bought for Henry’s birthday by his parents. Henry made a giant poster with a drawing of Keith jumping out of a birthday cake to wave during the concert.
“I wasn’t expecting anything to happen, but I’m so grateful he took the time to talk to me and wish me happy birthday,” Henry said.
Keith Urban saw the sign and jumped off stage, chatting to Henry before wishing him a happy birthday and giving him a hug. He then jumped back on stage, before realising he didn’t get a photo, so grabbed Henry’s dad’s camera and took a snap of the pair of them.
“Keith Urban is such an inspiration. He’s how I got into Country music, Somebody Like You, is the first country song that I learnt. Since then, I have gone to Tamworth a few times and have been writing and performing ever since,” Henry said.
From singing around campfires at age three to performing on major festival stages, Henry’s musical journey has been one of passion, persistence, and steady growth. Raised on the road and armed with a ukulele by the time he turned three, Henry quickly found his voice as a performer, captivating grey nomads, garage sale crowds, and eventually passers-by on the streets of Maleny and Maleny Music Festival. His talent and love for storytelling through music saw him move from busking and open mic nights to opening for acclaimed artist Emily Wurramara at the Horizon Festival. Now an accomplished guitarist and expressive vocalist, Henry has graced the line-ups of the Gympie Music Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and Caloundra Music Festival, with two original songs already released on streaming platforms — and more to come.
The talents of the Conondale local were picked up by the Maleny Music Festival, which is opening a new Youth Showcase on Friday 7 November. Henry was asked to be involved, selecting the line-up of artists to play, as well as being booked both perform and MC.
Festival director Rachel Clarke said there’s a strong line up for 2025.
“We wanted to try something to give the younger artists their own spotlight with the aim of attract a young audience that evening,” she said.
Other artists performing in the Youth Showcase are Fin Zerner, Grace Alexander, Gus Joyce, Jacob and Rudi, Jamayah, Phoebe Rose and the Beerwah High School Stage Band.
So dedicated is the Maleny Music Festival to attracting youth to the event, tickets for teenagers are half price and children under 12 are free.
“We have a kids tent THE HUB with performances and activities all weekend. It’s a vibrant area of the festival. You can sit down, watch the kids play nearby and enjoy the tunes by dedicated children’s entertainers Hoozatt, The Pretzel Poem Project and Niq Reefman. We have drop-in activities every day, from stories to lantern making and games. Whether your kids are creative or sporty, there will be an activity to suit,” she said.
The 12th annual Maleny Music Festival will be held over three days this November 7, 8 and 9 at the Maleny Showgrounds, nestled in the scenic Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Across multiple stages, there’ll be live performances from an exciting and diverse lineup of artists. Music lovers can join in at the jamming tent (just bring your own instrument), take part in hands-on workshops, or step up to the mic during open sessions. Festivalgoers can enjoy licensed bars, delicious food, and browse unique market stalls. With street entertainment woven throughout the grounds, the festival buzzes with creativity, connection, and community spirit.
Single tickets on sale now! For more information visit www.malenymusicfestival.com
