Tones and I is set to take the stage in front of 7,000 people tonight in Ulverstone, the only Tasmanian date and final stop on her regional tour.
A huge tent has been erected at the Ulverstone Sound Shell to fit the crowd, with the buzz around town building as locals and visitors prepare for the history-making performance.
Tones and I will take the stage at 9pm and is being supported by Tasmanian artists Mia Barron and Rupert Bullard.
The concert grew out of a grassroots campaign led by local Jyron Flannery, whose Tones & I Come to Ulverstone Tasmania Facebook page rallied strong community support and helped bring the Australian singer-songwriter to the region.
The community’s enthusiasm even led to the city being temporarily renamed “UlversTones&I” in the artist’s honour.
Central Coast mayor Cheryl Fuller, councillor Kate Wylie and Flannery declared the tongue-in-cheek name change earlier this week and were joined by a town crier to mark the occasion.
Fuller said she believed the renaming would make Ulverstone unique on the artist’s touring history.
“I would say that Tones and I has never played in a town that renamed itself for her,” she told Pulse earlier this week.
She confirmed ticket sales on the night would be available for anyone who hasn’t already booked.
“This really started with the community,” Fuller said.
“To see that support turn into a performance here in Ulverstone is something worth recognising and having a bit of fun with along the way.”
Fuller said the flow-on effect for local businesses had already been considerable, with the production team praising how quickly local businesses responded.
She described Flannery as a “humble, humble young man” with the tenacity to see the campaign through.
“I’ve only got one wish for Saturday night, and that is that Tones and I gets him up on stage and allows all of those present to give him a round of applause,” she said.
Flannery said the response had exceeded expectations.
“It started as an idea, but the support just kept building. It’s been amazing to see how many people got behind it,” he said.
Wylie said the renaming was a chance for the whole town to get involved.
“It’s a great reflection of the energy behind this event,” she said.
Fuller encouraged everyone heading to tonight’s show to take care and be considerate of others.
