How a Brisbane school landed a global star to play at its concert day
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
AAA
Adult tickets to Clayfield College’s On the Green concert in August cost $40, but for that, parents and community members will get a global pop star.
Ben Lee, famous for hits like Cigarettes Will Kill You and Catch My Disease, is the latest major act to play the school’s annual concert event, taking place on the main oval on Sunday, August 2.
Ben Lee is the latest big-name musician to play at Clayfield College in Brisbane.Louie Douvis
Lee’s support acts will include the Clayfield College Big Band, the Brisbane City Big Band, and Clayfield College alumna Chloe Noon.
Lee will perform with his full band, and will also play a DJ set as his alter ego, DJ Dad Bod.
He will then participate in an open rehearsal and Q\&A with students, some of whom will perform on stage with Lee at the concert as part of the school’s three choirs.
School principal Dr Andrew Cousins said the co-educational college prioritised partnering with artists who were committed to working with the students, not just putting on a show.
Kate Ceberano performs alongside students at Clayfield College’s On the Green concert in 2025. Clayfield College
“It’s not simply about bringing a well-known performer to campus; it’s about creating meaningful connections and providing authentic learning experiences for our students to build confidence and develop their musicianship,” he said.
“Each headlining artist has been incredibly generous with their time, sharing not only their musical expertise, but also their personal stories, challenges, and the lessons they have learnt throughout their careers.”
Cousins said the event had evolved into the school’s flagship community gathering.
Lee, whose music career began in the 1990s when he was just 14 years old and a member of the band Noise Addict, told this masthead he enjoys connecting with young performers in different communities.
“For some kids, music is just a hobby and can be fun; for others, it is a real vocation and passion. It’s interesting seeing if you can spot those ones. They have an extra intensity,” he said.
Big-name acts are nothing new for Clayfield College.
In 2025, Kate Ceberano performed at On the Green, appearing alongside the school’s string, brass, wind and vocal ensembles, and in a duet with a year 12 student.
The year before that, it was ARIA Award winner and Eurovision star Kate Miller-Heidke.
The James Morrison Quartet and the Katie Noonan Trio have also headlined.
The fully licensed event is open to the public.Clayfield College
On the Green’s A-list talent is funded by the Clayfield College Foundation and a tiered network of sponsors and community supporters.
Kim Olsen from the local Ray White office has been the main sponsor of the event since 2022.
“I live in Clayfield myself, and my children all went to the local primary school. Our investment in the community is all about what happens in Clayfield,” Olsen said.
“I think the fact that they continue to bring strong lead acts to the events is what will always ensure that it runs well.”
A spokesperson for the college said the artist selection was simply about availability and who was willing to work with the students.
Ben Lee, who divides his time between Sydney and Los Angeles, said he was “like a plumber”.
“If you need the service and can pay the fee, I try and make it happen,” he said.
On the Green, a fully licensed event featuring food trucks, runs from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday, August 2.
Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter at Brisbane Times, covering arts, entertainment and things to do in the city.Connect via email.