2012 is going to be a big year for Australia’s commercial road transport industry, with the International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show (ITTES) in March continuing to generate a buzz. Show director Clint Hendry has announced that the show will host an open-air concert featuring Noiseworks’ frontman Jon Stevens.

The much-awaited ITTES will not only make Melbourne the Mecca of the global trucking community, but also reveal a whole new facet of the country’s vibrant transport scene. On Friday, 16 March, the Melbourne Showgrounds will host the first-ever ITTES open-air concert. "It’s the first time we’ll ever hold a whole concert night in conjunction with the Truck Show,” says Clint. “It’s that innovation edge that will keep the ITTES at the forefront of transport events in Australia.”

Jon Stevens, lead vocalist of Australian rock band Noiseworks, will headline the full production outdoor concert, supported by Shannon Noll and the up-and-coming Josh Owen Band. New Zealand-born Stevens is most well known for his work as lead singer of Sydney band Noiseworks, who had major hits in the 1980s, such as Take Me Back and Touch. But, Stevens also wrote the official song for the Sydney 2000 Olympics Torch Relay – entitled Carry the Flame – and fronted Australian rock band INXS from 2000 to 2004.

Shannon Noll first rose to fame as runner-up of the first series of Australian Idol, which led to him to sign his first record deal. Since then he has released five Top 10 albums and ten Top 10 singles. And, the Josh Owen Band is now on the way to becoming a household name as well. Honed in the musical melting pot of Melbourne’s Brunswick Street, Josh’s modern day spin on spiritual soul, a mix of funk, jazz, soul and reggae creates a smooth and sensual urban soundscape that stretches the bounds of roots music.

“It’s our first-ever music festival, and the line-up is first class,” says Hendry, announcing free entry for all trade visitors to the show. “The entire transport industry will be in attendance, and the show will be broadcasted via radio and TV.” The concert will take place at the Showgrounds and begin at 5:30pm, straight after the truck show closes. It will feature a large LED screen and a professional lightshow, as well as a fully equipped open-air bar.

While the exhibition space is almost sold out – promising the largest collection of trailer and body manufacturers ever assembled at a transport exhibition event in Australia – Hendry is confident that the concert night will add a whole new facet to the ITTES experience. “I am sure the concert will help us draw in people from around the world – not only to experience amazing technology, but also to meet the amazing people behind the scenes of Australia’s commercial transport industry.”