From sold-out music festivals to iconic headline acts and unforgettable nights out, Jono Jackson has played a key role in shaping the entertainment landscape across South-East Queensland. This year marks a major milestone in his career—14 years as Entertainment Director at the Comiskey Group.
Known for his unwavering passion for live music and events, Jono has become a driving force behind the success of venues like Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, both of which are now considered pillars of Queensland’s entertainment scene.
Jono’s journey with the Comiskey Group began in 2010. At the time, the group was in the early stages of transforming Eatons Hill Hotel into a multi-faceted entertainment destination. With a background in music and a keen understanding of audience trends, Jono quickly became an integral part of the team, overseeing the booking of live acts, developing large-scale events, and building relationships with some of the biggest names in the industry.
“Back then, we were ambitious—but we were just getting started,” says Jono. “It’s been amazing to grow with the company and watch these venues evolve into nationally recognised destinations.”
When he started, Jono was a young adult with big dreams—pre-marriage, pre-kids, and ready to make his mark on the industry. Today, he’s a husband, a father of two, and a driving force behind Queensland’s thriving live music scene.
“This job has seen me through some of life’s biggest milestones. From being a 20-something determined to break into the scene, to bringing my son backstage at a gig I helped bring to life—it’s honestly surreal,” he shares.
Working for a family-run business has been a meaningful part of that journey. “The Comiskey’s understand the importance of family,” says Jono. “I’ve been able to share career highlights with my wife and two boys. I reckon one day my kids will look back and say, ‘Dad had a pretty cool job.’”
Jono’s first steps into the industry were as unexpected as they were serendipitous.
“My career in entertainment started unexpectedly at 17 while working in a clothing shop. A promoter came in asking to put up posters for local band shows, and as luck would have it, his assistant had just quit. I jumped at the opportunity and landed the job on the spot! After a year of grassroots promotion and running nightclub events, I stepped into a more permanent role at The Fox Hotel, where I helped develop their iconic Sunday Sessions. Then, just two weeks after Eatons Hill Hotel opened, I visited on a random Friday, pitched my vision to the GM, and was hired shortly after—the rest is history!”
Jono’s role has grown alongside the group’s rapid expansion.
“It’s been an incredible journey—from starting part-time, booking DJs from home, to now overseeing all live entertainment across the group’s venues. My role has expanded to include talent booking (both local and international), managing event budgets, programming festivals, and even overseeing AV installations and maintenance. Every year brings new challenges and opportunities to grow”
There have been countless standout moments, but two in particular stay with him. “Helping activate Eatons Hill’s outdoor space into a 9,000-capacity venue was a dream realised,” he says. “And then there’s Sandstone Point—what started as a casual ‘what if we tried concerts here?’ conversation during the design phase has turned into one of Queensland’s most iconic live music destinations.”
Among the dozens of shows he’s helped deliver, a few sit extra close to his heart. “Post Malone at Eatons Hill was unforgettable,” says Jono. “And Gang of Youths headlining their ‘A More Perfect Union’ festival at Sandstone—that energy, that crowd, it was magic.”
Not every chapter has been easy. Jono says the toughest challenge came during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Walking through empty venues that are normally buzzing—it was surreal and heartbreaking,” he recalls. But instead of sitting still, the team got to work. “We created industry-leading safety plans and brought live music back faster than many others. I’m incredibly proud that we sold more tickets than any other promoter in Australia in the two years following lockdowns.”
Ask him what he loves most about his job and the answer comes easily: the unpredictability. “Every day brings something new—an artist, an opportunity, a challenge. But the real reward is seeing a crowd lose themselves in the music. That’s why we do it.”
It’s also the culture of the business that keeps him inspired. “One of the biggest reasons people stay with the Comiskey Group is that our Directors never settle. We could’ve stopped after Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point, but we didn’t. We keep growing, pushing boundaries. It’s exciting to be part of a business that never stands still.”
Looking ahead, there’s no sign of slowing down. “I’m pumped about what’s next,” Jono says. “Coochin Fields has the potential to be our biggest event yet—35,000 people. And then there’s Aura Band Room—the Sunshine Coast is crying out for a large-scale indoor venue, and we’re going to deliver it.”
There are still bucket-list bookings he’s chasing. “Crowded House has always been a dream—and they’re finally playing Sandstone in October,” he grins. “Beyond that? The Killers, Coldplay, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Oasis… my taste is all over the place.”
And through it all, Jono continues to work alongside the people who’ve shaped his journey. “The best part is being surrounded by passionate teams across all our venues. I’m proud to be part of a group that champions live music and working with the people who make it happen.”
After 14 years of shaping stages, creating unforgettable moments, and growing a career from the ground up, Jono Jackson’s story is far from over. In fact, as he puts it, “The best is yet to come.”
