Bendigo Au Go Go #4
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Bendigo Au Go Go #4

Pardon the pun, but How Much are Four Lions looking forward to their first local headline show of the year?

The Bendigo roots rockers are marking the release of their new single ‘How Much’, which came out last month, with back-to-back local gigs this weekend.

Hot on the heels of their first Melbourne show in two years the previous night, Four Lions will take over their old stomping ground Handle Bar on Saturday, March 16, from 8pm. They are also heading out to the Shiraz Republic at Cornella on Sunday, March 17, for an afternoon session from midday to 4pm. Entry is free to both shows.

Canberra blues-rock duo The Barren Spinsters – no strangers to Bendigo stages themselves – will provide support. “It’s a pleasure to share the bill with our mates,” frontman Shann Lions says.

‘How Much’ is the first single from the forthcoming album Hard Days, the band’s fourth, which is out on their own label Verse Chorus Verse on May 1. It will be preceded by the second single, Stay, on April 5.

Lions, who wrote the song, says ‘How Much’ started life as a “rockier-type track with a Replacements’ Stink vibe” – referring to the (in)famous American alt-rockers’ 1982 EP. The end result is a slightly different beast – a slice of classic, guitar-driven alt-country rock, featuring long-time band associate Dave Moore’s pedal steel – that has been receiving national airplay.

Four Lions, who are among the line-up for next month’s inaugural Bendigo Autumn Music Festival, will follow the release of their album with more live dates in late May.

In another big weekend in the ‘Go, don your favourite flannelette shirt and head down to the Golden Vine on Saturday, March 16. The self-described “loud and rowdy” Flannos will be rocking out from 9pm. Entry $5.

After making a splash at last year’s Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival, singer-guitarist Joel Havea is returning for a solo show at the Old Church On The Hill on Saturday, March 16. Havea, whose sound runs the gamut from soul to pop to reggae, will be supported by folky popsters Louie and the Pride. From 7pm; tickets $15 from www.stickytickets.com.au

Head down to Hargreaves Mall on Friday, March 22, for a lunchtime singer-songwriter showcase featuring local luminaries Sherri Parry, Bill Barber, and Brandon Trickey. From 11am-2pm; free entry.

You can also catch the hard-working Parry fronting funk collective Groove Juice at the Golden Vine on Saturday, March 23. From 9pm, entry $5.

Canadian folk-roots-blues merchant Scott Cook is bringing his new intercontinental string band, The She’ll Be Rights, to the Old Church On The Hill on Saturday, March 23. Melbourne-based singer-songwriter and double bassist Liz Frencham will provide support. From 7pm; $15 (door) or $12 from www.trybooking.com

Written by Lynette Walker, journalist who also manages Verse Chorus Verse. Contact: [email protected]