The Smith Street Band
The Smith Street Band are celebrating their 15th year of being a band. Since forming in 2009, they’ve played over 800 shows in 23 different countries. They’ve played venues in Australia they never
dreamed of playing, including 6 hometown shows at Forum Theatre & 15 at The Corner Hotel. 5 of their albums plus 3 live albums have charted in the ARIA Album Chart, including Don’t Waste Your Anger hitting #1 in 2020.
In 2024, they’ll play 16 headline shows across the country plus festival appearances at Party In The Paddock plus South East Beer & BBQ Festival in Mt Gambier. They’ll be joined by The Pretty Littles at
most shows
Tropical Fuck Storm
Romance enthusiasts TFS have gathered up their dream team of Australia’s sexiest, Cool Sounds and Mod Con, for an excursion up the East Coast on a quest for fame, fortune and free breakfast buffets. Cool Sounds is the key project of Australian pop polymath Dainis Lacey, with a live band that rips into a slicked n’ slippery, dance-ready aura of disco and funk-flexed pop. Mod Con is the essential drums, bass, guitar triad turned bermuda triangle portal to the minimal wave anti-punk dance party zone.
Cellophane Honeymoon is the antithesis of the great corporate festival swindle. Ready your vowels and your bowels as we embark on a voyage to the Chapel of Love.
Pierce Brothers
Australian indie folk rockers Pierce Brothers are bringing their new album Everything Is Bigger Than Me all around Australia in their biggest regional tour since 2019!
Featured in festivals all around the country (including Bluesfest, Big Red Bash, and the Mundi Mundi Bash), off the back of a European tour and armed with a brand new album, Pierce Brothers’ infectiously energetic show is sure to sell out quick!
Recorded and self-produced by the brothers, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is the culmination of their musical prowess as they come up on a decade since the release of their breakout EP The Night Tree. Featuring the singles Studio, Bottle, and their l latest release Wilder feat. Lullanas, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is out March 29 – PRE-SAVE HERE.
The Martini Set
The Martini Set showcase songs from the Hellzapoppin’ roots of swing to the Los Vegas Lounge Acts & beyond. Presenting the music with a dynamic show & signature delivery.
The joint will be jumping!
StevenHoward ‘King of Swing’ on vocals & guitar & featuring his rhythm section double bass, jungle drums ,boogie woogie piano.
The best and the wildest in town.
Doors 1pm
Performance 3pm – 4.30pm
FREE
The Vovos
Some things in this life feel cosmically predetermined. The meeting of The Vovos is one such star-crossed event. Formed at one of the first Girls Rock! Melbourne Camps in 2017, the five piece are known and loved for their punk bitch attitude and DIY ethos; coming from varied musical backgrounds, Ada Duffy, Ruby Ayliffe, Lu Galante, Bethany Feik and Mika James didn’t take long to realise their compatibility and found common ground writing their first songs together in Beth’s front room. Their music is a perfect combination of bold, assertive, and bratty: sounding as though it would be equally at home on an indie coming-of-age film as it would be on the main stage of the Big Day Out 1999.
As young underage female musicians, the bands’ first two early EPs – Constructive Criticism (recorded with Anna Laverty) and An Ode to my Beloved – reflect the struggles of teenagehood and the importance of inclusivity as well as a love of chickens, carnivorous plants and two minute noodles. As the band developed, other more interpersonal themes emerged with a focus on relationships and community, inspired by the music scene they grew up in.
Along came their debut album, Jana, released under Roolette Records in mid-2021. Jana encompassed the first three and half years of songwriting chronicling their growth both musically and personally; with a focus on their experiences as teenagers during a time fueled by climate rage and political protest. The album was praised as “scuffing up the outsider indie pop of The Moldy Peaches… with punky abrasion” earning 4 stars from NME. Trouble Juice labels the band as “rising garage-pop upstarts” with “radiant hooks, contagious energy and irreverent indie-rock charisma”.
Victorian born and bred, the band has cut their teeth playing gigs in iconic venues around Melbourne supporting local bands including Pinch Points, Zig Zag and Billiam and at Rah! Rah! festival. The Vovos made it to bigger stages from 2020 when they supported Skeggs and Ruby Fields at The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, later playing Moomba, Boogie Fest, and at the ABC on Spicks and Specks.
Looking to 2023 and beyond, The Vovos sophomore album Lilla Gubben is ready for the world, set to be released with Blossom Rot Records in March 2024.
Charm of Finches
Charm of Finches return to Castlemaine. This time, in their full band form, with a support set by Riley Catherall
Melbourne sisters Charm of Finches and their band perform intricate folk-pop with seamless blood harmonies, celebrating the release of their anticipated fourth album ‘Marlinchen in the Snow’.
With songs simultaneously graceful and darkly bewitching; the sisters, Mabel and Ivy, toured extensively in UK/Europe in 2022/23 and recorded the album in rural Nova Scotia, Canada with acclaimed producer Daniel Ledwell. Inspired by the frozen beauty of the landscape in which it was created, the album reflects on the sisters’ transient life on the road, themes of belonging, home, and the fragility of relationships. They were the 2021 Music Victoria Best Folk Act and were nominated twice for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.
Baby Velvet
Hannah Crofts, under her new moniker Baby Velvet, is on a mission to find whether you always get what you deserve. Her soaring harmonies and aching lyrics are gloriously gritty and heart-wrenching but always familiar with hard-won reflections on the artist’s life.
As one quarter of the indie folk group, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Crofts has toured the world in vintage gowns and rhinestone boots. The band’s debut When We Fall reached #6 on the ARIA charts, won an ARIA for Best Blues and Roots Album along with the band having supported the Backstreet Boys, having sung on Kesha’s Grammy Nominated Album and traveling across the USA with Midnight Oil.
An activist and musician, Crofts feels the world sparkle around her. Baby Velvet inspires lucid rage, clarity and power from which to take on the world. This is strident power pop that saturates and sparkles while sinking sharp teeth into the patriarchy. There is no turning back.
Where to eat and drink in walking distance to Geelong’s GMHBA stadium
Are you ready to don your guernsey and dive back into the footy frenzy as the Geelong Cats take to the field at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park?
There’s never been a better time to be part of the GMHBA Stadium action (especially with the brand new Joel Selwood stand), and to help you pre-game for the matches, here’s a list of some venues to hit up across Geelong – all within walking distance of the stadium.
GMHBA Stadium has opened its brand new Joel Selwood stand just in time for the 2024 AFL season – meaning there’s now up to 40,000 seats to watch the game in-person.
The Cremorne Hotel
Where: 336 Pakington St, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Still within walking distance to the stadium, and guaranteeing you a good pub feed, the Cremorne has a diverse menu from the homestyle right to the fancy. Just a stone’s throw from GMHBA Stadium, The Cremorne is a pre and post game favourite for Geelong Cat’s fans and players, alike, and not just because it is co-owned by AFL legend Billy Brownless who is often seen chatting to locals at the bar.
With great classic pub meals, cold frothies flowing, a great atmosphere and TAB and Keno facilities, The Cremorne is a local go-to spot ahead of events on nearby.
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Burger Inc
Where: 320 Pakington Street, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Let’s be honest, there’s something about burgers that just screams football. And rather than paying the price for one at the stadium, save your $$ for a top-notch burger at Burgerinc.
The menu items are endless, with 17 beef burgers, 17 chicken burgers, and 4 veggie burgers, there’s no way we could list them all here. All you need to know is there is 100 percent, no doubt, something for everyone. Alterations can be made to any burger to suit what you want, just ask! While you’re at it, be sure to try one of their Milkshakes and make sure to get some Italian Herb Salt and Aioli with your fries!
With more than 10 years experience and a walk down Noble street to the stadium, it’s a good pick!
Barwon Club Hotel
Where: 509 Moorabool St, South Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 350 m, 6-minute walk
Known as one of Geelong’s greatest live music venues, the Barwon Club is also a good place to get a hearty meal with a beer to throw it down. We’d say that’s a pretty darn good mix for before the game. Here you’ll find all the pub classics, from burgers to chicken parmis and steak and risotto. Plus, cold, cold beer from the tap.
With its close proximity to the stadium and music-friendly nature, this joint may be on a few other people’s minds as well. Though it’s worth fighting for.
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Belmont Hotel
Where: 77 High Street, Belmont
Distance to GMHBA: 1.5km, 21-minute walk
The Belmont Hotel is an institution in Geelong with one of the best atmospheres going round! With a finger-lickin’ menu that has some famous favourites and a number of speciality dishes, you will never want to leave – though the footy is probably worth it.
Here the kitchen doesn’t close so you can indulge in the all-day dining option, fuelling up on calamari, chicken parmi, pulled pork burger, steak sanga or a 250g steak.
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Little Creatures Brewery
Where: 221 Swanston St, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 1.1km, 15-minute walk
Slightly more of a hike, Little Creatures is the ideal place to share a table full of food and some locally brewed bevvies.
Since the Little Creatures team decided to open a second brewery in Geelong to keep the beer coming to the east coast (a decision which we are very thankful for), Little Creatures has become an iconic destination and watering hole for the Geelong community over the last eight years, coming out with the very best brews and events time and time again, and most importantly, bringing people from all walks of life together for the love of BEER.
With all-day lunch, a pizza oven and a large selection of beer taps, this is a prime venue to get you amped for a big game ahead.
The Valley Inn Hotel
Where: 120 Fyans St, South Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 700 m, 10-minute walk
A well-known favourite among the locals, The Valley has something for everyone – from a state-of-the-art sports bar to alfresco dining, chef-designed menu and fresh tank beer on-site… this little gem is a go-to for pre-gamers.
No matter your tipple, you’ll find something refreshing to drink at The Valley thanks to an extensive wine list with a range of local and imported beers and ciders on tap. If you’re hungry there’s no stress as this place offers all-day dining from 10am right through to 8:30pm. Pick from the multiple parmis, chicken kiev, honey soy chicken wings or delicious pizza.
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St Lords
Where: 3 W Fyans St, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 450 m, 7-minute walk
Situated on the corner of Latrobe Terrace and West Fyans Street in Newtown, just a stone’s throw away from Kardinia Park, St Lords (previously Lord of the Isles Tavern) has been a favourite amongst locals for the past 40 years. Servicing everyone from Prime Ministers and premiership-winning Cats teams to thousands of average Geelong punters, this is a prime place to wet your whistle ahead of the big game.
Here you can load up on all the pub classics, buffalo wings, burgers and salads, or make your way to the courtyard for pre-game drinks and bar snacks.
Sawyers Arms Tavern
Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 600 m, 9-minute walk
The Sawyers Arms Tavern is an iconic Geelong hotel, known to many as ‘Clats’. Sawyers Arms is a stunning building that boasts exposed brick walls and a stained wood-panelled bar, with high-quality modern Australian cuisine to match. Their seasonal menu incorporates pub classics and plentiful seafood options made from local produce, whilst their wine selection is curated to include both local talent and renowned bottles. Plus, they have some cracking lunch deals and feed me options.
Open for 11:30am through to 11pm, his is a great spot for an early pre-game lunch or just some quality bevvies with your crew.
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Two Noble
Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 600 m, 9-minute walk
Nestled just above Sawyers Arms Tavern in Newtown, this contemporary Asian gem is all set to become your new favourite foodie destination, blending the best of Southeast Asian cuisine with a modern Australian twist.
Prepare for a sensory overload with this year’s menu, featuring highlights such as the signature house-roasted duck with Cointreau hoisin, crispy Barongarook pork with green papaya som tum, and the standout Hiramasa Kingfish paired with burnt onion and chilli oil, topped with whipped soy.
Two Noble is open Monday & Thursday: 6 pm – late, Friday – Sunday: 12 pm – 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm – late. Find out more and book your visit here.
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Stadium Fish and Chips
Where: 406 Latrobe Terrace, Newtown
Distance to GMHBA: 300 m, 5-minute walk
There is nothing like a good box of fish and chips – whether it’s eaten on the beach with a sneaky squeeze of lemon and a cold beer balanced on the sand, or wrapped in paper and taken home for a lazy Sunday night dinner.
Located directly across from the stadium – hence the name – this fish and chippery is the perfect spot to grab a feed and a can of soft drink ahead of the big dance. Here you’ll find all the classics, like flake, butterfish, calamari rings, scallops, souvlaki’s, burgers, and steak subs, as well as meal packs and a range of delicious snacks. Hello sav in batter, chips and potato cakes.
With delicious, easy take-away food and a brisk 5-minute walk to Kardinia park, it’s a good option if there ever were one.
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Nautica Bar & Restaurant
Where: Gheringhap St & Myers Street, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 800 m, 12-minute walk
Inspired by Bellarine Peninsula, Nautica Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot for coastal cool, relaxed dining before or after the game. Whether you’ve after a relaxed meal, sundown drinks and intimate gatherings.
On the menu, you’ll find a collection of classics crafted with love from the finest and most delicious local produce. From fragrant red duck curry to locally sourced fish, each dish is a celebration of simplicity done exceptionally well. We recommend the Roast lamb souvlaki, a signature dish bursting with seasonal goodness that will pair perfectly with a pint or two. Plus, there’s a happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm!
It’s also a great spot for groups, so if you’re travelling with the whole fam, this is the spot to go!
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Empire Grill
Where: 66 McKillop St, Geelong
Distance to GMHBA: 500 m, 8-minute walk
If you’re after something a little more luxe before the event, Empire Grill has been a favourite special occasion restaurant for more than 30 years now, with an a la carte menu boasting a fine collection of dishes that are contemporary in their execution, vivid in their taste, and expressive in overall satisfaction.
Here you’ll find a mix of modern Australian with European and Asian influences, utilising the finest and freshest of what the Geelong region has to offer. Think homemade linguini, Otway Pork Belly, slow-cooked beef cheek, and char-grilled eye fillet.
If you’ve got the afternoon off this could be the place for a relaxed, indulgent lunch and a few wines ahead of the games.
Tickets for each match are available via Ticketmaster.
The Poor
Thursday 25th April – ANZAC DAY SPECTACULAR Featuring one of Australia’s Hottest Rock Bands – “THE POOR”
The Poor celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their breakthrough Australian Classic ‘ More Wine Waiter Please’ with one very special Anzac Day afternoon show at The Golden Vine !
Very special guests Black Aces – KICKS OFF 3:30PM Get In Early for an afternoon fuelled with Aussie Rock!!!
Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley
The beginning of 2023 marked an incredible start for the Brooke and Adam as they took home three awards at the 2023 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. In addition to winning Song of the Year for their hit ‘Star of the Show’ they were also recognized for Apple Music Single of the Year for ‘Memory Lane’ and Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year. Closer to their hearts, their 10-year-old daughter Tiggy Heart Eckersley became the youngest person in history to be recognised with a Golden Guitar award, sharing the Song of the Year win with her parents and Dan Biederman as fellow songwriters.
The recent release of this award-winning duo’s second album Up Down and Sideways has received a prestigious ARIA nomination for Best Country Album and debuted at #1 on the Australian ARIA all genre Album Chart. Last year, Brooke was voted as the runner-up on Network 10’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! and won the hearts of many when she performed an acoustic performance of ‘Star Of The Show’, which skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes Single and Video Chart after the episode aired. Adam & Brooke went on to release ‘Memory Lane’ which became a Top 20 Country Radio airplay smash and has amassed over 1 million streams.
The hugely successful Hang at the Wang events created by Brooke and Adam are another facet to this talented duo’s success. At these unique gatherings guests enjoy an intimate musical performance, the opportunity to experience their beautiful farm and amazing hospitality.
Brooke McClymont is one third of top-selling, award-winning Australian country music trio The McClymonts. With over 200,000 album sales, 40 million streams, two ARIA Awards, fifteen Golden Guitar Awards, one CMA (USA) Award, one APRA Award and five #1 ARIA Country Albums, the McClymonts are a dominant female group in Australian country music with major success from hits such as ‘Kick It Up’, ‘Wrapped Up Good’ and ‘I’ve Got This’.
Adam Eckersley has won five Golden Guitar Awards: the first in 2015 for New Talent of the Year; and then in 2016 in the Group or Duo of the Year category with The Adam Eckersley Band whose 2014 debut album, The First Album, debuted in the Top 5 on the ARIA Country Chart, with The Second Album debuting at #7 the following year. Adam has also been recognised for his songwriting, winning the APRA Award for Country Work of the Year (2015).
Metal United Down Under Bendigo
Metal United Down Under: Australia’s Premier Annual Metal Extravaganza Returns on April 20th to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary.
Australian metalheads, brace yourselves! The mighty Metal United Down Under (MUDU) is gearing up for its monumental 10-year anniversary celebration on April 20th, 2024. This annual metal event, which has become a cornerstone of the Australian metal scene, promises an unforgettable night of headbanging and camaraderie in various cities nationwide.
Forged by the creative talents of Tristan Tait Illustrations, the artwork for Metal United Down Under is a dynamic visual fusion depicting a world where Australia meets the unrelenting might of metal. Tait’s design unleashes a pack of cartooned native beasts, exuding attitude, embodying the ferocity that defines the very soul of this decadelong celebration of heavy music.
The Metal United Down Under experience extends far beyond the stage, creating a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.
As the countdown to April 20th begins, Metal United Down Under invites all metal enthusiasts, old and new, to join the celebration of a decade of sonic excellence that embodies inclusion amongst the many sub-genres of metal. Prepare for a night of intense riffs, pounding drums, and a shared passion for the genre that brings us all together. Metal United Down Under is more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Australia’s metal community. Don’t miss out on the heavy metal extravaganza of the year!
Pell
Pell is notorious for his infectious blend of alternative hip-hop, R&B, and electronic tones. He has clocked well over 200M streams and taken stages with superstars Doja Cat, G-Eazy, Kehlani, PJ Morton, and Ambré. Most recently, Pell brought his infectious presence to the Australian Summer festival circuit with Young Franco, playing huge shows at Spilt Milk, Lost Paradise, Falls Festival and Listen Out. Growth is ingrained in Pell’s nature. Since taking the industry by storm in 2014, the electric New Orleans native, born Jared Pellerin, has continued to expand his sound and musicality. His stellar ‘Floating While Dreaming’ debut garnered attention and praise from press across the board, including FADER, Billboard, XXL, Complex, among others. His new single “Jagger” is a smooth, ambient offering featuring a string section cascading over trap style percussion and is slated to be a part of a bigger EP releasing in March. Expect the unexpected.
Tool Tribute: Third Eye
Australian TooL tribute ‘Third Eye’ will be bringing their show back to Ballarat for their 10 year anniversary show: ”To Live and to Grow”. Performing 2 massive 90 minute sets spanning Tool’s extensive catalogue.
Amigo The Devil
Armed with a banjo and disarming tales of uncomfortable truths, Amigo The Devil will leave you awe-struck as he tours Australia for the first time this April. The critically acclaimed songwriter will perform 10 dates in support of his new album, Yours Until the War is Over, releasing Feb. 23 via Liars Club Records. The run kicks off in the Gold Coast on April 13 with stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and more before the two-week run ends April 28 in Adelaide.
Metal United Down Under Ballarat
Metal United Down Under: Australia’s Premier Annual Metal Extravaganza Returns on April 20th to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary.
Australian metalheads, brace yourselves! The mighty Metal United Down Under (MUDU) is gearing up for its monumental 10-year anniversary celebration on April 20th, 2024. This annual metal event, which has become a cornerstone of the Australian metal scene, promises an unforgettable night of headbanging and camaraderie in various cities nationwide.
Forged by the creative talents of Tristan Tait Illustrations, the artwork for Metal United Down Under is a dynamic visual fusion depicting a world where Australia meets the unrelenting might of metal. Tait’s design unleashes a pack of cartooned native beasts, exuding attitude, embodying the ferocity that defines the very soul of this decadelong celebration of heavy music.
The Metal United Down Under experience extends far beyond the stage, creating a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.
As the countdown to April 20th begins, Metal United Down Under invites all metal enthusiasts, old and new, to join the celebration of a decade of sonic excellence that embodies inclusion amongst the many sub-genres of metal. Prepare for a night of intense riffs, pounding drums, and a shared passion for the genre that brings us all together. Metal United Down Under is more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Australia’s metal community. Don’t miss out on the heavy metal extravaganza of the year!
WIN! We’re giving away double passes to Sydney Sweeney’s new horror movie ‘Immaculate’
Prepare to be gripped by fear in the latest spine-chilling offering from director Michael Mohan and screenwriter Andrew Lobel. Immaculate delves into the depths of horror, boasting a stellar cast including Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Giorgio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
In the film, Sydney Sweeney stars as Cecilia, a young nun welcomed to a prestigious convent in the idyllic Italian countryside. But it’s not long before, she realises that the very walls that shelter her also conceal malevolent and unspeakable horrors, threatening her faith and safety in ways she could never have imagined.
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as Immaculate unravels a tale of terror and suspense. Already receiving rave reviews, viewers are calling it “f*cking wild in all the right ways”.
The film is set to be released on March 22.
Check out the trailer below:
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Ash Grunwald
Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald has announced a new National Tour to coincide with the release of his new single – Life Without You, a chilled groove about going the distance in a relationship and having gratitude for your loved ones.
A collaboration with Garett Kato, most well-known for producing Tones & I’s ‘Dance Monkey” and many of Ziggy Alberts most recent releases – this is a track that hits you in the feels.
Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old beat-up old van to ‘surf by day jam by night’. Throughout his career, he has supported legends James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among numerous others, and played sold out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America. With six Australian Top-50 albums to his credit, alongside five ARIA and four AIR Award Nominations, two APRA Awards, and gong for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.
Witness Australia’s most exciting blues act in action at Volta
Pierce Brothers
Australian indie folk rockers Pierce Brothers are bringing their new album Everything Is Bigger Than Me all around Australia in their biggest regional tour since 2019!
Featured in festivals all around the country (including Bluesfest, Big Red Bash, and the Mundi Mundi Bash), off the back of a European tour and armed with a brand new album, Pierce Brothers’ infectiously energetic show is sure to sell out quick!
Recorded and self-produced by the brothers, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is the culmination of their musical prowess as they come up on a decade since the release of their breakout EP The Night Tree. Featuring the singles Studio, Bottle, and their l latest release Wilder feat. Lullanas, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is out March 29 – PRE-SAVE HERE.