Sweethearts With Camryn Fitzgerald
Sweethearts are bringing their dynamic stage show to the famous Barwon Club stage. Performing two sets of soul power that is sure to get your toes tapping. With support from Camryn Fitzgerald.
Sweethearts give a refreshing take on modern, classic & neo soul with their trademark Sass. This all-female soul band has won over audiences on the worlds best stages including return appearances at Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz à Vienne & Porretta Soul Festival!
“Sweethearts will always be welcome at Montreux Jazz Festival.” Claudia Regolatti, Festival Programmer.
Their infectious drawing power has gained the attention of Soul legends including Bernard Purdie, Gil Askey, ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis, Vivian Sessoms & Maceo Parker.
Thornhill ‘Dressed to Kill’ Regional Tour ft. Young Lions, Inertia, Tapestry
In 2023, Melbourne’s Thornhill aren’t merely dressing for sonic success—they’re dressed to kill, and they’ll be travelling in style this May and June for their Dressed To Kill Tour. Armed with their ARIA Award-nominated 2022 album ‘Heroine‘, Thornhill will also be joined by special guests Young Lions, Inertia + Tapestry for this exciting run of 11 shows across Australia.
Recently flexing their significantly polished wares on their sublime sophomore album ‘Heroine‘ last year, Thornhill have continued their burgeoning reign as one of the most innovative and immersive heavy acts in the Australian scene. Simultaneously nodding to the past and a broadened future, ‘Heroine‘ embraced old Hollywood glamour, lush arrangements and a polished blend of shimmering light and blistering shade. Scoring the group a coveted ARIA nomination in 2022, ‘Heroine‘ marks an alluring evolution from the group’s 2019 debut album ‘The Dark Pool‘ without sacrificing the Thornhill trademark grit and glamour. Storming up the charts debuting at #3 on the ARIA Album chart, ‘Heroine’ debuted at #1 on the Australian Album chart, and has had more than 8.5 million streams to date.
Rounding out a huge 2022 appearing at Good Things Festival with headliners Bring Me The Horizon and many more in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, Thornhill also ticked off some of their biggest Australian shows to date last year, selling out most of their headline tour, supporting The Butterfly Effect nationally, and performing their first ever US headline shows on the east coast alongside supporting ERRA and Alpha Wolf on a North American run.
Join Thornhill on their East Coast Regional Tour this May/June.
Unscored Presents: ‘AMORPHOUS’
If you have a body, this show is for you. In celebration of their debut album ‘Amorphous’, Unscored are bringing their unique version of weird-rock to Geelong, with support from local legends Mundane Jane and Violet, and Melbourne based rockers Kandalini. Expect songs about nose pirates, big hearts, inflated muscles, and melancholy skeletons.
$10 DOOR TICKETS ONLY!
4PM DOORS OPEN
4:30-5:10PM KANDALINI
5:30-6:10PM VIOLET
6:30-7:10PM MUNDANE JANE
7:30PM UNSCORED
Chris Masuak (ex-Radio Birdman), Dog Soldier, Baby 8, The Fiction.
Six years after his last visit to Australia, former Radio Birdman guitarist Chris “Klondike” Masuak is returning with his hand-picked local band Dog Soldier for a select run of East Coast shows.
He’ll play the Barwon Club Hotel in Geelong on Saturday, May 27 with Baby 8 and The Fiction.
Masuak’s musical history reads like a muscle car ride through the mean streets of Australia’s rock and roll underground. The Canadian-born Masuak achieved teenage notoriety as guitarist for Australia’s legendary Radio Birdman, and then waged a War Against The Jive with the country’s hardest working rock and roll band, The Hitmen. Next came a stint with the original live version of the New Christs followed by international prominence with the chart busting Screaming Tribesmen. A member of the ARIA Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Masuak has an impressive back catalogue of rock, pop and blues releases under his own name and fronting the Viveiro Wave Riders. He is now based in Galicia in northern Spain.
Dog Soldier comprises bassist Tony Bambach (Aberration, Green Spiders, ex-Lime Spiders) and drummer Stu Wilson (Aberration, The Rivers, ex-New Christs). Chris Masuak’s Dog Soldier will re-trace Klondike’s storied career, drawing on material from his key bands – with a few surprises thrown in.
JOTHI X Leilani Le Fleur, Hassall.
Melbourne-based soulful sensations, JOTHI and Leilani Le Fleur, are ready to ignite Victoria with their electrifying performances on their upcoming tour. Hailing from Naarm, these talented artists have been captivating audiences with their sultry voices and contagious energy.
Jothi, fronted by Gloria Ragesh is known for their smooth and soulful vocals, delivering powerful performances that leave audiences spellbound. Leilani Le Fleur, on the other hand, brings an unbridled energy to the stage, captivating audiences with her groovy moves and powerhouse vocals. Together, these artists create a unique and unforgettable musical experience that is guaranteed to get audiences on their feet and dancing.
Their music blends elements of soul, funk, and R&B to create a sound that is both timeless and fresh. With influences ranging from Lianne La Havas to Chaka Khan and Erykah Badu, Leilani and Jothi have honed their skills and developed a sound that is all their own.
Guilty Pleasures
You know those terrible songs that deep down inside you love to your very core? You know those ones – they come on the radio… you have to turn it up and on the inside you’re dancing away like Napoleon Dynamite?
On May 21st the GMCC is coming together to bring you a whole set of those Guilty Pleasures. So let’s revel in shame together as the likes of Nickelback, Maroon 5, Whitesnake, Wham and more get the honour they truly deserve (if we’re being completely honest with ourselves).
Doors at 6.30pm, $10 entry (door tickets only! get down early) and as always all proceeds go directly to Impact through the Dean McInnes Student Award, helping the next generation of mental health treatment researchers.
Kitchen open lunch & dinner.
The Cavemen, Grindhouse, Thee Cha Cha Chas.
From Helsinki to Havana, The Cavemen have a wide-spread reputation in the underground rock ’n’ roll scene as road worn warriors, revelling in booze-soaked, substance fuelled mischief. They’ve weathered 5 years in London, a global pandemic and some of the most demanding tour schedules known to humankind and consistently delivered one of the most wild and ferocious live shows on the planet. Now New Zealand’s most infamous reprobates are planting their flag of degeneracy down-under once again, squarely eying Australia in their sights of rock ’n’ roll apocalypse.
They kick off their conquest this May with three shows around Victoria that are sure to be an unmissable assault of ear-screeching, beer swilling chaos.
So ice up the VBs and grab your ticket now!
With special guests Grindhouse and Thee Cha Cha Chas.
Lionel Baker – ‘Heavy On The Heart’ Single Launch with XYLA and Catie Alison.
To celebrate the launch of his single ‘Heavy on the Heart’, dynamic powerhouse Lionel Baker will take to the stage, backed by a full band outfit.
Showcasing lush, organic street party production and a catchy melody with sentimental lyricism, ‘Heavy on the Heart’ is the first of a string of songs Lionel is set to release throughout 2023.
Meticulously writing and recording music for the last two years, Lionel has finally emerged, fired up and ready to share it all live with an audience.
Joining him on the night is Melbourne-based pop singer-songwriter XYLA, and local alt/indie rock enigma Catie Alison.
This is a show you will not want to miss!
Heath Robertson Band – ‘You Can’t Be Found’ Single Launch
Heath Robertson is gearing up to launch his stellar new single You Can Be Found at the Barwon Club on 14thMay and if the band’s recent performances are anything to go by, this is one gig you do not want to miss.
The award-winning artist will be joined by band newcomers; Fin Strijker on electric guitar (Fenn Wilson) and Alister Hull on bass (Pollyman), with mainstay David Robertson on drums.
You Can Be Found – which is being released on 7” Vinyl with a B side – has notable early Aussie pop-rock influences (think the Easybeats meets Sunnyboys) while Side B wields a bit more grunt and is equally as impressive as Side A.
Heath Robertson & Band will be supported by local rising stars, Paraquay and Carly Jorja (solo), audiences are in for one rocking good time.
El Colosso, Gutterfire, The Glycereens, Planet of the 8s, Lamassu.
El Colosso join GUTTERFIRE! as they hit Victoria as part of the East Coast Still More Chill tour 2023 with their compadres The Glycereens, joined by Planet of the 8’s, and Lamassu.
6PM DOORS OPEN
6:30-7:10PM GUTTERFIRE!
7:30-8:10PM LAMASSU
8:30-9:10PM PLANET OF THE 8’S
9:30-10:10PM THE GLYCEREENS
10:30PM EL COLOSSO
Cull, Poppin’ Mommas, Space Junk, Jodie Flange.
It’s been a hot minute, but those dead-set legends from CULL – THE BAND are headed back to Geelong!
Along with them to party is Poppin’ Mommas, Space Junk and Jodie from the Flangipanis all the way from Brisbane to do a solo set!
Get your party pants ready, this is going to be a night of punk-rock mayhem!
7:30PM DOORS OPEN
8-8:40PM JODIE FLANGE (SOLO)
9-9:40PM SPACE JUNK
10-10:40PM POPPIN MOMMAS
11PM CULL (SA)
The Wiggles just announced a fifth show in Geelong due to popular demand
Following the runaway success of last year winning the converted ARIA for ‘Best Live Act’, the beloved children’s music group The Wiggles are bringing their all-singing, all-dancing stage show hit to stages across Victoria this year with their Hello! We’re The Wiggles show.
With a bunch of dates already announced, The Wiggles have just added a fifth show to Geelong, now also performing on Saturday 8 July at 3:30pm, alongside sold-out shows at 10am and 12:30pm on the same day, and on Sunday, 9 July.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Featuring the band’s current lineup, Anthony, Tsehay, Simon, Lachy, Caterina, Lucia, Evie and John will take to the stage to sing, dance and play music for their fans, bringing along their Wiggly friends too! Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn and Bok the Hand Puppet are all slated to make an appearance.
Hello! We’re The Wiggles will run from March through to June of this year featuring hit songs ‘Do the Propeller!’, ‘Hot Potato’ and ‘Rock-a-Bye Your Bear’ plus new favourites that will have you up and dancing along such as ‘We’re all Fruit Salad’, ‘Getting Strong!’ with John and get ready to feel the sunflower power with ‘Hey Tsehay!’
There’s never been a better time to see the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group live in concert, but hurry tickets will sell like… Hot Potatoes!
Tickets are on sale right now. For Geelong, you can get your tickets here.
ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens leads Werribee’s One Electric Day Festival for 10th anniversary edition
Melbourne’s sing-along favourite One Electric Day Festival is back this year for its huge 10th-anniversary edition and it’s bringing along a truly iconic lineup to celebrate.
Off the back of last year’s event featuring Suzi Quatro, Noiseworks and The Angels, the lineup for the 10th-year event has gone all out featuring ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens, Belinda Carlisle, Daryl Braithwaite, Mark Seymour and Boom Crash Opera, all heading to Werribee Park on Sunday, November 19 2023.
One Electric Day Festival
- One Electric Day festival returns for 2023 for a 10th-anniversary event
- ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens, and Belinda Carlisle lead the 2023 lineup
- The festival takes place at Werribee Park on Sunday, November 19 2023
- Tickets for the 2023 One Electric Day go on sale to the general public at 10am AEST on Friday 12th May.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Over the past decade, One Electric Day has solidified its reputation as one of Victoria’s favourite one-day music festivals. Every year the show at Werribee Park sells out in a matter of minutes and this year’s event promises to be no different as organisers celebrate a decade of music on the great lawn. With an enviable lineup, One Electric Day’s 2023 event promises to be unforgettable.
Promoter Duane McDonald says One Electric Day has become a special event on the Victorian music calendar. “We see fans returning year after year,” he said. “We are so thankful to all the music fans who have supported One Electric Day over the past decade, and to everyone who continues to look forward to the event each year. We are excited to celebrate this year with you.”
ICEHOUSE is one of Australia’s most legendary bands, with a career spanning over 40 years, including 28 Platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums and more than 30 Top 40 singles. Formed by Iva Davies, their hit songs reach across generations. Their classic song Great Southern Land has become an unofficial Australian anthem, and ICEHOUSE continues to sell-out shows around the world. Jon Stevens returns to thrill audiences with the Noiseworks & INXS Collection, paying homage to the bands that helped cement him as Aussie rock royalty. This unrelenting set of all killer, no filler always has the crowd on their feet.
Belinda Carlisle celebrates an incredible career spanning 35-years. Her music helped shape a generation. From her time in the Go-Go’s, with classics such as We’ve Got The Beat to the phenomenally successful solo smashes Heaven Is A Place On Earth, Leave The Light On and Summer Rain, Belinda will traverse her impressive back catalogue, featuring all the hits.
Daryl Braithwaite needs no introduction to music fans. His live performances always have audiences on their feet. With one of the most recognisable voices in Australia, Daryl performs to packed houses around the country, most recently joining Harry Styles on stage as a guest to sing his iconic single ‘The Horses’.
Mark Seymour is a musical powerhouse. Aside from the 13 albums he penned with Hunters and Collectors, he has released a further eight solo albums. Mark is considered one of our finest songwriters, capturing stories of love, loss, human courage and achievement, and weaving it all into breathtaking live performances.
Boom Crash Opera celebrated the 30th anniversary of their ARIA Top 10 album These Are Crazy Times in 2020. With smash singles such as Onion Skin, The Best Thing, and Dancing In The Storm, they became household names. With Dale Ryder at the helm, Boom Crash Opera promise a show featuring all the hits.
It all goes down at Werribee Park on the Great Lawn on Sunday 19th November 2023. Tickets for One Electric Day go on sale to the general public at 10am AEST Friday 12th May 2023. Head here for more info.
Grease The Musical is coming back to Melbourne and Sydney in 2024
Get ready to rock and roll as the beloved musical Grease is set to hit Australian shores in 2024, debuting as Melbourne’s summer musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre from January 2024 and the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from March 2024!
The new production promises to bring all the energy, excitement, and nostalgia of the original Broadway show to audiences across the country.
GREASE Australia 2024
- The No. 1 Party Musical GREASE returns to the Australian stage in a new, multi-million dollar live production.
- Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne – From January 2024
- Capitol Theatre, Sydney – From March 2024
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
The brand-new production will feature an all-Australian star cast and crew, and will showcase some of the country’s most talented actors, dancers, and musicians. Audiences can expect to hear all the classic songs from the original show, such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” as well as some exciting new arrangements.
The new production will also feature updated choreography, stunning costumes, and state-of-the-art stage design, taking the classic show to a whole new level.
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“I am thrilled that GREASE, one of the world’s all-time favourite musicals, is returning to Australia in a brand-new production featuring an all-Australian creative team. GREASE has always been about having fun and coupled with the much-loved songs and choreography, I know that this will be the party musical that everyone is talking about for a long time to come,” said Producer John Frost.
Since the show’s Broadway premiere and the hit movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John – which went on to become the highest grossing movie-musical of all time – the Tony Award nominated GREASE has triumphed across the globe, with its irresistible mix of adolescent angst, vibrant physicality and 1950s pop culture.
At the time that it closed originally on Broadway in 1980, GREASE’s 3,388-performance run was the longest musical in Broadway history, and with the addition of the recent Pink Ladies series currently on Paramount, GREASE is officially the most expansive cinematic universe derived from a stage musical.
With its timeless story of love, friendship, and teenage rebellion, Grease remains one of the most popular and beloved musicals of all time, and this new production is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.
So mark your calendars and get ready to sing, dance, and rock and roll with one of the most iconic musicals of all time.
To sign up to the waitlist for ticketing and cast announcements, head here.
Digital driver licences are coming to Victoria in 2024, regional trial announced for Ballarat
In an effort to make it easier for people to access their driver’s licenses, digital licences will soon become available to Victorians as announced by the Victorian Government.
Motorists in Ballarat will have the option to carry their licence on their phones as part of a regional trial before a state-wide rollout of the technology arrives in 2024. The new technology will give motorists the choice to store a secure digital version of their driver’s licence in the popular Service Victoria app or the soon-to-be-launched my VicRoads app.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
From June, full licence holders in Ballarat will be able to sign up for the pilot through the Service Victoria or VicRoads websites before the trial begins in July, with those who register progressively invited to add a digital version of their licence to their phone. These can be used as a digital licence, as well as proof of age in venues.
The card will feature superior security features – with the licence updated in real-time in response to any changes such as new licence conditions or a change of address.
Digital licences will automatically reveal if a licence has been revoked or suspended but will still be available for use to prove identity or age when it is not active.
The licence has a highly secure, timed QR code that can be scanned by licence validators such as police, businesses and other authorities to verify the authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.
“We know Victorians want digital driver licences and that’s why this trial is such a big step before further rollout occurs,” says Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.
“A digital driver licence will make it easier and more convenient for Victorian motorists and it will help businesses and authorities to verify identity with minimum time and fuss.”
Accessibility and security of personal information is the highest priority. During the Ballarat trial, feedback will be sought from motorists, retailers, licensed venues, Victoria Police and places where a licence is used as proof of identity.
The initial pilot is for full licence holders and won’t change the obligation for L and P plate drivers to carry their physical licence with them at all times. Drivers will still have the option to use their physical licence.
Read the full press statement here.
Hockey Dad and Ruby Fields team up for the Hockey Fields Tour
Two of Australia’s favourite indie acts, Windang’s Hockey Dad and Cronulla’s Ruby Fields, have teamed up for a very special headline tour this year, announcing a national run of shows which will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle through June and July.
Coined The ‘Hockey Fields Tour’, this was a collaboration destined to happen, not by name alone, but because they are bloody good mates!
Hockey Fields Tour 2023
Saturday 24 June – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Friday 30 June – Metropolis, Fremantle
Friday 7 July – The Forum, Melbourne
Friday 14 July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Hockey Dad’s Zach and Billy forged a friendship with Ruby through years of playing the same festivals and bumping into each other on the touring circuit. It’s the perfect time for “Hockey Fields” to get together for this huge co-headlining tour. Coming along for the ride will be special guests, Sydney’s Northern Beaches band Dear Seattle.
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Hockey Dad have just wrapped up a 21 date tour (in 28 days nonetheless!) of the UK and Europe with sold out shows along the way including the last show of the tour at London’s Lafayette. They will be primed and ready to go. They can’t wait to get back to Australia for shows. “It’s been too long since our last shows in these cities and we are buzzing to get amongst it again with awesome mates,” the duo said.
One off single ‘T’s To Cross’ released in mid 2022 whet fans appetites for new music from Hockey Dad, their first release single 2020’s #2 ARIA album ‘Brain Candy’. With seven triple j Hottest 100 songs across their catalogue including ‘Join The Club’, ‘I Missed Out’, ‘Germaphobe’ and more, word on the street is new music isn’t too far away at all.
Ruby Fields, on the other hand, has been growing up in public since rising to national fame in 2017. After a string of successful singles and EPs, Ruby solidified her position as the iconoclastic songwriter Australia needed with her 2021 debut album, ‘Been Doin’ It For A Bit’, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Album Chart.
With her massive hit ‘Dinosaurs’ landing at #9 on triple j’s Hottest 100 and tracks ‘Pretty Grim’ and ‘Kitchen’ making the cut in 2020 and 21’ respectively, fans are waiting for new music from Ruby with bated breath. “We got some real cool music coming your way soon,” Ruby teased earlier this year.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow Tuesday 9th May at 10am AEST.
Wanderer Festival announces stellar 2023 lineup with Django Django, Ocean Alley and more
With last year’s inaugural event heralded as a phenomenal success, the one-of-a-kind music and cultural experience Wanderer Festival is set to return to the breathtaking Pambula Beach on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales this September.
Taking place from September 29 until October 1, the boutique three-day event promises to be a multi-generational event, attracting both veterans and families alike, especially with the huge lineup the team have put together for its second-ever iteration.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Leading the lineup is groundbreaking British indie rock band Django Django, unstoppable psychedelic-surf-rockers Ocean Alley, American rhythm and blues musician Son Little, and beloved Aussie indie-rock band The Jungle Giants who will also be joined by Storyteller and creator, Gamilaraay woman Thelma Plum, the legendary Spiderbait and the captivating US songwriter Kevin Morby.
Art vs Science, Babe Rainbow, Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball (Gomez, UK), C.W Stoneking, Kim Churchill, Lisa Mitchell, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Montaigne, Steph Strings, Urthboy and many more also feature, with more to be announced leading up to the September event.
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Atop its world-class music lineup, which will feature more than 70 artists, Wanderer also features a world-class program of music, art, comedy, theatre, circus and artisan workshops over three unforgettable days and nights. Heading up the arts program, the world-famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus, featuring Australia’s top young circus artists, perform their gravity-defying circus cabaret Over the Top. Not to be missed is multi-instrumentalist Adam Page delivering a master class in crafting improvised musical tapestries woven with equal parts charisma, humour and skill.
The unique and creative spirit of the Sapphire Coast region is integral and will be featured throughout the music and arts program, epicurean feasts and craft offerings.
The festival is curated by Falls Festival’s own Simon Daly, “I’m thrilled with how Wanderer is shaping up this year. We’re curating a really strong program consistent with what Wanderer is all about. It is diverse in every sense and includes plenty of well-known favourites as well as amazing new talent.
“We are really proud to be delivering such a world-class event in the Sapphire Coast. It is really rewarding creating something so equally loved by both the local community as well as travellers coming from all over Australia for an unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.”
It all goes down from September 29 to October 1. Tickets are available now at wanderer.com.au.
Indulge in an epic supersized Chinese banquet inside this old converted bank in Geelong
In a historic former bank in the heart of Geelong, sits one of the best destinations for glorious Chinese feasting – Golden Dragon Yum Cha Restaurant.
Taking over the 1888 Boom Classicism style two-storey brick bank, the dining destination has earned itself a solid reputation among yum cha enthusiasts since opening back in 2015 for their take on the traditional Cantonese brunch, involving Chinese tea and dim sum (small plates of steam, pan-fried and deep-fried dishes to be shared).
While the restaurants Yum Cha sessions are simply the best, the venue is also home to some never-fail classic banquet options.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news via our website.
Boasting a menu full of classics with a slight twist to them, this is unlike anywhere else we’ve been to in Geelong.
Starting at $38 per person, there’s three banquets to choose from.
The first, banquet A, boasts deep fried spring rolls, dim sim, chicken and sweet corn soup, sweet and sour pork fillets, beef fillets with black bean sauce, stir fried veggies, special fried rice and the dessert of the day! Yum!
Banquet B, at $48 pp, features much of banquet A with the addition of chicken and mushroom wrapped in lettuce, salt and pepper squid and king prawn with ginger and shallots.
There is also a vegetarian banquet at $38 pp, featuring the likes of Soya duck, vegetarian spring rolls, sautéed green beans and mushies, and stir fried Chinese Bok Choi, among other delicious items.
Alongside dishing out insanely delicious banquets and yum cha, you’ll also find a selection of delicious eats for any time of the day, crafted to perfection from the in-house chef, using seasonal fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic Chinese experience in the heart of Geelong, or a well-cooked meal to enjoy at home, Golden Dragon Yum Cha is your one-stop.
Golden Dragon Yum Cha is located 154A Moorabool St, Geelong and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Check them out on Facebook.