Driftwood The Musical returns to Melbourne: ‘One of the most successful new Australian works we have ever seen’

The epic lives of two Holocaust survivors and their groundbreaking accomplishments will return to Melbourne theatres in May, after drawing wide acclaim and breaking records during its sellout first run.

Driftwood The Musical tells the inspirational story of renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig, and his artist-inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig – the inventor of the modern umbrella. Their daughter Slawa became an Australian tennis star, while the family’s Melbourne legacy remains clear to this day through an annual lecture at the NGV, and the Duldig Studio in East Malvern.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art and stage scene here. 

The entrancing musical follows their lives in pre-war Vienna, the family’s narrow escape from Nazi Austria, Slawa’s ingenious invention, and the incredible chain of events that took place after miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne.

This epic story, which covers three continents and three generations, has been adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie, based on the original memoir by Eva de Jong-Duldig. It features original music, lyrics and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with lyrics by Tania de Jong AM and Jane Bodie. It will be directed by Gary Abrahams.

Driftwood The Musical had an extraordinary season in Melbourne earlier this year at Chapel Off Chapel with venue manager, Cate Crowley saying “Driftwood The Musical was one of the most successful new Australian works we have ever seen here at Chapel in our 27-year history. Houses were full and audiences were absolutely thrilled and heartened to see an original story so beautifully portrayed.”

Driftwood The Musical will be returning to Chapel Off Chapel from 3 – 20 May (by popular demand after last year’s sell-out season) and then touring to Sydney’s Glen Street Theatre from 24 – 28 May and Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from 31 May – 4 June and then at Eternity Theatre in Sydney from 5-17 June.

Visit the website here for more information, with tickets available at https://driftwoodthemusical.com.au.

The East Gippsland Winter Festival returns bigger and brighter, expanding to a month-long event in 2023

The East Gippsland Winter Festival is set to light up Victoria’s east with more than 100 spectacular events. Running from 9 June to 9 July, the festival returns for its third outing, and this year, has been extended to a month-long celebration of regional art, food, culture and nature.

The feature-packed program of events will kick off on the King’s Birthday Long Weekend, incorporate the Winter Solstice and run right through the Victorian School Holidays. 

East Gippsland Winter Festival

• There’s a massive month-long festival happening in East Gippsland this winter
• Discover the treasures of East Gippsland through art, wine, craft beer, local produce and live music
• It takes place from June 9 until July 9 – coinciding with the Victorian school holidays and the winter solstice

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here. 

A plethora of free activities and family-friendly events offers an affordable, yet magical winter getaway in a region that boasts mild winters by the coast and a diverse natural landscape of stunning mountains, mighty rivers, Ramsar-listed lakes, 90-mile beaches, tall forests and picturesque valleys. 

This year’s theme ‘How We Winter’ will guide the event, as the region comes alive in a festival of light, food, music, art and culture. From beautiful handmade lanterns, projection art that augments reality, and live music in unexpected places, to wellness experiences overlooking lakes, long lunches and winter feasts in spectacular locations, there’s something for everyone at this glorious winter fest. 

 

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Highlights of this year’s Festival Program include: 

• 10 June: Deep In The Weeds at Sailors Grave Brewing, Orbost – C.W. Stoneking and His Primitive Horn Orchestra will headline Sailors Grave’s infamous ‘Deep in the Weeds Festival’, held in a 130-year old butter factory on the banks of the Snowy River. Dinner catered by Meatsmiths Melbourne with dessert from The Lindenow Long Paddock.
• 10 June: Fire & Ice, Metung – Live ice sculpting and a spectacular fire show on the Metung Village Green overlooking the tranquil waters of Bancroft Bay.
• 24 June: Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival, Bruthen – featuring sword fights, bonfires, music, roving performers, costumes and feasting – this event is not to be missed.
• 1 July: Lakes Lights, Lakes Entrance – a community lantern parade across the Lakes Entrance Footbridge leading to a magical curated display of artist-made lanterns, installations and projection art on the small stretch of land between the Gippsland Lakes and the 90 Mile Beach. 
• 8 July: Winter in Laneway3875, Bairnsdale – a laneway party in the heart of Bairnsdale’s CBD featuring projection art, live music, street food from Bairnsdale’s best eateries, local craft beer and wine, and the foundry artist collective. 

The full program of events for this year’s East Gippsland Winter Festival will be announced at a launch event on April 29 at Rivendell Farm Estate. 

The 2023 East Gippsland Winter Festival will run from 9 June – 9 July. For more information, head here.

The Waifs announce second Queenscliff ‘Up All Night’ 20th anniversary show

Demand has soared for The Waifs 20th Anniversary Up All Night Australian tour, with tickets to many shows selling out in record time. Shows in Queenscliff, Melbourne, Meeniyan, Upwey, Warrnambool and Perth sold-out in just one day, with the regional show sell-outs reflecting the band’s long history and love of touring smaller towns across the country.

Now The Waifs have announced new shows at the Queenscliff Town Hall for the locals, with the band now performing on Wednesday 31 May prior to the sold-out show on Thursday 1 June.

The Waifs have also announced second shows at The Northcote Theatre (with a very special guest still to be announced), The Gov, with Jordie Lane and the Albany Entertainment Centre with Liz Stringer, to accommodate the unprecedented demand for tickets.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

The Waifs announce ‘Up All Night’ 20th anniversary Australian tour

The Adelaide and Queenscliff shows are on sale now, whilst the new Albany show will be on sale this Wednesday. The new Melbourne show will be on sale from this Thursday.
New shows will be announced for Perth in the coming weeks, keep your eye out for details.

Up All Night debuted at #3 on the ARIA charts and won four ARIA Awards for Best Blues and Roots Album, Best Independent Album, Engineer of The Year, and Producer of the Year for Chris Thompson. The album features some of the band’s most beloved tracks, including London Still, which was voted in at number three on the triple J Hottest 100.

To purchase tickets, head here. 

Groovin the Moo Bendigo set times are here for 2023

Music lovers, mark your calendars for April 29 – GTM is all set to open the gates at Bendigo’s Prince of Wales Showgrounds this weekend!

Whether you’re a first timer or a festival fanatic, you’re in for a full day of country hospitality, incredible tunes and seriously good times at GTM.

Heading up the lineup includes Denzel Curry, lord of the bangers Fatboy Slim, and Eliza Rose, who just took out the number 2 spot on the hottest 100 countdown with ‘B.O.T.A (Baddest Of Them All)’. Further hottest 100 rankers fill out the GTM lineup including Ball Park Music (#8 ‘Stars In My Eyes’), Skegss (#19 ‘Stranger Days’), LUUDE (#28 ‘Big City Life’), Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers (#55 ‘Girl Sports’) with Teenage Dads, while GTM alumni Ocean Alley and Amy Shark will return once more.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

With the festival just days away, the set times are also here to help plan your day out.

Bendigo Groovin The Moo Set Times 2023

This year’s Fresh Produce program is set to blow your mind. With nearly 100 new artists added to the lineup, the energy and talent on display is going to be off the charts. Each of these artists is pumped to hit their local GTM stage across the country and showcase their skills to the world.

Interestingly, the Fresh Produce program has been the launchpad for many artists who have gone on to achieve global recognition. Names like Alex Lahey, Haiku Hands, Hockey Dad, Lime Cordiale, and Montaigne, who all started in the Fresh Produce program, have since graduated to the national touring lineup. And, of course, we cannot forget to mention the 2023 touring artists who are already making waves in the music scene, such as Confidence Man, Genesis Owusu, Ocean Alley, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

With a lineup this impressive, it’s no wonder that the Groovin the Moo festival has become a must-attend event for music lovers all over Australia. So, if you’re ready to experience the best of Australian music, mark April 29 on your calendar and get ready to dance the day away at GTM.

“We are so happy to be able to do a full tour across the country in 2023. We have missed you terribly and can’t wait to bring back the good times around the country. Whilst we are very sad not be returning to Townsville, we look forward to bringing GTM to the Sunshine Coast,” says GTM’s Steve Halpin.

For us, it all goes down in Bendigo on April 29 and tickets are available now. Head here for more info. 

The southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry event BIGSOUND announces first speaker lineup

Returning for its 22nd year, the southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering and Australia’s longest-running and most influential music market BIGSOUND has officially unveiled their first round of speakers and buyers with an absolute trove of heavy hitters and industry leaders set to land in Brisbane from 5 – 8 September.

Coming off the back of being named in Time Magazine’s ‘world’s greatest places’ list, the annual event will once again return to Brisbane’s one-of-a-kind Fortitude Valley music precinct, and will bring together the world’s music decision-makers for four days of music discovery and important discussions around the development of art and commerce in one of the world’s largest music markets.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Artist applications for BIGSOUND 2023 are now open

Welcoming tastemakers from across the globe including media, A&R, agents, promoters, music supervisors, buyers and so much more, the first announcement is a sign of big things to come for the event, locking in the likes of Roc Nation, Netflix, Paramount, Soundcloud, Interscope and more, signifying a major win for the dedicated music showcase and conference.

This will see the likes of American music industry juggernaut Omar Grant (Co-President of JAY-Z’s ROC Nation and A&R genius behind Rhianna’s globally acclaimed eighth album ANTI); Michele Ronzon, A&R Coordinator for Interscope / Geffen / A&M Records; Hazel Savage, the Australian-born London-based visionary behind music AI company Musiio and now VP of Music Intelligence at Soundcloud; CEO of one of the biggest TikTok agencies in the world, Ash Stahl (Flighthouse) and royalties technology expert and co-founder of The Orchard, JKBX’s Scott Cohen all join the festival.

“Australia is at an exciting place right now musically and I can’t wait to head down under to discover some great new artists,” said ROC Nation Records co-president Omar Grant.

“Some of the most innovative artistry in the world comes from Australia and in an industry that’s often so caught up online these days, getting in a room with passionate music people and discovering real talent performing live is a true privilege.”

BIGSOUND will also feature the likes of Netflix’s Manager, Soundtracks, Strategy & Operations Andy Kalyvas; Paramount Television Studios’ vice president of music Vanessa Palmer; and Downtown Music Publishing’s director of sync and A&R, Cabrea Casey.

The initial announcement is just the first in what is expected to be over 100 international and national buyers, agents, music supervisors, bookers and industry decision makers.

Artist applications opened earlier this year and are closing on Tuesday, 2 May. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the biggest music event in the southern hemisphere.

Earlybird delegate passes are on sale Wednesday, 26 April. Head here for more.

Ghost announce first Australian headline tour for October

One of the world’s most exhilarating and esteemed creative forces, Grammy-winning Swedish theatrical rock band Ghost heading down under this October for their first Australian headline tour.

Frontman Tobias Forge (otherwise known as Papa Emeritus, the “demonic anti-pope”) will be joined by his gang of seven masked Nameless Ghouls for the headline dates, kicking off in Sydney on Tuesday, October 3 at the Hordern Pavilion, then heading to Melbourne on Wednesday, October 4 at Margaret Court Arena before making its way to Brisbane on Saturday, October 7 at the Riverstage.

Ghost 2023 Australian tour

• Oct 3 – Horder Pavillion, Sydney
• Oct 4 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
• Oct 7 – The Riverstage, Brisbane

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

While their music alone would qualify them for legend status, Ghost’s live shows are not to be missed. Elaborate costumes, transformative stage design and relentless energy combine to whip audiences into a manic frenzy.

“We wish to inform you that your patience and loyalty have paid off, Ghost will be haunting Australian lands in October 2023,” said the Clergy in a statement.

Founded in 2006, the Linköping-based band is an unstoppable force in the heavy scene.  Fusing far-fetched influences including vintage satanic rock, prog rock, psychedelia, pop and a splash of musical theatre, their sound is distinctly their own.

Their accolades include a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, countless other awards and nominations, over a billion streams and the title of one of Kerrang’s “50 Most Evil Songs Ever” for their song Ritual.

Ghost’s latest release, their fifth studio album Impera, is based on the rise and fall of empires. It features the singles Call Me Little Sunshine, Twenties and Spillways. They’ll be dropping an EP called Phantomine on May 18.

Powerful projections will light up Geelong’s City Hall for ANZAC Day

Commemorated on April 25th, ANZAC Day is Australia’s most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first key military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is a day when Australia comes together to recognise all those who have served our nation and pay tribute to the sacrifice of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in the service of our country.

Here’s a guide to all the services and marches on ANZAC Day across the Geelong region.

Honouring the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, veterans and their families and recognise the contribution our military families have made to our nation, photography, historical images, paintings and monuments have been brought together to produce a projection art program on Geelong City Hall to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli.

The free projections by Ian de Gruchy and Olaf Meyer, produced by Multimedia Events, are set to be displayed on the Gheringhap Street building starting from 12am until dawn on ANZAC Day, Tuesday 25 April 2023. The imagery will then run from dusk until 11pm every night, ending on Sunday 30 April 2023.

 

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The story of the ANZACs and powerful symbols of sacrifice will be weaved throughout the striking projections to create a moving and meaningful commemoration of Australian soldiers who have served and lost their lives.

Soldiers and nurses during World War 1 (WW1), including First Nations diggers, and sculptures by Peter Corlett OAM including Matron Grace Wilson and Private Ted Kenna VC all feature in the display.

The projections also explore the WW1 honour roll, the involvement of women and volunteer troops in WW1, and recent photographs taken by Ian de Gruchy at Gallipoli.

“The City Hall projections will be a chance for community members, including families, to pause and reflect on what our defence personnel have given us,” says Mayor Trent Sullivan.

“Greater Geelong is grateful for the sacrifices and bravery of our ANZAC troops and service men and women.

“The projections are a moving tribute that tell the story of mateship, the human impact of war and the Aussie spirit – they are well worth a visit.”

Local RSL Sub-Branches will hold a range of services across the region, from Portarlington to Norlane, Lara to Newtown and of course at the Geelong Peace Memorial in Johnstone Park.

Find a service or march here. 

‘Who knew shit could get so complicated’: Brisbane rock band WAAX announce hiatus

After ten years as a band, Brisbane’s WAAX are set to take a break from recording music and performing live, today announcing they will be going on hiatus after one final show.

WAAX will take to the stage for one last time at The Triffid on June 9th, for a gig they’ve dubbed ‘The Parting Gift’. The band will be joined by soon-to-be-announced special guests as they farewell their fans, at least for now.

WAAX – The Parting Gift Show

• Friday, 9th June
• The Triffid, Brisbane
• Tickets on sale now HERE

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Frontwoman Maz DeVita said: “This is for you, the community. This project WAAX has always belonged to you first and foremost. Ten years is a long ass time, enough years to experience the best and weather the worst.

“This is the most fucked up thing I’ve ever had to write because I never thought it possible: WAAX as you know it is going on hiatus. All I ever wanted was to play gigs and make records – who knew shit could get so complicated.

“To those who have supported us through the rollercoaster we give you this parting gift as an offering of thanks and love. I love you all more than you know, for real, you’re the reason we did any of this and kept hanging on. I will be back one day stronger than ever. x.”

WAAX released their second studio album At Least I’m Free in 2022 via Dew Process. The record was something of a second debut album for WAAX — a creative and emotional rebirth that resonated with fans.

The eleven-track collection saw the band up with the production team behind their debut breakout album Big Grief, including Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger) and Grammy Award-Winner Nick DiDia (Rage Against The Machine), as well a co-write with Linda Perry on Dangerous.

Tickets for WAAX’s ‘The Parting Gift’ show are on sale now.

‘We always play what people want to hear’: James Reyne, Ella Hooper bring comfort with national tour

Families share invaluable memories together, are able to be vulnerable together, and appreciate one another. We were lucky enough to talk to James Reyne and one thing became apparent very quickly; Reyne loves his band and they are his family – Ella Hooper included.

James Reyne and Ella Hooper have united for the national Way Out West Tour and have just released the 2023 version of the single ‘Way Out West’ featuring both Reyne and Hooper.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Reyne tells us that he has 20 albums with what he says are “a million songs”. He loves to play them all. A few key classics are always top of mind when you think about James Reyne – ‘Reckless’, ‘The Boys Light Up’ and ‘Beautiful People’. We wanted to know, of the million in his repertoire, why it was Reyne’s 1992 hit with James Blundell, ‘Way Out West’, the song originally released by The Dingoes back in 1973, which inspired a tour?

“I will be really honest with you; the song was an afterthought. We were just having fun to be honest. We didn’t have a tour planned, we didn’t have any plans to record a song. We were just messing around. So, I forget whose idea it was. The song was there – and it wasn’t me – but someone had the idea to redo ‘Way Out West’ with Ella and go on the road. We decided to call it Way Out West it all seemed to tie in.

“It’s a good song! I think it probably locks into the public subconscious. It could have been a number of songs but this is just one of the ones that I am lucky enough to be associated with that seems to have locked into the public minds. Usually it’s people asking me why I don’t do ‘Reckless’?”

 

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Hooper’s solo album was released earlier this year on Reyne’s record company Reckless Records and he couldn’t be more proud. “She made this great folk country record, it’s on Reckless Records and it’s done really well. She’s done an incredible job and she’s worked really hard for a whole year and it’s really paid off.

“She went number one on the Country Charts and she went top 10 on the ARIA charts. She did all these great things and we already had the idea of going on the road together as I said before. It just all fell into place and seemed to make sense.”

If you mention a family vacation to most people, the phrase ‘herding cats’ comes to mind. However when Reyne told us the Way Out West Tour was going to be a big family affair, he meant it in the most wholesome way possible. Other than being on the road and the music, Reyne is most looking forward to hanging around with the band, some of whom he has played with for over 40 years.

For the Way Out West Tour, Reyne will be touring with an eight-piece band. He chuckled to himself when he told us they like to call Andy McIver the new kid. “We used to laugh about Andy McIver, who is our bass player. We used to call him the new kid but he has been in the band for 28 years! He was the new guy.”

“Now we have Melinda Jackson and Nicky Curtis singing. We’ve also got Sean Johnson playing keyboards. I feel like they have been in the band for a week but I think they have been playing with us for four years. It feels like just a month though, it’s one big, lovely, warm, bunch of loveliness.”

For Australians, James Reyne is part of that same social fabric. We know the words to his songs and just like coming home after a long day of living and a’working on the land, they bring us comfort. That’s what this tour is about.

“We always play what people want to hear – all the hits. You come and see me and you know all the songs – I’m lucky enough that I have enough songs that people know. Our set is 75-90 minutes and people know every single song and they sing along. And of course at some stage during the night Ella (Hooper) and I will do ‘Way Out West’ together.”

Tickets on sale now – head to jamesreyne.com.au

This article was made in partnership with James Reyne.

Trophy Eyes announce Australian tour for June and July

Newcastle punk rockers Trophy Eyes have announced the Suicide and Sunshine Australian Tour in support of the band’s forthcoming studio album, Suicide and Sunshine, which us due to drop June 23 via Hopeless Records.

Trophy Eyes Australian Tour

Thursday 22 June – Fremantle Social Club, Fremantle
Friday 23 June – The Gov, Adelaide
Saturday 24 June – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Friday 30 June – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Saturday 1 July – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Trophy Eyes recently released the album’s lead single What Hurts The Most. The single is a haunting song about pain, loss, and learning to say goodbye to relationships you’ve outgrown. The lyrics (as always) were Inspired by Trophy Eyes’ frontman John Floreani’s personal experiences, and are a vulnerable peek inside his life.

​​”I moved to Newcastle, Australia in my early 20’s. My best friend and I had made a plan together in pursuit of happiness, and for some reason, to us, it all started there. He’d always struggled between the pressure of conventional life and risking all for the unattainable, and I’d always flourished in chaos. Like it does, time marched on. I joined Trophy Eyes and he dedicated his time to house deposits and long term relationships,” says Trophy Eyes’ John Floreani.

“Trophy Eyes quickly consumed my life, taking my degree, relationships, friendships, jobs and homes – even the honour of best man. I found less and less time for motivational speeches, and even when I could, it was always met by a void of negativity. I gave up on him. Our friendship soured at the idea of what I’d sacrificed for my dream and how I’d neglected his. During a tour of Europe, he crossed a line back home, and I never saw him again.”

Just like the title Suicide and Sunshine, Trophy Eyes’ fourth album is about contrast. About light and dark. About beauty and tragedy. About the full spectrum of human existence, with each song plucked from the pages of frontman John Floreani’s life.

The album’s title comes from a lyric in the song “Sean”, Floreani writing that it was sunny when he heard of his mate’s passing, and that the Uber that took him to a gathering of Sean’s friends was playing poppy Top 40 hits. It is, however, a concept that’s long inspired the singer’s work.

“It’s the tragedy and the beauty of life. When we did Chemical Miracle, our second full length, the logo for the album was a palm tree and a noose. That’s literally suicide and sunshine. It’s always been there on my mind. And I think I finally just phonetically set it out. That encompasses everything I’ve been trying to do my entire career.”

The singer’s willingness to dive so deeply into the most personal parts of his life is matched by the band’s desire to explore the very boundaries of the hardcore and punk genres, incorporating dark modern pop, electronic flourishes courtesy of co-producer Fletcher Matthews, and atmospheric, swirling synths.

“It’s where we are, it’s who we are just doing the stuff we like,” says Floreani. “It was just the guys getting together and focusing on our relationships, being brothers and being in a band again. And that’s what this record was for Trophy Eyes – a very happy revisiting of why the fuck we’re doing this in the first place.”

General Public go on sale Wed 26 Apr @ 10.00am AEST. For all ticket and tour information – www.trophyeyesmusic.com

Here’s a list of cafes open in the Geelong region on ANZAC day to get your caffeine fix

For those of you who will be getting up early for the ANZAC day dawn services, a coffee will definitely be needed.

We did the rounds, and here are the cafes that are most certainly ready to help you out with your caffeine requirements – some are even open extra early for you!

But it’s important to remember that ANZAC Day is about remembering the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in any wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. If you can’t make it to a dawn service, you can donate to the ANZAC appeal here. Also, read more about the day here.

A guide to all the services and marches on ANZAC Day across the Geelong region

Brother Lawrence

Alongside the dense, chewy hoops (bagels) at Brother Lawrence, the cafe also boasts a quaint but vibrant breakfast and lunch menu inspired by fresh and local produce while you’ll also find a cabinet stocked with focaccias, freshly squeezed juices, sparkling drinks, hot drinks, assorted tea from Love Tea and coffee by Ona, brewed and served to perfection. Plus there are hot cross bagels.

Open for ANZAC day from 9am-2pm.

Where: 11 Rutland Street, Newtown.

Sweet Adeline Cafe

Whether you’re keen to hit the walking track or just stock up on some sweets, Sweet Adeline Cafe is the pop-up you need to swing by.

They’ll be open from 8am-2pm with a minute of silence at 11am.

Where: 1/560 Latrobe Blvd, Newtown

Toasty

Toasty offers generously-sized toasties and hot coffee right in the heart of Geelong. They’ll be open on Anzac Day from 9am-2pm.

Where: 85 Ryrie St, Geelong

Vid Bar Highton

This gem is all about delivering the sweet, sweet overseas culinary classics, headlined by a range of authentic tasty bite-sized Greek doughnuts (aka loukoumades aka pieces of heaven). For Anzac Day, they’ll be open from 11am to 10pm.

Where: 4/1-3 Belle Vue Ave, Highton

Ocean Grind

If you want to feel good while you indulge in caffeine, Ocean Grind roastery in Torquay is all about fresh, quality coffee, appreciating the coast and the natural environment and the allure of the ocean and the grinding waves it produces.

Ocean Grind will be open 7am-12pm.

Where: 10b Sawmills Way, Torquay

Garage Ocean Grove

Serving delicious, wholesome locally sourced food and high quality St. Ali espresso coffee the cafe is buzzing on the daily with all the best vibes. For Anzac Day, they’ll be open 8am-2pm.

Where: 15 Lelean St, Ocean Grove

The Grove Coffee Co

Renowned for its great quality coffee, simple but quality-driven food, and an ethos of friendly, light-hearted service driven by a want to please, this little gem is also open. Open 6:30-12:30 for Anzac Day.

Where: 2/85 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Paddington

When talking about the great service at a cafe people often mention how great it is when the staff knows them by name. But how often do you find a place where the staff knows the names of the canine regulars as well? Offering Clark St Coffee (a brand renowned for its sustainable ethos and emphasis on environmentally-friendly packaging), Paddington Café is the go-to for when you need a buzz that both does the job and is rich in delicious flavours.

Paddington will be open for takeaway only on Anzac Day from 8am-11am.

Where: 134B High St, Belmont

Winters Cafe

Located at the river end of Pako, Winters has become a mainstay in the Geelong brekky scene. Their menu comes equipped with a local, seasonal focus meaning you’re always going to get the best locally sourced ingredients Geelong has to offer.

They’ll be open on Anzac Day from 7:30am-2pm.

Where: 330 Pakington St, Newtown.

That Place Patisserie

If you’re looking to teleport yourself to the streets of Paris on this public holiday, there’s no better place to start than at That Place Patisserie in Belmont. For Anzac Day, they’ll be bringing back their renowned Anzac Biscuit Croissant.

They’ll be open Anzac Day from 8-11am.

Where: 110b Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont

9 Grams, Torquay, Newtown, Mount Duneed

Bless those that know the public holidays should not be devoid of caffeine. If you’re looking for a brew, these guys are your saving grace and will be slinging takeaways coffees and sweets. We’ll be asking for a double shot…

Open 6am to 4pm at Newtown, and 7am to 3pm in Torquay and Mt Duneed.

Where: 1/343 Pakington Street, Newtown; 101 Unity Drive, Mount Duneed; and 6 Gilbert Street, Torquay.

Blank Space

Providing flavoursome and fresh dishes and exceptional Constant Coffee, supporting local suppliers, and featuring many sweet, savoury, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, it’ll be hard not to find multiple things that tickle your fancy.

They’ll be opening the doors on Anzac Day from 6am-12pm for coffee and cabinet food only.

Where: 4/343 Pakington Street, Newtown.

Geelong West Social Club

You know when you find yourself in a bit of a hurry, don’t want to spend a heap of money, but want some good tasty food and smooth hot coffee, where do you go? The Geelong West Social Club, that’s where – especially with their delicious array of bagels.

The G.W.S.C team are open 8am-1pm on Anzac Day.

Where: 1b Yuille Street, Geelong West

King of the Castle

KOTC never fails to hit the cravings when it comes to caffeine and all things delicious, especially with their Kings Breakfast, brioche French Toast, banoffee waffles and avocado toast.

KOTC will be open 7:30pm to 2pm.

Where: 24 Pakington Street, Geelong

Local Geelong

Local Geelong is a well-loved cafe slinging coffee, cake, brunch and pastries all day. With treats seven days a week and some of the smoothest coffee around town, we’re stoked that the team are open on most, if not all, public holidays. Slinging takeaway goods for all, you’ll be able to load up with a range of pastries, buns, bread and snacks.

Open from 7:30am-12pm on Anzac Day.

Where: 175 McKillop St, Geelong

Untitled, Armstrong Creek & Geelong

They might be known for their famous bagels (seriously, so good), but the overarching reason we race down there on the daily is for their piping hot cups of coffee, made with their own specialty blend ‘Smooth Blend’, courtesy of Three Little Beans roastery, located right here in Geelong.

Geelong venue will be open from 6am to 2pm for takeaway and courtyard, while Armstrong Creek will be closed.

Where: Shop T14: 500-540 Torquay Road, Armstrong Creek & 197 Yarra Street, Geelong.

Warralily Cockatoo

If you ever find yourself asking what’s better than a morning sleep in, the answer is a day spent with an excellent coffee in one hand and a spoonful of something delicious in the other – and both can be done at Warralily Cockatoo on the public holiday.

They’ll be open regular hours and they’ll have special Anzac cookies too.

Where: Warralily Village Shop 19, 3/33 Central Bvd, Armstrong Creek

Wild Goat Coffee Co

Whether it’s a flat white, cappuccino, long black, a latte on ice or even a mocha choc you’re after, Wild Goat’s friendly but speedy baristas have you sorted, churning out high quality coffees at an impressive rate. Drive on through and grab a coffee to go. Open 7:30am-1pm on Anzac Day.

Where: 42 Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater

Box Office

Box Office might just be the most exciting shipping container in Geelong, serving up a whole host of café classics and international-themed dishes.

Serving coffee from Axil Coffee Roasters, these guys are open for all your coffee and food needs from 6:30am.

Where: 77 Preston St, Geelong West

The Salty Dog Café

A café located right on the beach, this one is perfect for you and your pup’s morning coffee. There’s nothing like soaking up the view over Fisherman’s beach with a selection of breakfasts, toasties, beverages and cakes. You’ll find a tonne of water bowls scattered around the place as well as puppaccinos and plenty of space to stretch their little legs. Salty dogs are always welcome.

For Anzac Day, this cafe will be open from 6am for coffee with brunch served all day.

Where: 50 The Esplanade, Torquay

Bean Squeeze

These coffee drive-throughs are spotted all over Geelong and they’ve good for much more than just speedy coffees. If you’ve got a furry pal with you, you’ll get some smacko treats with your drink. Perfect for when you’re on the run!

All Stores (except Mercer St and Moorabool St) on ANZAC Day will be open their normal open time until 4pm, while Mercer St and Moorabool St will open 5:30am – Closing 1pm.

Where: various locations around town

Mercy Cafe

Operating out of a beautifully renovated shipping container, Mercy serves up some damn fine cups of Mikro Coffee Roasters coffee with a food menu that features a bevvy of sandwiches and baguettes all made on-site.

Mercy will be open on the public holiday from 7-1 for takeaway only.

Where: 401 Eastern Park Circuit, Geelong

Iberia Geelong

Your favourite Geelong local cafe serving up coffee, food & liquor. Locally roasted coffee, a fresh, delicious and considered menu. Iberia will be open on Anzac Day from 8am-1pm.

Where: 137 Shannon Ave, Manifold Heights.

Skinny Dippers Café

Renowned for their Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan/vegetarian whole foods. Open 8-2 at Newtown and 8-2 East Geelong on Anzac Day.

Where: 2 Lambert Ave, Newtown & 261 Myers St, East Geelong.

Maple Bakery

Canadian Inspired Bakery in the heart of Torquay. Serving coffee supplied by Surf Coast Coffee Roasters with modern or traditional treats. Open from 8am to 2pm on Anzac Day.

Where: 40/10 Cylinders Drive, Torquay

Van Loons Café

Van Loons Café serves delicious house-made meals and cakes and they’ll be open from 9am.

Where: 405 Grubb Rd, Wallington

Woodhouse Café

Tucked away on the busy Belmont High Street strip, get your caffeine hit from 8am until 2pm on Anzac Day.

Where: 170A High St, Belmont

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie

There’s no denying this venue’s pull. Chocolate and ice cream, is there anything else you need in life? Well yes, they do coffee too. Open from 9am-5pm for Anzac Day.

Where:1200, Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae.

Pavilion

Pavilion Geelong is a modern cafe along the shore of Eastern Beach, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and takeaway sweet and savoury treats. Open from 6:30am-4pm every day over the Easter long weekend if you’re after a scenic caffeine hit.

Where: 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong

TonTon

Pushing the boundaries of what we understand the cafe experience to be, TonTon is one of the newest venues to join the Geelong hospitality scene, gifting locals and tourists alike another bright new dining spot. They’re open on Anzac Day from 8am-2pm.

Where: 9/65 Barrabool Rd, Highton Village

Dame Edna star Barry Humphries has died aged 89

Celebrated Australian performer Barry Humphries, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, has passed away on Saturday at the age of 89 years old.

“He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend and confidant to many. His passing leaves a void in so many lives. The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on.”

He is survived by his wife Lizzie, his children Tessa, Emily, Oscar and Rupert, and 10 beloved grandchildren.

Tributes have flowed for the Melbourne-born star, with the likes of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Comedian Matt Lucas of Little Britain, Dannii Minogue, Elton John, and Piers Morgan, among many others from across the world.

For 89 years, Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone.

But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry.

A great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/oSAKpxPGae

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 22, 2023

A comic genius until the end, RIP.

 

Record Store Day 2023 is on this weekend so here’s where to find some exclusive gems across Victoria

Record Store Day – a global celebration of the indie record store space and the largest event on any music collector’s calendar – is rolling into town for its 16th year on Saturday 22 April 2023.

Celebrating across the country, Record Store Day aims to spotlight and give back to the passionate folk behind the front counter, who share access, knowledge, and an undying love of the world’s best music. In doing so, a bunch of in-person Record Store Day events and activations will be held at participating stores across Australia, with many retailers offering extended trade, special deals and in-store performances amongst plenty of other fun activities.

Plus, of course, these record stores will be selling the top-tier exclusive RSD releases, in what has been called ‘RSD Drops’, to bring revenue to the stores, as well as to the artists, labels, distribution and every other business behind the scenes making record stores work.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here. 

This year the list boasts releases a who’s who of Australian artists plucked from a range of genres, the all-star cast of RSD specials includes Peking Duk w/ Darren Hayes, Bluey, Ball Park Music, Close Counters, Confidence Man, Ella Thompson, Forest Claudette, GUM / Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Hugo Basclain, Ocean Alley, Penny Ikinger, Polish Club, Underground Lovers and Winterbourne. You’ll also find exclusive RSD titles from some huge names like The 1975, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, Maya Hawke, Kasabian Vs The Prodigy, and stacks more – even Taylor Swift!

The fun of RSD Drops though is that not every store has everything because these are, after all, limited editions. Stores won’t know what they’ve got until a day or so before, when they open their boxes, so the best way to find out what a store has is to say close to their website and social media and to check out the online store.

Here’s where to celebrate Record Store Day 2023

Geelong

Popcultcha Records

For those real keen on celebrating Record Store Day we suggest heading on down to the brand new record store this Saturday to grab some awesome records and check out some wicked live music! Popcultcha will be celebrating with exclusive vinyl, live music, and good times with this entirely free event. Performances from Daisy Kilbourne, Isabelle Khalife, and Hassall.

The store will swing open the doors at 9am so head in early to score some rare gems.

Address: 96-98 Ryrie Street, Geelong, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Time: 9am for records, 10am – Daisy Kilbourne + 12pm – Isabella Khalife + 2pm – Hassall

Bad Neighbour Records

Celebrating Record Store Day for the second time ever, BNR is hosting an epic event for vinyl lovers of the region with a full day of festivities. Going down on Saturday from 12pm, the record store will see a bunch of DJs hit the decks with their collections (including DJ Worm, Merl, Miami Sammi, T-Boy) while free cold tins will be available to keep everyone quenched from the shape throwing and crate digging! And of course, they’ll also have some RSD releases, new merch, some rare finds and a bunch of specials.

Celebrating all things vinyl at Bad Neighbour Records, 5 Rutland Street, Newtown.

Address: 5 Rutland St, Newtown
Times: 12pm to 6pm

 

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Gifts for the Geek

The crew at Gifts for the Geek are also jumping on board for Record Store Day, bringing in a stunning collection of exclusive, limited-edition releases for you to get your mitts on.

For RSD the doors will be open from 9:30am for vinyl lovers to sift through the stock. Sadly a lot of RSD titles are running late, but GFTG have still scored a bunch of great titles for Saturday, including the likes of Taylor Swift Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (RSD Exclusive Grey Vinyl), BLUEY – Bluey Dance Mode! (RSD 2023), Carole King Legendary Demos [LP] (Milky Clear Vinyl, limited, indie-exclusive), and Pearl Jam’s Give Way [2LP] (first time on vinyl, gatefold, limited, indie-exclusive), plus heaps more.

Run, don’t walk.

Address: 153-155 Ryrie Street, Geelong
Time: From 9:30am

Prehistoric Sounds

Celebrating Record Store Day across both Warrnambool and Geelong stores, Prehistoric Sounds will swing open the doors at 10am where they’ll have a slew of exclusive titles up for grabs. Few rules to take note of, there’s no holds and no multi-buys of a particular title. Anything “leftover” will be available to order online from 9am Monday 24th April.

Among the goodies you’ll find include Ball Park Music – It’s Nice To Be Alive [7″], Dermot Kennedy – Sonder (Pic Disc) [LP], Dolly Parton – The Monument Singles Collection: 1964-1968 [LP], Elvis Presley – Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals [2LP], Motley Crue – Helter Skelter (Pic Disc) [EP], Taylor Swift – Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (Grey) [2LP], Pearl Jam – Give Way [2LP], The Cranberries – Wake Up And Smell The Coffee (Trans) [LP], and so much more.

You can view the full list of titles via Prehistoric Sounds socials.

Address: The Mill Markets Newcomb, Stall 502 114 Bellarine Hwy Newcomb and 99 Kepler St, Warrnambool.
Time: 10am

In The Skies Art & Music

At the tail end of Lorne’s bustling Mountjoy Parade lives one of Bellarine Peninsula’s most inviting and accommodating art spaces. And once again, this community-centric venue will be celebrating record store day.

For RSD this year, they will be offering 10% off all new and second hand vinyl on Saturday, including a modest selection of this year’s exclusive RSD titles. The team will also have their bar – The Painters Arms Lorne – serving up booze and spinning records from 2pm.

Address: 8 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Elsewhere in Regional Victoria

Daylesford Records

Specialising in rare vinyl, original press, vintage records, turntables and amps, Daylesford Records will be celebrating RSD on Saturday with loaded the crates with 100’s of new and archive classics. The store will also have limited stock of some special Record Store Day releases on a first come first served basis… so head on in early. 

Address: 8/11 Howe Street, Daylesford

Bendigo Vinyl

This record store day, Bendigo Vinyl are celebrating with an offering of refurbished Audio Technica turntables, from some of their more popular ranges, for some out of control prices. This is all part of Audio Technica’s environmental commitments to reduce waste and the best way to do that is to re-use things for their initial purpose. Most of the tables in the program have been returned to a retailer with no fault found, potentially unboxed and used once or twice, if at all. Some other models will have been ex-display, used, or repaired but all are practically new, 100% working tables with all the accessories. They even still come with full warranty!

Each table comes newly packaged with a “Tag Zero” sticker with comments and notes from the technician who checked and approved your new turntable. So if you are interested in getting into Vinyl or you need a new turntable, this record store day Bendigo Vinyl will be offering some heavily discounted turntables as part of this program. There will be limited quantities and will be sold first come first serve in store only on record store day, Saturday, April the 22nd.

Address: 333 Hargreaves St, Bendigo VIC 3550
Time: 10am – 5pm

 

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Melbourne

Soundmerch Real Life Record Store

Record Store Day celebrations at Soundmerch will see Floodlights playing live to celebrate the release of their album ‘Painting Of My Time’, as well as live performances by Babyccino & The Great Intelligence plus special guest DJs.

The store will open from 8am with over 40 RSD exclusive titles available to purchase, while Bands & DJs will run from 12 noon to 5pm. BBQ in the carpark from 12 noon to 2pm and drinks will be provided by Blackhearts & Sparrows.

Address: 64 Oxford Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Time: Open from 8am / Bands & DJs 12noon – 5pm

ALT CVLT

Record Store Day is being celebrated at ALT-CVLT, with Melbourne’s own HEAVY METAL CHOIR PROJECT. Rock out with Heavy Choir from 2pm and belt out classic heavy metal faves, whilst you check out the RSD Releases that will be available in store only on that morning. Of course you’ll also find merch, clothing, collectables and some unique giftware available to!

Store opens at 10am for those eager to see what we receive as part of Record Store Day, The choir hits the floor at 2pm, so if you are in the area come join your CVLT Crew and fellow metallers and fans of heavy music it’s a fun free event.

Address: 7e Station Street, Frankston VIC 3199
Time: 2pm (Store opens 10am for RSD Releases)

Captain Stomp Records

Do you love vinyl records? Do you have a collection at home? Fancy giving them a spin at Captain Stomp Records?? Well now you can!! Hosted by Ren from the mighty 3MDR Radio and The Fat Goat HQ, which is being temporarily relocated to Captain Stomp Records, in celebration of the annual Record Store Day.

The Fat Goat’s famous You Goat Vinyl night is switching up gears for Record Store Day on Saturday 22 April 2023 to have an in-store session at Captain Stomp Records from 11am to 8pm. If you’ve never used a mixer or pro decks before don’t fret. The guys will be on hand to show you everything you need to know. Just sign up to your preferred 20 minute slot and bring your finest selection. On average you’d need around five songs.

Bring your mates, and have a browse through the vinyl racks at Captain Stomp Records where there will be a selection of the limited edition vinyl records being released for RSD 2023, and only available in independent record stores.

Address: 46 Forest Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic, 3156
Time: 11am to 8pm

Northside Records

Record Store Day is a groovy groovy fun packed day that starts off early with specific RECORD STORE DAY RELEASES at Northside Records, which open at 9am.

Ella Thompson will put out a 7” on their label (only 100 pressed) as will Close Counters doing a six track album sampler. They will have this one in special orange (50 copies). The Rookies will also perform and have a special orange coloured RSD edition too!

Live performances will start from 3pm and there will be DJs all day long featuring vinylologists MzRizk, Sampology, and Rex.

Address: 236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Time: 9am – 6pm

 

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Rare Records

Along with the awesome RSD releases coming out this weekend, Rare Records will host I Built The Sky who will be performing selected works from his many releases. There will be some IBTS vinyl releases available here exclusively that he can sign on the day if you wish. Rare Records will also be offering 20% off our second hand vinyl for the whole weekend for purchases over $100 and excludes signed vinyl.

Address: 7 Wallace Ave, Point Cook VIC 3030
Time: 9am

JJ’S VINYL

JJ’s will be hosting an in-store event with loads of new and used vinyl for sale, exclusive RSD titles, discounted titles and music provided by DJ Brett Wolfie care of Melbourne Record Club spinning your favourite tracks from within.

Loads of onsite parking is available, and Beanheads Coffee Shoppe is operating all day providing your caffeine and fuel necessities. Follow the Event Page to keep up to date with all the exclusive titles that they will have on the day.

Address: 279 Wells Road, Chelsea Heights,Vic 3196
Time: 10am – 5pm

Union Heights

Union Heights will be showcasing another heavyweight lineup of local hip hop artists and DJs for RSD. The family friendly event kicks off at 10:30 and features live on the decks: J-RED, DJ WALLZEE, DJ Heata, and Kors Tha Force. There will also be live performances by Ciecmate, Viliani, and RANGES RC.

Plus, Flu will be instore signing the MONEY RSD release on Milesago.

Address: 136 Chapel Street, Windsor, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Time: 10:30am

Wah Wah Records

Wah Wah Records will be graced with performances by Madi Leeds and Primitive Future and will have RSD exclusive titles with discounts on others and sales. Doors from 10am

Address: 196 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Time: 10am

Wax Museum Records

Details: RSD Releases + over 500 used 12” sale for $10 and under alongside fresh and new imports. Bar open and sets from Dyl Thomas, Ingrid, Discourse, Bonnita, A13, DJ Travisty, Horatio Luna, + Teymori.

Address: 250 Flinders St (basement), Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Time: 10am – 6pm

White Rabbit Record Bar

Here RSD will be celebrated with twelve hours of DJ fun: 11am -11pm, free munchies for all the crate-diggers, full menu all day plus special cocktails, mulled wine and cider. As for the vinyl, you’ll find $5 yellow dot records, $10 Orange dot Records, 20% off CDs, 10% off vinyls and for every $10 spent on Music, you’ll get a ticket in the Raffle

Address: 176 Bellair Street, Kensington, Vic, 3031
Time: 11am- 11pm

OH JEAN Records

OH JEAN will have a bunch of exclusive titles on sale from 8am – and yes there is Taylor Swift! The venue will be spinning wax all day, coffee will be on as usual per RRIOT HOUSE and there will be some bonus in-store only additions.

Address: 276 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, 3065, Melbourne
Time: 8am

Rocksteady Records

This RSD you’ll find a bunch of exclusive releases, loads of local vinym and live performances from the likes of Georgia Fields, Party Pest, Gena Rose Bruce, Private Mountain, Muma Ganoush and DJ sets from DJ Davicé.

Address: Lvl 1 (Upstairs) Mitchell House 358 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Time: 9AM – 5PM

 

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Feminista Vinyl

Here you’ll find live music all day, plus raffles, games, and discount specials! All welcome, and it’s kiddo and doggo friendly! There will be heaps of stuff other than vinyl too, so come on down, plus performances from the likes of False Alarmi, Leticia Keane, Errgos Tin Riches, Xani, and Sylvia Gunn.
Address: 134 Nicholson Street Coburg, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Time: 11am – 4pm

Licorice Pie Records

LPR celebrating Record Store Day 2023 with DJs from 12 throughout the afternoon, outside the front of the store in the salubrious surroundings of Collingwood Yards. Featuring Arlo (Melb’s youngest digger), Gus & Claudia (Stroppies), Isobel & Grace (Rack Off Records), Jensen Tjung (Lower Plenty), and Tamsin Hopkinson (Glass Picture). 1000s of bargain LPs, 45s, and CDs, out the front of the shop too!

Address: Collingwood Yards 3, 30 Perry St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Time: Early opening from 10:30am, DJs from 12

Natural Selection

Here the already healthy second-hand shelves will be topped up for the occasion alongside limited stock of some select RSD ‘23 releases, exclusive Natty merch and a big store-wide sale to sweeten the deal. Catch a selection of DJs from the Stable Music  roster alongside the Natural Selection heads Charles Eddy & Ed Kent – the tunes cranking so come on down!

Address: 344 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Time: 10am – 6pm

The Gospel Whiskey + Paradise Alley

In celebration of Record Store Day, this Collingwood gem will be hosting a Vinyl After Party with the fine folk at Paradise Alley. Together, we will be hosting a selection of vinyl DJs alongside The Gospel drink specials, plus a whiskey tasting after dark. Music spinning from 2pm-12am with a schedule of vinyl DJ sets curated by Mr Lob, who will close the night with the last set from 10pm-12am.

Address: 25 Easey St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Time: 2pm – 12am

Check out the complete list of RSD Australia releases via the Record Store Day Australia website, and be sure to support your local indie record store when Record Store Day 2023 rolls around this year. 

Shop hand-picked homewares, gifts and more at Jade and May, a beautiful boutique in Geelong

Bamboo pyjama sets, delicate handmade ceramics, soft linen pillowcases, beautifully illustrated books and cookbooks with drool-worthy recipes from around the world are all on the shelves at Jade and May, Newtown’s small-batch homewares, clothing, gift and accessories store that captures the essence of handmade, thoughtful and beautiful design. 

There’s a lot of love about Jade and May, a business born from a simple passion to celebrate makers from as far away as Mexico to as close to home as Belmont.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here. 

 

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Behind the business is Belmont local Carlie O’Loughlin, a mother of three, designer and curator of beautiful things.

O’Loughlin began her business in 2019, when she started designing and selling linen dressing gowns at local markets. The success of her beautifully simple and cosy pieces inspired her to open a dedicated retail space on Rutland Street. It was the ideal setting for O’Loughlin, becoming not only a space for her to market her beautiful designs, but a place to find interesting, beautiful and unique keepsakes.

Between life as a mother and designer, O’Loughlin has dedicated much of her time to curating a store full of items hard to find anywhere else. One step inside and it’s clear the amount of care put in to providing a unique offering for those looking for something a little different for themselves, or a loved one.

From quirky art prints, to lovingly wheel-thrown ceramics, to children’s toys, to the most perfect selection of coffee table books, there are homewares and gifts for any age.

With a focus and passion for the environment and sustainability, O’Loughlin has – and always will – ensure her designs, and her store, followed her core values.

“The shop is full of beautiful products that I have mostly sourced from family-owned businesses with similar values – their productions runs are generally smaller, with more focus and care on how, where and by whom their products are made. These people love what they create and it shows in the end result,” she says of the store’s contents.

“Ethically produced, sustainable and environmental factors are all front when choosing suppliers to stock in store and online.

“These are pieces with soul, from both near and afar to turn your house into a home.”

 

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With so many beautiful items, it’s awe-inspiring to know that every piece in the store is either from a small business, ethically produced, made in a sustainable way or is made in a way that is conscious of the environment. In many cases, the product meets each of these criteria.

And of course, there is the beautiful, handcrafted pyjama and homeware range designed by Carlie herself. These pieces are all natural fibres and designed to be simple to wear, cosy and easy to mix and match. Think effortless button up shirts, comfy trousers, perfectly-soft napkins and chic tote bags. Although originally designed as sleepwear, pieces are easy taken from bed to the beach or even the bar, the quality and style transcending one wear or one use.

In the space of three years, the store has more than doubled in size due to the success of the business, expanding into a large area next door to the original shop front.

Through the pandemic, the store became a packing area for Carlie to send orders to her loyal customers, but now, it is back to its intended glory, a welcoming, calm, well-lit space full of beautiful things. Jade and May neighbours plenty of other makers, nestled in one of Geelong’s favourite creative hubs. From artists, to photographers, to jewellers, florists, dance studios and art galleries there are plenty of creatives making their mark, putting Carlie in the midst of a complementary selection of retailers.

The Jade and May store is situated at 17a Rutland Street, Newtown. The store is open 9:30am to 4om, Tuesday to Saturday. Shop online here. 

All aboard, Hi Sushi is opening a sushi train restaurant in Geelong this year

Hop on board local foodies, looks like Geelong is getting a sushi train this year, giving us a brand new way to feast on Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi and more.

The exciting news is courtesy of Hi Sushi, Geelong’s first stop for quality Japanese cuisine. Serving high-quality new sushi varieties and extended Japanese traditional hot food, Hi Sushi has venues all across the regional city, with locations in Waurn Ponds, Geelong CBD, Leopold and Corio. No matter which location you choose to dine at, you will always be greeted by friendly and attentive staff in a warm and vibrant atmosphere and a guarantee of delicious, fresh dishes.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Now the beloved local chain is gifting us a new destination venue with the forthcoming Hi Sushi Hi Bar Sushi Train, opening in Bell Park this year. Located at 199 Thompsons Road, the new dining spot will transform the well-recognised pink restaurant, previously home to Le Thai Chef Restaurant (next to the Post Office and opposite 7/11.

Check out the exterior signage below that’s been exciting locals for the past five or so months, captured by the Instagram account New To North Geelong.

 

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If you’re a fan of sushi or Japanese cuisine in general, then chances are that you have heard about a sushi train restaurant before. Also known as ‘conveyor belt sushi’, sushi trains are an iconic Japanese experience where a conveyor belt stretches throughout the restaurant and passes each table. Plates full of various kinds of delicious sushi and other Japanese delicacies circle the restaurant, with customers simply reaching over and grabbing the plate they desire when it comes around to them.

While details are scarce, Hi Sushi has recently advertised for staff (April 12) for the new sushi train venue, and another new venue in Newtown on Pakington Street, which is slated to open “over the next eight weeks”, which is seriously so exciting! Upon reaching out to Hi-Sushi for comment, we were told ‘May-June’ for an opening window.

Alongside the sushi train, the venue is also expecting to incorporate robot servers, to bring food to customers at their tables.

As for the food, you can probably expect to find all of your Hi-Sushi favourites, including Salmon sushi, California rolls, sashimi, tuna rolls, noodles and ramen, rice dishes and handmade dumplings and soups.

Regardless of what’s been served, the arrival of a sushi train restaurant is an exciting addition to Geelong’s north, offering a fun and unique experience to hungry diners who are wanting great tasting food in a fun and lively environment.

Whether it’s the possibility of sampling endless Japanese snacks or the thrill of taking a plate before your fellow diner even has the chance, we just know a visit to this restaurant is the promise of a good time.

Stay tuned for further information, or to get your Hi-Sushi fix now, head here. 

‘What We Become’: The Reformation of Kisschasy

The same year Queens of the Stone Age dropped their third and most thrilling album, Songs for the Deaf, Darren Cordeux, Joel Vanderuit, Sean Thomas, and Karl Ammitzboll banded in Melbourne as childhood germ-sharing game Kisschasy. 

The band released three studio albums, United Paper People, Hymns for the Non-Believer, and Seizures, two EPs, a documentary DVD and a compilation album. They were regulars on the live music front, playing Australian flagship music festivals Big Day Out and Groovin’ the Moo, and they received several award nominations including winning the Channel V Oz Artist of the Year in 2009.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

On 17 July 2015, Kisschasy announced their breakup, putting it down to their individual music crossroads, embarking on their final national tour and kissing goodbye to their fans and the songs that shaped a mass of disgruntled Gen (wh)y’s. 

That was until our favourite alternative festival, Good Things, resuscitated them last year and sparked another Australian Tour this May.

“We’re pretty excited. It’s been a long time since we’ve done some proper touring. We got the appetite going after Good Things so it’s really cool to be able to have another go around,” comments bassist Joel Vanderuit.

“Initially it had all come up in, I think, 2020 which was the 15th anniversary of United Paper People coming out so originally we had a promoter approach us out of nowhere offering if we wanted to tour the record which sounded cool but obviously what happened, happened in 2020 and on and on. During that time of rescheduling and assessing the way forward, Good Things came to us – they must have heard through the grapevine that we were talking to someone else about doing the show and allowed us to come out to do a festival. It seemed like the perfect way to ease our way back into live music again.”

 

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Uniting the physical people by playing their debut album in full for a chorus of ‘Do Do’s and Woah’s’ and a cry along to ‘Black Dress’ came with a nostalgia grab for both the crowd and the band. 

“It was quite a nostalgic process rehearsing for that because some of those songs we hadn’t played in a long time. We also had to rehearse on our own for a while. Darren now lives in the States so he didn’t get home until two days before the festival, so we had two days of full band rehearsal after nine years off which was pretty good but got through it.

“But reliving that album, our first full-length album and reminiscing the process of recording it and being a young band, like ‘holy shit we have a record deal’ and people were starting to come to our shows back when that was released. All of that stuff came from that record so to be able to relive that and play it live and, quite honestly, that people still give a shit is quite humbling,” says Vanderuit.

The band will be delving further into their beanbag of songs for the upcoming May tour, curating a setlist of early 2000s ‘Ghosts and Dinosaurs’. Freshen up on ‘Opinions Won’t Keep You Warm At Night’ (with recommended watching of the music video that can be interchangeable with any political head), ‘Spray On Pants’, and the rock ‘n’ roll song ‘With Friends Like You, Who Needs Friends?’.   

“Basically a full set from our full catalogue. We’re all gonna have to rehearse alone again to start as Darren won’t come until a little bit before the tour starts, but we just wrapped up setlist conversations and so we’ve got stuff from really early days from EPs and all albums and we’re tossing up maybe throwing in something we’ve never done live before.

“So yeah, it’s gonna be a full eclectic pick from every release we’ve ever done so it should be fun,” says Vanderuit.

The tour at this stage is a one-off event with their continued musical affair with continental distance and their eight year shifting tides that keeps the Kisschasy permanent reformation answer ambiguous.  

“We haven’t delved too far into it yet. I don’t think there will be anything, certainly not in the short term after this. Darren’s pretty involved in what he’s doing over in LA, and I run my own business and I’ve got quite a few staff and things like that so can’t keep jetting off on tour all the time, Karls in a similar boat, and Sean and the guys all have families now.

“So there’s lots of more complications than there were eight or nine years ago. We haven’t really discussed it. That might come up on the tour when we spend a bit more time together, but there’s not any music or anything hiding. So no plans as yet but never say never is what Darren keeps telling us.”

That’s all the hope we need. 

Catch Kisschasy at Torquay Hotel on Friday 19 May 2023 with special guests Towns and Bec Stevens.

Pulley are heading to Geelong as part of first Australian tour in almost 20 years

Fans of Southern California skate-punk and the days of Punk-O-Rama compilations should be marking their calendars because Pulley, the trailblazing maestros who brought us songs like “Cashed In” and “Gone,” are set to ignite Australia ablaze as they return down under for the first time in almost 20 years.

Pulley Australian Tour

NOV 03 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle, NSW
NOV 04 – Marrickville Bowling, Sydney, NSW
​NOV 06 – Stay Gold, Melbourne, VIC
NOV 07 – Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
NOV 09 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide, SA
NOV 10 – Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast, QLD
NOV 11 – Bad Luck, Brisbane, QLD

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

You can’t talk about skate punk without mentioning the California punkers’ influence on the genre. Formed in 1994, they’ve built a strong cult following over the last 30 years, releasing five full-length records on legendary label Epitaph records.

THE GOLDEN LIFE, Pulley’s latest release on SBAM records showcases the best parts of who they have become as a band. With songs like “Repeat Offender,” a high-energy opening track sure to welcome a sing-along, and the album’s single, “Golden Life,” the So-Cal Kings of Skate-Punk are ready to remind fans that they are not only back but back better than ever.  ​

Tickets are on sale now here.

James Reyne + Ella Hooper

Hooper explains, “When James came to me with this idea – I was like – hell yeah! I’ve always adored that song, it’s got such a lovely, laconic feel to it and it’s such a unique Australian song too.

James Reyne and Ella Hooper tour

May

• May 26 – Theatre Royal Hobart TAS
• May 27 – Adelaide Festival Centre Adelaide SA

June 

• June 1 – The Tivoli Brisbane QLD
• June 2 – The Tivoli Brisbane QLD
• June 4 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast QLD
• June 9 – Anita’s Theatre Thirroul NSW
• June 10 – Enmore Theatre Sydney NSW
• June 17 – Palais Theatre Melbourne VIC
• June 23 – Empire Theatre Toowoomba QLD
• June 30 – Freo Social Fremantle WA

July

• July 1 – Astor Theatre Perth WA
• July 15 – Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo VIC
• July 22 – Ballarat Civic Hall Ballarat VIC

August

• August 4 – Darwin Entertainment Centre Darwin NT
• August 11 – Townsville Regional Entertainment Centre Townsville QLD
• August 12 – Tanks Arts Centre Cairns QLD
• August 18 – Drifters Wharf Gosford NSW
• August 19 – Toronto Hotel Toronto NSW

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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“I used to belt out this song growing up in the country, it’s a dream to be doing it for real with James! It definitely deserves another spin!” The single is available to pre-save here and is released April 21.

Reyne and Hooper will take their new version of Way Out West on the road from May through to August this year with a massive run of dates weaving right across the country.

Tickets on sale now – head to jamesreyne.com.au