Summersalt
SummerSalt is back in 2024 to deliver another season of sun-kissed summer fun and glittering live music!
This year is going to shine bright as we bring much-loved Aussie artists together with an exciting international act for a stellar line-up featuring JAMES BAY, MATT CORBY, ZIGGY ALBERTS, THELMA PLUM, KITA ALEXANDER*, and MIA WRAY.
*Not playing Lake Macquarie.
Gather your friends and family to make memories this summer with sun-drenched days and a sparkling haze of good times.
Battlesnake
Prepare yourselves, as Battlesnake gear up for a mind-melting tour across the Australian east coast.
The serpent warriors have set their sights on European stages for 2024, but the quest is not without its challenges. By purchasing your tickets to their ‘Help Us Get To Europe’ Australian tour, you’re not just gaining access to a hell raising live performance – you’re becoming a vital part of their saga, fueling the fires that will propel Battlesnake across the continent. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this epic journey! Grab your tickets now and witness the magic that is Battlesnake live show, where the stage becomes a battleground and music becomes a weapon. As you join Battlesnake on their quest, you’re not just supporting a band – you’re becoming a part of metal history. 🤘 Unleash the Fury, embrace the power, and get your tickets now for the ‘Help Us Get To Europe’ Australian East Coast Tour.
Barracouta
Victoria’s finest power funk export BARRACOUTA make their long awaited return to the stage this March! Sporting a fresh new coat of paint and armed to the gills with an arsenal of slick licks, Barracouta are primed and ready to grab 2024 by the balls. This new and improved model contains 100% more juicy synth, combining the sound you already know and love with a whole new sonic force. Get ready to dance the night away as the boys unleash a headline set choc filled with A grade bangers, promising to keep those hands a clappin’ and the feet a stompin’! Support from Dayfever and Hot Lemons.
Sons of the East
Double J & Select Music Present – Sons Of The East 2024 Australian Tour
After sellout shows in London, LA, New York, Paris and Barcelona, Sons Of The East are bringing their thrilling live show home to Australia in 2024. With an exciting lineup of 30 shows across the country, this will be the band’s biggest Australian tour to date.
Playing venues throughout regional Australia and capital cities from February through April in 2024, this tour will be supported by Double J and will include appearances at Port Fairy Folk and Dream Fields Festivals.
Sons Of The East have amassed an impressive 300 million streams and 60 million YouTube views throughout their career, a testament to their growing connection with fans all around the world.
The Hold Steady returns to Melbourne for Weekender Shows in 2024
Brooklyn’s very own The Hold Steady is gearing up for an electrifying return to Melbourne, marking two decades of incredible music with a series of shows in May 2024. Following their successful Weekender debut in 2022, the band is set to ignite the stage once again with three exclusive performances, including two gigs at The Croxton Bandroom and a more intimate night at Stay Gold.
Lead singer and guitarist Craig Finn expressed his excitement about the upcoming shows, stating, “The Hold Steady came to Australia after our first album, and ever since, we’ve had an amazing time playing there. The Australian THS audiences are some of the most fun we’ve encountered. Very excited to be back in 2024.”
The Hold Steady Weekender Dates
- Friday 24 May 2024: The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne VIC
- Saturday 25 May 2024: The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne VIC
- Sunday 26 May 2024: Stay Gold, Melbourne VIC
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The announcement follows the release of the band’s ninth studio album, The Price of Progress, earlier this year. Garnering critical acclaim from publications like Pitchfork, the album has been hailed as “vivid and weird: a celebration of second winds, unlikely comebacks, and undying rock’n’roll dreams.” With their signature massive choruses, sharp hooks, and novelist lyricism, The Hold Steady continues to solidify their status as timeless indie legends.
Formed in 2003, The Hold Steady has built a devoted fan base over the years through relentless touring and recording efforts. With over 1000 shows under their belt across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia, the band has earned numerous accolades and even scored their first Billboard Top 10 placement with their 2021 album Open Door Policy. Known for their evocative storytelling and detailed song craft, The Hold Steady remains a beacon for the lost and broken-hearted.
Melbourne fans can expect a weekend filled with transcendent modern rock excellence, as The Hold Steady brings their unique blend of rock classicism, indie, and punk to the stage. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable musical experience.
Tickets on sale here.
Adalita
Adalita embarks on her final run of official shows to celebrate the release of her stunning new album, INLAND. Catch Adalita and her full piece band this coming Friday 5th April at the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine where Adalita will be playing many songs from the album, INLAND plus some old favourites. Joining Adalita will be special guests Amaya Laucirica and Daisy Kilbourne.
Mia Dyson
Multiple award-winning and beloved Australian troubadour Mia Dyson is touring her new album ‘Tender Heart’ out February 23rd 2024.
Exploring themes of love, death and transformation, Mia’s near-death experience with a heart failure during the pandemic profoundly informs the tender style and deep reflection of these songs.
With her powerful grit and gravel voice, acclaimed guitar prowess, and a band of stellar musicians, Mia will bring these songs to the stage for the first time along with some of her favourite works spanning a 20+ year career in music.
Lydia Lunch and Joseph Keckler
Lydia Lunch & Joseph Keckler – “Tales of Lust & Madness”
Two of New York’s most one-of-kind performers join forces on this double bill, marking a triumphant return to Australia for Lydia Lunch and a debut for Joseph Keckler. In back-to-back sets, Lunch’s legendary, spellbinding prose and Keckler’s haunting and tricksterish songs promise an intimate evening of musical and linguistic intrigue.
In addition to this special event we will be screening the Victorian Premiere of “The War is Never Over” – a documentary on the life and influence of Lydia Lunch followed by a Q&A with Lydia herself !
You have the choice to purchase show only, film only or film and show
Neil Murray
A “Telling” Concert by Neil Murray & his band. Theatre Royal. March 16th.
Founding Warumpi Band member and now maverick, award winning songman, Neil Murray & his band bring the “Telling” concert to the Theatre Royale, Castlemaine on Saturday March 16th, 2024
Widely covered, Neil Murray’s song writing is diverse and influential and in concert he always captivates and inspires. Expect choice cuts from his acclaimed album “The Telling” along with landmark selections from his extensive back catalogue. Renowned world music & folk artist Kavisha Mazzella will open the evening.
Neil Murray
A “Telling” Concert by Neil Murray & his band. Theatre Royal. March 16th.
Founding Warumpi Band member and now maverick, award winning songman, Neil Murray & his band bring the “Telling” concert to the Theatre Royale, Castlemaine on Saturday March 16th, 2024
Widely covered, Neil Murray’s song writing is diverse and influential and in concert he always captivates and inspires. Expect choice cuts from his acclaimed album “The Telling” along with landmark selections from his extensive back catalogue. Renowned world music & folk artist Kavisha Mazzella will open the evening.
Melbourne Women in Film Festival returns, showcasing dynamic filmmaking by women
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is back for its eighth annual celebration of women and gender-diverse filmmakers, set to take place at ACMI from March 21st to 25th, 2024. This year’s festival will shine a spotlight on how filmmakers respond to their environments through storytelling, featuring works by notable directors including Jazz Money, Jeni Thornley, and Kitty Green.
The programme promises a diverse array of themes, from sustainability to the climate crisis, and contemporary social and cultural issues affecting women and gender-diverse individuals. Audiences can expect a mix of live and online screenings, alongside panel discussions and workshops.
Melbourne Women in Film Festival
- 21 – 25 March 2024
- ACMI
- mwff.org.au
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
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Kicking off the festival on Thursday, March 21st is the screening of WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language for “Remember, know, think”), a captivating exploration by acclaimed Wiradjuri artist Jazz Money. The film, commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in 2023, delves into the impact of archival material on First Nations people, weaving together original poetry and a stirring score by Filipino-Aboriginal rapper DOBBY.
On the festival’s closing night, Monday, March 25th, audiences will be treated to Memory Film: a Filmmaker’s Diary by Jeni Thornley. Drawing on her Super 8 archive spanning from 1974 to 2003, Thornley’s documentary offers a poignant reflection on decades of activism and social change, with themes ranging from gender fluidity to utopian feminism.
Other highlights include the unorthodox documentary Carbon: the Unauthorised Biography, narrated by Sarah Snook (Succession), and the gripping drama The Royal Hotel, directed by Kitty Green and starring Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick.
In addition to screenings, the festival will feature panel talks and discussions, presented in collaboration with research partner Monash University. The full programme will be unveiled on February 29th and will include regular short film sessions, educational panels, and the closing night movie.
MWFF aims to broaden the vision of gender equality and diversity in the Australian screen industries by creating inclusive spaces that bring together diverse practitioners and audiences to experience compelling and thought-provoking cinema. The festival is supported by the City of Melbourne Arts and Creative Investment Partnership program.
Find out more here.
Cambodian Space Project
One of Cambodia’s most renowned music exports, Cambodian Space Project (CSP) formed in 2009 with a mission to sing back to life the lost divas and rock legends of Cambodia’s golden age of rock’n’roll, who were all but wiped out by the Khmer Rouge regime. The band takes the audience on a heady trip through ethnic Khmer styles, psych-rock, motor city funk and Motown-esque pop to the new – totally spaced-out – grooves of Southeast Asia today. Founded by singer Kak Channthy and Tasmanian guitarist Julien Poulson, the band has been at the forefront of an astonishing cultural revival in Cambodia. And since Channthy’s death in 2018, the band has vowed to continue, in tribute to Channthy and the lost artists of Cambodia’s Golden Era. Expect an exhilarating live experience as they perform Cambodian dance hall hits from the ’60s to present day.
Wednesday
Maple Glider
For Tori Zietsch, who records emotionally direct and woozily romantic songs under the moniker Maple Glider, music has been an escape from a series of oppressive institutions: religion, enervating relationships, her own brain. Zietsch’s music has formed new pathways both literal and metaphorical; physical and neural, that have allowed her to step outside herself, and shake you— yes, you, the listener—by the hand.
Striking emotionality is at the centre of her performance, leaning into an intimacy that is achieved by way of deeply personal reflections and velvety melodic compositions. Vocals melt into layers of plucked acoustic guitar and lulling piano, drawing on the sombre styles of folk contemporaries with a stark tenderness and introspection that assumes the listener is inside her bedroom as she plays for herself.
Bob Log III
The world’s greatest one man band is coming to The Bridge
Renowned for the absolute mayhem and madness of his fast, furious, funtastic garage blues live show, you can’t claimed to have lived, or to have truly seen live music, until you’ve seen this man in his stuntman jumpsuit and helmet sing into his phone receiver, pound his drum and shred on his guitar with everything he’s got.
The Owls
The Owls are a 4 piece rock n roll band who’s sound rings out somewhere within a realm defined by the countrified rock of the Byrds and CCR, the melodic guitar tapestries of Television and the wide open range of Neil Young’s Crazy Horse, as they bring to life the songs of singer/songwriter Sean McMahon.
With a string of independent releases to his name and over a decade of non stop writing, recording and performing, Sean McMahon has honed an undeniably genuine voice as a singer/songwriter. His poetic, melodic songs glisten with lyrical beauty, weaving vivid story telling, confessional narratives and abstract musings through timeless sounds inspired by classic 70’s folk, rock and cosmic country.
The Owls will be playing tunes from Sean’s 2023 album ‘Victoria’ plus a bunch of cherry picked gems from a catalogue spanning 5 albums.
Amigo the Devil announces debut Australian tour in April
Prepare to be spellbound as unconventional American folk artist, Amigo the Devil, makes his highly anticipated debut in Australia this April. Armed with his banjo and haunting tales, Amigo the Devil promises an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts across the country with his distinctive blend of folk, Southern Gothic, outlaw country, and alternative bluegrass.
Hailed by Rolling Stone Country as a trailblazer in the music scene, Amigo the Devil, also known as Danny Kiranos, is set to embark on a 10-date tour in support of his latest album, “Yours Until the War is Over.” The run kicks off in the Gold Coast on April 13 with stops in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle and more before the two-week run ends April 28 in Adelaide, with a local stop over in Ballarat on April 24.
Amigo the Devil Australian Tour
- Sat, April 13: Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
- Sun, April 14: Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
- Fri, April 19: The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
- Sat, April 20: La La La’s, Wollongong
- Sun, April 21: Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
- Tues, April 23: The Baso, Canberra
- Wed, April 24: Volta Bar, Ballarat
- Fri, April 26: Pelly Bar – Frankston
- Sat, April 27: Stay Gold – Melbourne
- Sun, April 28: Jive Bar – Adelaide
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Splicing alarming honesty with personal realisations, his narratives carry weight, wisdom and wit. Influenced by the honesty of Leonard Cohen, the creativity of Tom Waits and the ruthlessness of Chavela Vargas, Amigo the Devil is not polished or clean – he’s all heart, with reckless abandon. His understanding of emotions is deep and instinctual, choosing to embrace one’s flaws instead of trying to change them.
Amigo The Devil, aka Danny Kiranos spent a significant portion of his earlier career embracing an almost nomadic lifestyle, absorbing tales from the underworld and penning songs about other wandering or lost souls. It comes as no surprise that Amigo the Devil swiftly turned the heads of heavy metal and alternative rock fans too. Amigo’s first full-length album, Volume 1, is filled with stories of his travels, relationships, and existential musings. Ballads both mournful and satirical, included “Hell and You,” “I Hope Your Husband Dies” and “One Kind of People.” In 2018, Amigo the Devil released Everything is Fine, which brought forth chantable ditties like “Hungover in Jonestown” as well as his dubiously introspective, “Cocaine and Abel.”
As Amigo’s music output grew it still retained its eerie charm, but began to venture into territories of acceptance and redemption as it followed his journey of self-discovery and growth. The next chapter of Amigo the Devil continues with the forthcoming release of Yours Until the War is Over – his most disarming and singular work to date.
In a world filled with fleeting tunes and temporary stars, artists like Amigo the Devil are the reminders of the power of storytelling – of music’s age-old role in narrating human emotion. Kiranos seems to be on a lifelong journey, not just of personal discovery, but of reminding us all of the roots, the rawness and the reality that music can offer.
Despite being armed with only his voice and a banjo/acoustic guitar, his live show is a world away from what might be expected of a typical ‘folk’ show. Loaded with sing-alongs and a heavy dose of humour, the set helps to make otherwise grim topics accessible for fans of all genres.
If you happen to hear a roomful of people yelling ‘I hope your husband dies’ in some harmoniously sloppy drunken unison, then you know you’re at an Amigo The Devil show!
Early Bird Pre Sale: Wed Feb 21, 9 am local time. General On Sale: Fri, Feb 23, 9 am local time. Get yours here.
Long Hot Summer Series: Lorne’s ultimate fusion of music, culture, and coastal living
Everybody needs good neighbours is not restricted to Ramsay Street.
From the turbulent Simpsons/Flanders union and the dysfunctional family dynamic of Everybody Loves Raymond, to the more wholesome Wilsons of the world from Home Improvement, time and time again the importance of good border buddies has been shown.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
It’s a next-door friendship that the renowned David Moyle of Lorne seaside bohemian tavern, The Clam, and the recently refreshed historic Lorne Theatre have embraced with open arms collaborating on the month-long live music, DJ and food experience series, Long Hot Summer.
The two adjoining venues combine across February and March to present the likes of Arizonian indie rockers, Calexico, Japanese kraut-rockers, Minami Deutsch, and Leah Senior on the stage front, András on The Clam decks, and a big screen showing of Talking Heads definitive concert film Stop Making Sense, which is undergoing cover revision in tribute album form from industry powerhouses including Paramore, Lorde and Miley Cyrus.
Lorne transforms into our cultural capital with four huge weekends of food, film and live music
The Long Hot Summer series is all about integrating experience so whilst The Clam and Lorne Theatre are bringing you down the winding Great Ocean Road, here are some other ways to enjoy your time in Lorne.
Shop
Mountjoy Parade is a hub of cultural activity but the retail action is next level with surf stores and luxury boutiques littering the main street front.
Vic and Bert are the ultimate capsule closet curators, offering timeless high quality garments with the perfect hardware to match and Wolf Whistle Boutique focuses on high quality threads made from natural fibres like airy linens, soft silks, organic cotton, warm wool and durable leather, perfect for the dynamic weather conditions of a coastal front. Along the strip you will also find Deluxe Lorne stocking favourite labels PE Nation, Anine Bing and Lee Matthews for that high end experience and MIDI Boutique representing the bohemian coastal looks of Rollas and Spell and the Gypsy.
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Swim
It’s sacrilege to travel all the way to the sunny coastal haven of Lorne without having a dip. Lorne Main Beach is not only a great spot to relax on the sand and get your feet wet during the summer months but you can also learn how to hang ten with Go Ride A Wave.
For those growing up on Blue Crush and Point Break, Go Ride A Wave will have you on your way to being the next Mick Fanning or Steph Gilmore. On one of Australia’s safest and most sheltered beaches, Go Ride A Wave holds 2-hour daily group sessions to take surfers from sand practice to wave paddling. Sessions are available for all ages and levels to get you tube riding or simply rolling into the shore on the back of a wave.
If you’re like Anakin Skywalker and don’t like sand, the Lorne Sea Baths have you covered. This recreational centre boasts an outdoor pool, relaxation areas and a wellness centre. They also have mini golf running on weekends between 10AM and 4PM.
Additionally, Lorne Pier is the ideal spot for a seaside walk and a spot to catch fish like trevally, barracuda and whiting.
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Explore
If you’re after a more picturesque sight of the ocean meets horizon view of Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout is your spot. A short drive up George Street, Teddy’s Lookout has two platforms to capture the best views of the Great Ocean Road.
Lorne is full of natural wonders and you would be remiss not to wander through the stunning rainforest and bushlands, leading to some of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. A small hike along the Rainforest Trail brings you to the beautiful Phantom Falls, and tucked into the Great Otway National Park is the towering Erskine Waterfall with stairs cascading down 30 metres allowing you to view it from the top and the crushing bottom. For those more adventurous, trek through the bushland to find a trio of falls, Cumberland Falls, Sheoak Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Entertain
Aside from Lorne Theatre having a popping program of showings and The Clam bringing the live music front, Lorne has even more to offer on the entertainment front.
The Lorne Visitor Information Centre is a great place to drop in whilst in the area to discover more about the town precinct, finding out about local events and community gatherings. You can also take a step back in history thanks to the permanent exhibition showing how the Great Ocean Road was built as curated by the Great Ocean Road Historical Society.
If adrenaline is more on your level, pop across to Live Wire Park. This off-grid amusement park and winner of the 2019 Best New Tourism Business in Victoria Award allows you to embody tarzan, ziplining through the treetops on multiple circuits.
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Dine
Aside from the 60’s style seafood tavern of The Clam serving up local beef, Apollo Bay seafood and fresh Surf Coast produce, Lorne has a smorgasbord of culinary options.
Sydney restaurant chain from mega-group Merivale, Totti’s has just opened their doors along the foreshore, serving elevated Italian dishes including their signature lobster pasta. Chopstix Noodle Bar, Umisango, Ipsos Restaurant and Raas Leela are all solid picks for food in the town centre.
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Neighbours
Speaking of neighbours, Lorne is one of the many glorious coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road. Otways, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Separation Creek, Wye River and Kennett River all have natural sites to visit, paths to wander and attractions to see and only a short drive along the winding natural heritage listed road.
With so much on offer on the Great Ocean Road, why not make a holiday of it as you plan your Long Hot Summer.
Tickets to all Long Hot Summer programming can be found here.