Australian country-rock legend, Brian Cadd, releases new album
Brian Cadd is a relic in our Australian music history as a singer-songwriter, keyboardist, producer, founder of record label Bootleg Records, a mainstay of the Australian music and entertainment scene for over six decades and an all-round great bloke – he even played Santa on the Christmas edition of favourite music game show, Spicks and Specks.
With so much history behind him, he continues to roll forward, this time with a new album Dream Train. Out today, Cadd makes a commitment to his country roots making Dream Train the country album he was always destined to make, representing a return to his roots, and paying homage to the genre he has always cherished.
Brian Cadd Tour Dates
- Friday April 5, 2024 | Memo Music Hall – St Kilda, VIC
- Saturday July 13, 2024 | Cairns Performing Arts Centre – Cairns, QLD
- Thursday July 18, 2024 | Duke of George – Fremantle, WA
- Friday July 19, 2024| Kalamunda Performing Arts – Kalamunda, WA
- Saturday July 20, 2024 | Charles Hotel – North Perth, WA
- Friday August 16, 2024 | Frankston Arts Centre – Frankston, VIC
- Saturday August 17, 2024 | Regent Theatre – Yarram, VIC
- Sunday August 18, 2024 | Berninneit Cultural Centre – Cowes, VIC
- Saturday August 23, 2024 | The Memo – Healesville, VIC
- Sunday August 24, 2024 | Bunjil Place – Narre Warren, VIC
- Saturday December 7, 2024 | Avoca Beach Theatre – Avoca Beach, NSW
Cadd says of the Dream Train, “This album has been an exceptional journey. It has taken me so long to actually make a country album, I was unsure how it would feel for me. I have been writing country and country-rock songs for many years, yet I remained locked into my “Brian Cadd – rock artist” persona on stage and particularly in the studio. With Dream Train I found a new freedom which allowed me to think ‘outside the musical artist box’ that I’d existed within for so long.”
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Having teased the album’s release already with singles ‘You Know What To Say,’ and ‘The One That Got Away,’ Dream Train draws inspiration from his rich experiences as a country-rock pioneer in Australia and his time in Nashville.
To bring it to life, Cadd enlisted Lindsay Waddington to co-produce and play 12-string guitar, baritone guitar, dobro, lap steel, mandolin, electric guitar and acoustic guitar, along with a mega-list of instrumental talent including Michael Rose, Doug Gallacher, Gus Fenwick, Brandan Radford, Lawrie Minson, Peter Robinson, Jamie Rigg, Clare O’Meara and Kirk Lorange.
The album also features the flying vocal talents of powerhouse vocalist Jen Mize and a guest appearance from the multi ARIA-nominated and OAM recipients, Vika & Linda.
Cadd will be taking the album on tour from today, starting at Memo Music Hall in St Kilda, hitting up a whopping eleven venues until December. The music legend will also be embarking on a joint tour with fellow Australia icon, Glenn Shorrock of Little River Band fame for the appropriately titled The Two Amigo’s Tour in August and November making their way to The Play House at Geelong Arts Centre of Sunday 11 August 2024.
Let Cadd carry you back to his country roots here, by streaming Dream Train.
Melbourne-via-Shepparton artist Robert Baxter drops debut EP, you wouldn’t expect cupid to cry
Introduced by Shepparton News as a “singer, dancer, model, actor, artist” with the added, titles of producer, newly-minted DJ and artistic extraordinaire, Robert Baxter has already made their mark on the creative world, but they cement it today with their debut EP, you wouldn’t expect cupid to cry.
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The soft-pop project is glittering with noughties nostalgia as told through a queer lens, with 2023’s lead-in singles ‘blue‘ and ‘tokyo‘, and the more recent ‘supernova‘ and ‘kiss‘ building the narrative.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Taking from the musings of Ryan Beatty, SZA and Cub Sport, Baxter swirls through seven luscious titles, pillowed by atmospheric guitar parts from Jaiman Long and additional textured production from Alex Garla (WHOISALEX).
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Baxter bares their vulnerability on you wouldn’t expect cupid to cry. The title, which is named for their ballroom moniker ‘Cupid’, weaves through like a diary etched with the rush of lust, the ache of yearning, the pangs of growth, desire, the difficulty of letting go and leading a friend through the bitter trials of depression into the light.
From creating beats in their rural bedroom to creating their most authentic existence, Baxter has been named the face of youth music organisation The Push, clocked 200k streams across their catalogue, sold out two headline shows in Melbourne and appeared at Midsumma, Victoria Pride, Save SYN Fest and this years Queer Lunar New Year.
Baxter further celebrates the EP with a local curated queer launch party, Club Cupid, on 21 April at Melbourne’s, The Gasometer.
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The culmination of Robert Baxter’s career has lead to you wouldn’t expect cupid to cry, and it is definitely worth a listen. Stream it now here.
Alana Wilkinson drops new single ‘Square One’ ahead of Sofar Sounds Geelong performance
Malvern-born, Melbourne-based songstress, Alana Wilkinson today drops her latest single ‘Square One’ via Gyrostream, taking listeners back to life’s most embarrassing moments of her formative years.
Having tugged on our heartstrings since 2016 with track ‘Show You Mine’, Wilkinson offers a humoured approach to the storytelling on ‘Square One’. The glimpse from her upcoming LP due for release in the second half of 2024, Wilkinson dips into the gradients of her colour palette, creating dreamy and inspired moments.
‘Square One’ sees Wilkinson collaborate with Paul Dyason from The Northern Folk for writing credits, threading comedic moments and memories into the country folk foray. Together they create a catchy, playful ode to the good old days of firsts – being on the softball team, punk rock performance and first dates.
Wilkinson comments, “It’s about a bunch of times I got busted trying to be cooler than I am, stepping into those awkward moments and owning them as part of my story. In this song, ‘Square One’ is my sense of self – it’s who we really are at our core and where I feel we have to come home to when we get busted in the middle of a fib”.
The track is partnered with release shows including a headline slot at Naarm/Melbourne’s Wesley Anne of Friday 12 April, and heading to Geelong for a secret location gig with Angus Robb as part of Sofar Sound on Sunday 14 April.
It’s a great chance to see Wilkinson live as she has just returned from the US where she represented Australia at the Folk Alliance International, completed the Festival of Small Halls tour and supported Ross Wilson on his last tour, adding to the list of fellow Australian artists she has supported. That list includes Tim Freedman, Clare Bowditch and Kate Ceberano.
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You can listen to ‘Square One’ now here. Don’t miss your chance to see Alana Wilkinson in an intimate setting next weekend. Tickets to Sofar Sounds can be purchased here
Plumbing Problems? Plumber Near Me breaks down what an emergency plumbing job looks like
The humble music festival fan knows the importance of plumbing all too well. The dreaded overflow of the bright blue corridor-lined port-a-loo has left many-a shoes ruined and many-a festival goer scarred.
It’s one thing to leave the mess at the festival showgrounds, but what happens when a plumbing emergency strikes in your own home? One minute you’re set to enjoy a quiet evening with the family and the next the pipes under the sink burst like the Noachian Flood in your kitchen. In Victoria we also have the adage of living through four seasons in one day and this last week has been a stellar example of that with the heavy rains causing major issues for homeowners.
Plumber Near Me
- 24/7 Service
- Plumbing Services Within 1hr*
- Local Plumbers Available Now
- Interest Free Options**
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It’s these emergencies that require a trained professional and Plumber Near Me are the go to in a crisis. The 24-hour emergency service is educating homeowners on the ins and out of emergency plumbing.
Water gushing everywhere, a severely blocked drain causing backflow or a gas leak from a stove; these are more than just an inconvenience. From wet socks to completely water damaged carpet – knowing an emergency is the first step. Anything that has the potential to do serious damage to your home or your health constitutes a preventative call to Plumber Near Me.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
But don’t leave it until after the disaster-waiting-to-happen happens. Identifying the signs of an emergency to prevent the risks can also help avoid a hefty repair bill.
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Like the difference between a spot of rain and a full-blown storm, plumbing emergencies are similarly recognised. The dripping of water where it simply does not belong, more than a mop and bucket can handle, get Plumber Near Me on speed dial. Is a blocked toilet threatening to redecorate your bathroom with all kinds of unwanted shades? Or perhaps the smell of gas is present without the stove being on. This is where Plumber Near Me comes to the rescue.
They say knowing is half the battle, so if you have some pesky plumbing business that needs attending to, don’t hesitate. Check out Plumber Near Me for more information.
Holy Holy announce Eliza & The Delusionals and Sumner as supports for national tour
Beloved ARIA Double Platinum duo, Holy Holy announce new supports for their enormous national Cellophane Tour which kicks off today in Adelaide, roping its way around the nation and concluding in Torquay.
Originally billed to have Tasman Keith as support, news that Keith would no longer be joining them due to an unforeseen injury came through following the Easter long weekend. In his place and splitting the support duties are Gold Coast indie-rocker Eliza & The Delusionals, and Tasmanian based electronic duo Sumner.
Holy Holy Cellophane Tour Dates
with Eliza & The Delusionals* and Sumner^
- Friday 5 April – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide*
- Saturday 6 April – Astor Theatre, Perth*
- Saturday 11 April – Du Cane, Launceston*
- Friday 12 April – Odeon Theatre, Hobart^
- Saturday 13 April – Enmore Theatre, Sydney*
- Friday 19 April – The Tivoli, Brisbane^
- Saturday 20 April – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff^
- Friday 26 April – Forum, Melbourne*
- Saturday 27 April – Torquay Hotel, Torquay*
Both talented acts are no stranger to Holy Holy, with holy-half Oscar Dawson recently working closely with Eliza & The Delusionals to record their recent record, and similarly the band enlisted fellow Launceston artist Sumner to join ‘Ready‘ as featured on Cellophane.
Presented by triple j, Live Nation, Select Music and Tiny Monster, the tour comes off the back of their mammoth new album Cellophane which skyrocketed to #4 on the charts – their third album to make it into the top ten.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Speaking of the tour, Timothy Carroll, one half of the Holy duo shares: “We’re looking forward to building a wild and expansive set for this tour, playing some of the brand new works off Cellophane with special guests and digging into the back catalogue to find some gems to get lost in again. We’re in some beautiful rooms, and to have the time and space to stretch out and go places musically will be special for us and our fans.”
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The news comes in threes for Timothy Carroll and Oscar Dawson, with the announcement also delivered with the shiny new achievement that the duo’s heart-wrenching 2019 single ‘Maybe You Know‘ has gone Platinum on the ARIA Charts, as well as ‘That Message‘ and ‘Elevator‘ going Gold.
Additionally Cellophane received a nomination for Queensland Music Awards Album Of The Year for 2024. The nomination is the first for Holy Holy, and the second for Tim Carroll who in 2012 won the award for Song Of The Year with his single ‘Do You Hear’. The night of celebration will be held at Fortitude Music Hall on 17 April where winners will be announced.
Tickets to see the duo and their incredible supports on their upcoming tour are available here.
Indulge in culinary excellence at Geelong’s stunning wine bar and restaurant Meet Me at Mary’s
Originally an industrial warehouse, the building has undergone a magnificent transformation into a contemporary dining space. Owner and designer, Donna Flanders, has preserved the building’s charming features – think concrete floors, high ceilings, and brick walls. The pièce de résistance? The striking blue-tiled bar that runs through the centre, set against tan booths lining the walls.
Since its opening, Mary’s has become a go-to destination for weddings, private functions, and, of course, dining. And speaking of dining, it’s an experience not to be missed, especially with the arrival of their new Executive Chef, Anthony Hammel, and Head Chef, Jing Wei Wong.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Together, they’ve crafted a menu that’s truly exceptional, best enjoyed through their ‘Feed Me’ Banquet Menu. This culinary journey blends Eastern and Western cuisine, highlighting fresh seasonal produce with a selection of small and large dishes, all meant for sharing.
What’s exciting is how the menu evolves and changes with the seasons. The chefs let nature dictate their ingredients, resulting in dishes like Lamb Shoulder, Bird Rock Farm Porterhouse, and Roasted Cauliflower with almonds and Harissa, all designed for communal enjoyment.
The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring a wide array of local and imported spirits, wines, and beers. Classic cocktails like the espresso martini and bloody mary sit alongside house specialties like the vanilla french and poison arrow – definitely worth a try.
For those not opting for the ‘Feed Me’ experience, there’s a tempting selection of small and large plates, such as Anchovy Toast with sambal and peanut, Prawn Wonton with salmon caviar and chilli oil, or Potato Croquette with lap cheong, salt bush, and aioli.
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Chef Jing Wei Wong draws inspiration from his Malaysian heritage and global travels, offering a modern twist on traditional dishes while staying true to their authentic flavours and textures. Under the guidance of Anthony Hammel, known for his expertise honed among culinary elites, Mary’s and its sister restaurant, The Arborist, showcase contemporary cooking with a focus on quality ingredients.
It looks like a trip to Meet Me at Mary’s is on the cards!
Meet Me At Mary’s is located at 66 Pakington Street, Geelong West. Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, Dinner from 5pm. Friday – Sunday, Lunch from 12pm.
Alpha Wolf unleashes unprecedented fury in ‘Half Living Things’
Following the landmark success of Alpha Wolf’s first album with vocalist Lochie Keogh, A Quiet Place To Die (AQPTD), many weren’t expecting the group to drastically change their sound. Why would they? AQPTD not only demonstrated that the group had discovered a winning formula; it also more or less trademarked the use of pitch-shifters amongst modern-day metal, characterised by high-pitched, squealing guitar riffs and brutal, open breakdowns.
This signature sound not only became synonymous with the now Melbourne-based outfits’ sound but also exerted a considerable influence on the rest of their peers.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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When the album cover of Half Living Things was released, showcasing an illustration of a hooded figure holding a boom-box in a graffiti-laden landscape, many fans were pleasantly surprised to find that they were in for something new – or should I say nü.
This didn’t come as a shock to everyone. Over the last few years, nü metal has made a massive comeback in the modern-day metal scene, and Alpha Wolf has been a band that embraced the Y2K aesthetic long before its recent resurgence. So in a way, it felt like a natural progression for the group.
Indeed, it was. While many other acts have heavily leaned into the sounds of their childhood influences, Alpha Wolf’s third effort has taken a 20-year-old genre and made it entirely their own, showcasing their trademark intensity in a whole new light. It’s still the Alpha Wolf that we know and love, but infinitely more demented and technical than ever before.
Track-by-track, Half Living Things hits you with fear-inducing, maniacal metal. From the moment you click play, you’re in Alpha Wolf’s custom-made nightmare and no matter which way you turn, there is no escape.
‘Double-Edge Demise’ sees Keogh count in a manic breakdown with snarled “Tik, Toks”; ‘Pretty Boy’ brings in huge downtuned riffs, ravaged gutturals and grunge-infused cleans; while ‘Mangekyō’ delivers breakdowns that most would reserve for their album’s defining moment in its opening 20 seconds. ‘A Terrible Day For Rain’ delivers feelings of surging anxiety, with its stomping rhythms, chugging riffs, and eerie programming making it feel as if you’re trapped in a room with your four biggest fears surrounding you from every angle.
It’s unbridled, seething anger at its finest – the kind of unrestrained aggression that many wouldn’t have encountered since they first heard Slipknot’s Iowa. Yet, it manages to surpass even that benchmark, both lyrically and musically.
I know, I know, that statement probably made a few ‘maggots’ out there ready for war, but it’s not one made lightly – Half Living Things is genuinely that unhinged. It’s a welcome changeup for the Melbourne-based outfit who have proven yet again, that they are the toughest band in Aus metal at the moment.
If you don’t believe that statement, it’s because you haven’t heard Half Living Things yet.
Label: Greyscale Records/SharpTone Records
Release: 5 April 2024
Stefan Hauk
Stefan Hauk is a force to be reckoned with in the Blues Rock scene, not just in Australia, but soon to be worldwide. Following the success of Stefan’s first Australian tour and subsequent concert video “Homecoming – Live At The Gov” (which has amassed over 170,000 views on YouTube in 3 months) Stefan is embarking on a more extensive tour, this time visiting New South Wales, Victoria, his native South Australia and for the first time, Tasmania.
This show will feature Stefan in power trio mode with incredible Melbourne musicians Marcel Yammouni on bass and Jeff Consi on drums.
Craig Atkins
Craig Atkins is an award winning Roots. Blues & Folk ‘one-man band and back at Pistol Pete’s.
Multi-Instrumentalist songwriter and performer who regularly tours the country with his set up consisting of various Acoustic Guitars, Lap Slide, Cigar Box Guitars, Didgeridoos, Harmonica and Foot Percussion. With influences such as Paul Kelly, Joe Purdy, Harry Manx, Xavier Rudd and numerous Blues Masters to name but a few, Craig’s live performances weave through various styles from chilled finger-picking stories, to delta slide blues, through to rollicking folk and stomping “DidgeriBlues and Roots”, with lyrical content covering his aspects of life, love and loss and observations of the world we all live in.
Age of Emergence
Age of Emergence are excited to announce “The All Seeing Eye Tour” to celebrate the long- awaited release of their third offering “The All Seeing Eye: Part 1” due out in April 2024.
The East Coast tour will include capital cities and regional areas melting faces with their unique brand of riff-driven prog, they will unleash a combination of the new tunes and the most popular tracks from previous releases to get your head banging. They are teaming up with a diverse lineup of quality underground heavy bands to complement their sound across NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD, performing in Victoria and Queensland for the first time the tour kicks off in their hometown of Newcastle.
Supported by Alternative metal outfit Spacegoat, Corio Bay Area Thrash Get Rekt and The Sinsemillian.
Meta4 with Max Morgan
Join Meta4 on Sunday 12th May with special guests Chrome Gypsy and Software Update!
Meta4 is Geelong’s up and coming 4 piece Jazz-fusion band. Having realised their potential by complete coincidence, Meta4’s ability to mold their style to any setting or genre is incredible. Playing a wide range of genres from classic rock, to funk, to Jazz Fusion. Meta4 covers every musical situation they are put in.
Software Update are a 4 piece hardcore punk band from Geelong, Vic. Influenced by bands such as Clowns, Misfits, AFI and Frenzal Rhomb, Software Update are hard, fast and loud!
U18 must have a legal guardian present.
Kitchen will be open 1-8pm
$20 parmi menu + daily food specials.
The Jungle Giants
With well over half a billion streams worldwide and the #1 ARIA-charting album Love Signs under their belts, The Jungle Giants are undeniably Australian indie-rock royalty. Known for delivering explosive, high-energy live performances, the band is heading to District 14 in Narre Warren and Torquay Hotel in Torquay this June.
2023 saw the band headlining festivals and selling out tour dates from hemisphere to hemisphere. The Jungle Giants have graced the stages of some of the biggest festivals in the world including Outside Lands in San Francisco, Corona Capital Mexico City, Bleached Festival in San Diego and headline tours throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. Constantly evolving their genre-agnostic sound, The Jungle Giants have set out in pursuit of their fifth studio album with the release of singles “Trippin Up” and “Rakata”. Fueled by buoyant melodies and infectious choruses, these releases show the next evolution of a band that refuses to sit still.
The #1 ARIA-charting fourth album Love Signs is the first album that lead singer/producer/songwriter Sam Hales wrote, recorded, performed and produced alone. Channeling diverse influences like Timbaland and Ashanti in his ‘90s production style and vocal falsettos, Hales created The Jungle Giants’ most popular work yet. First single “Heavy Hearted” is ARIA-certified Platinum, with “Sending Me Ur Loving” and “In Her Eyes” close behind. Driven by optimism, creative freedom and a desire to “go weird, go funny, and not be scared,” The Jungle Giants are paving the way for their continued metamorphosis.
The Jungle Giants
With well over half a billion streams worldwide and the #1 ARIA-charting album Love Signs under their belts, The Jungle Giants are undeniably Australian indie-rock royalty. Known for delivering explosive, high-energy live performances, the band is heading to District 14 in Narre Warren and Torquay Hotel in Torquay this June.
2023 saw the band headlining festivals and selling out tour dates from hemisphere to hemisphere. The Jungle Giants have graced the stages of some of the biggest festivals in the world including Outside Lands in San Francisco, Corona Capital Mexico City, Bleached Festival in San Diego and headline tours throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. Constantly evolving their genre-agnostic sound, The Jungle Giants have set out in pursuit of their fifth studio album with the release of singles “Trippin Up” and “Rakata”. Fueled by buoyant melodies and infectious choruses, these releases show the next evolution of a band that refuses to sit still.
The #1 ARIA-charting fourth album Love Signs is the first album that lead singer/producer/songwriter Sam Hales wrote, recorded, performed and produced alone. Channeling diverse influences like Timbaland and Ashanti in his ‘90s production style and vocal falsettos, Hales created The Jungle Giants’ most popular work yet. First single “Heavy Hearted” is ARIA-certified Platinum, with “Sending Me Ur Loving” and “In Her Eyes” close behind. Driven by optimism, creative freedom and a desire to “go weird, go funny, and not be scared,” The Jungle Giants are paving the way for their continued metamorphosis.
RVG
Ivy League Records and Lonely Lands are excited to present…
RVG’s Australian Headline tour.
Catch them at the Torquay Hotel on Friday 31st May where they will be playing songs from their critically acclaimed 2023 record, Brain Worms.
Joined by very special guests TBC
Two Geelong titans team up to offer musical theatre education
Knowing opposite prompt verse prompt side just got a whole lot easier for Geelong musical theatre enthusiasts.
Creative arts training and education providers, Oxygen College, has partnered with multi-arts development and presentation hub, Geelong Arts Centre, to launch a brand new course of CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2025.
Positioned as a twelve month full time course (3-days per week), the diploma will tackle the trifecta of musical theatre disciplines – acting, singing and dancing, leading Geelong talent towards the Tony’s.
The venture marks a new partnership between the Geelong premier arts educators and Geelong’s premier arts facilitator, which sees the course split across the two state-of-the-art facilities. With Oxygen College on Gordon Avenue and Geelong Arts Centre on Little Malop Street, the two are within walking distance for eager stage-showman, taking their formal accredited learning to the newly refurbished multi-million dollar stages of Geelong Arts Centre.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Of the new partnership, Oxygen Colleges Head of Music, Phil Kearney says, “Geelong has such a wonderful history of musical theatre performance, and we couldn’t be more excited about offering education in this field. When the decision was made to deliver this course, it seemed so obvious that it would be offered in collaboration with a facility as amazing as the Geelong Arts Centre”.
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director, Joel McGuinness agrees saying, “Our partnership with Oxygen College to deliver the Diploma of Musical Theatre represents a significant investment in nurturing and empowering the next generation of performing artists right here in Geelong. By providing access to top-tier training and educational opportunities, we are not only cultivating artistic excellence but also fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our local talent.”
The Diploma of Musical Theatre will begin in 2025, with auditions for places open from mid-2024.
To find out more or to express interest in applying head to the Oxygen College website.
Win: We’re giving away a $150 voucher to Miss M’s Lounge as part of Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
From Friday 5 April to Sunday 28 April 2024, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival invites explorers to traverse its scenic landscapes, dotted across nine historic villages, each telling its own unique story of seasonal change.
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Partnering with local venues across the region, the festival’s calendar is bursting with over 50 events, including farmers markets brimming with fresh produce, artisan workshops, exclusive lunches, and wine tastings. Additionally they are hosting four trails for the adventurer to tackle including Australia’s largest Pie & Tart Trail, The Treasure Trail which uncovers eight hidden picnic spots, an education in sustainable food with the Edgy Veg Trail and the Tipples Trail for those wanting to trial the beverage offerings of the region.
To celebrate the festival’s diverse offerings and partnerships, we’re giving away a $150 voucher to Kyneton’s bespoke cocktail bar Miss M’s Lounge.
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2023 Golden Plate State Winner for Cocktail Bar / Cellar Door, Miss M’s Lounge is a lavish lounge and bar nestled in the Piper Street Precinct, boasting a mouth-watering menu of signature cocktails, wine and Spanish style tapas.
The competition will be running throughout the festival, with the voucher valid post-festival.
To be in the running, all you have to do is enter below by filling out your name and email.
By entering, you agree to receive marketing collateral from Forte and competition partners. For more info, check out our privacy policy.
Bendigo Engine Room tackles being alone with new theatre work
Bendigo Engine Room will spotlight the deep-rooted, community-shared, profound experience of disconnection this month through a new theatre presentation, a/lone.
Developed and devised by the Project Connect Ensemble, and written and directed by acclaimed Janine McKenzie, a/lone is a powerful, dynamic original production that explores the human condition with a unique blend of humour and pathos.
Show details
- Dates: 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Thursday 18 April 2024 | 11am, Friday 19 April 2024
- Where: Bendigo Engine Room, 3550/58 View Street, Bendigo 3550
- Tickets: Adult: $28.00, Concession $26.00
With shows across Thursday 18 April and Friday 19 April, a/lone combines physical, absurd and verbatim theatre techniques, featuring performances by Xavier McGettigan, Stacey Carmichael, and Emily Jacker-Lawrence. Designed by the talented Alard Pett and set to a poignant live original score from Sheshtin Honey, a/lone is promises an unforgettable experience of insight and connection.
A project developed through Geelong Art Centre‘s Creative Engine program where producer and performance Stacey Carmichael received two Ignition Grants, a/lone first saw its live premiere to sold-out audiences in the revitalised arts venue last year, earning it a showing at 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival to high praise.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
The timeless exploration of the aloneness, loneliness and disconnect resonated with audiences in this turbulent time, where 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely, 1 in 6 reporting severe levels of loneliness and 1 in 2 Australian surround the notion with embarrassment. a/lone aims to reshape the dialogue and eradicate the stigma.
Janine McKenzie says of the production, “Audiences will see themselves and people they love in the stories we tell. This performance resonates deeply and continues to stay with you long after you leave the theatre”.
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a/lone is part of the VCAA VCE Drama Playlist and will tour Victoria until June 2024. Having already performed at Geelong Clonard Collage, the production makes its way to Bendigo Engine Room, back to Geelong for a stint at Drysdale’s Potato Shed, and finishing at the iconic La Mama Theatre, Melbourne.
Tickets to the upcoming Bendigo Engine Show can be found here. All other information regarding a/lone and other ticketing options can be found here.
Rock Off MND Fundraising Gala to hit GMHBA Stadium
Returning for a third year is the annual Rock Off MND Gala Dinner.
Taking place at the President’s Room overlooking the newly refurbished GMHBA Stadium, Rock Off MND Gala Dinner will four hours of drinks, three-courses of fine dining and plenty of entertainment including raffles and auctions for only $180 per head.
Rock Off MND Fundraising Gala
- Saturday 11 May 2024 | 6.30PM
- President’s Room, GMHBA Stadium
- $180 per head includes a three-course dinner and four hours of complimentary beer, wine and bubbles.
Helping raise vital awareness and research funds for Motor Neurone Disease, Rock Off MND is a cause dear to the Geelong region, spawning from an annual music festival held at Geelong’s house of rock ‘n’ roll, The Barwon Club Hotel.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Rock Off MND was inspired by Jenny Simko after she was diagnosed with MND in August 2014. Jen was pivotal in leading the charge to finding a cure for the disease through live music events. Whilst Jen sadly passed away in November 2015 she was able to attend the first event to see her vision and legacy come to fruition.
The Gala Dinner on Saturday 11 May is a much classier affair than the BC days, but in true Rock Off MND fashion, the event would not be complete without the appearance of live music.
Two acts will grace the stage across the night; Mr Meaner, and Lisa Hanley.
Mr Meaner are bound by the music with the group of talented musicians coming together to play for the love of music and the live show. Their infectious party rock, dance and classic song repertoire is set to have the crowd going.
Lisa Hanley is an acoustic artists best known for serenading newly weds across the region. Her larger-than-life vocals are sure to echo across the stadium.
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Tickets to attend Rock Off MND Gala Dinner can be made here. If you cannot attend but would like to donate, click here