Your guide to the best Christmas Markets in and around the Geelong region for 2022

Christmas is coming and with it comes along a lengthy list of presents and Kris Kringle gifts, festive treats and glistening Xmas decorations.

Enter, the Christmas Market.

As well as being the perfect place to tick off your entire shopping list, a lot of the time these specially curated markets offer one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to put you in a festive spirit. And after the year we’ve all had, what’s not to love about that?

We’re coming up to crunch time in December and several Xmas markets have already been announced in the region and further afield. So, pencil these in your diary, hop in the car, crank up the Bublé and head along to these markets this festive season.

Geelong Dog Lovers Market – Christmas Edition

Little Creatures, Geelong – Thursday, December 1, 5pm – 9pm

Giving you an excuse to get out and treat your loyal and fluffy, four-legged best friend (or simply attend to pat all the pooches if you don’t have your own), Little Creatures has teamed up with Newtown’s dog bakery Pure Paws Dog Bakery once again for a glorious event this Christmas, celebrating some of the best things in life.

In a first for the collaboration, the Dog Lovers Market will be both Christmas-themed and a twilight event, and will be bringing together some of Geelong’s best doggy suppliers, with canines and their owners set to enjoy the best in gourmet treats, walking accessories, a doggy photo booth, dog training, local vets, pet-themed gifts for humans, toys and grooming from more than 30 stalls.

This is a free community event so come on down and support some awesome businesses, selling lots of great products. Friendly dogs on leash are welcomed.

Find out more here.

 

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Piccadilly Christmas Market

Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Belmont – Saturday, December 3, 10am-3pm

The annual Piccadilly Christmas Market is returning to Geelong, going ahead on Saturday, December 3 2022 at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre in Belmont from 10am to 3pm. With the recent tragic loss experienced by this market’s owner Janina this week, the market has been confirmed to go ahead thanks to some beautiful volunteers who will be running things behind the scenes. Please remain kind and compassionate as these volunteers do their best to put on this event.

Simply described as a design market, the Piccadilly Market is perfect for those wanting to support local businesses all under one roof, giving shoppers the opportunity to talk to the makers and get a feel for bespoke handmade products.

Boasting more than 100 stalls this December, the Christmas edition of the market will be its biggest yet, featuring Geelong’s most talented jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators, artists, food producers, and makers, all there to provide you with artsy gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas list.

Alongside all the products up for grabs, this year’s market will also see the return of food trucks, outdoor seating, a fun farm for kids, face painting, giveaways and live music, making this quite the outing for all.

There is a gold coin donation fee for adults to enter, with all proceeds going towards Beyond Blue and the Mens Shed.

Find out more here.

A massive indoor Christmas Market is coming to Geelong with 100+ local makers

Pivot City Artisan Christmas Market

West 6, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong – Friday, December 9, 4pm to 7pm

Providing the opportunity to avoid the stress of those online delivery cutoffs by shopping small and local, the market will feature 15+ incredible local designers and makers, live music, and drinks to purchase.

Sitting somewhere between an artisan market and a Christmas celebration (Aka Friday knock offs), the team at Runway have hand selected a small range of local designers and makers to help you with your Christmas shopping, and whilst your doing so, listen to the dulcet tones of Noah Vernon, sip away on Anther Distilleries specially designed Christmas drink for the occasion, and try some fantastic local beers for free with thanks to Valhalla Brewing.

Alongside all of that that, there will even be free canapes for you to eat as you roam, listen, and drink! It’s certainly sounding like one of the best markets this region has ever seen.

On the night, Runway will also be collecting toys or donations to support a Elf Squad Geelong, whose sole purpose is to help local children smile this Christmas. Be it large or small, any toy donation will be greatly received. You will also be able to purchase raffle tickets for a $1000 clothing voucher from the amazing Ena Pelly.

To find out more, head here.

Pivot City Artisan Christmas Market brings 15+ local makers, live music, free beer and more to North Geelong

Ocean Grind’s Xmas Twilight Market

Ocean Grind, Torquay – Friday, December 2, 5:30pm – 9:30pm.

If you are interested in locally crafted art, good food, drinks and awesome music, then head to Torquay for the Ocean Grind Twilight Market for all your Christmas shopping.

With a focus on local and sustainable makers, producers and artists, Ocean Grind’s market will be showcasing the wares from the likes of Makestuff Furniture, Zoe Strapp Photography, Brittany March, SOLA Handmade, Wet Dog and Co, Tal Lemmens Photography, Native Earth Botanicals, Namuna Studio, Great Ocean Road Gin, plus more.

The legends at Built For Advanture will also be showcasing their van goods a few doors down, while food trucks Perla Tacos and Workers BBQ will be one site to fuel hungry shoppers, plus live tunes from Star Mailee and another artist TBA.

Entry is free but raffles tickets are encouraged, with proceeds going to Ocean Mind.

Find out more here.

 

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Geelong Ceramics Market

Boom Gallery’s “Big Boom” space at 5 Rutland Street, Newtown – Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 4pm

This one’s not publicised as a Christmas market, but arriving in December this will be the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas presents ahead of the holidays.

Curated by two local makers Elizabeth Bell Ceramics and Pour and Plate, the market is an opportunity to support local artists and small business owners from Geelong, Bellarine and Surfcoast region. Featuring both experienced and rising talents, the makers will showcase their individual styles and handmade functional creations. You’ll find the likes of Claire Gorst Studio, Takeawei, Mafia Thing, Lauren Reynolds Ceramics, Alchemy of Clay, Elizabeth Bell Ceramics and so much more.

So go on, stock up on beautiful one-off cups, bowls, spoons, pots, vases and more from local creators – just in time for Christmas.

Find out more below.

Geelong’s first Ceramics Market is happening in December with 19 independent artisans

Carols By Candlelight Geelong Market

Johnstone Park, Geelong – Saturday, December 24, 3pm – 10pm

Returning once again, Carols by Candlelight Geelong promises to be a great evening for the whole family to experience on Christmas Eve. Expect a traditional carols programme with some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs, plus a concert band and lots of carol singing.

With the 58th Geelong Carols by Candlelight is a celebration of the spirit of Christmas, the event will also feature a bunch of local Christmas market stalls, which will run from 3pm-7pm.

You can also expect to see a host of talented local performers, and food and drink trucks. So grab a picnic rug, food and hamper, friends and family and join us at Johnstone Park to celebrate Christmas Eve in Geelong.

The concert commences at 8:00pm. This is a FREE community event and proudly supported by the City of Greater Geelong.

Find out more here.

Torquay Cowrie Market

Torquay Foreshore – Sunday, December 18, 10am – 3pm

The Surf Coast Arts Collective’s crafty little market transforms Torquay Common into a Christmas mecca for one-off gifts and eco-friendly products by local artists and crafters.  While not a specifically themed Christmas market, this one will be going down on Sunday, December 18, just in time to get those last minute goodies for your friends and family. They sadly had to cancel their November market so expect a huge bumper event for the last market of the year.

Market organisers make sure all items for sale are home-grown, hand-made and environmentally sustainable (so remember to bring a bag along, as it’s a plastic bag-free event).  There’s even live music and plenty of food to make this the perfect day out.

Find out more here.

 

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Teesdale Christmas Carols and Market

Turtle Bend, Teesdale – Friday, December 16, 4pm – 8pm 

Teesdale Market and Carols is back for 2022.

This community event just gets bigger and better each year, must be the pull of Christmas in the Australian bush.

Here you’ll find something for the whole family at Turtle Bend Reserve with food trucks and market stall for all those last minute christmas gifts. Bring your chairs, blankets and best singing voice. Plus, Santa will be arriving on a firetruck which is so iconically Australian you just have to love it.

This year children’s entertainment specialist’s The Mik Maks will be taking to the stage for the main entertainment. Brothers Al, Joel, daughter Ava and Drums the Panda know how to entertain children aged 2-8 years. Due the to overwhelming success of their YouTube channel, The Mik Maks now have millions of little fans around the world. They’ll perform family favourite rocked up Christmas songs as well as their classics.  The Mik Maks will be performing two shows across the evening. The second show will be their Christmas Show.

Entry is simply a gold coin.

Find out more here.

And some markets further afield if you’re still craving more:

String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne – Monday 5, 12 and 19 December, 5pm – 10pm

If you’re a fan of Queen Victoria Market and you don’t mind making a trip to Melbourne, we recommend checking out the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market.

Venture out under the starry lights of one of Melbourne’s favourite laneways for a special night market series filled with festive fare and great shopping. Bring the family or meet up with friends as you meander the open-air laneway, picking up locally-made gifts and unique Christmas trinkets, before indulging in delicious street food from some of the city’s best food trucks and carts and refreshing summer drinks.

It will be festive fun for everyone, complete with Christmas carollers, fake snow, a giant gingerbread man to snap a picture with and even a special visit from Santa.

 

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The Big Design Market

The Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne – Friday, December 2 – Sunday, December 4 

After three years of cessation due to lockdowns, The Big Design returns to the heart of Carlton. With an array of different creators boasting their crafts, there will be something for everyone.

Featuring a myriad of different food and wine, art displays, shopping and creating, the market is expecting a massive comeback after a long hiatus.

For more information and tickets, visit here.

The Big Design Market returns with 270 stalls under one roof for three big days

Sovereign Hill Christmas Shopping Night

Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum, Golden Point – Thursday, December 8, 6pm – 8:30pm

Earning a solid reputation as Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’, Sovereign Hill should be added to your market list this year with their annual Christmas Shopping Night.

On Thursday, December 8, the Main Street turns into a Christmas market with stalls featuring Sovereign Hill’s traditional goodies, such as creamy fudge, jams, sauces, soaps, chocolates, creams and other locally made products. Personalised Raspberry Drops are also back, perfect for the sweet tooth in your family.

Kids will have fun exploring the adventure play space and getting a photo with St Nick inside the Red Hill Photographic Rooms. A fully-licenced café and Hotel Bar will be open for food and drinks. While you’re there, head over to the Hope Bakery for a full range of Christmas treats.

Entry is free. Find out more here.

Bay Street Christmas Market

Bay Street, Port Melbourne – Saturday, December 3, 11am – 5pm

The famed Artisan Christmas Market on Bay Street – Port Melbourne is returning to the bay side strip this December – due to overwhelming demand from stallholders and the public, alike and will showcase more than 150 traders for the special festive market.

Victoria’s largest Artisan Market drew more than 10,0000 people in its inaugural year, and will be looking to beat that this year. A free community event, the market will feature a range of handmade, locally produced gifts, art pieces, designs, jewellery and more – there’s even something for our four legged friends! A market you won’t want to leave, Port’s Artisan Christmas Market will also feature live music – with an event schedule to be released closer to the date.

We recommend heading in early for this one. It kicks off on Saturday, December 3 from 11am to 5pm in Port Melbourne.

Find out more here.

 

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Castlemaine Twilight Market

Western Reserve, Forest Street Castlemaine – Saturday 17 December 3pm – 7pm

Whether you are after a treasure for yourself or an utterly unique gift, you’ll find the very best art and design talent in the region, along with sumptuous food stalls, top-notch organic, fair trade coffee, and some friendly, welcoming folk, making this twilight market a must-see for any visitor to the area.

Showcasing over 60 established and emerging artists, designers, and craftspeople, the Castlemaine Twilight Market offers everything from handcrafted leather goods, to exquisite silver jewellery, slick screen-printed products, earthy ceramics, designer clothing, timber homewares, and much, much more. The ideal place to find something to put under the tree.

Find out more here.

 

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Moon Dog World, Preston – Sunday, December 4, 11am – 4pm

Tis the season of giving so come down to the Moon Dog World Christmas Market to pick up a gift for your loved one along with a cheeky pot and a parma by the lagoon!

With stalls from The Que Club, Arthly Box, Cider & Basil, Ultra Culture, Rompa Kids, Letherwork, Melbourne Jerky, Spin the Black Circle Records, Mamo Home, Superstar Ink and heaps more, there’s something for everyone!

There will even be live acoustic music 2-5pm from Steven Reinhart.

Book your table here.

Art Gallery of Ballarat After-Hours Shopping

Art Gallery of Ballarat – Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 8pm

While not a market exactly, the local gallery is hosting a Christmas shopping night on Thursday, December 1 from 6pm to 8pm, offering original, local and unique gifts, for a range of budgets.

Head on in after-hours and browse through the brilliant selection of jewellery, ceramics, cards, books, toys and lots more.

While you’re there, enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, indulge in Christmas gift wrapping by the staff, be entertained by local musician Mick Trembath and take the opportunity to check out our current exhibitions.

Find out more here.

 

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Heide Christmas Market 2022

Heide Museum of Modern Art – Sculpture Park – Saturday, December 17, 10am – 3pm

This one is a must for those that enjoy eclectic goodies. The Heide Market is a collaboration between Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market, taking over the picturesque surrounds of the Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture park with a special Xmas Market on December 17

Here you’ll find the work of up to 120 different makers, from artwork, design and handcrafted goods to tasty treats and other eclectic goodies- so there’s plenty of reasons to make a visit to the Heide Market part of your weekend.

Find more on Heide Christmas Market here.

Arts Centre Melbourne Market 2022

St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and Melbourne’s iconic spire – Sundays, 10am – 4pm. 

We love the Arts Centre and this festive season you’ll be able to discover handcrafted treasures made by the Art Centre’s favourite local artisans to help you find a gift for your loved one that’s unique, beautifully crafted and locally made.

The markets are running every Sunday, winding along St Kilda Road between Hamer Hall and Melbourne’s iconic spire is Arts Centre Melbourne’s Weekend Markets.

Featuring local designers and artisans – meet the makers behind the creations, uncovering the inspiration and level of skill poured into each piece. From jewellery, soaps, scarves and candles, to woodcraft, leather goods, clothing and paintings, each item is lovingly handcrafted, making for a memorable gift.

With no two stalls the same, uncover a truly unique treasure to give to that special someone this festive season.

Find out more here.

 

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Brunswick Music Festival returns in 2023 with international headliners announced

The iconic Brunswick Music Festival is returning for its 35th installment, along with the Sydney Road Street Party. Returning in 2023 from March 5 to 13, the Brunswick Music Festival is famous for taking attendees on a journey through some of the suburbs’ most celebrated venues, while popping up from time to time in some unexpected places.

The festival has just dropped two stellar international headliners for 2023’s edition, so without further ado…

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

Crumb (USA)

• Estonian House
• Wednesday 8 March, 2023
• $50 – $60 + BF

Brooklyn rock band Crumb will headline an epic night at Brunswick’s Estonian House next March. The band had the kind of fabled uprising that most bands only dream of; an organic mass-obsession with their soulful psych-pop propelled them into the consciousness of the international music industry and the biggest stages in the world. Now they make their maiden voyage to Australia to soak in the remnants of our summer.

Prodigious Tuareg guitarist and songwriter Mdou Moctar fits the BMF bill perfectly, with an electric performance that boldly reforges contemporary Saharan music by melding Eddie Van Halen pyrotechnics,  Hendrix inspired shredding, and poetic meditations on love, religion, women’s rights, inequality and Western Africa’s exploitation at the hands of colonial powers.

Buy tickets here.

Mdou Moctar (West Africa)

• Estonian House
• Thursday 9 March, 2023
• $35 – $45 + BF

Prodigious Tuareg guitarist and songwriter Mdou Moctar fits the BMF bill perfectly, with an electric performance that boldly reforges contemporary Saharan music by melding Eddie Van Halen pyrotechnics,  Hendrix inspired shredding, and poetic meditations on love, religion, women’s rights, inequality and Western Africa’s exploitation at the hands of colonial powers.

Buy tickets here.

Important dates

• Late January 2023 – Brunswick Music Festival and Sydney Road Street Party full program announced. 
• Sunday March 5 2023 – Sydney Road Street Party. 
• March 5 to 13 2023 – Brunswick Music Festival. 

It’s gonna be huge! For more information about next year’s instalment of Brunswick Music Festival, head here.

Alt-rock icons Switchfoot announce headline Australia tour in 2023

With concerts across the country early next year, alt-rock icons Switchfoot are heading back to Australia for a five-date headlining tour. They’ll be playing a show in Melbourne at the iconic Max Watt’s on February 3.

Switchfoot 2023 Australia tour

• January 31 – The Triffid, Brisbane
• February 2 – Manning Bar, Sydney
• February 3 – Max Watts, Melbourne
• February 4 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
• February 6 – Freo.Social, Fremantle

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

“We love makin’ songs, it’s what keeps us going,” bassist and backing vocalist Tim Foreman told us back in 2012, “the music, the songs, all have a story, and I think we write better through hard times than through good.”

“We’ve been through a lot of adversity as a band, and I think music is a great way to deal with that,” he continues.

“I guess we write more about things we don’t understand than things we do. And the music that’s always spoken to me as a fan has always been the same way, music that really takes you somewhere.”

Since forming in 1996, Switchfoot have released 12 studio albums, the most recent of which being 2021’s Interrobang. “Our music is just honest, it comes from an honest place, of beliefs and doubts and struggles, and I think it’s something that speaks to a lot of people, but not to everyone.”

“We write songs that a lot of people do appreciate, and the ones that don’t, we couldn’t care less about at this point. You kinda have to have that attitude these days, if you’re gonna make music that you believe in.”

Catch them at Max Watt’s on February 3. Tickets go on sale to the general public on December 2, grab them by heading here.

EMU Australia is having a massive warehouse sale in South Geelong this week

Unofficially ranked as our number one winter essential, UGG boots are an essential item for any Victorian who likes keeping warm around the house on a rain-soaked Sunday (or any day). While winter might be over, Christmas is coming and nothing says ‘best present ever’ like a pair of EMU uggs!

If you’ve got a few people to buy for this festive season and have no idea where to start, EMU Australia has you covered with their huge warehouse sale in Geelong this week.

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

Going down in South Geelong at 72 Barwon Terrace, the two-day sale will run Thursday, December 1 and Friday, December 2 from 10am to 4pm.

It’s not exactly clear what will be available and what the discounts will be, but previous warehouse sales have seen some crazy discounts, including nothing over $20 so let’s hope that one returns!! We’d expect you’ll be able to get your hands on boots, kids boots, slippers, and potentially some samples if the last few events are anything to go by.

As always with sales like this, we recommend you bring cash as there’s a very high chance Eftpos won’t be available – and you wouldn’t want to have to put that bargain pair of snuggly boots back on the shelf.

If you’re unfamiliar with EMU and the warehouse in Geelong, it’s here where the magic happens. The Australian-owned business makes all its Platinum Sheepskin products, such as Platinum Stingers, Platinum Outbacks and Platinum Slippers, right here in this warehouse. So you’ll be supporting an Aussie company and local jobs and saving crucial dollars on high-quality products.

If you’re stressing over Chrissy ideas or you’re just due for a new pair of Uggs, I really hope this sale brings you some soft, fluffy sheepskin happiness.

Prepare to slip into a cloud of comfort and warmth. You can check out what EMU offers via their website.

Kurt Vile and the Violators announce Australian headline tour

Fresh from an acclaimed new album (watch my moves) and a whirlwind Australian trip which saw him share the stage with long-time pal and collaborator Courtney Barnett, opening for Nick Cave and Warren Ellis at Hanging Rock, Kurt Vile brings his slow-burning, free-wheeling jams back to Australia for a full band tour.

Kurt Vile and the Violators Australian tour dates

• Tuesday, 28 March 2023 | Fremantle, Fremantle Arts Centre | Tickets
• Thursday 30 March 2023 | Canberra, Kambri @ ANU | Tickets
• Friday 31 March, 2023 | Sydney, Sydney Opera House | Tickets
• Saturday 1 April 2023 | Bambra, Meadow Festival Victoria | Tickets
• Monday 3 April 2023 | Brisbane, The Princess Theatre | Tickets

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

Kurt recorded (watch my moves) in his home studio in Philly’s Mount Airy neighbourhood of Philadelphia, with help from long-time collaborator Rob Schnapf (Richard Thompson, Elliott Smith). Across the record, which includes 14 originals as well as a version of Bruce Springsteen’s Wages of Sin, Vile pulls his talents in unexpected directions, resulting in a vibrant, yet meditative album propelled by his trademark laid-back charm and curious spirit. The album’s artwork features Kurt’s daughters Delphine and Awilda, who recently joined their dad for a festive version of Bob Dylan’s Must Be Santa.

Reflecting on the record, Vile shared: “When Waylon Jennings became an outlaw country artist, he liked to record at Hillbilly Central, which was Tompall Glaser’s studio. OKV Central is my version of that in Mount Airy. I’ve come into my own here, and at the same time I’m getting back to my home-recording roots,” and continues, “It’s about songwriting. It’s about lyrics. It’s about being the master of all domains in the music. I’m always thinking about catchy music, even though it’s fried, or sizzled, out. It’s my own version of a classic thing—it’s moving forward and backward at the same time.”

In addition to Schnapf, Vile’s longtime band, The Violators and James Stewart, the album features special guests Chastity Belt, Cate Le Bon and percussionists Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint, Courtney Barnett) and Sarah Jones (Hot Chip, Harry Styles).  (watch my moves) is Vile’s ninth solo full-length studio album and first since 2018’s Bottle It In.

In addition to his solo work, Vile has collaborated with numerous artists including John Prine, Courtney Barnett, The War on Drugs, The Sadies and more, and is featured on 2021 compilation I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Vile lives in the Mount Airy neighbourhood with his wife and two daughters.

Listen to the full record here.

Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell arena rock musical is coming to Australia in 2023

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre. The show, which is currently on an International tour, will play dates in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical

• Friday 27 January 2023 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
• Monday 30 January 2023 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
• Thursday 2 February 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena
• Saturday 4 February 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
• Wednesday 8 February 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

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

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre. The musical also ran successfully in Canada, Germany and at New York’s City Centre. The current international tour began performances at Manchester Opera House on 11 September 2021 and has been playing to sold out houses and great critical acclaim ever since.

The three Bat Out Of Hell albums have sold a staggering 100 million copies globally. The first album, released in 1977, is one of the best-selling albums of all time internationally. For the stage musical, presented in arenas in Australia, Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night), Bat Out of Hell, I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as two previously unreleased songs, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most and Not Allowed to Love.

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and International Tour casting by Anne Vosser.

This tour is dedicated to the memory of Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on 19 April 2021, and Meat Loaf, who passed away on 20 January 2022.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

‘Supporting Jonah’s family’: Geelong community rallies for heartbroken local family

The Geelong community is currently rallying behind a local family, who suffered the tragic lost their son and brother yesterday.

18-year-old Jonah Lear’s body was found at Point Addis on Tuesday after an extensive search and heartbreaking pleas on social media that saw the entire community band together to assist.

Seven grassroots community groups backing men’s health in the Geelong region.

The news of the young man’s death has sent a ripple through Geelong, with many wishing to help. A GoFundMe page has been set up by local Alex Smith to help support the family, raising more than $18,000 in less than 24-hours from more than 270 donations.

“Today we have woken up to tragedy with the loss of Jonah,” the GoFundMe read.

“Jonah was a beautiful young man who tragically passed days before his 19th birthday.

“If you can support Janina and her family at this time so they can grieve and support each other that would be greatly appreciated.

“We send them our love and support at this unbelievably difficult time.”

Many have shared their heartfelt condolences to the family while others have donated to the cause anonymously. At the time of writing, the page had raised $18,765 of its $20,000, having already exceeded its initial $17,000 goal.

You can donate to the GoFundMe here. 

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

Legendary supergroup Moderat announce debut Australian tour in 2023

Legendary supergroup Moderat are set to bring their incredible live show to Australian shores for the first time this March.

The combination of super producers Apparat and Modeselektor is more than just a portmanteau, but a sum greater than its parts. Good things come in three; and Moderat makes no exception. Their singular and forward thinking approach to electronic pop fuses synthetic soundscapes with rich melodies and pop vocals, creating a deep and twisting sonic experience.

Moderat Australian tour 2023

10 March, 2023 – Forum, Melbourne

12 March, 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

13 March, 2023 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane

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

At a hometown Berlin performance in 2017, Moderat announced that they would be going on hiatus. “Hiatus” being such a charged phrase in music, no one knew when – or if – they would return. Then, six years after their last album, Moderat released MORE D4TA, their fourth record, a reflection of a tumultuous few years through the lens of emotive pop and atmospheric electronics. Created through hours of testing and experimenting on a modular rig, the record teeters across electronic genres while maintaining the electro pop sound the trio have become synonymous with.

MORE D4TA is a thrilling combination of modular composition, field recordings and other sonic oddities, mirrored in their new live performance. With two decades of collaboration under their belt, Moderat’s creative process and live experience runs like clockwork, having hopped on stages across the globe together, including at Coachella, Glastonbury and Primavera.

MORE D4TA wrestles with feelings of isolation and confusion, its title reflecting the information overload and disillusionment that came with many parts of the world being stuck in the digital sphere. Their performances provide opportunities to leave these moments behind, an ethereal escape into their rich melodies, dense soundscapes and elated electro pop.

Each and every moment is both danceable and cathartic: do not miss the opportunity to look to a brighter future with Moderat this March.

Presale tickets go on sale Thursday, December 1 with general public tickets on sale Friday, December 2. Find out more here. 

Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins unite for Australian tour in 2023

Old friends Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins are set to reunite in celebration of their new albums, with their respective bands, The Twin Set and The Fat Rubber Band, for an East Coast run of dates in February 2023.

Expect to catch these fine gents performing individual sets with their phenomenal bands, (perhaps culminating in a reunion of TnT on stage to close the show together?) when they head to the Melbourne Recital Centre on February 17.

Tim Rogers and The Twin Set with Tex Perkins and The Fat Rubber Band

• February 4 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
• February 11 – The Triffid, Brisbane
• February 12 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
• February 17 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne

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

“My favourite singer for aeons and a songwriter and friend for the ages,” says Tim Rogers. “I repeat it again and again, but now the question is…what new kind of trouble can we hoist ourselves unto?”

Following the release of their debut album What Rhymes With Cars and Girls 23 years ago, Tim Rogers & The Twin Set return with the long-awaited follow-up in Tines of Stars Unfurled, featuring new gem Been So Good, Been So Far.

Likewise, Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band will unleash the follow-up to their 2021 self-titled release with new album Other World, including the heartfelt first single ‘Brand New Man’.

“You wouldn’t believe how much I’m looking forward to this tour,” says Tex Perkins.

“Not only is my good friend Tim Rogers and myself presenting very special new albums, surrounded by great musicians but as a grand finale each night we will have one more chance to play as TnT before the whole shithouse goes up in flames!”

Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins will appear at the Melbourne Recital Centre on February 17. Tickets for their show go on sale on December 5, grab them by heading here.

New Geelong festival Tent Pole expands 2023 lineup with international acts and local heroes

Taking to the famed grounds at Mt Duneed Estate in early 2023, on their newly developed Top Paddock site, new music festival Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree has just upped the ante for its inaugural run, announcing more acts to its already glorious lineup.

Featuring twelve acts across two stages and a no-holds-barred attack on your aural senses, March will see the likes of newly announced acts in Texan blues alt-country singer-songwriter Charley Crockett and his band, US garage punk rockers Black Lips, Melbourne punk trio legends MOD CON, power pop rockers The Prize and Bellarine-based psychedelic dream pop, prog rockers Sirens being added to the already jam-packed bill. 

Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree 2023

• New festival on Victoria’s Surf Coast – Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree. 
• Inaugural festival headlined by Pavement – featuring newly announced acts Charley Crockett, Black Lips, Mod Con and more.
• Tent Pole is all about celebrating an eclectic mix of artists, while showcasing a musically diverse mix of seminal and highly influential international and Aussie acts, as well as local, up-and-coming and emerging artists.
• Tickets on sale now. 

Full Festival Lineup

• Pavement
• Spiderbait
• Magic Dirt
• Floodlights
• The Schizophonics
• Black Rock Band
• Clamm
• Charley Crockett
• Black Lips
• Mod Con
• The Prize
• Sirens

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

Promising to turn the festival experience on its head with a line-up curated for maximum enjoyment over two stages, these fresh acts join previously announced headliners in influential and iconic US indie heroes Pavement, as well as indie-rock royalty Spiderbait, legendary Geelong locals Magic Dirt, alt-pop-rock faves Floodlights, San Diego rock’n’soulers The Schizophonics, NT rockers Black Rock Band and punk trio CLAMM.

New music festival ‘Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree’ is coming to Geelong next year

With a bill teeming with revered, respected and rising stars, the new Surf Coast concert event is the first collaboration between Roundhouse Entertainment (the team behind Australia’s iconic outdoor summer concert series a day on the green), Love Police (led by music maverick Brian ‘BT’ Taranto, promoter of excellent international tours Out On The Weekend & Boogie, merch guru, book publisher and record label wiz) and Johann Ponniah, founder of I OH YOU (home to one of the country’s most successful independent record labels). They are combining their decades of expertise in booking the finest bands from all over the globe to give music fans the ultimate experience. 

The inaugural event is taking place at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate, on their newly developed Top Paddock site, on Saturday 4 March. 

Auslan Stage Left, a national organisation specialising in the arts and performance interpreting, will be at the event, providing access for the Deaf Community while OK Motels will take over the second stage, curating a line-up that will embrace their unique love of all-things rural and retro.

Prepare for iconic, indie, lo-fi, hi-fi, post-punk, alternative, renegade rock.

Tickets for Tent Pole on sale now from Ticketmaster.

Mavs Greek Restaurant named among the very best Greek restaurants in Australia at national awards

Earlier this year, locally-owned Mavs Greek Restaurant was named the best Greek restaurant in Victoria and Tasmania.

Named from the owner’s family name Mavromoustakos and meaning ‘black moustache’, Mavs took out the Greek crown at this year’s Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence back in July.

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

Held annually, The Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence gives restaurants, cafes and caterers across the country well-deserved recognition for their hard work, exceptional food and outstanding service in this vibrant industry. The Awards are held in each state (with Victoria and Tasmania combined into one), recognising operators in metropolitan and regional centres, and are the only industry awards with an independent judging system of 280 judges reporting to state Judge Chairs and a National Chief Judge.

Having topped the state in their category, Mavs went on to represent Victoria and Tasmania at the 2022 National Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence, held on Monday 28 November at Gambaro Function Centre in Brisbane.

Up against some of the very best Greek restaurants across the country, Mavs took out the Bronze prize, well and truly putting Geelong’s only authentic Greek eatery firmly on the map.

Offering a sojourn around the Mediterranean without the airfare, the local Greek restaurant came in just behind Sydney eatery JAAKS Restaurant and Bar (who claimed silver) and ESTIA Restaurant in Henley Beach, South Australia who took out gold.

 

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Alongside the best Greek restaurant, the awards also recognised Australia’s best steak restaurant, best Italian restaurant, best restaurant in a winery, best French restaurant and best Asian restaurant, among many others.

Joining Mavs in representing Victoria, Branded Burgers and Bar in Seville, Primary @ Pioneers Park in Berwick, Spice Temple in Southbank, Nice Buns by YOMG in Berwick, Kisume in Melbourne, Society in Melbourne, Cape Restaurant at RACV Resort Cape Schanck, Stokehouse Restaurant in St Kilda, Higher Mark at Geelong Cats, Oriental Teahouse Chapel Street, and Delaware North, among others, also took home top prizes.

You can view the full list of winners here. 

Mavs Greek Restaurant is located at 73A Little Malop St, Geelong and is open Wednesday to Monday. Find out more here. 

Coastal Jam drops mega Boxing Day lineup for Barwon Heads edition

While Boxing Day is often reserved for heading to the shops to battle thousands of shoppers for the best deals, or for slapping on the sunscreen and heading to the Boxing Day Test, if you’re from around here, you’d know that Boxing Day at the Barwon Heads Hotel has been a mainstay destination for the post-chrissy celebrations for many years.

Knowing this and the fact the you might want to compensate for the whole obligatory family Christmas thing by getting turnt up with your squad, the legends at UNO Presents are bringing their iconic party Coastal Jam back to the seaside town this Boxing Day (26 December 2022).

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

Renowned for bringing along some of the finest names in the dance and electronic movement as well as festival level productions to regional cities, Coastal Jam returns to Barwon Heads with viral sensation Disco Lines taking on headline duties.

Disco Lines boasts a packed discography full of club-ready anthems that have exploded in virality on TikTok, PLUS his coming off the back of a mammoth USA summer playing at the nation’s most iconic venues including Red Rocks and the Brooklyn Mirage. Disco Lines is more than prepared to join the killer lineup to kickstart the Coastal Jam sun-soaked return to events.

Joining Disco Lines is TSEBA (SYD), festival favourite, Dean Turnley, Coco Du Ma, DJ Swella, Eva, Costal Jam resident, Meetwally, Nato, Soul Shakin’, Spin City Disco and Zoe.

Going down at Barwon Heads Hotel, the event will kick into gear from 3PM, with great food and drinks and even better company.

Registration for pre-sale is now open with early bird entries having the chance to win 10x Complimentary VIP Tickets, $100 Coastal Jam Merch Pack and $100 Drink Card.

The event closes out a huge year for the UNO Presents team and Coastal Jam series following a gigantic return to the live music scene including the expansion of the Coastal Jam series taking over the iconic Cunningham pier for a sold out 2000 capacity Geelong show, and the introduction of mental health fundraising event, State of Mind.

Head to coastaljam.com.au to register.

Jimmy Barnes cancels upcoming summer shows due to surgery

Aussie rock legend and one of this country’s hardest working musos Jimmy Barnes has withdrawn from a swathe of summer tour dates as he requires undergo essential hip and back surgery.

He is completely confident of making a full recovery and hitting the road again in the second half of 2023.

“I’ve been jumping off PA’s and stomping around stages for nearly 50 years, but it’s finally caught up with me”, explains the Australian rock icon.

“I’ve had niggling back and hip issues for years, but things suddenly got a lot worse over the last few weeks and I’m now in constant and severe pain. As everybody knows, it’s against my religion to blow out gigs but the Doctors tell me I need an operation as soon as possible and it will really limit my movement for a few months. As much as it kills me to inconvenience everyone, I have to get this fixed so I can jump around onstage for another 50 years.”

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

His headlining set at Valo Adelaide 500 on Saturday, 3 December will proceed as planned. Barnes then needs to withdraw from all his other live commitments over summer to undertake this essential operation and allow the time needed for recovery. He sends his sincere apologies to the fans and music workers who will be impacted.

Ticketholders for all the affected Jimmy Barnes concerts (excl. Bluesfest) will be contacted via email by the event promoters. Detailed information will also be posted on the websites of each individual show, but Coffs Harbour is being postponed until 21 October 2023, Sandstone Point will move to 5 August 2023 and Hobart unfortunately needs to be cancelled due to line-up and venue availability issues.

Thankfully Hoodoo Gurus have agreed to step in on the Wollongong, Torquay and Rochford Wines gigs early next year so those three dates will go ahead as scheduled but with this new line-up.

“I’m very grateful that the Gurus have agreed to headline these three big gigs in my absence”, said Barnes.

“We played some great shows together last summer so I know audiences will be in good hands. Their addition to the top of the Wollongong, Torquay and Rochford line-ups also means that the other bands on the bill, like The Living End, Wolfmother and Noiseworks, will still get their chance to rock. That’s important for everyone after all the disrupted touring over recent years so I strongly encourage people to #keepyourticket and support some of our finest Aussie artists at these shows.”

By The C: Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Wolfmother and more are coming to Torquay in 2023

The surgery also means that Jimmy’s appearance at Summernats 35 in Canberra on Friday 6 January 2023 can’t go ahead, but his long time mates Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite and Diesel have come in to fill Jimmy’s Summernats 35 spot. Jimmy has already confirmed he will be back for Summernats 36 in January 2024. Stranded In The Whitsundays week has also had to be rescheduled to 23-28 August 2023 and the planned Byron Bay Bluesfest unveiling of his new project, The Barnestormers will not be able to proceed in 2023.

Meanwhile, Jimmy’s highly anticipated new album Blue Christmas – his first ever collection of holidays songs – was released last Friday.

“At least I know what present I’ll be giving everyone this year”, Barnes joked. “The operation will keep me cooped up over summer and I’m a notoriously cranky patient, so I probably need to buy noise cancelling headphones for my family too – that way they’ll hopefully still be talking to me when I’m back on my feet.”

Find out more about the Torquay By The C gig here. 

Alt-rock legends Everclear are heading to Torquay on their biggest Australian tour to date

Wonderful news, American alt-rock juggernauts Everclear have announced an extensive 17-date Australian tour, and it’s going to mean ‘Everything to Everyone’. Fresh from a year of gigging their 30th anniversary tour around the U.S, it’s Australia’s turn to live the glory days.

The multi-platinum band that helped shape the ’90’s punk rock scene will kick off their Australian tour with a four-date Queensland leg playing Ipswich, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Townsville. They then head down the East coast through NSW and Victoria, through South Australia and finish up in West Australia.

Locally they’ll perform at the Torquay Hotel on February 19 2023.

Everclear Australian 2023 Tour Dates

THU 02 FEB | RACEHORSE HOTEL | IPSWICH

FRI 03 FEB | MIAMI MARKETTA | GOLD COAST

SAT 04 FEB | CHARDONS CORNER HOTEL | BRISBANE

SUN 05 FEB | DALRYMPLE HOTEL | TOWNSVILLE

WED 08 FEB \ DRIFTERS WHARF \ GOSFORD

THURS 09 FEB | THE BASEMENT | CANBERRA

FRI 10 FEB | THE ETTAMOGAH | KELLYVILLE RIDGE

SAT 11 FEB | CROW BAR | SYDNEY

SUN 12 FEB | CAMBRIDGE HOTEL | NEWCASTLE

THURS 16 FEB | YORK ON LILYDALE | MT EVELYN

FRI 17 FEB | THE CROXTON BANDROOM | THORNBURY

SAT 18 FEB | CHELSEA HEIGHTS HOTEL | CHELSEA HEIGHTS

SUN 19 FEB | TORQUAY HOTEL | TORQUAY

THURS 23 FEB | THE GOV | ADELAIDE

FRI 24 FEB | FREO SOCIAL | FREMANTLE

SAT 25 FEB | CARINE TAVERN | DUNCRAIG

SUN 26 FEB | DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN | DUNSBUROUGH

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

“After spending the better part of 2022 celebrating our 30th anniversary as a band, releasing our remastered debut album ‘World of Noise’ on digital platforms for the first time ever, and recently releasing our new single ‘Year of the Tiger’, we are so excited to be coming back to our home away from home with the largest and most inclusive Australian tour we have ever done,” said frontman Art Alexakis.

“By mixing it up and digging into the catalogue, it still makes it fun and relevant for us, and I think for the fans as well,” said Alexakis. “It’s still important to play the hits, but by playing those other songs as well, it makes it all seem more vibrant and real.

“Even though I recorded some of those songs over 20 years ago, I haven’t played them in a long time, so it’s like reinventing the wheel. I’m having more fun now than I have in years. I think all of us are.”

Fans will be treated to some of the band’s top 40 singles such as ‘Santa Monica’, ‘Father of Mine’, ‘I Will Buy You A New Life’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Everything To Everyone’ as well as their new material.

Their new single ‘Year of the Tiger’ followed their 2015 album Black is the New Black and sees them screaming back onto the scene with a politically-charged, riff-heavy rallying call.

“After all of the events of the last almost three years with Covid, worldwide shutdowns, the political debacle of 2020 emanating from in and outside of MAGA world, I felt I needed to write a song that not just explained my anger and frustration, but a song that served as a mission statement,” said Alexakis about the single.

“I feel like the tiger should be the new symbol of the new Democratic party. We will not back down, we will not forget, we hit back, we challenge lies, and we refuse to be intimidated by ignorance or loud voices.”

Formed by Alexakis in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, Everclear has since had 11 studio releases, numerous videos, thousands of shows and accolades that include a 1998 Grammy nomination.

Their current touring lineup features longtime members Davey French on guitar and Freddy Herrera on bass, as well as drummer Brian Nolan, who has performed with Everclear on multiple past tours.

Member’s pre-sale on 29 November and general tickets on sale 30 November. Tickets to Torquay here. 

Bad Shepherd Brewing Co and Visit Victoria launch new all-Victorian golf beer using historic Melbourne yeast and Geelong malt

Victoria is one the greatest golf destinations in the world, home to the two top courses in the country (Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club) and some of the most stunning courses on the Bellarine, making it the  perfect place to produce a classic golf brew. 

Enter the Caddie Victoria Ale, a collaboration brew between Bad Shepherd Brewing Co and Visit Victoria to develop a local beer while shining a light on this premier golfing state.

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

The latest crisp and refreshing craft beer from Cheltenham brewery Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, the Caddie Victoria Ale is attentively made using malt from Geelong, proprietary hops by  Ellerslie (a fourth-generation Victorian grower), and water from Melbourne. In a rare and exclusive treat, the commercial beer also uses a 100-year-old Victorian made yeast.  

Bad Shepherd jumped at the opportunity to partner with Visit Victoria to develop a truly  local beer with the golfer in mind. The focus quickly turned to developing an easy-going mid  strength pale ale using ingredients with a local provenance and that can be enjoyed on some of the best golf courses in the world 

“We have amazing golf courses in Victoria and particularly through The Melbourne Sandbelt  where we are situated, and we wanted to focus on all-Victorian ingredients” said Bad  Shepherd Head Brewer and Innovation Lead Brendon Guild. 

“We selected Astra and Melba hops to give us a light touch of passionfruit, stonefruit and  citrus – the perfect accompaniment as we head into summer. Best of all, at one standard  drink per can, The Caddie will make sure you stay on course and at the top of your game”. 

Bad Shepherd first learned of a yeast strain made in Melbourne in 1889 by famous  bacteriologist Auguste de Bavay when it was rediscovered by beer historian and author  Peter Symons. Symons said the yeast, Melbourne No.1 pure ale yeast, was so good it was  once dubbed the ‘sire of Australian beer’ and was credited with lifting the quality of  Victorian colonial beer to world class standard.  

Unused since 1936 and preserved at White Labs, a yeast lab in San Diego, Bad Shepherd has exclusively propagated the Melbourne No.1. in 2018 for their Victoria Pale Ale.

“We set ourselves a tough challenge to create a 100 per cent locally produced beer which  meant finding not only Victorian hops and malt, but also a Victorian-made yeast” said Bad  Shepherd owner and award-winning brewer Dereck Hales.  

The Caddie Victoria Ale is worth the wait delivering a crisp, easy drinking mid strength pale  with a tropical aroma. Just like a good caddie, it could get you up to par.  

The Caddie Victoria Ale is now available online at Bad Shepherd, select bottle shops and in most of The Melbourne Sandbelt Clubs which are open to interstate tee bookings. 

Weird Al Yankovic announces 2023 Australian tour

“I don’t very often get an opportunity to tour outside of North America,” says Al, “so it’s a huge thrill for me to come back to Australia and play a bunch of songs that most people would rather not hear.”

Catch him when he heads to Melbourne’s own Palais Theatre for a show full of deep cuts and fan-favourite originals.

Weird Al Yankovic The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour

• March 10 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
• March 13 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
• March 15 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
• March 18 – Astor Theatre, Perth
• March 20 – QPAC, Brisbane

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

Reprising his wildly successful 2018 and 2022 North American Vanity Tours, including sold-out performances at The Kennedy Centre and Carnegie Hall, Al and his original band of four decades will be foregoing their usual high-octane theatrics (no costumes, no props, no video screens) in favour of playing deep cuts and fan-favourite originals rather than his classic parodies. Because of the no-frills, bare-bones nature of this show, Yankovic will be performing in more intimate theatres and settings.

 

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The tour marks Weird Al’s long-anticipated return to the world stage after his highly successful 2019 Strings Attached Tour where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Forest Hills Stadium and Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Washington DC’s Wolf Trap.

Opening the show each night will be Al’s long-time friend (and The Vidiot FromUHF co-star), the legendary comedian Emo Philips.

“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time. His last release Mandatory Fun (2014) was the first comedy album in history to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200. In November 2017, Legacy Recordings released the career-spanning Squeeze Box: The Complete Recordings of “Weird Al” Yankovic, including all 14 of his studio albums re-mastered for vinyl and CD format, plus a rarities album and 120-page book of photos from the archives, all housed in a replica of his signature accordion.  The project earned Yankovic his fifth Grammy Award.

Tickets go on sale on December 2. Grab them by heading here.

Kurt Vile & The Violators, Jen Cloher, Big Scary lead the lineup for Surf Coast’s Meadow 2023

Cherished Victorian surf coast festival Meadow is back in Autumn for its ninth instalment and has just lifted the lid on its mammoth lineup, promising yet another three-day two-night exploration of genre-expanding local and international live music in Bambra on Gulidjan, Gadubanud and Wadawurrung land.

From Friday 31 March – Sunday 2 April, the festival will see the iconic Bambra Bowl come to life by an unmissable line-up headlined by Philadelphia’s lo-fi rocker Kurt Vile and his band The Violators, Jen Cloher, Kučka, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Big Scary, Agung Mango and many more. These acts join previously announced headliners in London’s post punk revivalists and noise rock band Black Midi.

In the wake of this year’s homegrown celebration including Tropical Fuck Storm, Methyl Ethyl, and Maple Glider, this next chapter of Meadow is sure to cover every inch of the music spectrum and is one for the history books.

Meadow Festival 2023

• The ninth edition of Meadow Festival is headed up by Kurt Vile & The Violators, Black Midi, Jen Cloher, Kučka, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
• The music, camping and BYO festival returns to the Surf Coast from March 31 – April 2: Autumn 2023
• Tickets on sale now, right here

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

For a more in depth look at what Meadow 9 offers, we’ll be welcoming back to Australia Kurt Vile & The Violators (US) who are set to treat crowds to old classics and new gems from Vile’s vibrant yet meditative 2022 album Watch My Moves.  Joining Vile, from abroad, is Black Midi (UK) who are limbering up to explode onto the stage with their carefully curated chaos, equal parts intense, absurdist and theatrical.

Amongst this expansive lineup there is something for everyone, whether it’s the taut terse brand of rock charged by Jen Cloher’s incisive generous songwriting or tracks that will shake the gum trees from electronic producer Kučka who is no stranger to festivals having shared the stage with Flume at Coachella and multiple headline sets at Dark Mofo and Vivid in 2022 alone.

Bringing the entrancing and stomping energy is local heavyweights Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, alongside songs from the raw and restlessly innovative indie duo Big Scary or the unapologetic free flowing bars of underground rapper Agung Mango. For those that flourish in the deepest parts of the night, Meadow’s stage will host some of Australia’s finest selectors and producers after dark. From Sydney, Mall Grab collaborator Loods will bring his series of 2022 dancefloor hits from a European summer stint straight to the Bambra Bowl alongside local favourite Rona and the eclectic sonic stylings of Ayebatonye. 

But, that’s not all, other local mover and shakers, Daine,  Mirasia, Ruby Gill, Komang, Gena Rose Bruce, Delivery, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice Workhorse, Way Dynamic, Wildfire Manwurrk will all be hitting the Meadow stage with DJs to be announced in February.

Live Review: Meadow is the Victorian boutique music festival that gets it right

Capacity is very cosy 1500 tickets making this one of the most intimate environments to experience many artists. Every vehicle attending the festival will require a car pass. All proceeds from car passes will support replanting native trees and shrubs across the festival site and surrounding areas (via East Otway Landcare). Hundreds of baby trees from our 2021 planting will be starting to mature by the time punters arrive in Autumn!

 “Bambra Express” bus passes are available for the 2023 event. A $55 + BF return pass will get you from Melbourne (Brunswick or Richmond pickup locations) to Bambra and back again. There’s also a Geelong route collecting punters from the central train station for $45 + BF per return trip. 

General Release tickets are now on sale for $285 + BF, teenagers accompanied by adults can join the festivities but require a full ticket, while children under 12 enter for free

MEADOW 2023

Kurt Vile & The Violators (US)
Black Midi (UK)
Jen Cloher
Kučka
Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
Big Scary
Loods
Daine
Rona.
Agung Mango
Ayebatonye
Mirasia
Ruby Gill
Komang
Gena Rose Bruce
Delivery
Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice Workhorse
Way Dynamic
Wildfire Manwurrk

Tickets can be purchased via www.meadowmf.com

Italian fashion label Brandy Melville opens Melbourne store in South Yarra

Women’s clothing label Brandy Melville, famous for its petite sizing and California cool aesthetic, has expanded further into Australia by opening its second-ever store, this time in Melbourne.

Three years after opening its first Australian store in Sydney, at Bondi Junction Westfield in December 2019, the popular overseas fashion label has this week opened the second store at 507 Chapel St, South Yarra, Victoria 3141.

Ghanda: The story behind the cherished Torquay-born clothing label. 

 

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Brandy Melville Melbourne will operate Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm.

The women’s apparel line from Italy is known for its trend-setting styles with a beachy, comfortable vibe, inspired by Los Angeles, catering to a limited clientele of those who fit sizes 4 to 6.

While born in Italy in the early 80s, courtesy of Silvio Marsan and his son Stefan, the brand truly found success in the American market with celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Kylie Jenner making it a label of choice.

The company’s products are now sold in nearly 100 physical stores across the world, including Europe, the United States, Asia, Canada, and Australia, as well as on the Brandy Melville website

Now a worldwide phenomenon, this European Instagram favourite has a cult following known for its rich fabrics, fine quality, muted colour palette and excellent prices.

Find out more about the Australian locations here.