Don your best robes, a massive Harry Potter trivia night is happening in Geelong this week
Wizards, Halfbloods and Muggles, gather around because the time has come to put your knowledge to the test.
The good folk at The Deck Geelong are going to the dark side and are hosting an epic Harry Potter themed trivia night this week.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Taking place on Thursday, November 24, this will be an epic night of movie-based trivia with multiple rounds, so that even the most novice of 1st years stand a chance to win the major prize. The winner of the night will go home with two tickets to the broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, currently on show in Melbourne. Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany.
Originally a two-part event, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has now been reimagined as one singular performance and tells the eighth story in the Harry Potter canon and the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play holds a record 60 major honours, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards including Best New Play and has been seen by millions of people worldwide.
The Deck trivia usually sees a 7pm kick off so head in early to fuel up before the big event.
Dress ups are encouraged to win extra prizes for a night you won’t want to obliviate.
So grab your robes and start brushing up on your wizarding knowledge because this Triwizard Cup level tournament is going to test your skills in all things magical.
Bookings are essential so call 52295504 to avoid some serious disappointment. The Deck is located at 2 Gheringhap Street, Geelong.
Where to vote early in the Geelong region this state election
Good news: Early voting in Geelong is now open and you don’t even need a reason to vote early.
With early voting centres available in every district across Victoria, you can vote between Monday, November 14 and Friday, November 25. The full list of early voting centre locations and hours can be found here. No democracy sausages if you do this though, sadly.
Early voting Geelong
- Early voting is now open for the Victorian State Election, find a map of all of them here
- You can vote early in centres across the state – you don’t need to provide a reason to vote early
- The state election takes place on November 26
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Below is a short list of some of the districts in the Geelong region and one of their early voting centres. If you don’t know what district you’re in, enter your address into the VEC site and they’ll let you know.
- Thomson EVC – 60 St Albans Road , Thomson VIC
- Newtown EVC – Unit 3, 7/21 Newcastle Street, Newtown VIC
- Lara – 365–455 Melbourne Road, Norlane VIC
- South Barwon – 19–21 Peter Street, Grovedale VIC
- Torquay EVC – 36 Wadawurrung Way, Torquay VIC
- Geelong – 38–40 Brougham Street, Geelong VIC
- Bellarine – 9 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove VIC
Elsewhere in regional Victoria? This is not a full list of all the districts across regional Vic, if you don’t see your district in this list, head here to check where you can vote early.
- Polwarth – 16–20 Murray Street, Colac VIC
- South-West Coast – 86 Kepler Street, Warrnambool VIC
- Portland EVC – 60 Wellington Road, Portland VIC
- Hamilton EVC – 110 Brown Street, Hamilton VIC
- Ararat EVC – Level 2, 31–33 Lambert Street, The Great Hall, Gum San Heritage Centre – Accessibility Parking and Access via Mount Romnya Lane (next to No 35) Ararat VIC
- Castlemaine EVC – 57 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450
- Eaglehawk EVC – Corner High Street and Brazier Street, (access via High Street) Eaglehawk VIC
- Bendigo West – 53 Williamson Street, Bendigo VIC
- Bendigo East – Unit 13A, 172–176 McIvor Road, Strathdale VIC 3550
- Drouin EVC – Drouin Recreation Reserve – Social Club Room, Sinclair Street Drouin VIC
- Lowan – Anglican Parish of Horsham, 10 Andrew Street Horsham VIC
- Mildura – 69–71 Lime Avenue, Mildura VIC
- Swan Hill EVC – 159 Stradbroke Avenue, Swan Hill VIC
- Murray Plains – 200 Pakenham Street, Echuca VIC
- Mooroopna EVC – 92 McLennan Street, Mooroopna VIC
- Shepparton – 126–128 High Street, Shepparton VIC
- Ripon – 3 Neill Street, Maryborough VIC
- Macedon – Unit 4, 52 Saleyards Road, Kyneton VIC
- Wendouree EVC – Shop 117, Stockland Wendouree , 330 Gilles Street North Wendouree VIC
- Eureka – Warehouse 1, 328 Eureka Street, Ballarat East VIC 3350
- Wendouree – 81 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central VIC
- Yarrawonga EVC – 26 McNally Street, Yarrawonga VIC
- Benambra – 82 High Street, Wodonga VIC
- Ovens Valley – 46 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC
- Mansfield EVC – 165 Mt Buller Road, Mansfield VIC
- Benalla EVC – 61 Fawckner Drive, Benalla VIC
If you’re actually away from the state for the election, you can vote from interstate in person at any State or Territory electoral commission across Australia. The locations and hours can be found here.
You can also vote by post – you must apply between Wednesday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 23, with the ballot packs sent out from Monday, November 14. Apply to vote by post by heading here and then enjoy the rest of your beach holiday.
If all of these elections, referendums, ballots, polls and stuff seem a bit overwhelming: the Victorian Electoral Commission has a service called VoterAlert, which is a free election reminder service that will let you know where and how to vote in any elections that you’re eligible to vote in. Sign up, and check your Victorian enrolment details, by heading here.
Don’t see your district in this list? Check out the full list of early voting locations by heading here.
The Screaming Jets announce The Rock Vault tour for 2023
Fresh from their recent 30th anniversary tour of their groundbreaking rock album, ‘All For One’, which saw the band play to sold out audiences across the country and receive rave reviews, Aussie rock favourites The Screaming Jets have announced ‘The Rock Vault’ tour for 2023.
The shows will kick off on February 24, visiting capital cities and regional centres in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, across to three shows in WA then wrapping up the tour on April 25 .
The Screaming Jets 2023 Australian Tour
FRI 24 FEB – HAMILTON HOTEL, HAMILTON, QLD
SAT 25 FEB – RACEHORSE HOTEL, BOOVAL, QLD
FRI 3 MAR – HORNSBY RSL, HORNSBY, NSW
SAT 4 MAR – BLACKTOWN WORKERS, BLACKTOWN, NSW
SUN 12 MAR – BRIGHTER DAYS FESTIVAL, BRIGHT, VIC
FRI 17 MAR – SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER, VIC
SAT 18 MAR – THE CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE, VIC
FRI 24 MAR – SUNKEN MONKEY, ERINA, NSW
SAT 25 MAR – LAURIETON UNITED, LAURIETON, NSW
FRI 31 MAR – RAILWAY HOTEL, MURCHISON EAST, VIC
SAT 1 APR – HINDLEY STREET MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE, SA
THU 13 APR – PRINCE OF WALES, BUNBURY, WA
FRI 14 APR – RAVENSWOOD HOTEL, RAVENSWOOD, WA
SAT 15 APR – CHARLES HOTEL, NORTH PERTH, WA
FRI 21 APR – THE BRIDGE HOTEL, ROZELLE, NSW
SAT 22 APR – THE BRIDGE HOTEL, ROZELLE, NSW
SUN 23 APR – THE BRIDGE HOTEL, ROZELLE, NSW
TUE 25 APR – TORONTO HOTEL *ANZAC DAY*, TORONTO, NSW
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Lead singer Dave Gleeson said today, “So many songs, so little time! As we’ve spent the last 12 months solely focused on the 30th Anniversary of ‘All For One’, we thought it’s be great to get out on the road before we head into the studio to record new material and THRASH OUT the hits from all our past albums. The set list will be full of all the fan favourites that they know and love.
“We’re playing as tight as a fish’s arse at the moment from the constant touring of the last 6 months, so we can’t wait to smash out some of the songs that have been sitting in the background for a little while.
“We met a young band called Pricey recently, who are a top bunch of blokes pumping out new Oz rock – so we’re bringing them along for the ride with us too. Looks like we’ll need 2 bottles of jack a night for this tour!”
Originating from Newcastle, The Screaming Jets have been an enduring rock force in the Australian music scene for over three decades. With over 200 live shows nationally under their belts before they had even secured their first record deal, the release of their debut album ‘All For One’ in 1991 took us all by the scruff of our necks and gave our ears a red hot shake! It peaked at #2 on the ARIA charts and the second single from the album, ‘Better’ was the song that introduced the band to the world and saw them embark on their first world tour – to Europe, UK, USA and Canada.
In October 2021, the band released the 30th anniversary edition of ‘All For One’, with production of the record overseen by the album’s original producer, Steve James. This edition of the record made its presence felt once again as it landed straight back into the ARIA charts at #4, also topping the charts as #1 vinyl album!
Nine studio albums later and having released some of Australia’s most iconic rock songs, the band are affectionately known as ‘Australia’s Greatest Ever Pub rock band’ and never disappoint.
Tickets on sale now from www.
HED PE announce 2023 Australian tour
Over the course of their career, which commenced in 1997, genre bending punk, rasta, soul gangsta rockers, HED PE (AKA (Hed) P.E. or (hed) Planet Earth, have remained constant with relentless touring and a genuinely unifying live show bringing together fans of the multiple genres which they so effortlessly fuse.
The band returns to Australia for the first time since 2019, and for their third tour since 2018, much to the delight of a fiercely loyal fan base. They’ll kick off the tour in Perth on February 5 and take to Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney before finishing up on Melbourne on February 11 2023.
HED PE Australian Tour 2023
Sunday 5 February – Perth, Amplifier Bar
Tuesday 7 February – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory
Thursday 9 February – Brisbane, The Brightside
Friday 10 February – Sydney, Crowbar
Saturday 11 February – Melbourne, Max Watts
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Huntington Beach, California’s (hed) p.e. (the “pe” stands for “Planet Earth”) were founded in 1994 by frontman Jahred (aka M.C.U.D. aka Jared Gomes), whose goal was to fuse the region’s long-standing punk rock heritage with G-funk-inflected hip-hop — a sound he labeled “G-punk.” The group found mainstream success in the early 2000s via their second and third albums, Broke and Blackout, both of which were released by Jive Records. A move to indie label Suburban Noize yielded the 9/11 Truth Movement concept LP New World Orphans, and in 2019 the eclectic rockers issued their tenth studio long-player, Stampede.
(hed) p.e. (also comprising lead guitarist Wesley “Wesstyle” Geer, rhythm guitarist Chad “Chizad” Benekos, bassist Mark “Mawk” Young, drummer Ben “B.C.” Vaught, and Doug “DJ Product @ 1969” Boyce on turntables and samples) released their eponymous debut through Jive Records, then hit the road with Ozzfest and bands like Korn, Static-X, and System of a Down.
A second album, Broke, followed in the year 2000, and a third, Blackout, arrived in 2003, after which (hed) p.e. switched labels from Jive to Koch and underwent something of an overhaul (welcoming new guitarist Jaxon Benge and drummer Mark “Moke” Bistany) prior to recording their fourth album, 2005’s Only in Amerika.
The all-new Back 2 Base X and the Best of (hed) Planet Earth compilation arrived in 2006, followed by Flat Bill Hat in the summer of 2007 and the politically charged concept LP New World Orphans in 2009. A second compilation, titled Major Pain 2 Indee Freedom: The Best of Hed P.E., was released in 2010, featuring a new track and a limited-edition concert film of the group performing live in Los Angeles. That same year they dropped Truth Rising, which broke into the Billboard Top 100. Yet another compilation was released in 2013, just as DJ Product parted ways with the band. More departures came the next year as Benge and Young left, replaced by Greg “Gregzilla” Harrison and Kurt “Kid Bass” Blankenship, respectively. Evolution (previously titled Ascension) was issued in the summer of 2014.
Forever!, their ninth effort and first with only one founding member, arrived in 2016. In 2019 the band returned with their tenth full-length effort, the versatile Stampede.
If you have not experienced HED PE live, expect pounding riffage, solid grooves and funk infused rhythms all laced by the flow, melody and cadence of frontman, Jahred Gomes.
The band is firing on all cylinders and is coming off a very heavy 2022 touring schedule across the USA and Europe.
Australian fans of the band are in for a real treat.
Get tickets here.
Victorian Opera announces its 2023 season brimming with splendour and spectacle
In his last year at the helm, outgoing Artistic Director Richard Mills AM has curated a diverse and defiant line-up that includes a world premiere First Nations work set against the backdrop of the First Fleet’s arrival, a fresh take on Idomeneo that is sure to make a splash and a brand new production that examines the fortunes of one of the world’s greatest thinkers composed by Mills himself to close out the year.
Across eight shows, season 2023 will feature two world premiere works, a fully-realised new Mozart staging, visiting international guests, acclaimed homegrown talent in concert and a suite of emerging voices and storytellers.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
In a rather poetic final handover, Mills will compose and conduct 2023’s closing production, the world premiere Galileo, alongside Victorian Opera’s inbound Artistic Director, Stuart Maunder, who will direct.
Of his concluding season, and 11-year tenure, Artistic Director Richard Mills AM, said: “The alchemy of the marriage of words and music opens windows on the marvellous for our opera audiences in 2023. The program celebrates great singing, new work, a commitment to developing artists and young people, and a commitment to diversity, reaching out to new audiences as well as to our friends and patrons who love traditional opera.’
“In 2023 we are creating pathways for developing artists, first nations arts practitioners and young designers and theatre workers – as well as young singers. International guest artists also feature prominently in the season, old friends returning and great Australian talent such as Simon Young, Steve Davislim, Jessica Pratt and Deborah Humble returning to Melbourne as honoured guests.”
Two new operas will take the stage in 2023: The Visitors by First Nations creative team Christopher Sainsbury and Jane Harrison, and Mills’ own new opera with librettist Malcolm Angelucci’s Galileo, with a video text by Jamie Clennett, directed by Stuart Maunder.
“This premiere will see the passing of the baton as I depart my role as Artistic Director and Stuart steps into the position, opening the door on a new chapter for Victorian Opera,” Mills adds.
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Following its debut in Launceston last year, Gioachino Rossini’s La Cenerentola will transfer to Melbourne to open the 2023 Victorian Opera season at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday 10 March. Transforming the story of Cinderella into a heart-warming tale of love and forgiveness, this classic and enchanting opera is directed by Elizabeth Hill-Cooper with Victorian Opera’s own Richard Mills joining her as conductor (the pair previously collaborated on The Barber of Seville in 2019).
A Soviet-era Khrushchev-style apartment complex is transported to contemporary Melbourne in Melbourne, Cheremushki, a darkly comic story that remains as relevant as its debut in Moscow in 1959. Vladimir Mass and Mikhail Chervinsky’s sarcastically funny libretto – matched by visionary composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s score – grapples with topics all too familiar to Melbourne audiences of today, exploring income inequality, housing affordability and the pitfalls of progress. Showcasing the incredible new talents of the ‘VO Emerges’ cast, this fully-staged operetta will meet these perennial issues with fresh perspectives and voices alike at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from 22 – 25 March.
In an enriching tale for children, The Grumpiest Boy in the World follows young hero Zachary as he discovers an imaginary world of giants, hairy creatures and flying things and learns just what it means to stand out. Featuring a score from Joseph Twist, known for his stellar musical direction on hit children’s TV show, Bluey, alongside Sidney Myer Fellowship librettist and much-loved children’s author, Finegan Kruckemeyer, this family friendly favourite returns for a new generation of young theatre-goers to discover. The Grumpiest Boy in the World will be performed at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse on Saturday 24 June with a relaxed session on Friday 23 June.
Considered by Mozart to be his greatest work in the genre of opera, the epic Idomeneo will be revived in a landmark new production directed by Emma Muir-Smith and conducted by Benjamin Bayl with accompaniment from the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. Death, politics and roaring crescendos unfold against the mythic tale of the King of Crete as he faces an impossible decision: to sacrifice his son in payment of a debt to Poseidon or exile him across the seas. Presented in the grand majesty of the Palais Theatre on 4, 6 and 8 July, this full staging of one of opera’s great jewels will sparkle on the St Kilda foreshore as if it were Poseidon’s Bay.
Victorian Opera continues its exploration of Richard Strauss in a one night only concert of the beautiful and deeply thoughtful ‘conversation piece for music’, Capriccio, conducted by the renowned Simone Young AM and featuring Lithuanian-born soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė. In a unique collaboration – staged at the Palais Theatre on 31 August – with the Australian National Academy of Music, this 1942 operatic masterpiece by Richard Strauss and Clemens Krauss ponders an age-old question of the artform: which is more important for opera – the words or the music?
From the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and Staatsoper Hamburg, world renowned opera star Jessica Pratt returns to Melbourne next September for a special one-night-only concert at the Palais Theatre on 2 September, in what is sure to be a highlight of the city’s musical calendar. Widely considered one of today’s foremost interpreters of Bel Canto’s most challenging roles, Pratt will delight opera lovers and new listeners alike with a showcase of the heroes and heroines from the canon. Returning to the Melbourne stage for the first time since her sold out 2019 Heroic Bel Canto concert with Victorian Opera, Pratt will be joined by Richard Mills as conductor and performance partner, Orchestra Victoria.
The first of Victorian Opera’s two world premiere productions for 2023 is The Visitors: a remarkable new commission directed by Queensland Theatre Associate Artist and Noongar man, Isaac Drandic, with Victorian Opera’s Head of Music, Phoebe Briggs, as conductor. Set in 1788 as strange ships approach the shores of Tumbalong (Darling Harbour) on January 26, The Visitors is imbued with Aboriginal customs, melody and humour. From First Nation’s composer Christopher Sainsbury and libretto by original playwright and Muruwari woman, Jane Harrison, it tells the story of the early days of colonialism and its impacts on the First Peoples. The Visitors will be staged at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from the 18 – 21 October.
Faith, knowledge and power collide in Victorian Opera’s final 2023 production, Galileo, staged at the Palais Theatre on the 20, 22 and 23 December. A world premiere work by outgoing Victorian Opera Artistic Director, Richard Mills, Galileo is a searching meditation on questions of faith in a violent, hostile and uncertain world. Told through a collaboration with filmmaker Jamie Clennett (The Who’s Tommy), the combined forces of La Compañia and Orchestra Victoria, and starring Victorian Opera favourite, baritone Samuel Dundas as Galileo – this project will celebrate the artistic legacy of Richard Mills while welcoming Victorian Opera’s new Artistic Director, Stuart Maunder as director.
Subscriptions to Victorian Opera’s Season 2023 are now on sale, with tickets available to the public from Monday 12 December.
For more information about the program, visit their website here.
A giant Christmas-themed Selfie Trail has popped up in Geelong across more than 20 locations
Gifting Geelong locals and tourists alike an interactive Christmas experience, the Giant Selfie Trail has returned to the region as part of Geelong’s Christmas 2022 program.
Strike a pose, take the perfect family photo or just snap a selfie at one or all of the 26 locations across the region, with eight of those within walking distance in central Geelong and others close by at Eastern Beach and Geelong West too.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
You can transform yourself into an angel with giant wings, kiss your special someone under the giant mistletoe, jump into a one (or all) of the four snow globes, swim with Santa, turn yourself into a hanging Christmas decoration and so much more.
Here’s a rundown of this year’s Selfie Trail and where to find each festival background:
2022 Giant Selfie Trail
Armstrong Creek – Selfie with Santa
Armstrong Creek Community Hub
46 Central Boulevard
Barwon Heads – Surf with Santa
Corner Hitchcock Avenue and Clifford Parade
(in Clifford)
Belmont – Milk for Santa
Belmont Library
163 High Street
Central Geelong – Christmas Lantern
The Carousel
Eastern beach Road, Geelong
Central Geelong – Christmas Under the Sea
Central Geelong – Christmas Under the Sea
Westfield
Moorabool Street
Central Geelong – Season’s Greetings Snow Globe
Wurriki Nyal
137-149 Mercer Street (Gherinhap Street side)
Central Geelong – Bauble Bliss
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome)
Little Malop Street
Central Geelong – Christmas Balloons
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome)
Little Malop Street
Central Geelong – Portal to the North Pole
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome)
Little Malop Street
Central Geelong – Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Gartland Building
71 Little Malop Street
Central Geelong – Santa’s En Route
City Hall
Little Malop Street
Corio – Choo Choo Train
Corio Library
Cox Road (corner Moa Street)
Corio – Floating Balloons
Korayn Birralee Family Centre
146 Purnell Road
Drysdale – Feed Rudolph
Potato Shed
41 Peninsula Drive
Geelong – Summer Santa Snow Globe
The Pavilion
Eastern Beach (next to fountain)
Geelong West – Pat Rudolph
Geelong West Library
152a Pakington Street
Hamlyn Heights – Christmas Candy Land
Vines Road Community Hub
37-61 Vines Road
Highton – Christmas Stamp
Belle Vue Avenue
(shopping strip)
Lara – Snowy Snow Globe
Lara Library
5 Walkers Road
Leopold – Gingerbread House
Leopold Community Hub
31-39 Kensington Road
Norlane – Hang on the Tree
Labuan Square
31 Forster Street
Norlane – Candy Canes
The ForT
Corner Melbourne and St Georges Roads
Ocean Grove – White Angel Wings
Library
Presidents Avenue (look on side street)
Portarlington – Giant Christmas Cracker
Parks Hall
87 Newcombe Street
Waurn Ponds – Bauble House
Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre
240 Pioneer Road
Waurn Ponds – Wings of an Angel
Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre
240 Pioneer Road
Find out more here.
Legendary Malian Guitarist Vieux Farka Touré returns to Australia in 2023
One of the world’s most respected guitarists and musicians, Touré returns to Australia with his full band to perform from his extraordinary back catalogue and critically acclaimed new album, ‘Les Racines’. The album celebrates the universal adage that says ‘to know where you’re going, you must know where you’ve come from.
Touré’s 2023 Australian tour kicks off in Melbourne on the 24th of February before heading to Meeniyan in regional Victoria, then on to Hobart, Sydney, Cairns, Sandgate, Canberra, Castlemaine to follow with the tour finishing up at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. don’t worry Sydney siders as there is something very special planned for you.
Vieux Farka Touré Australian 2023 Tour
Friday 24- February
Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 25- February
Meeniyan Hall, Meeniyan VIC
Sunday 26-February
Hobart – Details announced 28 Nov
Thursday 2- March
Sydney – Details announced 4 Dec
Friday 3- March
Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns QLD
Saturday 4- March
Music By The Sea, Sandgate QLD
Sunday 5- March
Street Theatre, Canberra ACT
Thursday 9- March
Theatre Royale Castlemaine, VIC
Friday 10-March
Port Fairy Folk Festival, VIC
Saturday 11-Mar
Port Fairy Folk Festival VIC
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Vieux spent 2 years making ‘Les Racines’, but the album had been gestating in his mind even longer.
“I’ve had a desire to do a more traditional album for a long, long time. It’s important to me and to Malian people that we stay connected to our roots and our history,” Touré explains.
‘Les Racines’, translating as ‘the roots’, represents a deep reconnection with the traditional Songhai music of northern Mali. This is one of the northern West African musical traditions known in the West by the catch-all term ‘Desert Blues’.
Touré roots run far deeper than most, his father, the late Ali Farka Touré, acclaimed as the finest guitarist Africa has ever produced, was a pioneer in introducing this style to audiences around the world.
Most recently Touré has expanded his horizons again, having collaborated with the world-renowned Texas trio Khruangbin on the album Ali, which seamlessly melds Vieux’s masterful guitar work and soulful singing with their dubby psychedelia.
More information via www.vieuxfarkatoure.com
Live Review: The Lumineers wrapped up their Aussie tour in Victoria with a night of nostalgia, energy and joy
Named after their latest album Brightside, the tour encompassed new hits and old favourites alike by the American indie-folk artists. The final show of their Australian and New Zealand tour took place in Melbourne on November 18th, in the cosy venue that is Margaret Court Arena. Albeit an arena, the gig still had a fairly intimate feel, which was the perfect setting for the music that ensued.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Opening the gig was Brisbane-based indie folk band, Hollow Coves. Their thirty-minute set included favourites such as Coastline and Home, which were certainly a hit with the Victorian crowd. These two lads have recently opened Passenger’s Australian shows, as well as headlined their own North American tour. It is clear that the acoustic duo are making music that is resonating with a worldwide audience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next on their music journey.
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The Lumineers had both those in seats and the mosh pit swaying, jumping, dancing and singing along from the moment they entered the stage. Traversing through newer and older songs, the energetic band performed hits such as Ho Hey, Brightside, Cleopatra and Ophelia. The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want was also featured on the set list. At one point in the show, lead singer Wesley Schultz made his way into the mosh pit, performing and serenading as he went, getting up close and personal with their fans.
There are no doubts that The Lumineers are entertainers. The band were seen jumping on the piano, dancing around the stage, and going barefoot, all while navigating a wide range of instruments that they played seemingly effortlessly. This is a band that really looks as though they love what they do.
The show was briefly stopped mid-song, as Schultz requested medical attention be paid to a girl in the mosh pit. It wasn’t until she had been safely removed that the band continued on with their gig, which is a testament to their character and appreciated by concert goers.
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The crowd was at face value made up mostly of those who were likely in their teens and twenties during the Ho Hey days, but there were also young children and older fans in attendance. One downside of the event was the groups of people standing in the seated area. Lead singer Schultz encouraged people to stand, and while it is always fun to have a dance, it blocked the views of those sitting behind them. Posing difficulty for children who couldn’t see over even when standing, people with mobility issues, and for those who simply wanted to sit in the seat they paid for, I could hear a collection of disgruntled concertgoers, who simply couldn’t see. Perhaps a reminder for all to pay some mind to those sitting behind, even when your favourite song is calling. That said, the overall atmosphere in the arena was one of joy, and a little nostalgia for some of the old favourite tunes.
It was clear that the crowd were just happy to hear some of their favourite songs live, and have The Lumineers back Down Under.
You can listen to The Lumineers’ new album here, and follow Hollow Coves’ music here.
Port Fairy Folk Festival announces third artist lineup for 2023
Returning to the glorious setting of the music-loving coastal village for its 46th edition from 10-13 March, the 2023 Port Fairy Folk Festival has now unveiled a third taste of what we can expect from the four-day event in March next year, dropping another huge list of acts for the festival.
Following an incredible first and second lineup release, the third release artists joining the superb round of folk artists include Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Blues Roulette, Bud Rokesky, Early James (USA), Eilen Jewell (USA), Folk Bitch Trio, Gallie, Georgia Mooney, Georgia State Line, Jon Boden (ENG), Minor Gold, Nick Charles, Sally Seltmann, Scott Cook (CAN), Skyscraper Stan, Startijenn (FRA), Sweet Talk, The Southern Ocean Sea Band, Vieux Farka Touré (MLI) and William Crighton.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
This lineup of artists will join previously announced acts 19-Twenty, Ajak Kwai, Anna Smyrk, Baby Velvet, The Badloves, Billy Bragg (USA), Blue Moon Marquee (CAN), Claymore, Colin Lillie, Dani Larkin (IRE), Eastbound Buzz, Eric Bibb (USA), Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Grigoryan Brothers, Ian Noe (USA), Inn Echo (CAN), John Smith (ENG), Josh Pyke, Judy Collins (USA), The Langan Band (SCO), Liz Stringer, Mary Coughlan (IRE), Niamh Regan (IRE), Norwood, Rebecca Barnard and Peter Farnan perform the music of Joni Mitchell, Steve Poltz (USA), Tim Easton (USA), The Waifs, and While and Matthews (ENG) for this spectacular seaside festival.
Port Fairy Folk Festival announces second artist line-up for 2023
Announcing the third artist line-up, Port Fairy Folk Festival Program Director Justin Rudge said he is eagerly anticipating this year’s festival to be one of the best.
“The Folkie is getting bigger and more exciting with every artist announcement,” he says.
“This third round of artists is incredibly diverse and represents so much of what the festival is about. I’m personally so excited to see so many new and unique artists coming to Port Fairy next March, and a big thanks to Creative Victoria for their support as we head towards our 50th anniversary festival in 2027.”
Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place in the beautiful seaside town of Port Fairy, Victoria from 10-13 March 2023. Tickets are available now. For further information and to secure your spot at Australia’s biggest folk festival by the sea, visit portfairyfolkfestival.com
ICYMI: Classic sitcom Neighbours is set to return to TV
The longest-running Australian series is about to run even longer. Neighbours fans, rejoice – the adored daily Aussie soap is set to return to screens in the second half of 2023. Made possible by a new partnership between producers Fremantle and Amazon Freevee and Prime Video, the classic show will make a comeback following the dramatic grand finale earlier this year.
The renewed series will hop back into the stories of beloved Ramsey Street characters, with Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney, and Jackie Woodburne returning to their roles. Production is set to commence in 2023, with executive producer Jason Herbison, with the series since 2013, at the helm.
Neighbours makes a comeback
- The long-running Aussie series is set to return in mid 2023
- New episodes will premier on Network 10
- Australians can watch classic episodes from the catalogue on Prime Video
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Eager fans can watch the new episodes first on Australia’s 10 Network, the home of the series throughout its 36 year run.
Amazon Freevee will host the show in the UK and the US, offering thousands of early episodes available as well. In Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, the catalogue can be found on Prime Video.
“Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street,” says Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming, Amazon Studios. “We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”
Launched in 1985, the series has spanned over three decades and 9000 episodes across the world. Fremantle’s global CEO, Jennifer Mullin, says the Amazon partnership represents an “exciting new chapter” for the show.
Stay up to date with what’s going on with the Ramsey street gang here.
Geelong’s Bad Neighbour Records is celebrating its first birthday with a vinyl-fuelled party
Geelong wax lovers, consider your Saturday plans sorted! Bad Neighbour Records is celebrating one year slinging vinyl from Boom Gallery with an epic little shindig this weekend.
Taking place on Saturday, November 19 within its Big Boom Space at 5 Rutland Street, Newtown, the first birthday festivities will kick off from 12pm and run right through until 6pm, with free bevvies and a cheeky 20% off the catalog for anyone that wants to grab a record or three.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
On top of that, they’ll also have an open decks session, gifting locals a good opportunity to flex your collection and makes everyone there jealous.
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Perhaps one of the best additions to Newtown in the last few years, the record store is honest and unpretentious, arriving courtesy of Geelong-via-Tasmania hospitality veteran, disc jockey and just all-around legend Sam Zaid. The simple, funky space is the first thing you see as you walk in. The humble set-up is kitted out with a communal table, custom-built wooden shelves highlighting feature vinyl, black tubs to dig through and a listening station to explore the new releases. Surrounding the record store is a stunning collection of artworks and installations from a collection of Boom Gallery’s temporary art exhibitions.
Since opening one year ago, the BNR vinyl residency has become one of the coolest spots for music fans. With a hefty library of rare vinyl and new arrivals in-store weekly, Bad Neighbour Records is a must-visit to secure those one-off pieces for expanding your record collection.
So bring your mates, bring your dog, enjoy a bev and pick up some fresh wax.
Check out the pop-up at 5 Rutland Street, Newtown and give them some love on socials here.
Adventure Park’s magical Christmas Festival of Lights has officially returned for 2022
Christmas is on its way and to help us feed our insatiable hunger for all things festive, Adventure Park is firing up Christmas with three million lights in their loved Christmas Festival of Lights, returning for its fourth edition, running all the way until January 2023.
Hailed as Victoria’s largest Christmas Lights Festival, this year there’ll be a whopping three million shimmering lights and more than 1000 dazzling light installations that will illuminate Geelong’s night sky once again, with tickets on sale now.
The best bits
- Adventure Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights returns for 2022
- See the magic of Christmas and fairy tales come to life in three million lights
- The Christmas Festival of Lights will run from 18 November 2022 to 1 January 2023.
- Tickets are on sale now
Keep up with the latest in local events via our website.
Launching for the first time in 2019, the Christmas Festival of Lights was a spectacle that saw crowds flock to see the magic of Christmas come to life in a dazzling glowing wonderland, giving families, couples and friends a chance to truly embrace that festival spirit.
Expanding once again, this year will feature four hours of Christmas entertainment and activities for the whole family with new rides and live performances each night.
With a 2km of lights over an accessible walking trail, a bunch of new immersive and three-dimensional installations have been added to an already spectacular display celebrating all things Christmas, resulting in more than 1000 stunning light installations. This year will feature the new 8m mega snowman, the new 3m Swan Queen, the towering Nutcracker toy soldiers and more, alongside all your regular favourites like the a majestic golden archway, enchanted gardens and North Pole Winter Wonderland. It’s a glowing wonderland full of enchanting trails, glistening paths, magical glittering bridges and dazzling displays over 50 acres.
You’ll also be able to visit the elves workshop where children can write a letter to Santa and post it at the North Pole post office, create a souvenir in the Christmas craft bauble decorating station and have their faces painted. The jolly man Santa will be there with the opportunity to have professional photos taken, while the South Barwon Salvation Army Band will be performing live on weeknights, delivering absolute magic to your ears.
There will also be two live performances from Jingle & Bells each night, will be performing their amazing interactive and circus acrobatics show every night.
As for the rides, the new Air Balloons ride will be running along with the classic spinning Tea Cups ride, Crazy Coaster, Carousel, Red Baron, Little Buggy Speedway Cars, Wave Swinger, Ferris Wheel and mini-golf. Unfortunately, water rides will not be open during the Christmas Festival.
There will also be more food and beverage options this year (with lots of fun Christmas-themed options), hot chocolates and more.
It’s a massive glowing wonderland full of enchanting trails, glistening paths, magical glittering bridges and dazzling displays, and not to be missed this Christmas!
The Christmas Festival of Lights will run daily from 18 November 2022 to 1 January 2023 from 6pm-10.30pm (from 6:45pm after 26th December) at Adventure Park Geelong. Visit the website for tickets and info.
Donate your pre-loved clothing from home with the free Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive this weekend
The summer months are renowned for being some of the hardest hitting in Australian climates, with wild weather patterns, cyclones and bushfires devastating communities. With a La Niña event set to hit Australia’s east coast this summer once again it’s more important now than ever to ensure that organisations such as Red Cross have the resources they need to respond quickly to disasters, such as floods and bushfires, and support those people and communities who are impacted.
To support the good humans at Australian Red Cross, as they help communities plan ahead for crises, Uber is calling on Aussies to donate their quality, preloved items to the charity, and making it easier than ever to do so, with the return of its fourth Clothing Drive campaign.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
On Saturday 19 November between 10am and 4pm local time, Uber are offering free delivery via its same day delivery service, Uber Package, to Red Cross Shop drop off locations across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
When Uber launched the Uber and Red Cross Clothing Drive in 2018, Aussies got behind the campaign wholeheartedly, with an incredible 43,500 kilos donated, worth an estimated $800,000.
This year, they’re calling on Australians to get behind the Red Cross’ humanitarian programs with a goal of receiving 55,000 kilograms of quality donations.
Already celebs have gotten on board, including Ash Barty who has kindly donated some of her signed tennis apparel, Hamish & Andy who have donated some limited edition goodies, and the Wiggles who have donated one of their famous skivvies!
And the good news is, it’s easier than ever for you to get involved!
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Simply gather your pre-loved items into a bag or box, no heavier than 20kg, so it comfortably sits in the boot of a midsize car then open the Uber app between 10:00 to 16:00 local time in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide on Saturday 19th November 2022, navigate to the “Package” option.
Click “Send a Package”, enter “Red Cross Clothing Drive” as the destination, and select one of the “Red Cross Clothing Drive” locations shown. You may also see a banner in the app relating to the Clothing Drive, which when clicked will allow you to select one of the Red Cross Clothing Drive locations shown. You need to be located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney to redeem the free delivery.
Eligible customers will see a $0 amount payable when they book an Uber Package with the drop off location set to one of the Red Cross Clothing Drive Drop off locations. The code is redeemable once, so if your donation is 20kg and your family and friends want to get involved too – encourage them to do so via the Uber app.
How good’s that!
Head here for more info.
NZ juggernauts Kora deliver a timeless, broken-hearted R&B anthem in ‘Gone’
Fusing elements of soul and R&B with reggae, Kora’s ‘Gone’ grapples with love lost and the fruitless struggle to save a doomed relationship. A live favourite in Kora’s sets since they first started playing it to audiences in 2021, ‘Gone’ is a hotly anticipated release from the Kiwi juggernauts.
The best bits
- Kora have today released their latest single ‘Gone’
- A timeless, broken-hearted R&B anthem, ‘Gone’ narrates the emotional journey of coming to terms with a breakup
- It’s out across all streaming platforms from today, check it out by heading here
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“The inspiration for this song is simply life,” says Kora. “The highs and lows of love and loss have been sung about since the beginning of time, but how we come out the other side is the journey that makes us stronger.”
A timeless anthem of love and loss, they lyrically ponder:
“I know that you’ve Gone / But my heart keeps holding on / And I know that it’s true / That I can’t let go of you”
Beginning as a jam that was worked on during lockdown, with the band sending stems between each other across Aotearoa – from Papamoa to Queenstown, the North Island to the South – ‘Gone’ came into fruition after it was mixed by Scott Banks at Studio DMI in Las Vegas.
“New Zealanders have a DIY (Do it yourself) mentality,” say the band. “It’s ingrained in our DNA. So we like to do things a lil’ differently over here. If people say we can’t do something, we will prove them wrong time and time again.”
Hailing from New Zealand, the soul of the country is engrained deep within the music that Kora make. “It’s like visiting multiple worlds, from Stunning Lakes and mountains in the south island, rugged and wild coastlines on the westside, beautiful beaches on the east side, rivers, pastures and everything else in between. The music scene in New Zealand is a reflection of its scenery. Beautiful, rugged, and everything in between.”
“For a small country, NZ has become a mecca for summer festivals, with kiwi’s coming out and supporting local acts in big numbers. If you’re here for the summer, chances are there will be a music festival nearby.”
“Maori Culture/language is the wairua (spirit) of the country,” they continue. “It is difficult to write in words of the experience you will have when watching something like ‘Matatini Kapa haka nationals’. It is a powerful and moving experience that reveals every emotion under the sun. Raw power, soft and gentle, beauty, joy, mischief, anger, pain, love…”
“There is a depth to what we do, and why we do it (Tikanga), and it shows in the music we make.”
Check them out by heading here.
This article was made in partnership with Beehive PR
For a limited time, you can belt out karaoke and knockback $14 cocktails on Friday nights in Geelong
Oh yes, they’ve done it again.
Just when you thought Friday nights couldn’t get any better leading into summer, the folk at one of Geelong’s mainstays Elephant and Castle have gone and brought back their weekly karaoke and cocktails night.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
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Taking over the main bar every Friday night, the pub is hosting karaoke (free entry) from 9pm with $14 cocktail specials to get you singing and dancing all night long. Think espresso martinis and French martinis, and the likes of Poker Face, The Horses, Livin’ On A Prayer or Wannabe.
The venue will be providing props if you’re wanting to go incognito, and you can book for dinner if you want to fill up and get your song selections in early. If you head in even earlier, you can take advantage of $7 Schooners of Carlton Draught, Dry and Great Northern (4 to 7 pm) and $7 glasses of House Wine (4 to 7 pm).
They originally introduced Karaoke last year and since then (on and off) it’s been the catalyst for many lengthy Instagram stories of locals belting out a Rhianna and Whitney. They even ran their own karaoke comp earlier this year!
Friday Karaoke and Cocktails will run each Friday until December 9. Check the event page here.
The Elephant and Castle is located at 158 McKillop St, East Geelong. Walk-ins are welcomed but bookings are recommended. Visit the website for more information.
Melbourne Museum’s after-dark adults only party Nocturnal returns
Nocturnal returns in all its glory on Wednesday November 30 for the first time since 2020. The first of a series over summer, this edition sees the event presented with ALWAYS LIVE, a new state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria and CADA, the newly minted national Hip-Hop/R&B radio platform.
Following sold out tours in London, LA and NYC, feisty Aussie Hip Hop/R&B queen Tkay Maidza (‘tee-kay my-dzuh’) will bring Melbourne Museum’s much-loved after hours, adults-only party back to herald the city returning to its busy beat again.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Punters will be met by much-loved CADA DJs from all corners of the music scene, pumping out beats and bangers before even reaching Melbourne Museum’s front door. Aptly dubbed, Nonstop DJs, the plaza activation, another collaboration between ALWAYS LIVE and Melbourne Museum, will celebrate our thriving music community.
Once inside, visitors can experience all that Melbourne Museum has to offer including 360-degree interactive experience Tyama: A deeper sense of knowing.
CADA will serve up party-starters from the station on the main stage: catch Western Sydney tastemaker and DJ Carolina Gasolina, who has spun her blend of Reggaeton, Baile, Funk, Hip Hop and Afrobeat at Splendour in the Grass, and supported the likes of RL Grime and Tasman Keith. Then later, Melbourne club icons Dijok and Soju Gang, known collectively as PENG are set to bring out the dream team, going deep into Afrobeat, Afrofusion, Afroswing, Dancehall and Reggaeton.
As Nocturnal takes full flight, the night will reach its peak with Australian-Zimbabwean singer-rapper Tkay Maidza at 9pm to get the dancefloor bouncing. Steadily building an ardent fan-base since her first single at 17 in 2013, the Adelaide singer/rapper has graced festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Reading and Leeds, and toured with the likes of pop-megastars Mark Ronson, Rita Ora and Troye Sivan.
Broaching a new sonic versatility in 2018 spanning Bounce, Dark Trap, Alt-R&B, Neo-Soul and her signature modern Hip Hop, Tkay’s stardom spread globally in 2020 with billboards in New York’s Time Square and features with Pitchfork and British Vogue. The third and final chapter of her trilogy, 2021’s whiplash-inducing Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3, doubled down on her intent to exhilarate and firmly established Maidza as an artist of global importance.
Nocturnal’ s comeback will welcome in the summer series with more exciting announcements and partnerships to come. Punters can look forward to fired-up dancefloors, access to the latest exhibitions and collections, museum tours, curator talks, crafty classes and pop-up performances.
ALWAYS LIVE x CADA present NOCTURNAL on Wednesday November 30 | 7-11pm | 18+ at Melbourne Museum. Tickets on sale now.
Acclaimed indie trio HighSchool are returning for a one-off Melbourne hometown show this December
Currently based in London, Melbourne locals HighSchool have had quite a year over there – playing sold-out headline shows, supporting the likes of CHVRCHES, NewDad and Wet Leg, and appearing at a whole host of UK and European festivals.
Fresh from supporting Sam Fender on his Australian tour, today they’re excited to finally be announcing their first ever hometown show, when they’ll headline Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on Wednesday 14 December.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The trio of Lilli and Rory Trobbiani and Luke Scott, HighSchool made quite the introduction late last year with their infectious six-track debut EP, Forever at Last, released to much acclaim with NME hailing it ‘a sprawling and gorgeous thing, overflowing with ideas and gothic excess. A monument to unbridled creativity’.
As the EP continues to find fans, they recently recorded live favourite ‘Only a Dream’ with in-demand producer Dan Carey (Black Midi, Fontaines D.C., Wet Leg) being released on his ever-excellent Speedy Wunderground record label. A gloriously catchy track, it’s currently on the BBC 6Music playlist and the limited, one-time press 7” is long sold out.
General public tickets on sale Monday 21 November (10am AEDT). More info here.
Liz Stringer & William Crighton announce co-headline tour for March 2023
Two of Australia’s finest storytellers, Liz Stringer and William Crighton are joining forces in March 2023 for a co-headline tour. Both notoriously powerful live performers, Stringer and Crighton also share a deep engagement with the struggles, challenges and triumphs of the communities they perform in.
Their songs acknowledge time, place and common human experience, spearheading the new generation of the truly Australian voice.
Liz Stringer and William Crighton Australian Tour 2023
SUNDAY MARCH 5
MOJOS | Fremantle WA | Whadjuk
FRIDAY MARCH 17
THEATRE ROYAL | Castlemaine VIC | Dja Dja Wurrung
SATURDAY MARCH 18
THORNBURY THEATRE | Melbourne VIC | Wurundjeri
SUNDAY MARCH 19
ARCHIE’S CREEK HOTEL | Archie’s Creek VIC | Bunurong
THURSDAY MARCH 23
HERITAGE HOTEL | Bulli NSW | Illawarra
FRIDAY MARCH 24
CAMBRIDGE HOTEL | Newcastle NSW | Awabakal/Worimi
SATURDAY MARCH 25
FACTORY THEATRE | Sydney NSW | Gadigal
THURSDAY MARCH 30
BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE | Brunswick Heads NSW | Bundajalung
FRIDAY MARCH 31
Regent Theatre | Murwillumbah NSW | Bundajalung
SATURDAY APRIL 4
Old Museum Concert Hall | Brisbane QLD | Turrbal/Yugara
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The tour follows the release of Stringer’s lauded 2021 album First Time Really Feeling and an eighteen-month stint as part of Midnight Oil’s touring band, and Crighton’s acclaimed second record, the ARIA Award & AMP nominated Water and Dust, as well as a huge European summer of touring which saw him opening for the Dead South and Midnight Oil respectively.
As anyone who has seen these two phenomenal artists in a live setting can attest, you can expect nothing but very moving performances from two captivating, honest storytellers. World-class song writing at its very best. These shows are not to be missed.
Tickets on sale now via www.lizstringer.com or www.williamcrightonmusic.com