Geelong Arts Centre Presents Season 2023, bringing the best of the best to Geelong in the new year
Launching December 1, 2022, and supported by Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management, Geelong Arts Centre Presents 2023 is designed to offer something for everyone across four outstanding programs that break boundaries, start conversations, and celebrate innovation.
Guided by the strong belief that the arts have the power to provide new perspectives, challenge our thinking, and reveal otherwise hidden sides to the stories we tell ourselves and one another, Geelong Arts Centre have designed a 2023 program that embraces creativity; transforming minds, shifting ideas, and encouraging us to reconsider our preconceptions.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
Our Season 2023 features high-calibre works, fit for Victoria’s fastest-growing city. The must-see season features performances from a multitude of the nation’s most highly regarded companies, including Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Griffin Theatre Company and many more. Putting the spotlight on those with a reputation for producing outstanding work, the Geelong Arts Centre’s Our Season 2023 celebrates both internationally acclaimed talent and rising homegrown powerhouses.
Soon to be the largest regional arts centre in Australia, it’s here in the heart of Geelong that audiences can experience an amazing array of carefully curated performances that are nothing short of extraordinary.
OUR SEASON 2023
From contemporary dance and ballet to musical theatre, comedy and orchestral extravaganzas, Geelong Arts Centre is bending genres, sharing stories and raising the bar with Our Season 2023.
Highlighting the country’s most celebrated artists as well as the brightest rising stars of the stage, Geelong Arts Centre is playing a pivotal role in navigating the way forward for bold entertainment experiences and unique opportunities across our region.
Covering a diverse and timely range of subject matter, including the #MeToo movement and First Nations perspectives, Geelong Arts Centre continues to platform the voices of those with important stories to be shared.
The full season of performances will be announced on 1 December, so be sure to visit their website or sign up for their newsletter to be the first to know.
Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder
FAMILY MAGIC
Back by popular demand in 2023, Geelong Arts Centre’s Family Magic program will continue to captivate, inspire and entertain children under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents and carers. For many kids across the region, the Family Magic program provides their first theatrical experience and allows families to immerse themselves in the magic of the performing arts. Sometimes fantastical, funny, and always engaging, Geelong Arts Centre’s Family Magic program will have the young (and young at heart!) leaving the theatre with sore cheeks and full hearts.
DELIGHTFUL DAYS & MATINEES
After a brief hiatus, it’s finally time to re-welcome an essential part of Geelong Arts Centre’s daytime entertainment calendar, Delightful Days & Matinees, to the party. Bringing some of Australia’s best-loved performers to Geelong, Delightful Days & Matinees (formerly Musical Mornings) returns to Geelong Arts Centre with two unmissable performances. Due to be revealed very soon, you can trust the ever-adventurous team at Geelong Arts Centre to make daytime events at your Arts Centre as memorable, engaging and utterly delightful as possible.
REWIRE
Solidifying its place as the creative heart of the G21 region, Geelong Arts Centre is announcing a brand-new program of genre-bending performances and unique experiences with REWIRE. Launching for the first time in 2023, REWIRE is a celebration of new works, contemporary Australian voice, new mediums, immersive experiences and shows that are seriously great fun. Staging works that challenge, thrill, and delight all at once, REWIRE will deliver an assortment of acts that encourage interaction and exploration with a modern edge. Learn what it means to REWIRE your brain and adapt to the ever-evolving world. REWIRE is the home of bold, curious, creative and a little bit crazy within Geelong Arts Centre’s 2023 lineup and we are absolutely here for it.
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
Who doesn’t love saving money? To experience any or all performances within Geelong Arts Centre Presents 2023, Geelong Arts Centre will open five flexible subscription package options on December 1, 2022, to include shows across all programs, from Our Season 2023, REWIRE, Family Magic and Delightful Days & Matinees! Whether you’re after shows to cover date night, mate night or a fabulous family day, with an extensive lineup of incredible arts experiences on offer next year, there truly is something for everyone and any occasion.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
But that’s not all! Devoted to supporting the Greater Geelong community, from students and teachers, right through to emerging local artists, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Learning education program and Creative Engine artistic development program are set to return bigger and better than ever in 2023.
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CREATIVE ENGINE
Equally dedicated to lining up the next big thing to hit Geelong, and supporting local artists and people working in the creative industries, Geelong Arts Centre continues to grow its spirit for experimentation through its Creative Engine program, supported by Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management. Bringing new content and cultural experiences to Geelong, embracing a desire to extend the art form’s boundaries and create a community of shared practice, Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine relishes the opportunity to facilitate connections and bring together the creative community. Launched in October 2019, no matter what art form you practise, Creative Engine offers a place for locally-based creatives to test their work, develop new projects, and then share them with the world.
In 2023, Creative Engine will continue to offer regular grant rounds to invest in emerging projects, and provide professional development opportunities to assist artists on their journey to building sustainable, thriving practices and careers in the creative arts. Watch this space.
CO-WORKING SPACE
Boasting sleek, state-of-the-art office and studio facilities promoting professional and creative collaboration, the co-working space at the Geelong Arts Centre is among the most creative, central and affordable arts business hubs in Geelong. Located on Level 2 of Geelong Arts Centre’s landmark Ryrie Street building, the co-working space offers a contemporary open-plan office space and a range of purpose-built studios, enabling you to get shoulder-to-shoulder with local creatives and connect with like-minded, creative practitioners from all disciplines, in a space where you can foster new ideas, collaborations, networking and skill sharing.
CREATIVE LEARNING
The brilliant teachers of the region haven’t been forgotten. Supported by APCO Foundation, the Creative Learning program is designed to spark a love for the creative industries among students and open them to a world of opportunity, supported by professional theatre makers, technicians and artists. Interested educators can browse the Creative Learning program and submit an expression of interest form on the website to get ahead of their 2023 planning. Creative Learning offerings include performances and workshops embedded within the Victorian curriculum, festivals for all ages, and engaging professional development for teachers. Offering a diverse suite of programs ranging from music to movement, puppetry and theatre, the 2023 Creative Learning program offers affordable and enriching educational arts experiences that are immersive and fun for students in Kindergarten right through to Year 12.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Big enough to attract the world’s best talent, but small enough to remain friendly and local, Geelong Arts Centre really is a one-of-a-kind venue providing endless opportunities for the local community to witness incredible live performances that breathes freshness and challenges the notion of traditional theatre.
So go on, make 2023 your most entertainment-filled year yet. With so many more exciting details to come, make sure you are up to date with the latest Geelong Arts Centre announcements by signing up for the What’s On e-Newsletter via here.
Golden Plains adds more acts to the sold out 2023 festival lineup
Aunty Meredith is the cool Aunt that just keeps on giving.
After dropping an absolutely crackin’ lineup that has seen tickets sell out, Golden Plains has got another couple of killer acts for the 2023 lineup.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Taking to the Sup will be the remarkable storyteller, voice and force that is MO’JU, local cult luminaries EXEK, gliding in for a Golden transmission, and techno royalty DJ KITI, taking us to the dark side of the hoon.
These artists join previously announced acts Bikini Kill, Four Tet, Carly Rae Jepsen, Mdou Moctar, Soul II Soul, Angel Olsen, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Brian Jackson and heaps more.
Following two rounds of the Subscriber Ticket Ballot, the final online sales allocation has officially been snapped up.
Anyone still seeking tickets can join the Golden Waitlist. Aunty’s Ticket Resale Service is the only authorised ticket resale facility, existing to provide legitimate sellers and buyers with a trustworthy and reliable way of getting tickets into the hands of those who are keen to attend. It also helps prevent scammers from selling tickets at inflated prices via unauthorised means.
Golden Plains returns for the Fifteenth this March, for the first time since 2020. Same size, same shape, still BYO everywhere, still independent, with no commercial sponsors, and one stage fits all.
See you in The Sup’.
Bad//Dreems, C.O.F.F.I.N lead one-day Port Fairy festival Down South 2023
Fresh from entering the festival circuit back in February this year bringing along some of the best bands our state has to offer, Port Fairy music festival Down South is making its triumphant return for 2023.
The one-day festival will head down south on Saturday, February 25 for its second ever installment at Port Fairy’s biggest and best pub, The Star of The West – a local institution with a rich history and perfect outdoor space for live music during summer.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Curated by the good humans at Yeah Nahhh (an independent live events collective which curates/promotes gigs across Melbourne and small tours throughout Australia), the 2022 all-Victorian debut saw headliners Amyl & The Sniffers pay regional Vic a visit before jetting overseas and taking over the world. Now etched in the bluestone buildings around town, Down South is upping the ante with a national lineup for 2023.
Heading up the event will be Tarndanya/Adelaide’s Bad//Dreems and C.O.F.F.I.N from Warrane/New South Wales, two stellar punk-rock bands that invest huge amounts of time and energy into regional areas and isolated communities. Proper road-dogs you might call them.
Joining these headliners, the festival will also feature the likes of Naarm/Melbourne favourites CIVIC, Future Suck, So.Crates, Blowers and Queenie and her band, providing an eclectic mix of punk, hardcore, hip-hop, soul and alt-country. Variety is the spice of life isn’t it. You’ll also find sets from Eyeroll, Grond, Convict Class, Bluestone River Band, Lisztomania and Whipwerm.
Continuing to support local artists and creatives, Down South is reaching out to mates and mates-to-be from Koroit, Mortlake, Warrnambool, Port Campell, Timboon and even Geelong. The acts that build the foundation of small music communities across the country.
Alongside the music, the festival will also see an abundance of record stalls, merch, food, fresh beers and more.
Sort your accom and visit one of the best regional towns in the South West. The local market will be on as well and the beach is a quick trek up the road if you’re keen to make a weekend of it all.
Down South takes over the Star of the West Hotel on Saturday, February 25 2023. Tickets go on sale 11am Saturday, November 19 from the website here.
This is a licensed 18+ event
Hanging Rock festival First & Forever adds to its glorious First Nations lineup
Bringing some of the best First Nations acts in the country to the utterly beautiful surrounds of Hanging Rock in Macedon, Victoria’s new day-long festival First & Forever has just expanded its lineup, adding three more incredible artists to the celebrations in Mo’Ju, Eric Avery and Kalyani.
Curated by Briggs, First & Forever takes place at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock on Sunday 27 November, and will see some of the country’s most celebrated contemporary First Nations artists converge for a brand new landmark event celebrating Blak excellence.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Mo’Ju (Wiradjuri) is chameleonic. They shapeshift between albums, often several times within the same release: jukebox-rattling, ‘50s rock n roller to swinging soul crooner; pop experimentalist to synthesised funk adventurer.
Using sound, movement and filmic techniques, Eric Avery (Ngiyampaa, Gumbangirr, Bandjalang and Yuin) takes a multi-disciplinary approach to pushing music and culture into new formations. Avery will perform throughout the day in support of several artists, as lead violin in the First & Forever house band.
With an ear keenly tuned to the low-end frequencies of club culture, Kalyani (Trawlwoolway) explores dance music from across the globe. She takes a confident and idiosyncratic approach to her sets, which can traverse bass-heavy genres including booty bass and trap; or transport audiences with gems of Turkish and Hindi pop rarely heard in clubs this side of the equator.
Special performances by the Djaara Dancers, Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group and the Taungurung Choir will lead us into tributes to both Aunty Ruby Hunter and Uncle Archie Roach delivered by Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly, Emma Donovan, Jess Hitchcock and Kardajala Kirridarra.
First & Forever is the new festival bringing a huge First Nations lineup to Hanging Rock
These artists join the massive lineup featuring the likes of Baker Boy, Budjerah, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Sycco, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo, and more.
Gates to the event will open from 1pm, with music running into the night. Artists will showcase a set on one main stage – the ‘Uncle Archie’ stage – located at the foot of Hanging Rock. It’s one of VIC’s most majestic and significant backdrops, and one befitting the performers’ awe-inspiring talents. A venue previously reserved for international performers, it’s a fitting setting for a bold and inspiring collection of First Nations talent.
Alongside the music, whet your appetite on the day with a wide range of vendors, from local wineries to First Nations owned and operated foodies, such as Blak Brews and Cooee Café. Other vendors include Melbourne Paella Company, Taco Station, Dum and Dumplings, Route 66, Two Fat Indians, The Kaiser’s Sausage and many more. Being a picnic-style event, everyone can bring their own food, in a supermarket sized cooler bag.
As First & Forever is a licensed event, there is no BYO alcohol. All bars will have EFTPOS available for ease on the day.
Final tickets ($79 general entry + fees for 12 years old and over) are on sale now via firstandforever.com.au.
Fatboy Slim is heading to Australia in 2023
Revered DJ and prolific producer Fatboy Slim (aka Norman Cook) returns to Australia for four huge dates in April and May 2023. Catch him when he heads to Melbourne for a show at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on April 28.
Kicking off at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne on Friday, April 28, the tour heads north, playing Riverstage, Brisbane on Wednesday, May 3, onto The Showring, Entertainment Quarter, Sydney on Friday, May 5 before a west coast show at Burswood Park, Perth on Sunday, May 7.
Fatboy Slim Y’all Are The Music, We’re Just the DJs 2023 Australian tour
- April 28 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
- May 3 – Riverstage, Brisbane
- May 5 – The Showring at EQ, Sydney
- May 7 – Burswood Park, Perth
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The party-starting machine is responsible for some of the biggest hits of the last few decades and his incomparable energy and true passion for live shows, makes him the icon he is. More than your average DJ set, Fatboy Slim takes things to a whole new dizzying level.
Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, entered the UK acid house scene in the ‘90s. Early success came with the release of hit singles Everybody Needs a 303 and Going Out of My Head, taken from Better Living Through Chemistry. Soon after came The Rockafeller Skank, a precursor for hit album You’ve Come A Long Way Baby, which delivered his first UK #1 in Praise You, as well as club banger Right Here Right Now, which peaked at #2.
Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars followed, featuring Weapon of Choice, with an unmissable video directed by Spike Jonze and starring Christopher Walken dancing in an empty hotel lobby. It’s widely regarded as one of the best music videos of all time, having won several awards, including a Grammy for Best Music Video.
Cook took things to another level again with the undeniably huge Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat, and more recently with massive singles like Where U Iz and Boom F**king Boom and last year’s banging Praise You (Purple Disco Machine Extended Remix).
Presale runs for 24 hours from Wednesday, November 23. For complete tour and ticket information, head here.
Dive is the hidden cocktail bar breathing new life into an iconic underground Geelong venue
Along Malop Street in the Geelong CBD, right next to beloved restaurant Frankie, is an renowned door sporting the name of the restaurant every Geelong local has experienced ‘Eriks Rheingold Cellar’.
Behind it lies Geelong’s best kept secret, Dive.
Keep up with the latest local food and booze news here.
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Walk down the nondescript staircase and let your eyes adjust. Here you’re greeted with an old school barber shop in the entrance, where you’ll find a bookshelf with old school records. Enter the bookshelf and you’ll find Dive.
Once you’re in, you’re instantly met with a comfortable, moody and intimate bar that feel like an underground haunt that could be anywhere from a New York alleyway to the London Underground. As the name suggests, the bar emulates the chill vibes of a late-night dive bar, making for the perfect low-key destination to tuck in and enjoy classic and creative cocktails, spirits and beers from some of Geelong’s most skilled bartenders.
It’s clear Dive doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the decor definitely fits the bill. They’ve got timber furnishings, the original bluestone bricks, old school lights, a neon glow and a disco ball above the bar, plus a pool table and a wholesome beer garden out the back for when you’re craving some fresh air. While Dive sees the venue transformed from what long-time residents may remember, they pay tribute to its golden-age with past photos plastered to the ceiling.
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Alongside the laidback, unassuming vibes that the space offers, the friendly staff and the delicious cocktails, the venue includes constant live music with bands and DJ’s til late with plenty of room to dance and operates Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 1am. Being underground, it doesn’t matter if you’re arriving at 5pm to start your night or finishing up way after dark, the room won’t feel too different and that’s all part of its charm.
Unlike anything Geelong currently has on offer, Dive is all about escaping the pace of the Geelong city.
Geelong is full of secrets, but this is undoubtedly one of the best kept.
Find Dive at 9/11 Malop Street, Geelong, Victoria.
A free Christmas movie night is happening in Geelong in December – and it includes popcorn
Christmas songs are great, and wrapping Christmas gifts is a surefire way to get you in high spirits—but those joyful activities just can’t beat a Christmas movie!
Thanks to the good folk at Rosewell Community Centre, you can enjoy a holiday movie night out, all without spending a single cent.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Kickstart your festive fix with this Christmas all-ages friendly flick in the lead up to the big event, Christmas Day, taking to the Hendy Street Hall on Saturday, December 10 2022.
Running from 6pm to 9pm, guests are encouraged to make a night of it by packing a picnic, wearing your favourite Oodie and taking the whole family to a Christmas movie. And the best part? Popcorn will be provided!
You’ve got to be quick, there are limited places with (free) bookings essential here.
Flight Facilities, The Presets lead Bendigo’s new Day By Day Music Festival in 2023
Everyone’s favourite sun-dappled dance party (FKA Daybreak Music Festival) is lifting off at Bendigo Racecourse for a high-velocity, full-day festival this summer.
Taking place on Saturday, February 4 2023, Day By Day Festival is the newest event to arrive from the good humans at Daybreak, Agenda & Untitled Group , bringing along an impressive lineup for its inaugural edition.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Heading up the regional festival will be DJ sets from esteemed electronic producer duo Flight Facilities and electro titans The Presets, alongside performances from nationally renowned DJ and producer Jordan Brando, KLP, Memphis LK, Running Touch (DJ Set), Set Mo, and Yarra with more to be announced in the lead up to the summer fest.
Whether you’ve got a palate for thrashing electronic, house, disco or techno – there’s a flavour for everybody.
Previously known as Daybreak Music Festival, Day By Day festival builds on the vibes the brand has built, with the same location, same velocity but a new name.
For those with an affection for Daybreak, the sun hasn’t set on it yet so expect to see a handful of different, more intimate events in the future.
Day By Day Festival takes to Bendigo Racecourse on Saturday, February 4 2023. Register for pre-sale here.
‘Outside’: Sharl captivates in new film-noir meets cyberpunk extravaganza
Fresh from releasing her passionate pop-fuelled debut album City Lights in August, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Sharl continues to prove why we hailed her one of the city’s brightest sparks of musical light with the release of not one, but two music videos for her single ‘Outside’.
Lifted from City Lights, ‘Outside’ is a feel-good disco-pop song that assets Sharl’s vocal abilities and songwriting talents while effortlessly spanning multiple subgenres of vivid pop.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Using music as not only a form of therapy but also as an alternative lens through which to experience, process and understand her world, Sharl inspires and delights with the performance music video of ‘Outside’, out now via YouTube.
Inspired by an underworld beyond the city lights, the video builds upon the urbane-disco sounds with a noir meets cyberpunk aesthetic, highlighting Sharl’s confidence and self-assurance as she plays a femme fatale throughout the clip.
With a desire to highlight local talent, Sharl teamed up with Hustle Dance Crew – one of the premier K-pop dance crews in Melbourne to bring another layer of electric energy to the tight, engaging pop song that directly expresses its message.
“This was my first collaboration with Hustle Dance Crew. I had often seen them around town with their famous performances at Fed Square and actually been a fan of theirs for years,” Sharl explains.
“They perform with such incredible talent and energy across a whole range of dance styles and I love watching their videos. Although they’re known for their dynamic K-pop covers, I was always curious about whether it would be possible to pull off making a completely original music video using the essence of K-pop (original K-pop style choreography, main music video, dance version video) as it’s something I’d never seen anyone do before on the indie scene.
“I raised the idea with Kristie, leader of HDC and choreographer for Outside, and we decided to give it a shot! It was so fun working together, especially seeing the development of the choreography which fits the lyrics and music perfectly. I love how everyone just threw themselves into the project, giving it their all, especially with the acting improv which was so fun and we all had a blast filming the video.”
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Filled with sharp and precise movements, hyper-feminine grooves, and playful gestures, the K-pop inspired music video is entirely infectious. Leaning heavily into the pulsating pop and vibrant dance beats of the track, the video as a whole boasts incredible levels of creativity, teamwork, precision, energy, and passion.
Hailing from the sleepy parts of the UK where she spent her teenage years playing music, writing songs and studying to become a doctor, the Asian-Australian songwriter is passionate about highlighting Asian community across Melbourne and Australia, and approached the music video with a vision of an entirely Asian-Australian cast, crew and creative team.
“Advocating for more visibility of Asian creatives is something that I care about. Growing up in the UK, I rarely saw that representation and I believe there is some truth in the phrase “You can’t be what you can’t see”. So I hope that the work of everyone in the ‘Outside’ video, collectively and our separate projects, inspires others who aspire to work in the arts industries,” she explains.
Directed by Darius Chan and performed within Melbourne’s iconic music venue, Paris Cat Jazz Club, the impressive creative team features assistant camera Joanna Wong, makeup artist Frankie Starrson, producer Daniel Bohen, and local creatives such as Kevin Silvester and Ash Winarizal from indie band The Clever References making up the cast.
Shining a light on the established underground artistic Asian community, Sharl approached the music video driven by the fact that the creatives maintaining the scenes are still underrepresented in mainstream consciousness.
“There is actually a thriving community of Asian indie creatives in Melbourne across different disciplines (including music, dance, film, art), although it may not be that visible to everyone. So this team fell together very organically, with Kristie recommending Darius Chan to direct the video, Darius suggesting Frankie for makeup/SFX (with the SFX being one of my favourite things in the video!), and then recruiting some fellow muso friends to join us for the ride acting as gangsters.
“I think dance and film are such natural ways to interpret and express music further, so this music video is the perfect collaboration of the different areas to create our own “Outside” world.”
Using music as not only a form of therapy but also as an alternative lens through which to experience, process and understand her world, the part-time musician and full-time doctor continues to embrace the same authenticity from her songs with the music video, which remains light and fun while communicating a meaningful story.
Alongside the memorable bright and bubbly dance video, Sharl also released an official music video, featuring the same creative team, cast, location and choreography, with a heightened focus on telling a story about taking chances and giving into temptation.
A sheer, raw talent, Sharl has gone from strength to strength over the past year, re-emerging an an independent artist, releasing a string of singles, a ethereal and indulging coming-of-age debut album and a handful of creative music videos that see Sharl at her very best: fresher, revitalised and more confident than ever.
Notably, Sharl’s video for album track ‘I Fell in Love’ made waves in the film festival circuit with results such as award winner at the Hollywood Gold Awards, finalist in the Love International Film Festival, Cannes World Film Festival, quarter-finalist in the Los Angeles Film Awards, well and truly proving her ability to shine through today’s cluttered musical jungle.
Listen to City Lights here.
Summer in the Parks returns to Bendigo with live music, an outdoor cinema, NYE fireworks and more
The ever-popular Summer in the Parks Program will return for 2022/2023 and will feature free or low-cost events and activities during the months of December, January and February.
Thanks to City of Greater Bendigo, Agnico Eagle Australia and local community groups and organisations, Bendigo’s beautiful parks will come alive with outdoor cinema entertainment, live music from local acts, and community activities and events such as Australia Day celebrations.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Summer in the Parks is the perfect excuse to pack up your family or get a group of friends together and have some fun in our great outdoors.
We’ll give you a taste of what’s in store so far, but for updated information please refer to their socials here.
O Christmas Tree
Piazza at Rosalind Park – December 2 (6:30-9pm)
Where would Santa know where to place presents if not for the Christmas tree? The tradition of Christmas trees goes back to 1600s Germany, when families would place candles in live trees and sing carols. There will be carols here, with Sherri Parry leading the way for a jolly sing-along. Roving Christmas characters and Connected Circus performers will also be part of the festivities, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree by Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf at approximately 8:45pm. Special star Jenna Strauch is your special guest.
Christmas Carols
Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Deck the Halls, O Holy Night and Joy to the World. Delightful sing-alongs indeed, but nothing quite tops the charm of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Here is a list of Christmas carols events throughout December.
Epsom Christmas carols
Garden for the Future – December 3 (4:30-7:30pm)
Heathcote Christmas carols
Barrack Reserve, Heathcote – December 3 (7-9pm)
Maiden Gully Christmas carols
Maiden Gully Oval – December 4 – 4:30-8:30pm
Borough Block Christmas Party
Catford Park, Eaglehawk – December 9 (5-10pm)
Axedale Christmas carols
Axedale Park – December 11 (5:30-8:30pm)
Rotary Club of Bendigo Community Christmas carols
Rosalind Park – December 18 (6:30-10:30pm)
NYE Fireworks
We hope you have had a most triumphant year. And if not, we hope a better one awaits in 2023. Either way, 2022 comes with two chances to witness the sky light up.
The first takes place from 9:15-9:30pm and is perfect for the little ones. The second takes place from 12-12:15am. Queen Elizabeth Oval is your best viewing spot.
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Outdoor Cinema
Round up the family and enjoy a free outdoor flick. All screenings will take place between 6-8pm. Bring along a low chair or picnic rug for extra comfort.
Barrack Reserve, Heathcote – January 6
Movie: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Cooinda Park, Golden Square – January 13
Movie: Sing 2
Axedale Park, Axedale – January 19
Movie: Minions: The Rise of Gru
Australia Day
Lake Weeroona – January 26 (10am-3pm)
There will be activities throughout the city, but a favourite for families is the celebrations that take place at Lake Weeroona.
Summer Music
A selection of free concerts will take place in the evening. Each event will take place between 6:30-8:30pm.
Garden for the Future – February 3
The ‘Kid’ James Trio will have you shaking to the rockabilly hits of the ’50s and ’60s.
Crook Street Park, Strathdale – February 10
Taylor Sheridan will perform a mixture of originals and covers.
Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk – February 17
Pick that tune when The John Grossman Project performs hits from the ’60s to day.
Garden for the Future – February 24
Alli and Andrew will perform a mixture of originals and covers.
Head to the website here for more.
Castlemaine Town Folk Festival returns in 2023 bringing along a huge lineup of acts
Following the good-time success story of the first-ever Town Folk Festival early in 2022, today the festival announces it will be back for a second instalment on February 11th 2023 with a huge line-up of acts performing including Big Scary, Phoebe Go, Folk Bitch Trio, Jade Imagine, The Maes, Maple Glider and more.
Bringing together 16 of the best contemporary artists from around Victoria (and beyond) to Castlemaine, Town Folk celebrates diverse, compelling and exciting music, which all fits vaguely or specifically under the ever-widening umbrella of folk.
Castlemaine’s Town Folk Festival 2023 lineup
Big Scary // Danika // Emma Russack & Lachlan Denton // Felicity Cripps Band // Folk Bitch Trio // Hannah Blackburn // Hannah Cameron // Hannah Mckittrick // Jade Imagine // Maple Glider // Mimi Gilbert // Parvyn // Phoebe Go // The Maes // The Rechords // Workhorse
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The one-day festival takes place in Castlemaine on Dja Dja Wurrung Country across four stages in three venues, The Bridge Hotel, Shedshaker Brewery and Boomtown Winery, all a short walking distance from each other and packed with an afternoon-into-evening of musical greatness, food, drinks and company.
Tickets are on sale now via www.townfolkfestival.com
‘Hiraeth’ distinguishes art-pop alchemist Georgia Fields’ songwriting as a cut above the rest
It’s rather challenging to write about themes of death, infidelity and motherhood with the level of sincerity and candour that Naarm/ Melbourne art-pop alchemist Georgia Fields does.
Drawing inspiration from pain, Fields’ brand of indie-pop explores melancholia and tragedy through a hauntingly intimate first-person perspective.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
On Hiraeth, Fields’ presents an unflinchingly honest depiction of loss; intimately unpacking the traumatic events she has endured alongside a guise of warm textures, vibrant guitar licks and joyous singalongs.
Opener ‘Find Your Way Back’ delivers luscious drum hooks, melodic guitar leads and punchy pop vocals, whilst ‘Persuasion’ drips in soulful swagger and enigmatic harmonies.
‘Water To Water’ unpacks Fields’ experience with miscarriage in a powerful performance that employs stripped-back guitars and a haunting conviction to Fields’ vocals. In another painstakingly intimate moment, ‘In My Blood’ discusses the coping mechanisms employed by Fields after receiving a diagnosis of acute postnatal depression.
Whilst most songs present a contrast between sombre lyricism and uplifting pop musicianship, ‘I Saw It Coming’ steps away from the normal dream-pop stylings, switching it up with eloquent string arrangements and simmering ‘prom’ inspired drum rolls behind Fields’ impressive vibrato.
As ‘an ode to the many languages of longing’, Hiraeth isn’t just an album that offers catharsis for Fields; it’s a bold declaration that will empower fans for years to come. This is an essential release that distinguishes Fields’ songwriting as a cut above the rest.
“Hiraeth feels like a homecoming,” Fields says.
“These songs have been in my head and heart since the pandemic began, some even earlier. I spent a long time dreaming of this album and realising the sound with my incredible producer Josh… I listened to a vinyl test pressing last week and I had goosebumps – my whole body was zinging! But strangely, I also felt very grounded at the same time. I just get this sense that Hiraeth is arriving at exactly the right time. And I’m ready.”
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Fans can also catch Hiraeth live, with Georgia set to tour the album nationally – kicking off with a hometown show on Saturday November 19 at Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne, before traversing Daylesford, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Creswick, and then finishing up in regional Victoria at Theatre Royal in Castlemaine on Sunday December 18. Tickets are on sale now.
Hiraeth is out now Independently/MGM Distribution. Stream it here.
‘Emo never dies, it just starts paying rent’: UFO Go’s latest single Way Back When channels mid-20s angst
Ahead of their latest album, which is set to drop in 2023, UFO Go have released their latest single Way Back When. Equal parts reflective and fuzzy, they’ll be releasing their single at the famous Workers Club for a matinee performance on November 26.
The best bits
- UFO Go have released their latest track Way Back When
- They have also released an accompanying music video, filmed in the streets of Williamstown
- They’ll unveil the single as well as sneak peeks of tracks from their new album at the Workers Club on November 26
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“Emo never dies, it just starts paying rent,” say UFO Go. “’Way Back When’ is a song about the mid-20s angst of coming to terms with who you are, and the death of the ego that makes your teen years and early-20s feel so apocalyptic.”
“We learn to let go and forgive ourselves of the mistakes we made learning to be people, in the hope that we might go to bed one day and not remember the day we called our teacher mum, or the time we told a joke that made somebody cry.”
Since the release of their first full-length LP, 2018’s nottoogoodthanks, UFO Go have amassed over 50 thousand streams on Spotify alone.
“The video imagines a classic 60s/70s movie car chase, ala Bullitt, though what if cars were people too?” the band say on the music video for Way Back When. “We hired some big strong men from the Melbourne Actors Facebook group to carry us around all day, and I don’t think one of them read the treatment before the day of the shoot – ‘you want me to do WHAT?’”
They’re set to drop Way Back When at their single launch at The Workers Club on November 26. “We’ve developed a set that delivers the experience of the album with interstitial tracks that expand on the themes of the songs, with spoken word segments written alongside the lyrics of the album, and a programmed lighting show to match.”
Keep up to date with everything UFO Go by heading here.
This article is made in partnership with Beehive PR
Psych rockers 1000mods announce 2023 Australian tour
Direct from Athens, Greece, heavy psych rockers 1000mods are making their triumphant return to Australian shores as well as debuting in New Zealand for 11 electric live shows in February 2023.
The band will kick off the tour in Wollongong on February 15 and take to venues in Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Willington, and Christchurch before finishing up in Auckland on February 27.
1000mods Australian & NZ Tour 2023
15 February – La La La’s, Wollongong
16 February – Lansdowne, Sydney
February 17 – Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast
February 18 – The Zoo, Brisbane
February 19 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast
February 22 – Lions Arts Factory, Adelaide
February 23 – Altar, Hobart
February 24 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
February 25 – Valhalla, Wellington
February 26 – 12 Bar, Christchurch
February 27 – Whammy!, Auckland
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Since their last national tour Down Under in 2019, 1000Mods have released their well received fourth full length album “Youth of Dissent” which was produced by the legendary Matt Bayles (Pearl Jam, Mastodon, Isis, Soundgarden).
While their ongoing extensive European Tour for 2022 is still raging, 1000mods reveal another ambitious artistic endeavor, which is the acoustic version of “Lucid”, the opening track from their latest studio offering. Since the global borders reopened post pandemic, the Greek machine have toured heavily as headliners across Europe and beyond, with multiple sold out shows.
1000mods have featured at festivals such as Hellfest Open Air (France), DesertFest (Belgium), Sonic Blast (Portugal), Motoculture (France), Up In Smoke (Switzerland) and countless more.
Recently the band undertook a 28 date European tour, finishing in Athens at the esteemed Technopolis in front of more than 3000 fans.
The Australian leg of the tour sees 1000mods perform at La La La’s (Wollongong), Lansdowne (Sydney), Vinnies (Gold Coast), The Zoo (Brisbane), Kings Beach Tavern (Sunshine Coast), Lion Arts Factory (Adelaide), Altar (Hobart) and The Corner Hotel (Melbourne).
Their maiden voyage to New Zealand will take in Valhalla Tavern (Wellington), 12 Toes Brewing (Christchurch) and Whammy! (Auckland).
A stacked support line-up featuring the cream of local talent will be announced shortly.
Tickets are on-sale now from www.foundrytouring.com/1000modsAUNZ and authorized venue outlets.
ICEHOUSE postpone Great Southern Land concert this weekend due to Covid-19
ICEHOUSE have had to postpone their Great Southern Land 2022 – The Concert Series performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl scheduled for this coming Saturday, November 19 as Iva Davies has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating. They have rescheduled the concert to February 11, 2023. The ICEHOUSE dates for Brisbane on Saturday, November 26, and Sydney on Monday, December 12 will go ahead as scheduled.
ICEHOUSE tour postponed
- ICEHOUSE have had to postpone their appearance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on November 19
- Iva Davies has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating
- The concert has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 11 2023
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“The band and I were all looking forward to playing on Saturday to the thousands of fans who have tickets,” says Iva Davies. “We have very strict protocols around our travel and performance schedule but somewhere I contracted Covid 19 despite all my vaccinations.”
“I am devastated to have to postpone the concert, but the impact of the infection means that I am having difficulty breathing and certainly couldn’t manage to sing a full show. Rather than try to battle through and not give the concertgoers the best ICEHOUSE experience possible, we have made the extremely difficult decision to postpone until next February by which time we will be able to deliver the full ICEHOUSE concert in good health to our Melbourne friends and fans.”
All existing ticket holders will be notified of this rescheduled date via the official ticketing agency and are requested to retain their tickets. Original purchases will be valid for the new date without the need for exchange.
For complete tour and ticket information, head here.
Meredith Music Festival
Meredith Music Festival has dropped its mammoth 2022 lineup with Caribou, Courtney Barnett, Yothu Yindi and Dry Cleaning headlining.
With the festival ballot open for business, Aunty Meredith has dropped the Meredith Music Festival’s 30th-anniversary lineup, this time delivering a spectacular lineup of local and international superstars to bring to life an evolving audio-visceral Odyssey, setting out from the Supernatural Amphitheatre and scooping up all the sonic discoverers, thrill-seekers, fun lovers and everyone else present for an Adventure… or a nude loop around The Sup’, or both. You do you…
Heading to the Supernatural Theatre for Meredith’s three-day extravaganza, for adventure and for celebration, this year are Caribou, Yothu Yindi, Courtney Barnett, The Comet Is Coming, Dry Cleaning, Tkay Maidza, Sharon Van Etten and more.
The key takeaways
- Meredith Music Festival 2022 lineup has dropped, lead by Caribou, Yothu Yindi, Courtney Barnett
- The ballot is open and there is only one type of ticket available, which gets you in on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- The festival will be held this year on December 9, 10 & 11
Catch up on the latest music interviews, news and reviews here.
Announcing its return back in May following a two-year hiatus, Meredith Music Festival – often referred to as the greatest festival on the planet – is bringing along these renowned artists for three days, two nights in four-dimensional grand union, with friends old and new. A mark in time, under wide open skies, and your usual lantern.
Featuring a single stage, free range camping, BYO, and no commercial messages, Meredith is and always will be a festival like other.
“For Adventure. For Celebration. A crack squad of sonic mavericks, beyond the sum of its parts. More than a list, more than a register. A three-day-two-night odyssey supreme, with a beginning, middle and end in which to lose yourself, find yourself, expand yourself and feel feel feel feel feel feel feel. Then do it again, twice. Magic O’Clock strikes at any time – sometimes selected, mostly unexpected,” the announcement read.
“All on the One and Only Stage, with the Evolving Atmospherics of the Supernatural Amphitheatre, and Mother Nature on the lights. Seldom has there been a more anticipated guest. In the beating heart of Saturday Night, all Supernatural paths lead to this. It’s taken some spectacular planetary alignment and, finally, here we are, for the first time ever. Lighting every candle on The 30th Meredith’s cake.”
The Auntytecture remains intact; same size, same shape, same abundant amphitheatre and campgrounds – looking extra-super-natural after their convalescence. There’ll be a grassy grandstand finish for the Sun, a late rinse in some scrub cinema, a Tucker Tent, Tai Chi, pink drink, and of course the nude loop ‘round The Sup’.
Full Meredith Music Festival 2022 lineup
Caribou.
Yothu Yindi.
Courtney Barnett.
The Comet Is Coming.
Dry Cleaning.
Tkay Maidza.
Sharon Van Etten.
Nu Genea.
DJ Quik.
Erika de Casier.
Babe Rainbow.
Derrick Carter.
Private Function.
SHOUSE.
CLAMM.
Minami Deutsch.
Tasman Keith.
Surprise Chef.
Our Carlson.
Darcy Justice.
POOKIE.
Rot TV.
OK EG.
Allara.
Rubi Du.
Daphni.
Some More To Come.
Queenscliff Music Festival
Queenscliff Music Festival 2022 is back guns blazing with more news for the upcoming summer, adding four local legends to the glorious lineup.
Returning for its long-awaited 24th year this November, the Queenscliff Music Festival is well and truly heading back to the Bellarine this summer, bringing along its trademark killer mix of Aussie music talent.
Leading the third lineup announcement is Georgia Rodgers, The Mojo Corner, Nathan Seeckts and Watty Thompson, alongside news of the return of QMF favourite Vince Peach.
With her rich and soulful voice, as timeless as they come, Georgia Rodgers’ vocals exude with raw and honest emotion. A solo act from Geelong performing a range of infused jazz/blues tunes for all ears to enjoy, Georgia is no stranger to performing. With an incredibly distinctive approach to music, she has been practising and performing the guitar most of her life and it shows in her singing voice which holds power, maturity and influence beyond her years.
Influenced by jazz and blues, her songs are characterised by the beautifully, tantalisingly complex mood that her voice creates and the journey that her dynamic riffs take us on.
Known for his sentimental musings, powerful songwriting and unapologetic candour, local Otways artist Watty Thompson also join the lineup. After cutting his teeth in famed local rock ‘n’ roll bands of the 2010s (Sheriff, Jumpin’ Jack Williams, Bitter Sweet Kicks, The Neptune Power Federation) and gracing beloved, sticky-carpeted venues in Melbourne and across Australia, Thompson returned to the vast Otways to pursue the music he’d long desired to write.
Armed with his masterful storytelling ability and meticulous musicianship, Thompson has emerged from the small regional town of Gerangamete as a powerful, moving and unique solo folk performer in Australia’s storytelling tradition. His authentic songwriting and meaningful storytelling have the ability to take you on a warm and poignant sonic journey, anchored by his unique vocal, lush instrumentals, floating over country-tinged guitars and ethereal folk soundscapes.
The wildly talented Geelong local Nathan Seeckts is another local set to take the stage. A powerful singer songwriter who effortlessly fuses the sounds of Americana, folk, country and blues delivered with a commanding voice that is equal parts gravel and passion, Seeckts has earned himself a solid reputation over the years, sharing the stage with some amazing artists including The Teskey Brothers, Archie Roach, Cash Savage, Tex Perkins, Raised By Eagles, Joe Pug, Austin Lucas and Cory Branan, to name a few.
Having spent a decade touring much of Australia and parts of North America, it was Nathan Seeckts’ acclaimed debut album ‘The Heart Of The City’ in 2019 that cemented him as one of the most exciting new voices on the Australian Americana landscape. The album received a nomination for Country Album of The Year at the 2019 Music Victoria Awards, earned Seeckts an opportunity to showcase his talent at AmericanaFest in Nashville and also opened the door for him to be selected as the Queenscliff Music Festival Emerging Artist of The Year. October will herald the first new music from Seeckts released in three years, a joyous celebration of love and recent arrivals. With a brand-new album to follow in early 2023, his festival set promises to be a must-see.
The final local artist for this announcement is The Mojo Corner. Ultra-raw, raucous and wildly uninhibited, The Mojo Corner have sliced and diced stages around the country for the better part of a decade now. Pushing passion and emotion right to the limit, the local band – featuring a core lineup of Johnny Haken, Rory Millar, Kane Sherriff and Shaun Hilton – have become renowned for their blistering instrumentals, powerhouse singing and infectious energy, often hailed as one of the tightest and most energetic live bands out.
With three outstanding albums under their belt, including Whole Lotta Woman, Trouble, and Bullet On A Train and most recently a live EP – ‘Live at Manorism Studio’ – they have toured or played with nearly every reputable Australian Blues artist along their journey. Surging rock, roots, blues and even soul, The Mojo Corner beautifully meld elements of these genres into a distinctive sound that is theirs alone.
Joining these brilliant local artists, QMF favourite Vince Peach returns to the festival. The Melbourne soul music enthusiast, record collector, radio presenter and DJ will perform a special late night set Saturday to close the night off, and then all day Sunday in the Ozone Lounge through to the After Party at the Queenscliff Brewhouse.
These local acts join already announced talents including Daddy Long Legs, Felix Riebl, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Sam Teskey, Baker Boy, The Bad Dad Orchestra, The Bamboos, Banjo Lucia, Ben Mastwyk & His Millions, Bones & Jones, Bud Rokesky, Bumpy, Cat & Clint, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Fanny Lumsden, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Folk Bitch Trio and Isabella Manfredi. Plus, Jess Ribeiro, John Butler, Kee’ahn, Little Quirks, Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Middle Kids, Monique Clare, Rambal, Raul Midon, RVG, Seeker Lover Keeper, The Seven Ups, Steph Strings, The Stetson Family, The Teskey Brothers, Vika & Linda, William Crighton, Zoe Fox & The Rocket Clocks PLUS The Kids Stage offerings include Bluey & Bingo at the Bluey Live Interactive Experience, and Teeny Tiny Stevies amongst others.
Huge. Absolutely huge.
Quivers, Best Western
ABOUT
Quivers are back from their USA Tour and are so excited to be playing a few 7″ launch shows throughout Victoria.
Quivers will be playing singles from the 7″ ‘If Only’ & ‘I Just Wanted To See You So Bad (Lucinda Williams)’ along with some newbies and oldies too.
Support from the lovely Best Western
DATE
Friday 2 December 2022 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM (UTC+11)