27 unmissable festivals and events happening across Victoria this October

In October of 1972, wedged between Michael Jackson’s Ben and Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now, Chuck Berry had his only #1 Billboard hit with novelty track My Ding-a-Ling. The song caught the ire of conservative activist Mary Whitehouse, who wrote to the BBC Director General to complain about the song following a performance on Top of the Pops. Still, the song earned Chuck $200,000 at the time which, according to USinflationcalculator, is a touch more than 1.4 million today.

Silver bells hanging on a string, enjoy these festivals in the season of spring…

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

Bendigo Uncorked Wine Festival

Bendigo – October 1-16
Open it up and let it breathe

Unable to go ahead in 2021, the Bendigo Uncorked Wine festival returns with a bumper 16-day festival of the good stuff. One highlight is the inaugural Spring Fiesta event celebrating 2022 vintages, which will be held at Garden for the Future on October 15.

More through bendigowine.org.au

 

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Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne – October 6-23
Life can be better on the fringes

Where to begin, where to begin? With more than 450 events, it’s hard to know. So, we’ll give you some basics and encourage you to take a look at the website for the full picture. There will be Signature Events, the festival’s ‘big ticket items’. There are Fringe Guarantee Events, so called because if you are not completely satisfied with your experience, they’ll spot you some freebies to something else. There are Fringe Binge Discounts, where if you buy tickets to three or more events, you get a sweet discount. And you have Deadly Fringe, the festival’s First Nations program.

More through melbournefringe.com.au

Windfire Music Festival

Geelong – October 7-16
Sacred music for its intrinsic merit

Music at the Basilica’s Windfire Music Festival is a celebration of sacred music. Several festival concerts will take place throughout the event, with a ‘Silver Pass’ enabling your choice of any four (with the exception of the opening night’s performance).

More through musicatthebasilica.org.au

Art of the Minds Festival

Surf Coast – October 9-16
Here’s to good mental health

Coinciding with National Mental Health Week, Art of the Minds Festival aims to reduce the stigma around mental health through a variety of events. They live by their 5 C’s: Celebrating Creative Community Conversations and Connections in mental wellbeing.

More through artoftheminds.org.au

 

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Ballarat & Bendigo Holistic & Psychic Expo

Ballarat Table Tennis Association – October 9 & Strathdale Community Centre – October 23
What do you seek?

Take a look at your future at the Holistic & Psychic Festival, featuring psychics, palmists, astrologists and tarot readers. Attendees will also be able to speak to alternative health practitioners and maybe even pick up some associated products.

More through bodyandsoulmarket.com

Bendigo Comedy Festival

Bendigo – October 12-16
A funny thing happened on the way to…

Back following a two-year absence due to Covid, the Bendigo Comedy Festival kicks off with a Gala on Wednesday, October 12. Solo and group performances will follow, including Pride Comedy Show and Women of Wit. Performers include Daniel Connell, Patti Fawcett, Ash Greblo, Poppa, Urvi Majumdar, Josh Earl, Rachel Rayner, Bronwyn Kuss, Charles Lewin, Daisy Webb and Jordan Barr.

More through bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres

Guts Touring showcase

The Vine, Bendigo – October 13; Skyy Bar, Shepparton – October 14; Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon – October 20; and The Dart and Marlin, Warrnambool on October 23
Beaut music, beaut places

Tracy is one of the baddest buses in town, a mean machine capable of doing 7000 kilometres through four states with 19 bands. Guts Touring is back. The line-up for each show is available through the listed website.

More through gutstouring.com.au

 

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West Set Festival

Melbourne – October 14-30
Free festival of live music

If you’re not looking to spend any money, but still want to get a taste of festivals, West Set festival is a free celebration of music. Coming to stages across Melbourne thanks to the ‘On the Road Again’ initiative, there’s an awesome array of music covering genres like jazz, rock, pop, and many more. It’s happening from October 14 until October 30;

More info can be found here.

Melbourne Fringe Festival x Geelong Arts Centre Takeover

Little Malop Street venue Westend Geelong – October 20 – 22 
Colourful and wonderful action

Geelong will become abuzz with nine performances of six incredible Melbourne Fringe Festival shows, celebrating artistic exploration and creativity through dark comedy, melodic storytelling and daring self-expression. The local venue will host six curated shows with a lineup including the ever-so-sassy Miss Cairo, satirical genius Scout Boxall, the brash and brilliant Lou Wall, hilarious humourist Nicolette Minster, rising comic AJ Lamarque and the critically acclaimed Andrew McClelland, along with ever-eager accompanist Martine Wengrow.

More here.

Junipalooza

The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne – October 21-23
Let the fun beGIN

First you take Juni, an abbreviation of gin’s signature botanical juniper. Then you add Palooza, a party celebration or festival. What do you get? Junipalooza brings together more than fifty gin distillers under one roof to discuss their love of the spirit and serve up some samples. Each guest goes home with their own keepsake tasting glass.

More through eventbrite.com.au

Vegan Festival

Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne – October 22
Meatless, but not treatless

According to trulyexperiences.com, Australia has the third-highest percentage of vegans per capita globally. In the lead up to World Vegan Day on November 1, the Vegan Festival will serve up a day of delicious food and fun activities as they spread the word about veganism.

More through eventbrite.com.au

Antipodes Festival

Lonsdale Street, Melbourne – October 22 & 23
You’re all family

Organised by the Greek community of Melbourne, more than 90 stalls, three entertainment areas, roving performers and children’s rides and activities make up Melbourne’s largest Greek cultural celebration. And, of course, there will be plenty of food, glorious food.

More through antipodesfestival.com.au

Surf Coast Kite Festival

Fisherman’s Beach Foreshore, Torquay – October 23
How high can your kite fly?

The Jan Juc Preschool has a philosophy that children should be encouraged to learn through play-based curriculum, and the Surf Coast Kite Festival is a major fundraiser. The free community event is for the young and old who marvel at the sight of these wonderful, colourful flying machines.

More through surfcoastkitefestival.com.au

 

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Poppykettle Children’s Festival

Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong – October 25 (kinder and prep) & October 28 (5-12y.o.)
I don’t wanna grow up

There is something pretty amazing about the way a child’s mind works. The Poppykettle Children’s Festival knows and loves it, providing theatrical experiences that will help shape minds, engage bodies and fuel creative expression.

More through geelongartscentre.org.au

Festival of Women, Wine & Song

Piano Bar, Geelong – October 27-30
Fine wine and strong songs

Raise a glass and dance your cares away to the inaugural multi-day all-female festival, Festival of Women, Wine & Song. Performers throughout the event include Grace Knight, Nikki Bennett performing the acclaimed Invincible: The Helen Reddy Story, Kara Ciezki, Elysia Gomez, TIANA, Kate Daley, Iris, Shandelle Cooke and Soul Sister Swing.

The festival also features a selection of the best female winemakers from the region.

More through pianobar.com.au/geelong

Maldon Folk Festival

Maldon – October 28-31
Good folk playing good folk

The folk feast includes Albi & the Wolves (NZ), Michael Waugh, Khristian Mizzi, Rich Davies & the Low Road, Leroy Johnson & the Waterbag Band, Smith Allen Peterson (USA), Claymore, Greg Champion, Enda Kenny, The Weeping Willows, Margaret & Bob Fagan, Kaurna Cronin, Loren Kate, Saoirse, Sadie Mustoe, Sarah & Silas, Matt Glass, Charm of Finches, The Humbuckin’ Pickups, Fiona Ross & Shane O’Mara, Gallie, Hannah Schmidli, Mick Coates & the Shallow Gravediggers, Knot o’ the Gate, The Jam Tarts Trio, Tinman, Eric Purdie, Kevin McCarthy’s Crocodile Country, Characters You Don’t Meet Every Day, Whimsical Tricycle, Musike D’ Jour, The Brass Harpies, Victorian Folk Music Club Billabong Band, Brewers Own Bush Band, Bush Sessions and more.

More through maldonfolkfestival.com

Melted

Barwon Club, Geelong – October 29
They’re doing a monster bash

The spooky season hits Geelong. Headlined by Envenomed, Melted also welcomes The Ascended, Fall & Resist, Detach Me, Miseryguts, Lay Low, Viperthrone and Neuritis.

More through barwonclub.com.au

 

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Reggae Fest

Johnstone Park, Geelong – October 29
Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme

The good vibes will flow freely with a line-up that includes Flames Eye, Ras Jahknow, MPress Kandace, Nicky Bomba & Bustamento and Juice Boxx. Other activities include chilli and crackers eating competitions, African drumming and Jamaican dancing.

More through reggaefestau.com

Pull Up Selector Festival

The Thorn, Thornbury – October 29
Peace, love and unity vibes

Hosted by Rasta Lion Wear, the Pull Up Selector Festival is an all-ages reggae celebration. Headlined by dancehall star Ce’cile and reggae-dancehall artist Dynamq, the day also features four live bands, some twenty DJs and workshops and dance classes, as well as a bouncing castle and face painting for the little ones.

More through rastalionwear.com.au

Bendigo Yoga Festival

Find your flow
Dudley House, Bendigo – October 29-30

Find your inner calm with a weekend of yoga, music, workshops and mindfulness. It doesn’t matter if you are a new or experienced yogi, the fourth annual festival is all about undertaking a personal journey of awakening at your own pace. The different forms of yoga offered include Vinyasa, Hatha, Yoga Nidra, Yin and Kundalini.

More through bendigo.yogafestival.com.au

Le Festival Français

The Heights Heritage House and Garden, Newton – October 29-30
Prendre Plaisir!

One for the Francophiles, Le Festival Français is a loving serving of France next door. Market stalls will be dotted across The Heights selling treasures, wares and food with a French flavour, while roving entertainment and a kids’ corner will add to the atmosphere.

More through geelongaustralia.com.au

Ballarat Dog Listening Weekend

The Waggery, Ballarat – October 29-30
Sit, Ubu, sit. Good dog

We may love our dog, but sometimes the pesky fella can test our patience. Tony Knight, dubbed ‘The Dog Listener’, leads the Dog Listening Weekend where dog owners can learn the language of their four-legged pal.

More through allevents.in/ballarat/ballarat-dog-listening-weekend

Castlemaine Festival of Gardens

Castlemaine – October 29-November 6
How does your garden grow?

For a quarter of a century, gardeners in Castlemaine have opened their gates to allow the public to see the result of their hard work. This year, 21 gardens have been selected across Castlemaine, Newstead, Barkers Creek, Muckleford and Maldon.

More through festivalofgardens.org

The Grass is Greener

Geelong Racecourse, Geelong – October 30
Keener for greener

The Grass is Greener spreads its wings to Geelong. Your line-up is Alok, Aluna, Boo Seeka, Brux, CRUSH3D, Jordan Burns, Little Fritter, Market Memories, Mashd N Kutcher, Maya Jane Coles, Mikalah Watego, Mood Swing & Chevy Bass, Noy, Onefour, Piero Pirupa, Pnau, Sidepiece, Sticky Fingers, TDJ, Ty Dolla $ign, VNSSA, Walker & Royce, Wongo, YG, Zero (UK) and Zhu.

More through thegrassisgreener.com.au

 

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Geelong Record Fair

Little Creatures Brewing, Geelong – October 30
Hey, Mister Record Man

Local and interstate sellers will load themselves up with vinyls, CDs and other music goodies for your browsing and buying pleasure. Food and drink will be available, too.

More through littlecreatures.com.au

Melbourne International Dumpling Festival (Postponed until March 2023 now)

Queen Victoria Market (rear of 513 Elizabeth Street) – October 31
I have to tell you dumpling

Loosen your belt buckle because the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is returning following a two-year break. And they have it all – xiao long bao, pierogis, manti, mandoo, khinkali, pelmeni, momos, matzah balls, ravioli and more. If it’s a delicious encased bundle of culinary joy, they have it.

More through eventbrite.com.au

Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton and Warrnambool Shows

Bendigo – October 21 & 22; Geelong – October 13-16; Shepparton – October 7-8; and Warrnambool – October 28-30
Have they got a show for you!

It’s that time of year, folks. The magical time when there are corndogs, hot chips and fairy floss as far as the eye can see. The magical time when you can unleash your inner daredevil for rides that make your stomach queasy and your head uneasy. The magical time when a plastic bag filled with goodies is a gift from the heavens. You can’t help but smile.

More through bendigoshow.org.au, royalgeelongshow.org.au, sheppshow.com.au, warrnamboolshow.com.au

Local leading Australian brand for sensitive skin, Tribe Skincare, opens pop-up store in Geelong CBD

Until the end of the day on Sunday, October 16, Westfield Geelong is playing host to a pastel-coloured pop-up store from Australia’s leading brand for sensitive skin, Tribe Skincare.

Founded by Geelong local, Kayla Houlihan, Tribe Skincare is all-natural, pregnancy-safe, vegan-friendly, Australian-made, and designed for those with sensitive skin. Based in Torquay, Kayla created the brand back in 2017 after identifying a gap in the skincare market for products and a skincare routine to specifically target sensitive skin while running a skin clinic in Geelong.

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

 

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Providing quality products for beauty lovers with sensitive skin, the range brings together a perfect balance of gentle ingredients and results-driven actives, with natural anti-inflammatories to ensure anyone – sensitive skin or not – can achieve their best health. Facial redness is reduced, breakouts are minimised and dry patches and eczema are calmed, with hundreds of before and after photos demonstrating the power of Tribe’s products.

As the first Australian skincare brand to focus solely on sensitive skin, from day one Tribe has been met with almost instantaneous success, helping thousands of Australians with their skin and adding bestselling product after bestselling product to its award-winning range. The latest, the Brightening Vitamin C Serum’ sold an average of one every 90 seconds while the launch party was still going. Within four hours of launching the product, more than $13,000 worth of serums had been snapped up by fans.

This year, Kayla is celebrating five years of salon-quality results (with products regularly selling out on launch and waitlists running into tens of thousands) and to celebrate, has opened a pop-up store in Westfield Geelong, allowing locals and visitors alike to explore her beloved products.

The pop-up opened on Monday, October 3, and will finish end of the day on Sunday, October 16. Beauty lovers can shop all the products right in the heart of the city – including Australia’s best Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin! The set up is bright and beautiful, much like Tribe’s products themselves, there’s cute baskets to fill to the brim, and Kayla will be there to help you out and ensure you go home with the right products for you.

Tribe will be offering an exclusive Westfield in-store promo which will easily be the best promo they have ever done. Run, don’t walk!!

 

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Find Tribe Skincare Pop-Up on the Ground Floor (near the concierge desk) at Westfield Geelong. 

 

‘It’s going to be big’: Robbie Williams to Rock The Mic (right) at Mt Duneed Estate for A Day On The Green

“I’m going to be phenomenal.” 

That is how global pop sensation Robbie Williams introduced himself to the AFL grand final audience last month, and true to his word, he was. 

Before taking to the stage for what has been named the best AFL Grand Final entertainment of all time, the British pop star gave Geelong one more reason to celebrate, announcing his return to Australia next November with his XXV World Tour. 

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

 

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Celebrating 25 years of solo hits, Williams will play headline dates in Melbourne and Sydney, alongside five A Day On The Green events across the country, including a special performance at Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday, November 25 2023. Originally announcing just three A Day On The Green shows, new shows have been announced for Sirromet Wines in Queensland and Nikola Estate in Swan Valley, with all previous shows now sold out. 

“Australasia is one of my favourite places in the world to tour,” Robbie says. 

“I feel so at home there and hugely appreciate the warm, loving welcome I always receive. I can’t wait to do these shows in 2023 and spend some time with my fans.”

Off the back of performing two exclusive nights in Melbourne for his Better Man biopic earlier this year, Williams’ recent performance reminded us what an absolute star he is. Rocking a smokin’ hot pink suit, Williams delivered a seven-song spectacular complete with background dancers dressed in gold and silver, a soaring stage and glowing pyrotechnics. 

Proving to be one of the most acclaimed and charismatic live performers of his time, the performance only heightened the desire for fans to witness a large-scale Robbie Williams show. 

“He was epic, he put on such a good show at the final. It was probably the best tour set-up I’ve ever been involved with,” Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment, promoter of A Day On The Green says. 

“To have him here in the country, doing that performance at the Grand Final and seen by so many people around the country, you couldn’t ask for a better way to set up a tour and get people excited, especially when you’ve got a performer that’s as strong as Robbie.” 

Hailed as one of the finest male pop stars of his generation, Williams joined Take That in 1990 at only 16, before kicking off his solo career 25 years ago in 1997 with the release of his debut album, Life Thru A Lens. 

Three decades on, he achieved a total of 18 Brit Awards with his writing, recording and performances making a lasting impact on British culture, recognising the very highest level of British musical achievement.

From his breakthrough global smash hit ‘Angels’, through to pop anthems ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Millennium’, ‘Come Undone’, ‘Kids’, ‘Feel’, ‘Rock DJ’, and more, Robbie Williams’ unparalleled catalogue is a career-defining generational soundtrack

Having sold more than 85 million albums, with 14 UK number one albums (the most for any solo artist) and 14 number one singles as a solo artist, Williams’ tour comes in celebration of XXV, a compilation album featuring his, aforementioned, biggest hits. 

Williams’ 13th album, and first since 2019 The Christmas Present, XXV sees the star reimagine hits and fan favourites, ranging from one of his earliest solo releases ‘Angels’ through to ‘Love My Life’, along with the brand new number ‘Lost’.

As expected with a performer of his calibre, this is no ordinary Greatest Hits album, especially having already released one back in 2004. Gifting his greatest solo hits another life, tracks like ‘Millennium’ (his first-ever solo Number 1) and ‘No Regrets’ have been newly-orchestrated by Jules Buckley, Guy Chambers and Steve Sidwell, and re-recorded with the acclaimed Metropole Orkest in the Netherlands.

Much like the album, Williams’ arena tour – which he’ll also be taking to Europe, UK and Ireland – will be a joyous journey through his career-defining catalogue, bringing to life the songs he’s most proud of. As always, you can expect Williams to go heavy on the entertainment, delivering a chaotic show in the best possible way. 

“Big, it’s going to be big,” Newton reveals. 

“He’s going to be celebrating 25 years of hits, so you’re just going to get everything and more. With the Robbie show and with the set-up he’s got on stage, a lot is happening with production, lights and screens and a big band, dancers; you’re going to get absolutely everything.

“It’s going to be just enormous.” 

Williams’ big 2023 show at Mt Duneed Estate won’t be the star’s first time in the region, having performed at the venue in March 2018 as part of The Heavy Entertainment Show World Tour. 

Williams’ performance marked the largest A Day On The Green concert at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong at the time, entertaining 20,000 adoring fans while smashing the previous record of 18,000 fans set by Fleetwood Mac in 2015.

As entertaining as expected, Williams ripped through a glittering hit-laden set, from ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Angels’, ‘Kids’, ‘Come Undone’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and more. Alongside the music, which brought enough joy on its own, Williams tore up the stage with a handful of backup dancers, flashing his jocks with a roaring tiger head at every chance and he even serenaded one seriously lucky fun as he performed ‘Something Stupid’.

 

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Geelong’s had some good luck with music acts at Mt Duneed over the years, hosting some of the biggest names in music including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Don Henley, Florence + The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Elton John, all courtesy of A Day On The Green. 

Proving their consistency in securing the world’s very best, 2023 marks the 22nd season of A Day On The Green, which started in January 2001. After nearly 500 shows and more than more million happy patrons, the A Day On The Green experience of good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations remains unrivalled, renowned as one of Australia’s most popular and premier outdoor concert events.

On the main drivers of its success, Newton shares: “Well for example, with Robbie choosing to tour with us again, his agent and his manager and he knows that he’s going to come and play A Day on the Green and he’s going to get looked after. 

“We don’t even try and have cheap production or cheap staging; we always have more toilets than we need; We want people to have a really good time at our shows.

“It’s a genuine thing with us and we don’t skimp on any areas of the show. Sometimes things go wrong, yes, I know that. But really, our main thing is to look after the artist and make sure they have a smooth show, give them what they want and look after people that are coming along, as well as trying to keep the prices reasonable given the cost of running an outdoor show.” 

While the past couple of years has presented a raft of challenges for the events brand, Robbie Williams is just the latest in a string of shows announced for Geelong, including Sting, The Killers, Crowded House and Tent Pole, the brand-new festival headlined by US indie heroes Pavement featuring 12 bands over two stages. 

There’s a lot for music lovers to be excited about thanks to A Day On The Green, but there’s just something about Robbie Williams that promises to be a life-changing music experience. 

“This is going to be very, very special. Robbie Williams is an incredible entertainer and he’s bringing his A-game to Geelong,” he says. 

“Come to the show and as Robbie says, ‘Let him entertain you’.”

Don’t miss Robbie Williams as he celebrates 25 years of solo hits at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong on Saturday, November 25 2023. Tickets are currently sold out but you can try your luck via the Fan-to-Fan resale via Ticketmaster here.

Check out all his A Day on the Green dates here. Tickets for the new ROBBIE WILLIAMS show at Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, go on sale Friday 14 October at 10.00am local time (1.00pm AEDT) from Ticketmaster.

Robbie Williams also playing AAMI Park, Melbourne. For info visit Frontier Touring

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight returns for 2022

For over 80 years, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI has been supporting children who are blind or have low vision and this year, Art Centre Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl will undoubtedly be the epicentre of Christmas celebrations when Melbournians and keen regional Victorians will once again gather to celebrate the festive season.

From humble beginnings in 1938, Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI has grown into an institution of Christmas magic and this year will mark the 85th staging of this beloved annual Christmas Eve tradition.

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

 

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Familiar faces and brand-new stars will grace the stage to perform everyone’s favourite Christmas songs and carols, including Nine’s beloved stalwarts Marina Prior, Denis Walter, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino, Rob Mills, Anthony Calleja, and Tim Campbell with more to be announced in November.

“It’s thanks to the funds raised through Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight event that we can provide much-needed services to thousands of children who are blind or have low vision. This year we welcome family and friends to join us in person at the wonderful Sidney Myer Music Bowl as we bring you the brightest Carols yet,” said Ron Hooten, Vision Australia CEO.

As always, the whole show will be broadcast on Channel 9 and 9Now live from 8pm on Christmas Eve, as well as a replay on Christmas Day. 2UE 954 in Sydney, 4BH in Brisbane and Magic 1278 in Melbourne will have a simulcast of the event for your listening pleasure, while Vision Australia Radio will provide professional audio description through their local stations and online.

Tickets to Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 and the rehearsal night on December 23 are available here. 

Taxiride announce ‘Garage Mahal’ 20th anniversary show in Hepburn Springs

Featuring what would become the band’s biggest hit, ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’, Garage Mahal turns 20 this year, and to celebrate Taxiride has announced a trio of anniversary shows and a special vinyl reissue.

The band, who will be performing with an altered lineup and without founding lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Singh, will take to Melbourne, Hepburn Springs, and Belgrave throughout the final months of the year.

Taxiride Garage Mahal 20th Anniversary Tour Dates

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10 | BIRD’S BASEMENT, MELBOURNE, VIC
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3 | PALAIS, HEPBURN SPRINGS, VIC
THURSDAY DECEMBER 8 | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE, VIC

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

Emerging from the leafy suburbs of Melbourne in 1997, Taxiride experienced a rapid rise to the top, debuting at #1 on the ARIA charts with their debut album, Imaginate, in 1999. But even with a top ten single, a brush with success in the US, Taxiride weren’t going to simply rest upon their already-impressive laurels for album number two. Rather, they were intent on recapturing that success and expanding upon it.

Recording with Fred Maher (Lou Reed, Lloyd Cole, Matthew Sweet) in Los Angeles, Taxiride set about crafting a record that would highlight their love of stadium-level choruses, pop-rock harmonies, intimate and heartfelt instrumentation, and an element of authenticity that was lacking from the music world at the time. The result was Garage Mahal, an album that continued Taxiride’s domination as one of the country’s biggest rock bands.

Lead single ‘Creepin’ Up Slowly’ became their biggest hit, reaching #6 on the local charts, becoming the most-played track on local radio that year, eventually going Platinum, and peaking within the NZ top 20 internationally. Follow-up singles ‘How I Got This Way’ and ‘Afterglow’ also continued this success, giving the group a total of seven top 40 singles, and proving Taxiride were here to stay.

“It’s a little scary to think it’s been 20 years,” recalls guitarist and vocalist Tim Watson.

“This anniversary has brought back memories of everything that went on during the recording. We were meant to record with a different producer but our plane literally got turned around on 9/11. A few weeks later we returned to the States to begin tracking, they were crazy times!”

Ultimately, Garage Mahal would become one of 2002’s biggest albums, being certified Platinum and even resulting in a run of international tour dates for the group in Japan and the US. Though two more albums would follow in 2005 and 2006, Taxiride would ultimately call it quits in 2008, reuniting in 2015, older, wiser, and more mature as musicians and friends.

“With the benefit of hindsight it’s possible that the band would have continued on our original course but the reality is the music industry takes its toll on young bands,” Watson explains.“While cooler heads might have kept us together it’s possible that we wouldn’t have been crazy enough to start this in the first place.”

Now, 20 years on from the release of Garage Mahal, Taxiride are giving the album the anniversary treatment it deserves. To celebrate, the band will be hitting the road for a trio of shows in November and December, and they’ll also be giving the album the vinyl treatment it always needed but never received.

“This is the first time Taxiride have had anything released on vinyl,” says Watson.“It feels great; like it links our album to all the great vinyl we grew up listening to.”

The band’s debut vinyl release is taking place as part of Ausmusic Month, with Warner Music Australia also issuing a special edition T-shirt for Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, with $5 from every shirt going to Support Act.

Visiting Melbourne, Hepburn Springs, and Belgrave throughout the final months of the year, these shows (the band’s only shows of the year) will see Taxiride – now comprised of founding members Tim Watson and Tim Wild on guitar and vocals, drummer Sean McLeod, bassist Andrew McIvor, and Taylor Sheridan – ensuring the legacy of both the band and the songs of Garage Mahal stay alive and fresh after all these years with a set consisting of faithful renditions of their hits plus favourite album tracks.

“Our focus for these shows is the musicality; arranging the songs so the harmonies really stand out but also making sure the instrumentation really highlights the songs,” Watson explains. “I guess we’re heading into heritage territory so we really want to give the songs the respect they deserve.”

You can purchase tickets here. 

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to perform ‘Home Alone’ live in concert this December

Fans of the ultimate 90s Christmas movie, Home Alone, are in for a treat this holiday season as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings the film back to the big screen with a live soundtrack.

It’s official: blink-182 are reuniting, announcing Australian tour dates for 2024

Following months of speculation, a wiped social media account and a website ‘currently under construction’, blink-182 are heading out on a worldwide trek, including their first-ever performances in Latin America along with stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand starting March 2023 through February 2024.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour will extend to Australia kicking off at Perth’s RAC Arena on February 9, 2024 followed by Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 11, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on February 13, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney on February 16, concluding at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 19. The band will be joined by Rise Against for the Aussie dates.

blink-182 Australia and New Zealand tour

• Feb 9 – Perth, Western Australia – RAC Arena
• Feb 11 – Adelaide, South Australia – Entertainment Centre
• Feb 13 – Melbourne, Victoria – Rod Laver Arena
• Feb 16 – Sydney, New South Wales – Qudos Bank Arena
• Feb 19 – Brisbane, Queensland – Entertainment Centre
• Feb 23 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena
• Feb 26 – Christchurch, NZ – Christchurch Arena

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

The band will also drop their new single “Edging” this Friday, October 14, marking the first time in a decade that Mark, Tom and Travis have been in the studio together.

The tour announcement also features multiple festival appearances in Latin America and the US, including Lollapalooza alongside co-headliners Billie Eilish & Drake and the 2023 edition of We Were Young with Green Day among others.

Since their humble beginnings nearly thirty years ago, when they started playing in a San Diego garage, ‘blink-182’ have sold over fifty-million albums worldwide and rocked audiences from Adelaide to Zurich having become one of the defining rock bands of their generation. According to The New York Times, “No punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than ‘blink-182’.”

While ‘blink-182’ have already racked up more than their fair share of platinum records and blockbuster singles, they are looking forward to their 10th studio album. With Delonge back after nearly a decade fans can expect that electric on stage magic that the trio has delivered over the years. With their new album due in 2023, ‘blink-182’ is stoked to be facing their future together.

blink-182 fan club pre-sale commences at 12pm on Thursday, October 13, running until 12pm on Wednesday, October 19. Live Nation pre-sale commences at 1pm on Wednesday, October 19, concluding at 12pm on Thursday, October 20. Spotify pre-sale commences at 1pm on Wednesday, October 19, concluding at 12pm on Thursday, October 20.

General public tickets go on sale on Thursday, October 20 at 1pm here.

Blink-182 2023 Tour Dates

LATIN AMERICA
+With Support from Wallows

March 11 – Tijuana, MX – Imperial GNP (Festival)
March 14 – Lima, Peru – Estadio San Marcos+
March 17-19 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Lollapalooza Argentina (Festival)
March 17-19 – Santiago, Chile – Lollapalooza Chile (Festival)
March 21-22 – Asuncion, Paraguay – Venue TBA
March 23-26 – Bogotá, Colombia – Estereo Picnic (Festival)
March 24-26 – São Paulo, Brazil – Lollapalooza Brasil (Festival)
March 28 – Mexico City, MX – Palacio de los Deportes+
April 1-2 – Monterrey, MX – Venue TBA

NORTH AMERICA
*With Support from Turnstile

May 4 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center*
May 6 – Chicago, IL – United Center*
May 9 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena*
May 11 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena*
May 12 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre*
May 16 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse*
May 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena*
May 19 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden*
May 20 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena*
May 21 – Boston, MA – TD Garden*
May 23 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*
May 24 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center*
May 26 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Arena*
May 27 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium*
Jun 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center*
Jun 16 – Los Angeles, CA – Banc of California Stadium*
Jun 20 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena*
Jun 22 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center*
Jun 23 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center*
Jun 25 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena*
Jun 27 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena*
Jun 39 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place*
Jun 30 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome*
Jul 3 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena*
Jul 5 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center*
Jul 7 – Austin, TX – Moody Center*
Jul 8 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center*
Jul 10 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena*
Jul 11 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – FLA Live Arena*
Jul 13 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena*
Jul 14 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center*
Jul 16 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena*

EUROPE
^With Support from The Story So Far

Sep 2 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro^
Sep 4 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena^
Sep 5 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena^
Sep 8 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis^
Sep 9 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena^
Sep 12 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena^
Sep 13 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena^
Sep 14 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum^
Sep 16 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena^
Sep 17 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena^
Sep 19 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena^
Sep 20 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle^
Oct 2– Lisbon, Portugal – Altice Arena^
Oct 3 – Madrid, Spain – Wizink Centre^
Oct 4 – Barcelona, Spain – Palau Sant Jordi^
Oct 6 – Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena^
Oct 8 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome^
Oct 9 – Paris, France – Accor Arena^
Oct 11 – London, UK – The O2^
Oct 14 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena^
Oct 15 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena^

Oct 21 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival

 

Kiss Thiss

Alright Australia – you wanted the best, you got the best!

Since 2002, KISS THISS have brought the fire-breathing, bloodspitting, guitar-smoking antics of a real KISS show to life for KISS fans across Australia. The show features authentic KISS costumes & faithful renditions of hits & fan favourite songs spanning the iconic band’s entire career.

www.facebook.com/kissthisstrib…

COME SEE THIS EXCITING SHOW AT THE GOLDEN VINE HOTEL!!

November 12th, 2022

Tickets will be sure to sell out so don’t miss out on seeing this fun show and make sure you grab yours now!

ALSO – why not make it a night out and come in for a meal first – make sure you book your table early!!

David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet

Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont

New songs, new stories and the same two ratbags, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley hit the road again in 2023 on their “Country Music, You and Beer Tour with a brand new show, it’s going to be a cracker.

It was always going to be special when two of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters announced they were teaming up to release their first album in 2018, country artists, and husband and wife duo, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley released their debut album Adam and Brooke in 2018, charting at number one on the ARIA Country Album chart and gained the duo 4 Golden Guitar nominations and an ARIA nomination.

After what was a confusing and slow couple of years with Covid the couple hit the ground running in early 2022 as the world woke up again.
March 2022 saw the duo embark on their ‘Roll On Baby’ tour, while still riding the wave of their first single from their second album ‘Star Of The Show’ reaching #1 on the iTunes Single and Video Chart after Brooke performed it on Network 10’s 2022 season of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! (where she was runner-up!) and their second single ‘Roll On Baby’ peaked at #3 on Country Airplay Chart, and their latest release ‘Memory Lane’ is fast climbing the charts and becoming a fan favourite at live shows and was also featured on Channel 10s The Living Room and Studio 10.

Gold Chisel & The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show

SAT NOVEMBER 12th – Gold Chisel and The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show together for one night only at The Elephant Castle Hotel Saturday November 12 !  Pre Sale Tickets $20 plus booking Fee or $25 on the door subject to capacity

PRE- SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW

BOOKINGS 👉 ☎️ BOOK NOW ONLINE

Danika, Ella Thompson

Ezra Lee, Jarrod Shaw, Nardia, The Von Robertson’s. Bluestrain.

Shards! A One Act Play Series

NAPOLEON IN EXILE by Daniel Reitz
Directed by Tania Maxwell
About: A single mother finally realises the importance of preparing her twenty three year old autistic son Corey, to be able to fend for himself. Corey is currently unemployed, lazy and not interested in changing his ways, until……a certain conversation takes place.
ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE An exploration of Shakespeare’s most popular monologues
Directed by Evalina Woodward
About: A collaboration of all the best Shakespeare monologues paired with
physical theatre and projection work.

Each performance of Shards! includes two one-act plays. There are 4 plays in total throughout the series. These plays are short and sharp, like a shard, dealing with current topics. With 4 experienced directors and a talented cast you don’t want to miss these performances! Book for two performances if you want to see all 4 plays!

Shards! A One Act Play Series

NAPOLEON IN EXILE by Daniel Reitz
Directed by Tania Maxwell
About: A single mother finally realises the importance of preparing her twenty three year old autistic son Corey, to be able to fend for himself. Corey is currently unemployed, lazy and not interested in changing his ways, until……a certain conversation takes place.
ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE An exploration of Shakespeare’s most popular monologues
Directed by Evalina Woodward
About: A collaboration of all the best Shakespeare monologues paired with
physical theatre and projection work.

Each performance of Shards! includes two one-act plays. There are 4 plays in total throughout the series. These plays are short and sharp, like a shard, dealing with current topics. With 4 experienced directors and a talented cast you don’t want to miss these performances! Book for two performances if you want to see all 4 plays!

Bjorn Again – ‘Mamma Mia! We Are Back Again!

DEAD, Mark’s Paranormal Disneyland

Experimental alt-metal legends, DEAD launch their new LP, in power trio mode along with the warped stylings of Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland.

The Best of The Bee Gees with Colin “Smiley” Peterson