Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever ‘Endless Rooms’ Tour with Floodlights and Maple Glider

Frontier Touring are delighted to announce that after a recent string of gigs promoting their sun-splashed 2020 release Sideways to New Italy, Melbourne five-piece band Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever are once again ready to take the stage – this time with their Endless Rooms Tour, slated for October 2022. Joining the tour are special guests and Melbourne locals, Floodlights on all shows and Maple Glider (solo) – on all shows exc. WA.

“The songs on Endless Rooms are probably our biggest and fullest yet and were made to be played live. We can’t wait to bring the album to life on tour. We are very humbled to be bringing along some of the best acts in the country – Floodlights and Maple Gilder. (We also want to thank our WA friends for being patient with us, we’ve missed you). See you soon!” – Tom Russo (Rolling Blackouts C.F.)

GoBoat is bringing its floating picnics to the Geelong Waterfront this summer

Ever dreamed of being your own captain on Geelong’s bay, sans the need for a boat licence? Or perhaps you’ve been looking for a new way to level up your picnic game for the summer season?

Luckily for you, GoBoat has you covered, launching in Geelong just in time for summer. The boats arrived earlier than expected, launching on the Geelong Waterfront on Friday, November 11, alongside a special introductory offer pricing.

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

 

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After launching its eco-friendly picnic boats in cities all over Europe, the Danish company made the leap to Australia back in 2017, giving punters a fun new way to cruise the Yarra. Following an epic few years in Melbourne, GoBoat is now making its way regional Victoria, opening its second-ever Victorian operation in Geelong.

Docking at Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Australia’s favourite electric picnic boats will gift locals and tourists alike a new way to explore the waterfront with a safe, family-friendly, instagrammable experience!

The 18-feet long, Scandinavian-designed vessels are constructed from recycled plastic bottles and recycled timber and are slow-moving, silent and pollution-free. A first for GoBoat, Geelong’s fleet will be built in Australia, in Brisbane by Cruise Craft Boats, a long established and reputable manufacturer.

Running on imported electric engines with simple tiller steering and a speed limited electric motor, these babies don’t require a boating licence, making for fuss-free sailing sessions.

Boasting a central picnic table with room for up to eight people, all you have to do is BYO food, drinks, friends and pets (yes, they are pet-friendly!!), and you’ve got one helluva day ahead!

From inside the boat, you’ll be able to explore Corio Bay for either one hour, two hours, three hours, four hours or five hours, with prices ranging from $99 to $409. You can also choose to add on extras like captain hats, esky hire, cheese boards, and Bluetooth speakers to take the stress out of organising your crew. There’s also shade available and of course, your safety is assured.

 

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It must be noted however that the ‘captain’ must have a blood alcohol level of .05% at all times, so make sure you recruit a responsible mate when booking the boats.

You can now hire one of these easy-to-operate picnic boats online. Bookings are currently available here.

First look: A large-scale contemporary artwork from First Nations artist Kait James transforms Geelong Art Centre’s facade

Earlier this month, a section of the stunning artwork from proud Wadawurrung Woman and award-winning contemporary artist Kait James was unveiled, revealing one of the most exciting design elements of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment.

Appearing on the external Western Façade of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment, James’ work focuses on presenting Indigenous perspectives with familiar pop-cultural references using Aboriginal Souvenir Tea Towels from the 1970-80s that generalise and stereotype her culture.

James revealed a section of her 193-panel work, alongside Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director, Joel McGuinness, and Wadawurrung Woman, Corrina Eccles.

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

The remaining 184 panels will be uncovered across the next week, with the vibrant full artwork on full display to the Geelong community as the redevelopment continues to progress.

“I am so honoured and proud to be a part of this important project. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my artwork would be on the facade of such a prominent and iconic building on Wadawurrung Country, and at this massive scale! I hope this artwork starts conversations, changes perceptions but also celebrates culture and visibility,” says Wadawurrung Woman and Artist, Kait James.

Using humour and vivid colours, James addresses the way white western culture has dominated Australia’s history, and endeavours to develop and use her art in ways that encourage responsiveness, unity and optimism. Sourcing her chosen canvas largely from op shops, James uses a punch needle to embroider over the top of Aboriginal calendar tea towels to change the narrative, give the tea towels new life, and give herself a voice. This careful and time-consuming method can see individual artworks taking up to a month to create.

 

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To create the panels, the talented artist used high-resolution images of her original artworks, scaled up and adjusted digitally to ensure the colour saturation matched the originals and that
imagery was clear. ARM Architecture provided her with a panel template which made sure the images were the correct size and resolution. There are 23 different ‘tea towel’ artworks and to ensure the colours worked alongside each other avoid repetition, James spent many hours rearranging the panels both on paper and digitally before they were able to be printed onto the metal panels visible on the Geelong Arts Centre Western Façade.

Coming together as co-designers, ARM Architecture, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the wider First Nations community have woven traditional stories of the land, water and sky, and the colours and textures of Moonah trees, ochre, and granite stone throughout the campus.

Amplifying the voices of the local First Nations community, ARM Architecture have worked closely with Wadawurrung artist Kait James, and local First Nations artists Tarryn Love, Gerard Black and Mick Ryan to showcase First Nations stories through the campus and present their works in new and fascinating ways.

“As we draw ever closer to the completion of the redeveloped Geelong Arts Centre, we could not be more honoured to showcase Kait James’ rich work upon the building’s façade. The opportunity to connect with First Nations artists has been incredible, and we can’t wait to unveil each of their works as they are completed,” says Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director,
Joel McGuinness.

An integral part of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment has been building a meaningful connection to Country and the wider Geelong community through its design.

Having shared the stories behind their unique artworks in May 2022 through a collection of captivating videos, this unveiling marks the much-anticipated first look at any of the First Nations artworks in situ, and sets an exciting precedent for what’s to come. These artists’ works were selected through an Expression of Interest process promoted by Geelong Arts Centre in 2021.

The Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment is backed with a $140 million investment from the Victorian Government and is on track for completion in the second half of 2023.

Geelong Arts Centre to be transformed into Australia’s largest and most striking regional arts centre under $140M makeover

You can find out more about the redevelopment here. Keep up with the latest from Kait James here. 

Viva Energy’s Community Legends Winners have been announced, shining a light on Geelong’s unsung heroes

Viva Energy has announced the winners of its Viva Energy Community Legends Awards, recognising ten local volunteers for their tireless service to the community.

At an awards ceremony held last week at GMHBA Stadium, the deserving finalists and overall winners were celebrated for their continuous commitment to helping those around them, and the organisations they support. Awards were presented for the Viva Energy Community Legend of the Year, the Rising Star Award (ages 16-26), and the People’s Choice Award.

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

The Viva Energy Community Legends Awards return, celebrating Geelong’s unsung heroes

Community Legend of the Year and Rising Star Award winners were chosen by a panel of judges that represented a broad cross section of the Geelong community with the People’s Choice award being decided by a broader Geelong community vote. Winners received a share of the overall prize pool of over $75,000 for themselves, and their respective clubs.

The Community Legend of the Year award was presented to Libby Bate from Cancer After Care for the endless support she has shown in her role as President. Described as “a true community legend”, Libby has led the group in its incredible support of local cancer patients and cancer services, showcasing her concern for others and commitment to the community.

Jess Johns of the South Barwon Football & Netball Club was given the Rising Star Award (ages 16- 25) for the dedication and support she has shown to women in sport. Jess has coached and mentored juniors for nearly 10 years, and is a role model to aspiring female athletes who want to become great players and even better people.

Over 2,000 members of the community voted in the People’s Choice category, with the award going to Damian McKeegan, from Geelong Youth Engagement. Damian secured the most votes in the category, highlighting his dedication to the organisation and the youth it supports. Since 2016, Damian has helped ‘at risk’ young people work through challenges as diverse as drug abuse, self-harming and homelessness.

Viva Energy’s Executive General Manager of the Geelong Refinery, Dale Cooper, said the awards evening was a fitting platform to celebrate the commitment that the finalists have shown to their respective organisations and the Geelong community.

“Volunteering runs deep in Geelong, so it feels good to recognise the efforts of selfless people who’ve contributed so much to their local communities,” Dale said. “Viva Energy is immensely proud to acknowledge the deserving winners of each category, as well as all of the Finalists and nominated volunteers. They are all legends in the eyes of their nominators, members, and the organisations they represent.”

Dale encouraged community organisations to start planning for the next Viva Energy Community Legends Awards, which will take place in October 2024. “For those that missed out or didn’t enter this year, your should be thinking about which volunteers in your organisation are worthy of nomination in the 2024 awards,” he said.

Winners and finalists for 2022  

Winners:

▪ Community Legend of the Year Award: Libby Bate – Cancer After Care 

▪ Rising Star Award (ages 16-25): Jess Johns – South Barwon Football & Netball Club 

▪ People’s Choice Award: Damian McKeegan – Geelong Youth Engagement 

Finalists:

▪ Margaret Markovic – Road Trauma Families Victoria 

▪ Kerry Irwin – Christ Church Cummunity Meals Program 

▪ Geoff Thompstone – Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club 

▪ Bobby Hayes – Geelong Soccer Club 

▪ Susan Eyton – Lion Clubs of Lara 

▪ Karen Knuckey – Story Dogs 

▪ Damon Veitch – EdConnect Australia 

For further information, head here.  

There are 31 new off-leash dog parks opening across Victoria

Thomas Oval dog park in South Yarra officially opened yesterday, becoming the latest dog park to be completed as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program.

Thomas Oval dog park now has a dedicated, fully fenced off-leash section with a quiet area, sandpit and shelter. The versatile new space is the perfect environment for dogs and their owners to exercise and socialise.

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

 

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So far, 28 of the 31 dog parks have been completed across Victoria, in suburbs stretching from Altona to Pakenham and as far as Mildura and Portland. The final three dog parks under construction in Eltham North and Reservoir West will open later this year, and one in Werribee to open in 2023.

The purpose-built parks include designated ball play areas, fencing, agility equipment, nature play elements, seating and drinking fountains.

These dog parks are delivered in partnership with local council, who received up to $275,000 from the state government to ensure the new facilities are purpose-built to meet each community’s needs.

The Suburban Parks Program invested $5 million towards 14 off-leash dog parks across metropolitan Melbourne with an additional 17 off-leash dog parks funded by the $2.5 million Building Works Stimulus program.

14 off-leash dog park locations

Gordon Barnard Reserve Dog Park, Balwyn North

Cairnlea Dog Park, Cairnlea

Casey Fields Dog Park, Cranbourne East

Edwardes Lake Dog Park, Reservoir West

Merrifield Dog Park, Mickleham

Roy Dore Dog Park, Carrum

Emerson Place Reserve Dog Park, Rowville

Parkwood Reserve Dog Park, Ringwood North

Thompson Reserve Dog Park, Maribyrnong

Cliff Whitworth Reserve Dog Park, Essendon West

Eltham North Dog Park, Eltham North

MO Moran Reserve Dog Park, Elwood

Thomas Oval Dog Park, South Yarra

Bulban Road Dog Park, Werribee

17 new off-leash dog parks in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne locations:

Alexandra Avenue Dog Park, Ararat

James Reserve Dog Park, Buninyong

Dowton Park Dog Park, Yarragon

Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park, Pakenham

Tirhatuan Park Dog Park, Dandenong North

Sandfield Reserve Dog Park, Carrum Downs

Barwon River Dog Park, Belmont

Henty Park Dog Park, Portland

PA Burns Reserve Dog Park, Altona

Avoca Street Dog Park, Eynesbury

Rio Vista Park Dog Park, Mildura

East Street Dog Park, Kilmore

Princess Park Dog Park, Shepparton

Barry Steggall Park Dog Park, Swan Hill

Redleap Reserve Dog Park, Mill Park

Belgrave Lake Park Dog Park, Belgrave

Rotary Park Dog Park, Warracknabeal

Work is also underway to upgrade 41 parks and 29 pocket parks across Melbourne as part of the Suburban Parks Program – creating up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

“We promised to deliver new, quality open spaces for all Victorians – dogs included – and we are delivering,” D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re supporting councils to deliver quality projects for locals – this dog park is an important community asset, providing an opportunity for both owners and dogs to socialise outdoors.”

For further information about the dog parks under construction, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.

Broadway’s blockbuster musical Wicked is returning to Australia in 2023

Wicked, one of the most successful musicals in the world, will make its grand return to Australia in 2023, flying into Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in August.

Celebrating 20 years since composer Stephen Schwartz and playwright Winnie Holzman took a 1995 novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz, and transformed it into one of Broadway’s biggest hits of the 21st century, Wicked will return for an exclusive season in Sydney, reviving the John Frost production, which opened in Melbourne in 2008 and went on to tour nationally and internationally.

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

 

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“The Broadway sensation WICKED looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle,” the description reads.

“Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one ‘good’, and the other one ‘wicked’.”

Since its official opening on Broadway in 2003, Wicked has become one of the most popular musical productions in history. The musical then opened in London’s West End in September 2006 and continues to run in the Apollo Victoria Theatre to date.

Following its Broadway debut, Wicked won a raft of international awards, including 10 Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards, and a Grammy for its original Broadway cast recording. Locally, the original Australian production earned six Helpmann Awards in 2009.

The broadway phenomenon was last seen in Australia in 2015 after a tour of the region that amassed nearly 2000 performances and played to more than two million people.

Its arrival in Australia can be credited to Destination NSW, the state government’s tourism and events arm, and will no doubt become a major drawcard for Sydney that would provide significant benefits for the NSW visitor economy.

Producer of Wicked John Frost said the international musical sensation would have broad appeal across age groups and musical fans.

“I’m thrilled to present Wicked to Sydney in 2023. A proven blockbuster all around the world since it premiered, it has become one of the most loved musicals of all time,” Mr Frost said.

“Wicked is a musical phenomenon and appeals to everyone from the ages of eight to 80. People love it for so many different reasons – the engrossing story, the astonishing sets and costumes, the soaring ballads and the deeper messages.”

The Sydney production will be cast locally with auditions expected later this year and a cast announcement next year.

Described as a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart and courage, Wicked, the story of a friendship between two young women who become ‘Glinda the Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ opens at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 24 August 2023.

For more information and to join the waitlist, head here.

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission announce 20-date East Coast Christmas tour

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission, the latest vehicle for the main man of Melbourne’s legendary Weddings Parties Anything (and also featuring fellow Weddo Squeezebox Wally, and the Waifs’ Ben Franz), is back with a swathe of news, including a new partnership with esteemed Brisbane indie Coolin’ By Sound, a new EP and a 20-date East Coast tour.

The National Christmas tour will see the band kick the fun off at Arcobar in Heatherton on November 2, and take to Ararat, Drysdale, Main Ridge, Canberra, Marrickville, Katoomba, Petrie Terrace, Tasmania, Adelaide, Margaret River, Fremantle, Leederville and Thornbury for three dates before finishing up at Archies Creek on January 1 2023.

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

Coolin’ By Sound, whose roster already includes Adam Gibson, Tape/Off, Dumb Things and Full Power Happy Hour (who will also be joining the Qld and NSW legs of Mick and band’s upcoming tour) is owned by esteemed music writer Steve Bell and his partner, longtime Qld music mover and shaker Michelle Padovan. The label has international distribution through US indie Redeye Worldwide.

“As a young Aussie music fan I fell in love with Weddings Parties Anything in the mid-’80s while still at school and I’ve followed Mick’s career ever since – I own pretty much everything he’s ever put out and been seeing him play live for decades – so to welcome him and The Roving Commission into the CBS family feels like an absolute privilege on so many levels,” says Steve Bell, co-owner Coolin’ By Sound.

“We’re so excited to work alongside someone that we hold in such high esteem, with Mick being in my humble opinion one of our country’s greatest-ever singer-songwriters, and these new releases highlight that he’s still at the peak of his powers with an awesome band at his back.”

Ahead of a 20-date National Christmas tour they’ve also just announced (it wouldn’t be Christmas without a Mick Thomas tour) and while they toil away on their next full-length album, Mick and the group have decided to christen the new relationship with a 7 track “maxi single” called Back in the Day.

The greatest Australian seven-track maxi single since Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons’ 1978 classic So Young, Back In The Day will feature a mix of new and old originals and some great covers. The EP’s title track will be the next album’s first single, while the EP itself expands upon that song’s premise of looking in the rearview mirror of life with a perfect batch of beautifully chosen and executed covers and reinterpretations relating to the same theme.

New versions of “Houses” and “A Tired Old Hat” shine fresh light on a couple of an undeservedly lost Thomas classics from the past decade. The covers, which include the The Saints’ late ’80s classic “Shipwreck” (something of a tribute to the late Chris Bailey), Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Ragged Glory highlight “Days That Used To Be”, and the unsung first album Cold Chisel gem “Home & Broken Hearted”, featuring a spunky lead vocal from the Roving Commission’s newest member, Brooke Taylor, reveal something of the diverse influences on Thomas’ songwriting and the band’s approach.

Brooke Taylor also takes lead on a gorgeous version of Johnny Thunder’s heartbreaking 1978 ballad “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory”. One of those rare songs that is vividly remembered by everyone who has heard it and an unexpected delight awaiting anyone who hasn’t (and also covered by Ronnie Spector, Willy DeVille, Celibate Rifles, Blondie, Billie Joe Armstrong and even Guns N’ Roses!), “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” is perhaps going to be the EP’s dark horse, and Brooke, Mick and gang make it their own.

 

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Together the seven songs which constitute Back In The Day combine to become one fascinating and vibrant rumination upon dealing with the passing of time, delivered with both authority and authenticity by this accomplished five-piece band.

“Even though the whole theme of the EP seems to be about looking back, it’s really great to be doing it as a means to move forward,” Thomas laughs.

“The whole album that we’ve done which is coming out next year is about people being focussed on what came before. I was originally going to call the album Solastalgia – which is just a term I read in a book which refers to this existential recognition of being attached to a time and place that you can never really attain, like something that’s in the past – but then I found out that Missy Higgins already had an album called that!

“But it just meant that I became really interested in songs that were about looking backwards to some degree, and I had some covers that I knew would fit around the theme so it all came together really quickly and easily.”

Mick Thomas has been at the coalface of the Australian music scene for four decades – releasing six acclaimed albums throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s with his band Weddings Parties Anything and another ten albums during the subsequent solo career which has continued uninterrupted to this day – and while he’s well-and-truly counted amongst our country’s greatest ever songwriters (WPA’s 1992 single “Father’s Day” won the 1993 ARIA Award for Song Of The Year), over the journey he’s also proved a dab hand at making other people’s songs his own and imbuing them with his own spirit.

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Touring Back in the Day

NOV
Wed 2 Arcobar – Heatherton (VIC) + Kerryn Fields TBC
Wed 9 Ararat Live (VIC) + Kerryn Fields TBC
Fri 11 Bennets on Bellarine Winery (VIC) + Kerryn Fields
Fri 18 Pig and Whistle (VIC) + Dave Wright and the Midnight Ramblers

DEC
Thu 1 Smiths Canberra (ACT) + Full Power Happy Hour
Fri 2 Great Club Marrickville (NSW) + Full Power Happy Hour
Sat 3 Baroque Room Katoomba (NSW) + Full Power Happy Hour
Sun 4 Leftys (QLD) + Full Power Happy Hour

Sun 11 Longley International (TAS) + Teresa Dixon

Tue 13 Grace Emily (SA) + Cookie Baker
Wed 14 Grace Emily (SA) + Tom Redwood
Thu 15 Grace Emily (SA) + Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes

Fri 16 River Hotel Margaret River (WA) + Carla Geneve
Sat 17 Navy Club Freo (WA) + Carla Geneve
Sun 18 Oxford (WA) + Carla Geneve

Fri 21 Shotkickers Thornbury (VIC) + Skyscraper Stan
Sat 22 Shotkickers Thornbury (VIC) + Alana Jagt and the Monotremes
Sun 23 Shotkickers Thornbury (VIC) + Maggie Alley Band

JAN
Sun 1 Archies Creek (VIC) + Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels

All tickets at mickthomas.com/shows

The Delta Riggs announce national tour and first new music in three years 

One of Australia’s most endearing indie-rock artists The Delta Riggs returns with their mesmerising new single ‘The Real Electric’ and news of a coinciding national tour, with performances in Naarm/Melbourne, Eora/Sydney, Meanjin/Brisbane, Boorloo/Perth and Wiradjuri/Bathurst for Vanfest.

Last chance: Queenscliff Music Festival’s FOOT-in-the-DOOR competition closes today

Aside from the established artists we see year after year, Queenscliff Music Festival stays ahead of the rest by running its own young artist initiative called FOOT-In-The-DOOR, where each night young and upcoming talents can showcase their music.

Supported by FReeZA (a Victorian State Government initiative), the initiative’s purpose is to help emerging young artists showcase their talents, and as the name suggests get a ‘foot-in-the-door’ in the music industry, giving young artists the chance to perform live in front of an audience at a nationally acclaimed music festival, which is a very valuable and rewarding experience for those selected artists.

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

Running as a ‘battle of the bands’ style competition, this year will see programs dedicated to emerging talent across two different genres – rock and folk & blues.

For acts that may fit into the genres of folk, blues, world, jazz, pop, singer/songwriter types, selected bands and solo artists will perform on Friday night, with a focus on originality and a little
‘something different’. Saturday night will see artists perform under the Rock genre, in line with the QMF style.

 

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Across the festival weekend, five artists in each competition (Folk & Blues and Rock) will compete with 15-minute sets of original material for a grand prize. Winning the section does not guarantee you a spot at the festival the following year. If you’re good enough it will definitely hold you in good stead though.

Entrants between 12 and 25 years old can apply from anywhere in Victoria (with a heightened focus on Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast artists) with the only stipulation being that it’s original music only. Check the guidelines here.

As for your applications, all you have to do is provide links to at least one online streaming audio, Facebook, YouTube and fill in their online application form online.

Past winners include the likes of Nancie Schipper, Tom Walker & His Band of Sick Individuals, as well as Heath Robertson, among others.

Offering such a wide array of musical acts at a time when the summer season is cluttered with music festivals, what makes Queenscliff so appealing is its community spirit and structure to cater for a wider audience, beginning with this inspiring program.

Applications close Monday, October 10 at 5pm. You can apply for the initiative here.

Here’s how to get your hands on tickets and free entry to the Avalon Australian International Airshow

A rite of passage for every Geelong local, the Avalon Australian International Airshow returns in 2023 and is gearing up to be its biggest event yet.

Australian International Airshow is the biggest and best Airshow in the southern hemisphere, incorporating breathtaking flying displays, a huge variety of ground exhibits, plus the spectacular Night Alight night show, not seen anywhere else in Australasia.

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

 

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The biennial airshow was last held in 2019, with its 2021 event postponed twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Having been postponed twice already, tickets for the huge six-day event will go on sale this week for the 2023 airshow. This year’s edition will be held from February 28 2023, with the first three days limited to traders before opening to the public from 2pm on March 3-5.

Offering entertainment for absolutely everyone, the forthcoming event will see some changes made including free entry for children aged 15 and under (for the first time ever), as well as car parking made free. There will also be a second entrance open to ease the flow in and out of the space, a whole new entertainment offering for the opening, and incredible new aerial attractions.

Once you’re in, guests can marvel as jet fighters and strike bombers are joined by swarms of helicopters for a series of breathtaking serial routines and simulated combat manoeuvres. There will also be incredible aerobatics displays and the most impressive collection of World War II aircraft ever to soar skyward at Avalon. The well-loved Wall of Fire also returns in 2023.

The aerospace showcase and Science and Technology Precinct will feature hands-on science fun for kids of all ages, plus special insights into the technology of tomorrow.

The airshow is hailed one of the world’s best air shows and as one of the biggest drawcards for the region, with the 2019 event attracting more than 170,000 day attendees and injecting almost $150M into the local economy. Absolutely huge!

Airshow members can buy their tickets from today, while public tickets will be on sale from Thursday, October 13. General admission tickets for adults (16 years and over) will be $89, while concession and students are $72.

Find out more here.

Cult DIY troubadour Ceschi announces Australian tour for 2022

American folk-rap artist for the barely alive Ceschi (pronounced chess-key) will be returning to Australia for the first time in over ten years. The tour will kick off in Sydney on November 24, and take to Adelaide, Hobart for a headline slot at HOBOFOPO, Perth, and Melbourne for two shows, before returning to Sydney on December 4.

This will be the cult DIY troubadour’s last solo tour for a while before he focuses on a new band called Codefendants featuring members of Get Dead and Fat Mike from NOFX.

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

The American hip-hop musician, singer and songwriter’s music was born out of the worlds of underground Hip Hop, Hardcore Punk and Folk. His version of songwriting may include machine-gun-speed raps or emotive ballads inspired by Latin American troubadours. Over the last decade, he has toured North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Although it’s difficult to describe the type of music that Ceschi makes, it is not difficult to feel the ferocious heart that is behind it all.

The tour arrives off the back of his latest single, ‘This & That’ featuring Tsoh Tso, his first taste of new music since his 2021 album This Guitar Was Stolen Along With Years of Our Lives. The album is filled with 10 tracks of guitar-inspired songs and signals a departure of sorts, distanced from his most recent work, releases geared more toward Hip Hop culture.

Ceschi Australian tour dates

Thursday 24/11 – Sydney/Warrang, NSW
Lazybones Lounge, Marrickville ‘Get Folked Punk‘ with Billy Puntton and The Mental Health Plan, Ess-Em and more. Moshtix for tickets.

Friday 25/11 – Adelaide/Tarndanya, SA
Hotel Metro with Jack Vaul & Luke Vexx and Hagol. From 9pm Eventbrite for tickets

Sat 26/11 – Hobart/Nipaluna, TAS
HOBOFOPO folk-punk gathering. 25 acts on a 3-day pub crawl including; Handsome Young Strangers, Ess-Em, Billy Puntton and The Mental Health Plan, Medusas Wake, Whiskey Dram, This Is A Robbery, The Dead Maggies, Departure Party and many more. Oztix for tickets

Thursday 1/12 – Perth/Boorloo, WA
Convenients, Northbridge with Noah Skape (solo) and Mathas. From 8pm Eventbrite for tickets

Friday 2/12 – Melbourne/Naarm, VIC
The B.East, Brunswick with Joe Guiton & Kat Ramshackle and Foxtrot. From 9pm Free Entry

Saturday 3/12 – Melbourne/Naarm, VIC
Under The Almonds, Preston. With Departure Party and more. Cash only door sales.

Sunday 4/12 – Sydney/Warrang, NSW
Red Rattler, Marrickville. With Rapaport, and more. Humanitix for tickets.

Head here for more info. 

White Night Geelong sets new attendance record with 2022 event

Over 93,000 people took to the streets of Geelong on Saturday night, in a celebration of music, art, culture and community as the world-renowned White Night returned to the region for the first time in four years.

More than 100 artists presented unique and diverse exhibitions, installations and projections bringing the city’s streets, parks and buildings to life with signature building projections, magical marine animals, giant inflatables and all-night music. From the heart of the city in Johnstone Park to the famed foreshore, the city was buzzing with locals and visitors of all ages.

Keep up with the latest in local news via our website.

 

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As the evening commenced, crowds gathered to acknowledge and pay respects, watching the ceremonial passing of the message stick from DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) of Central Victoria, followed by a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country ceremony in Steampacket Gardens.

“What a night! It was fantastic to see so many people out on the streets, coming together as a community to eat, drink, dance and celebrate,” says Creative Director of White Night, Joseph O’Farrell (JOF).

“Geelong really put on a show, and watching audiences of all ages mesmerised by giant creatures, spectacular projections and local music was truly special.”

Highlights of the one-night-only event included;

Reflected in the Sky, which saw buildings showcasing the exciting, contemporary and dynamic work of First Nations artists Billy-Jay O’Toole, Kait James and Jenna Oldaker who took on the theme “Everything on the land is reflected in the sky” which had onlookers transfixed.

The high-octane thrilling performance in Heavy Metal saw audiences head-banging to the riffs of two rip-roaring guitarists, whilst gasping in awe as cars were flattened in front of their very eyes. Joseph O’Farrell’s almost spiritual celebration of Geelong’s automotive and musical history took over Grace Church Carpark for a spectacular display that had everyone’s attention.

Photo credit: Harrison Moss

Making a racket of a different kind, Drag City turned Gheringhap Street into an unforgettable party as drag queens and audiences alike danced the night away. The fabulous medley of entertainment was fun for all, delighting audiences with glitter and gags throughout the night.

Colouring in Competition brought together the work of over 200 local students and artists from the James Street Gallery in a huge community-led display of creative energy that scaled their biggest canvas yet. The culmination of a series of free school workshops run by Video Architecture saw children, families and friends captivated by the vibrant display of digital colour.

Throughout the night The Guardian roved Western Beach Road and the foreshore. The beautiful creature from A Blanck Canvas mesmerised the old and young in equal measure, as its shimmering scales and massive stature captured imaginations everywhere it went.

A Victorian Government initiative, this year’s White Night events were conceived and curated to shine a light on the many and varied cultural gems burgeoning beyond Melbourne. A night-time event like no other, they inspired friends and families from near and far to embrace the wonders of regional Victoria like never before.

For further information visit whitenight.com.au. 

Red Hot Chili Peppers announce two new huge Australian shows

Legendary rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers have today announced that they’ve added two massive stadium shows in Sydney and Melbourne with superstar rapper Post Malone in early 2023, as part of their global stadium tour.

They’ve added two huge shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on February 4 and Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on February 9, now bringing six shows Down Under.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Australian tour dates

• Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium: Sunday, January 29 2023
• Sydney, Accor Stadium: Thursday, February 2 2023
• Sydney, Accor Stadium: Thursday, February 4 2023, new show!
• Melbourne, Marvel Stadium: Tuesday, February 7 2023
• Melbourne, Marvel Stadium: Tuesday, February 9 2023, new show
• Perth, Optus Stadium: Sunday, February 12 2023

Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here.

Red Hot Chili Peppers commenced their global stadium tour last month in Spain following the release of acclaimed new album Unlimited Love, with stops in London, Paris, Dublin, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and many more. The tour marks the return of guitarist and all-around cosmic musician John Frusciante to the group, as they perform their career-spanning hits alongside tracks from their new album – their first recording with guitarist John Frusciante since 2006 and first with producer and longtime collaborator Rick Rubin since 2011.

Red Hot Chili Peppers have sound tracked successive generations as not only one of the bestselling acts in music history, but also one of the biggest streaming rock bands in the world today. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, the award-winning Los Angeles quartet—Anthony Kiedis [vocals], Flea [bass], Chad Smith [drums], and John Frusciante [guitar]—have collected six Grammy Awards, sold 80 million albums, generated five billion YouTube views, and gathered 22 billion Spotify streams, averaging 21 million monthly listeners on the platform.

Joining the Australian tour is multi-platinum-selling superstar Post Malone, with his performances marking his first Australian shows in four years. Among the best-selling music artists globally with over 80 million records sold across four career albums, Stoney (2016), Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018), Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019) and Twelve Carat Toothache (2022), Malone has won 10 Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, one MTV Video Music Award, and has received six Grammy Award nominations.

Sicker than the rest, there is no test – grab your tickets by heading here.

Victoria’s brand new zoo has officially opened to the public

The transition of the management of Victoria’s fourth zoo – Kyabram Fauna Park – to Zoos Victoria will see a boost in regional tourism and jobs, supported by $3 million from the Victorian government. As of today, the park has officially become part of the Zoos Victoria family, with the completion of upgraded facilities.

Children under 16 will now receive free admission to Kyabram Fauna Park on weekends, public holidays and school holidays as part of a $20 million government initiative, which already includes free entry to Zoos Victoria’s other properties: Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around regional Victoria here.

A new visitor centre at Kyabram Fauna Park, refurbished Education and Conservation Centre, improved animal exhibits, predator-proof fencing and pathways mark the completion of $1.94 million in infrastructure works – part of a $2.7 billion government package to create jobs, tourism and support local economies.

Situated on 55 hectares of parkland and wetlands in northern Victoria, Kyabram Fauna Park has more than 600 animals, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, dingoes, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, echidna, emus and southern cassowary. A mob of meerkats has also recently arrived.

 

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Kyabram Fauna Park has cared for willdife and delivered conservation programs since 1979, including planting more than 7,000 trees and plants to create habitat to provide food and shelter for free-ranging wildlife and encouraging the return of 35 species of birds to the local Kyabram area.

The park, a 30-minute drive from Shepparton or Echuca, is well placed for Zoos Victoria to expand its critical wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work in northern Victoria, utilising the expertise and experience of the Kyabram Fauna Park team.

“Locals and visitors alike will have an enhanced visitor experience with all the upgrades, new visitor entry, café and retail space at Kyabram Fauna Park,” Kyabram Fauna Park Committee of Management Chair Marg Allan said.

Learn more by heading here.

The 1975 are coming to Australia in 2023

Formed in Manchester in 2002, The 1975 have established themselves as one of the defining bands of their generation with their distinctive aesthetic, ardent fanbase and unique sonic approach.

They will arrive in Australia with a host of new tracks to perform from their forthcoming album, Being Funny In A Foreign Language, which is due for release on 14 October. The band have recently released four singles from the album including ‘All I Need To Hear’, ‘I’m In Love With You’, ‘Happiness’ and ‘Part Of The Band’, their acclaimed comeback single which Pitchfork praised as “the kind of grand, playful pop song that only this band could pull off”.

The 1975 2023 Australian tour dates

• Saturday 8 April 2023 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
• Monday 10 April 2023 – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
• Wednesday 12 April 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
• Friday 14 April 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney
• Saturday 15 April 2023 – Riverstage, Brisbane

Check out regional Victoria’s most comprehensive gig guide here.

Being Funny In A Foreign Language will be The 1975’s fifth studio album and is perhaps their most intimate yet. While the band’s past few records were brimming with massive production—programming and synths— Being Funny In A Foreign Language is rooted in performance.

The 1975’s previous record, 2020’s Notes On A Conditional Form became their fourth consecutive #1 album in the UK, landing at #1 in Australia too. 2020 also saw them named NME’s ‘Band of the Decade’, following being crowned as ‘Best Group’ at the BRIT Awards in both 2017 & 2019. Their third studio album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, also won ‘Mastercard British Album of the Year’ at the 2019 ceremony.

The 1975 made their long awaited live comeback in August as they headlined Japan’s biggest rock festival Summer Sonic 2022 in Tokyo and Osaka before returning to the UK for two triumphant headline slots at the iconic Reading & Leeds Festival. The 2023 Australian dates are part the band’s ‘At Their Very Best’ tour which includes huge shows in North America, UK, Ireland and Japan. A number of international dates are already sold out, including New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, so Australian fans are encouraged to jump on tickets quickly when they go one sale from 11am local Friday 14 October.

Secret Sounds Pre-Sale from 9am local Thursday 13 October. Tickets on sale to the general public from 11am local Friday 14 October.

SummerSalt Festival brings Angus and Julia Stone, Ben Harper and more to Torquay

This year showcases exciting international artists alongside some Aussie favourites for a stellar line-up featuring Angus & Julia Stone, Ben Harper, City And Colour, The Rubens, Middle Kids, and Alex The Astronaut.

Catch the festivities when they roll into Victoria for two huge shows at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley on February 4 and at the Torquay Common on February 5.

Summersalt Tour Dates 2023

• Friday, 27 January – Stage 88, Canberra ACT
• Saturday, 28 January – Thomas Dalton Park, Wollongong NSW
• Sunday, 29 January – Esplanade Park, Fremantle WA
• Friday, 3 February – Royal Botanical Gardens, Hobart TAS
• Saturday, 4 February – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley VIC
• Sunday, 5 February – Torquay Common, Torquay VIC
• Saturday, 11 February – Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour NSW
• Sunday, 12 February – Broadwater Parklands, Southport QLD

Check out regional Victoria’s most comprehensive gig guide here.

For the first time since its inception, international artists will join the concert series to culminate an unforgettable music experience.  Ben Harper will be gracing our shores from the USA to co-headline the new series of shows across Australia in 2023, along with Australia’s most beloved sibling duo, Angus & Julia Stone. They will also be joined by Canada’s City And Colour as SummerSalt’s sunny line-up gets ready to shine.

SummerSalt has become an enormous success over the years delivering feel-good music to unique and picturesque destinations with a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for making memories. This festival event is the perfect place to bask in the sunshine with live music and a vibrant setting. Sun-drenched days and a sparkling haze of good times while you kick back or dance the day & night away!

The lineup includes …

• Angus and Julia Stone
• Ben Harper
• City and Colour
• The Rubens
• Middle Kids
• Alex the Astronaut

Tickets go on sale Thursday October 13. Grab them when they go live by heading here.

A huge Spring market is happening in Geelong West this weekend

Hello Spring! It’s officially that time of the year where the urge to freshen up your home, wardrobe and office spaces takes hold (albeit a little more wet than usual), and what better way to do just that than exploring the beloved Piccadilly market this Spring?

Going down this weekend, on Sunday, October 9, from 10am to 3pm, the Piccadilly Spring Market is all about supporting the local makers in the region – and after the couple of years that we’ve all had, there’s never been a better time to support locals.

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

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

Following a huge success last month, market is embracing the good vibes of Spring and will see the beloved Geelong West Town Hall transform into the kind of indoor market worth getting excited about, tempting you to peruse the very best of the region with live entertainment and artisan market stalls.

At this all inside venue, the market will be hosting more than 50 stalls spanning Geelong’s most talented jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators, artists, food producers, and makers, all be there to provide you with quirky buys and artsy gift ideas for everyone on your fast-approaching Christmas list.

Alongside all the products up for grabs, this epic Spring market will also see live music, all the Spring vibes, and the Geelong West venue is surrounded by some of the best cafes in town. Head in early and get a coffee before browsing the stalls, or fuel up with a delicious lunch once you’re finished shopping.

And let’s be real: this market is also great for maybe picking up a little something for yourself (after you’ve gotten your Christmas list all sorted, of course).

Parking and entry to this massive market is completely free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated.

Find out more here. 

Karaoke: Spring Carnival