A handy little guide to some of the best entertainment and gigs coming your way in regional Victoria this month.
Look back 30 years to 1994, if you please. ’Twas a fine year for music. Beastie Boys released Ill Communication, featuring the massive ‘Sabotage’. Alice in Chains released Jar of Flies, the first EP to debut at the #1 spot on the US Charts. Soundgarden released the #1 Superunknown. Stone Temple Pilots released Purple, which went on to sell more than six million copies. Jeff Buckley released his only studio album, Grace. And then there was Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York.
But there is more.
Enigma returned to innocence and everyone tried their best at the chant. Boyz II Men announced they would make love to you, but only like you want them to, which is nice. Hootie, as well as his Blowfish cohort, offered the holding of his prehensile, multi-fingered appendage. Gloria Estefan championed the turning around of beats, as she most enjoyed hearing percussion. Scatman was like ski-bi dibby dib yo da dub dub, and we were all like, cool.
Elton John asked if we could feel the love tonight and single people replied, no, thanks for the reminder, Reginald. Lisa Loeb said we kept accusing her that she only hears what she wants to and we somewhat agreed and said we would work on our communicative skills. And Tori Amos let us know her cereal of choice was not cornflakes, and the best we could ascertain was that she may be a raisin girl.
Let’s now look into the future with these upcoming live music moments. Enjoy these April gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
An Evening with Vika & Linda
Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on April 4
Following three classic albums with The Black Sorrows, the Bull sisters, Vika & Linda, left to start a career as a duo. In 2022 they released their eighth album, Gee Whiz, it’s Christmas.
Death by Carrot
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on April 4 & Bazz Music, Ararat on April 5
In 1974, Basil Brown died from consuming almost forty litres of carrot juice in ten days. Stoner rock outfit Death by Carrot won’t kill you, but they will provide a good time.
John Taratsas
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on April 5
With a reputation for big choruses and memorable hooks, songman John Taratsas has roots in Britpop, folk and indie-rock.
Hamapple & One Square Mile
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 5
Get ready for a double dose of Long Beach old-school punk as Hamapple and One Square Mile get busy. The Half Pints, Westall 66 and The Louds will be there as well.
Baroque Festival
Civic Hall, Ballarat on April 5
Baroque star Erin Helyard kicks off the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Baroque Festival with a selection of Bach and Vivaldi concertos.
The Duck Downpickers
Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on April 5
Are you looking for some tunes with a little tongue in beak? Then waddle on down for a night of acoustic-Zyda-jug-holy-billy-blues with The Duck Downpickers.
Adalita
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 5 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 6
It’s last drinks for Adalita as she announces her final run of shows celebrating her 2022 release, Inland. She’ll be joined by Amaya Laucirica and Daisy Kilbourne.
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Sin City
Red Hill Hotel, Chewton on April 5 & The Eastern, Ballarat on April 12
Sinners are grinners as country, soul and rock and rollers Sin City head out in support of their second album. Another Round is the name, and your shout is the game.
Bang On Live
Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on April 6
Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe are taking their Double J podcast Bang On to the stage. Join in on a conversation about a little of this and a little of that.
Opelousas
Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on April 6
It’s a greasy and crispy serving of swamp-blues as Opelousas serve up their second album, Opelousafried. See what Kerri Simpson, Anthony Shortte and Alison Ferrier have been cooking.
Maple Glider
The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on April 6
Music can be an escape for the artist, as it can be for the listener. For Maple Glider, the moniker of Tori Zietsch, it’s been an escape from religion, ending relationships and her own brain.
Michael Jackson History
The Capital, Bendigo on April 6
Gareth Field steps into the moonwalking shoes of Michael Jackson in this full-scale stage production featuring songs ‘Thriller’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘Bad’ and many more.
The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on April 6
With drummer Mark Dawson, bassist Peter Oxley, pianist Alister Spence and brass arranger Eamon Dilworth by his side, Ed Kuepper’s Exploding Universe returns to the stage.
The Barren Spinsters
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on April 6
Like wet socks or getting a wrong order, The Barren Spinsters are known for ruining a day or two. The duo’s latest album is Let the Music Ruin Your Life.
Battlesnake
Volta, Ballarat on April 6
It’s time for the Battlesnake shake as the mighty metal band sets out to not only put a little iron in your music diet, but raise some extra coin for their upcoming European tour.
Morgan Evans
Costa Hall, Geelong on April 6 & Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on April 7
He may be based in Nashville, but country songman Morgan Evans is still an Aussie boy at heart. He released the EP Life Upside Down last year.
Mighty Horse
The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on April 7
Like a ball in a pinball machine, Castlemaine’s Mighty Horse will have you pinging from grooving psychedelia through to rock, alt-folk, post-punk, ska and dub.
The Roy Orbison Story
The Capital, Bendigo on April 7
The music, voice and life of Roy Orbison is celebrated through songs including ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Running Scared’ and more. Mark Shelley is the Big O.
Heath Franklin’s Chopper
Minerva Ballarat, Ballarat on April 7 & Bendigo Bank Theatre, Bendigo on April 12
Heath Franklin’s Chopper is not here to fornicate arachnids. He is, however, here to chew the fat about this thing we call life.
Ballarat Film Society
Minerva Ballarat, Ballarat on April 11
The Ballarat Film Society presents a screening of The Wild Goose Lake, a film about a lawless area of Wuhan and small-time mob leader Zhou Zenong.
Confetti Western
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 11
The space cowboys that go by the name Confetti Western are taking their whip-crackin’ electro to the masses in support of new single, ‘Go Go Stop’.
Pierce Brothers
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 11 & Volta, Ballarat on April 12
In support of their brand-spanking new album Everything is Bigger than Me, indie-folk rockers Pierce Brothers are kicking it around the country on their biggest tour since 2019.
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Starrcast Downunder
Ballarat – April 11-14
Wrestling convention Starrcast Downunder is coming to Ballarat. Guests include Bret Hart, Mickie James, Eric Bischoff, Shelton Benjamin, Mike Rallis and more.
Emma Donovan
Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on April 12
Aiming to shine a light on Indigenous music and culture, Emma Donovan will use her blend of soul and country to perform signature songs and those in the languages of Gumbaynggirr and Noongar.
The Big Fat Greek Show
Sphinx Hotel, Geelong on April 12
There’s comedy, there’s music and maybe even a little ouzo as George Kapiniaris, Tony Nikolakopoulos and Pantelis Krestas team up for this variety show full of Greek flavour.
Nat Bartsch
Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo on April 12
Taking place in the BAC’s historic Drury Court, this performance from pianist Nat Bartsch is inspired by ‘Music D’ameublement’, a term coined by pianist Eric Satie meaning furniture music.
Sammy White
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 12
If you’re looking for a night of “diamonds, dolly and real country-as-cow-shit music”, look towards Sammy White. Her new single is ‘Ain’t That the Way’.
Ian Moss
WCPA, Wendouree on April 12
Released last year and featuring a duet with Kasey Chambers, Rivers Run Dry is the eighth solo album from Ian Moss. Enjoy an evening of the old and new.
Paul McDermott + 1
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on April 12
The Fall of Empire, the rise of women and wanking are the three themes explored on Blood Orange, the third collaboration between Paul McDermott and Glenn Moorhouse.
Hoss & Budd with friends
The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove on April 13
You know what goes well with bombastic fuzz? That would be rock and roll goodness. Join Hoss & Budd, Smoke Witch and Clifford Parade for some bombastic good stuff.
Radio Free Alice
Major Tom’s, Kyneton on April 13
Since releasing their self-titled debut last year, Radio Free Alice has been a hot ticket in town. They’re off to the UK shortly, and new music is also to come in 2024.
Tropical Fuck Storm
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 13
The honeymoon period for Tropical Fuck Storm is not over as the band leads the mini-fest Cellophane Honeymoon. Joining them will be Mod Con and Cool Sounds.
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Jim E. Brown & Andy Burns
Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on April 13 and Red Hill Hotel, Chewton on April 14
Born in Manchester, poet and pop sensation Jim E. Brown touches down in Australia for the first time in April. He will be joined by Perth-based chamber pop muso, Andy Burns.
Anna Smyrk
Odessa @ Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on April 14
Songs for word nerds and pop hook obsessives are the words that greet you upon searching for Anna Smyrk, and all that sounds quite lovely.
Baby Velvet
The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 14
Hannah Crofts is one quarter of indie-folk group All Our Exes Live in Texas. She is also Baby Velvet. Come along for a free Sunday afternoon show.
Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight’s Graceland
The Capital, Bendigo on April 14
Two of Australia’s great voices team up for the first time as they honour Paul Simon. Complete with an all-star band, settle in for a night of Simon’s most loved songs.
Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 14; Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine on April 16; and Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on April 18
You’re in for a bloody good time as Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson sets out to make you laugh with forty years’ worth of material, including his latest in ‘International DILLIGAF Day’.
Songs for Suzanne
Minerva Ballaarat, Ballarat on April 14 & Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on April 26
Henry Wagons, Rebecca Barnard, Delsinki, Alma Zygier and Jacinta Caruana join forces for Songs for Suzanne, a night celebrating the life and work of Leonard Cohen.
Laura Hill
Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on April 17
Should we be lucky enough, there are those we encounter whose impact will be everlasting. Adelaide singer-songwriter Laura Hill encapsulates this on new single, ‘The First Time’.
Van Diemen
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 18
The true sounds of the cold and dark Tasmania come to life through black metal outfit Van Diemen. This will be their first run of interstate shows.
Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on April 18 & Gateway Hotel, Corio on April 19
Brooke and Adam kicked off 2023 in most triumphant style, winning three Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. Let’s see what 2024 delivers.
The Smith Street Band
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 18 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 20
In the fifteen years since The Smith Street Band have been doing their thing, they have performed more than 800 shows in 23 countries. Join them in adding to the show count.
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Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 19
Kid Congo Powers has been at this music caper for a long time. As part of the Pink Monkey Birds collective, he welcomes new album, That Delicious Vice.
Riflebirds
The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on April 19
If there is one thing you should know about the high-soaring, electrifying Riflebirds is that they are not afraid to break out a random keytar solo.
Scattered Order
Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on April 19
With roots in the DIY/post punk/art noise of the late 1970s, journeyed outfit Scattered Order are launching their new double album, All Things Must Persist.
Kevin Welch & the Weeping Willows
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on April 19
He has written songs for Waylon Jennings and Linda Ronstadt among others and has been performing for more than four decades. Here, Kevin Welch performs with the Weeping Willows.
Ash Grunwald
Volta, Ballarat on April 19 & Lamby’s Tavern, Geelong on April 21
Love can be tough. Fortunately Ash Grunwald is here with new single ‘Life without You’, a song about going the distance in your relationship and having gratitude for your loved ones.
Shannon Noll
Costa Hall, Geelong on April 19 & WPAC, Wendouree on April 20
Two decades ago, Shannon Noll went from being a farmhand to one of Australia’s biggest musical stars and a man affectionately known as Nollsie. He is using the milestone to tour.
Metal United Down Under
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on April 20
Celebrating ten years of the heavy stuff, MUDU welcomes Suspended Animation, Bentham’s Head, Diminished Reason, Distorta, Van Diemen, Ana and Spacegoat in a mega showcase.
The History of British Rock
The Story House, Geelong on April 20
Featuring a live band comprised of some of the finest talent the country has to offer, The History of British Rock is a loving tribute to the British rock of the ’60s and ’70s.
The Umbilical Brothers
The Play House, Geelong on April 20
There will be no chastising for using screens here as The Umbilical Brothers combine stage performance and big screen antics in their latest show, The Distraction.
Luoda
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on April 20
A ticket to Luoda is a ticket to a night of original funk, jazz, soul, blues and R&B. They’ll be performing songs from their debut album, Running out of Time.
Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 20
After spending time leading Gallows, Frank Carter left to explore greener pastures. In Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes, he provides hard-hitting punk rock with a hard rock undercurrent.
Phil Coyne & the Wayward Aces
Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on April 20
Led by blues harp master and blaster Phil Coyne, the tone and fury of the Chicago blues of the 1950s is on full display when The Wayward Aces come to town.
Portal Gun
The Dart & Marlin, Warrnambool on April 20
Warrnambool-bred Portal Gun is set to serve up a healthy dose of their psych-rock meets funk-groove at their local. Lachie Smith and Milou Moon will be there, too.
Charm of Finches
The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 21
The dreamy indie-pop duo Charm of Finches will be playing a few shows in celebration of their upcoming fourth album, Marlinchen in the Snow (April 19). ‘Clean Cut’ is the latest single.
Fundraising Event: For Palestine
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 21
The Double Dole String Band, Eliza Hull, Baby Velvet, Charlie Needs Braces, Angie Hart, Nokomi Achkar and The Freedom Singers team up for a We Are Not Numbers (WANN) fundraiser.
Amigo the Devil
Volta, Ballarat on April 24
How does a man make dark folk and murderfolk out of a banjo? Find out for yourself as Danny Kiranos, otherwise known as Amigo the Devil, tours Australia for the first time.
The Poor
Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on April 25
It has been thirty years since hard rockers The Poor released ‘More Wine, Waiter Please’, a top ten hit in Australia lifted from their debut album. Black Aces support.
The Vovos
The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on April 26
Once upon a time, at Girls Rock! camp, five young women from varied musical backgrounds bonded over a punk attitude and have not looked back since. Lilla Gubben is their new album.
Sugar Fed Leopards
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on April 26
Somewhere in the world between disco, soul, doo-wop and rock and roll exists Sugar Fed Leopards. Take them by the heart as they welcome new album, Love. Be in It.
Jay Howie
Handle Bar, Bendigo on April 26
With a deep-rooted appreciation for blues, rock and folk music, songman Jay Howie sets out to create stories of love, pain and motivation. ‘Superstitious Mind’ is his new single.
Eskimo Joe
Civic Hall, Ballarat on April 27
More than twenty-five years later, Eskimo Joe remains Stuart MacLeod, Joel Quartermain and Kavyen Temperley. Here, they perform acoustically.
Arj Barker
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 27
Have you ever wondered that all of reality, as we can ever possibly know it, exists exclusively in our mind? Arj Barker tackles life’s big questions in his new show, The Mind Field.
Holy Holy
Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 27
Shedding their inhibitions and voyaging towards new territory was the aim of Cellophane, album number five from Holy Holy. They’re touring it now.
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Pell
Volta, Ballarat on April 27
Born Jared Pellerin, rapper Pell began tinkering with beats after moving from New Orleans to Jackson following Hurricane Katrina. His new single is ‘Jagger’.
The Beatles: 50 Years On
The Story House, Geelong on April 28
Regarded as the premier Beatles tribute act, Beatle Boys will perform a two-hour concert featuring favourites including ‘Help’, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, ‘Yesterday’, ‘Let it Be’ and more.
Emma Pask
Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on April 28
If you’re asked to play the Bridal Waltz for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban at their wedding, you know you have something special. Enjoy one of Australia’s favourite jazz voices in Emma Pask.
Greg Arnold
The Royal Hotel Meredith, Meredith on April 28
As the frontman for Things of Stone and Wood, Greg Arnold has written his share of beloved songs. More than thirty years later, ‘Happy Birthday Helen’ arguably remains the most loved of all.
For more gig news head to our gig guide
