All aboard! The Bendigo Blues Tram hits the tracks again on Saturday, September 14.
Riding the rails this month are singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Aaron, the winner of the 2018 Triple J Unearthed competition and making his tram debut, and Ballarat-based roots/folk/world exponents Phil and Trudy Edgeley.
The popular monthly attraction, which always features two musical acts, is now in its eighth season.
Taking place on the second Saturday of each month, the musical action occurs onboard a vintage 1929 tram that departs from the Central Deborah Goldmine before winding its way through the main streets of Bendigo.
The Blues Tram, the brainchild of the Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival’s Julius Porlai (Dr Jules) and director Colin Thompson, is staffed by festival volunteers who oversee everything from the sound production to the provision of local beverages.
Co-ordinators Ross and Angelique Perry say there is nothing quite like the experience of being a part of the moving Parlour-style show. “The audience is virtually sitting on the artist’s lap and gets an amazingly intimate show with some of Australia’s finest musicians,” they say.
The musicians are equally enthralled with the experience. Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jess Parker, a recent performer, says it is her favourite gig. “So relaxed and cruisy,” she enthuses.
In addition to its monthly instalments, the Blues Tram will also run for three consecutive days during the Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival (Friday, November 8; Saturday, November 9; and Sunday, November 10).
From 2-4.15pm; departing from Central Deborah Goldmine. Tickets $39 from the Bendigo Visitor Centre, or online at www.bendigoregion.com.au
Other musical events not to miss around the traps this fortnight:
Melbourne-based punk-rock duo Criminal Blonde launch their debut EP Losing My Mind at the Golden Vine on Friday, September 13. Support from The Trophy Wives and Boob In A Test Tube. From 9pm; entry $5.
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Floyd Thursby brings his folk/country hybrid to Handle Bar on Saturday, September 14. Support from Lloyd Dodsworth. From 7.30pm; free entry.
It’s gonna get heavy when Smoke Stack Rhino bring their Doom Boogie tour to the Golden Vine on Saturday, September 14. Support from Astrofuzz. From 8.30pm; entry $5.
Join Louie and the Pride (performing in trio mode) for a cruisy Sunday afternoon session of folky pop at the Axedale Tavern on September 15. From 1pm; free entry.
Metal five-piece Ironstone play their first local gig in six months at the Golden Vine on Friday, September 20. Support from Ergasia and Stone Djoser. From 9pm; entry $5.
Groove Juice brings its “heart-stopping, pants-dropping, earth-quaking, booty-shaking, soul-renovating” funkathon to the Golden Vine on Saturday, September 22. From 9pm.
The Gold Fields Blues Club takes over the Golden Vine on Sunday, September 22, for an afternoon of the ever-popular genre. From 1pm; entry $5.
Written by Lynette Walker. Contact: [email protected]
Photo by Jade Ingle