Live music is back and injecting vibrancy and life back into our beautiful region.
So, we find ourselves in March. Summer has gone in season, but perhaps not in the weather just yet. What awaits us this month?
Well, there is Labour Day. A day off is nice for tending to things around the house. That small ugly patch isn’t going to paint itself, and people are beginning to talk. There is St. Patrick’s Day. That’s always good for pretending to be Irish for a day. March 14 is international pi day, and yes, celebrations do indeed include eating pie. Better cut mine into four slices, as I don’t think I can eat eight.
You also have a sweet selection of gigs.
Just remember to check band or venue socials to keep up with the latest updates.
Springtime – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 3
Springtime is the too cool for school supergroup featuring Gareth Liddiard, Jim White and Chris Abrahams. Their self-titled debut is out now.
Foo Fighters – GMHBA, Geelong – March 4
If you had told me six months ago Foo Fighters would play a show in Geelong, I would have said, ‘yeah, that seems about right. Dave Grohl and the band seem really cool’.
The Push – Warrnambool Showgrounds, Warrnambool on March 4
Enjoy a good old-fashioned all-ages festival featuring The Smith Street Band, Alex Lahey, Sami, Snakes Don’t Need Keys and Maddie Jackway.
Bored! This Was Geelong – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 4
Dig out your comfy jeans and Dr Martens for the book launch of Bored! This Was Geelong and enjoy all the glory years of Geelong and Melbourne’s independent punk scene.
John Butler – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 4
There are few Aussie musicians who can captivate an audience like John Butler. Set to play Port Fairy Folk Festival, fans can enjoy a more intimate show here.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Bad//Dreems – Volta, Ballarat on March 4
As well as celebrating ten years in the game in 2022, Adelaide “outsider rock” outfit Bad//Dreems will also release a new album later this year.
Mess Esque – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 4
Mess Esque is the collaboration between Mick Turner (Dirty Three) and Helen Franzmann, aka McKisko. Their first LP is Dream #12.
Foggy Notions – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 4 & Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on March 6
Originally formed as a two-piece, the more buff Foggy Notions perform dreamy pop with the tug of a teardrop. You can enjoy their new album, Vol.2.
Midnight Oil – Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds – March 5 (ADOTG)
Midnight Oil’s Resist tour is a chance to hear tracks from their new album as well as old favourites, as one of the country’s most loved bands calls time on their career.
Cedric Burnside – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 5
The grandson of the late great RL Burnside, Cedric has the blues in his blood. This will be his fourth Australian tour. He will also perform at Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Van Walker – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on March 5
Songman Van Walker must have one heck of a memory, having written more than 500 songs across several genres. Greetings from Newton Geelong is his latest album.
Whitehorse – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 5
With themes of death, loss, despair, isolation and darkness, Death Weight is the new album from Whitehorse. They will be joined by ISUA, Kilat, Goonbag Colostomy and more.
Body Type – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on March 5
Three-parts WA and one-part NSW, garage pop outfit Body Type found each other through hope, dreams and full-time jobs.
The Vanns – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 6
Surf Coast favourites The Vanns are finally able to get back to business, playing a run of shows that support their 2021 single, ‘Red Light’.
Sweetfest – Little Malop Street Precinct, Geelong on March 6
A celebration of women in music, featuring Alex Lahey, Hayley Mary, Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Sweethearts, Fulton Street, Rach Brennan and many more.
The Quick Sixes – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 6
In the words of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cowabunga! Get your fix of the swinging ’60’s surf sounds with The Quick Sixes, Tijuana Surf and The Vibrajets.
Jon Stevens – The Capital, Bendigo on March 9
An encounter with Andrew Farriss has led Jon Stevens to add a few more INXS numbers to the mix, so now you’re getting a collection of Noiseworks and INXS classics.
Isaiah Firebrace – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on March 9
With his debut single ‘It’s Gotta Be You’ becoming one of the highest-streamed songs by an Australian artist in 2017, Isaiah had a dream start. This is his Spirit and Beyond tour.
Dear Seattle – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 10
Following on from ‘In My Head’ comes the new single from Dear Seattle, ‘Way Out’. The track explores co-dependency and resentment in a relationship lacking communication.
ThornBird – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 10
Vikki Thorn, aka ThornBird, has been one-third of The Waifs for more than 25 years. She’ll be adding solo gems to her catalogue with the release of her solo debut this month.
MICF Outta Town – The Capital, Bendigo on March 10
Nath Valvo, Danielle Walker and Luka Muller are your Melbourne International Comedy Festival representatives in a regional tour full of laughs.
ChillOut Festival – Daylesford, March 10-14
ChillOut Festival is the biggest and longest-running Country Queer Pride event in regional Australia, and this year it celebrates its 25th Year Silver Jubilee.
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Tsugnarly – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 11
Think Dick Dale surf with a punk rock vigour playing in a bush hut on a 40-degree day, and you’ll have an idea of how Tsugnarly rolls.
Cong Josie & the Crimes – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on March 11
Between a Triple R Album of the Week and a listing among the best releases of 2021 by The Guardian, Cong Josie & the Crimes struck gold with their debut album, CONG!
1927 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on March 11
‘That’s When I Think of You’, ‘Compulsory Hero’, ‘To Love Me’ and ‘If I Could’ will be among the songs performed when Aussie icons 1927 take the stage.
Port Fairy Folk Festival – Port Fairy, March 11-14
With music, exhibitions, interactive workshops, forums, themed concerts and showcases, theatre and film, you’ll wear yourself out looking at Port Fairy’s program alone.
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Bodies – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 11 & The Eastern, Ballarat on March 19
Melbourne’s Bodies is a swampy, heavy, feedback-driven, noisy punk band armed with new album, Ghost Hoaxing. Each album features hand-drawn cover artwork.
Karma Country – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 12
In 1996, Karma Country released their debut album, Last Stop Heavenly Heights. To celebrate last year’s 25th anniversary, the band is playing the album in full.
Sweet Felicia & the Honeytones – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 12
The Queen of Jump Blues, Sweet Felicia, is back in town with her crew, featuring Mark Greenway on guitar, Troy Love on guitar and JP on drums.
Good Morning – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 12
Duo Good Morning wish you all a good morning, noon and night with their double single release ‘Mollyduker / Keep It’, with both Stefan and Liam singing a tune.
The White Flower Society – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 13
The White Flower Society will launch their new single ‘Certainty’ with an all-star cast that includes Sargent Baker, Bonsoi, Sirens and The Fillmores.
Coastal Jam –The Cunningham Pier, Geelong on March 13
The Cunningham Pier will transform into a festival oasis with Cosmo’s Midnight (DJ set), Crooked Colours (DJ set), Lovebirds, Fleetmac Wood, Dean Turnley and more.
Goldminds – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 17; Major Tom’s, Kyneton on March 18; and Volta, Ballarat on March 19
Playing a cross between ’70’s-inspired punk rock and garage, Goldminds have been winning fans locally and abroad with their album Signals. ‘Warm Feeling’ is their new single.
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Leslie D. King & the Trembling Shakes – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 18
Rock’n’soul outfit Leslie D. King & the Trembling Shakes released their self-titled debut EP last year, and now they’re ready to rock your soul in the flesh.
Courtney Marie Andrews & Erin Rae – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 18
Two of America’s best young singer-songwriter talents in Arizona’s Courtney Marie Andrews and Nashville-raised Erin Rae have joined forces for a show.
The Smith Street Band – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on March 18
The Smith Street Band’s postponed 2021 shows are coming your way, with the band hitting The Palais with The Resignators and Money Boys.
Didirri – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 18
There is an awful lot that has gone wrong in recent times, which makes Didirri’s What Could Possibly Go Wrong tour rather fitting. But at least now something is going right.
Vermantics – Volta, Ballarat on March 18
Having formed early last year, Vermantics are new kids on the block – and they’ve got the right stuff. You can check out their release, Vol. II.
Spacey Jane – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 17 and March 18
Spacey Jane will release their new album Here Comes Everybody in June, but new single ‘Sitting Up’ and a bunch of shows should keep you happy until then.
Catherine Britt – Greendale Pub, Greendale on March 18 & Barwon Hotel, Winchelsea on March 19
Having released her debut album two decades ago, Catherine Britt has one of the most familiar names in country circles. Her latest is Home Truths.
Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival – Aireys Inlet, March 18-20
Enjoy the sounds of Josh Teskey, Checkerboard Lounge, Localles, Forever Son, Owsley, Mojo Corner, Smoke Stack Rhino and many, many more.
Totally Unicorn – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 19
If you have never seen a unicorn in the wild, you won’t. They don’t exist. But the band Totally Unicorn totally exists, and they’re just as good. Their newie is High Spirits/Low Life.
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Emily Barker – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on March 19
Singer-songwriter Emily Barker (note: she wrote and performs the theme to Wallander) will explore songs from 2020’s A Dark Murmuration of Words and more.
Timothy Wolf & the Howlers – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo on March 19
The music world received its introduction to alt-folk/country singer-songwriter Timothy Wolf in early 2021 with single ‘In Your Arms Again’. He has since released his self-titled debut.
Red Hot Summer Tour – North Gardens, Ballarat on March 19
The Red Hot Summer Tour hits Ballarat this month, featuring Boom Crash Opera, Killing Heidi, Baby Animals, The Angels, The Living End, James Reyne and Hunters & Collectors.
Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 20
Jan Wositzky was a founding member of The Bushwhackers back in 1971. His Thank You for the Welcome tour takes a look back at 50 years.
Paul Kelly – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on March 22
Joined by his all-star band, Paul Kelly is keeping busy with a bunch of shows that will touch down in places sometimes forgotten. In Bendigo, he will be joined by Gordi.
The Lazy Eyes – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 22
A loving part of Australia’s psych-rock scene, The Lazy Eyes have been anything but lazy putting together their debut album, SongBook.
Sycco – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 23
Sash McLeod is behind Sycco, a pop-driven, psych-infused, dance-inducing performer putting a stamp on electronica. Her debut EP is appropriately titled Sycco’s First EP.
By the Pier – Queenscliff, March 25-27
A festival from the team at QMF. Your line-up is Bones & Jones, Briggs, Chook & Moluck, Client Liaison, Cry Baby, Didirri, Electric Fields, Harvey Sutherland, Hassall, Isabella Khalife, Jarryd James, Julia Stone, Kim Churchill, Mama Kin Spender, Maple Glider, Pierce Brothers, Ryan Downey, San Cisco, Southern River Band, Telenova, Thandi Phoenix, The Rions and Vera Blue.
Bruiser & 00_ – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 25
You’ve been patient. Like, really, really patient. But after reschedules and cancellations, Bruiser and 00_ are ready to go.
Julia Jacklin – The Sound Doctor, Anglesea on March 25 & 26
Unfortunately for Julia Jacklin and her international fans, she wasn’t able to head to the US for shows with Courtney Barnett. Hopefully, she feels the love locally instead.
Custard – Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on March 25
Everyone goes for a band like Custard. While their latest album came in 2020 (Respect All Lifeforms), a couple of minutes in the oven is all it takes to freshen up.
Hobsons Bay Coast Guard – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on March 25
Just who is Hobsons Bay Coast Guard? They are the guardians of the waves! The sentinels of the sands! The brigadiers of the bays! The coastbusters of the coves!
The Meanies – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 25 & The Eastern, Ballarat on March 26
It’s not quite as new as when they were originally going to tour, but all that matters little as The Meanies are finally getting to tour their latest, Desperate Measures.
Meadow Festival – Bambra, March 25-27
With a line-up featuring Tropical Fuck Storm, Methyl Ethel and Maple Glider, Meadow Festival is a festival you want as a friend.
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40 Thieves – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 26
With all the sweet riff-based blues you could possibly want, 40 Thieves play a nice mix of originals and covers of Elmore James, Freddie King, the Allman Brothers and more.
Jerkfest 7 – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 26
Be a jerk for a day with Jerkfest 7, featuring Bananagun, Power Supply, The Native Cats, Ausecuma Beats, Lost Animal, Parsnip and so much more.
Amaru Tribe – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on March 26
Amaru Tribe is a folktronic project exploring the intersection between cultures, traditional Latin American music and contemporary sounds.
Gabriella Cohen – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 27
Gabriella Cohen self-produced and recorded the bulk of her third album Blue No More, which will hopefully bring a smile to your dial.
Elsie Lange – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 27
After co-fronting indie-pop outfit pting and performing with Elizabeth’s seven-piece live band, Elsie Lange gave even more to the music world with her debut solo EP, Talk to Me.
Sly Withers – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 31
What’s Sly Withers like live? Well, they have a WAM for Best Live Act, so they’re pretty darn good it would seem. Gardens is their new album.
