July is jumping with gigs this month. From music to comedy, here's our roundup of the best gigs going in regional Victoria.
I don’t believe I have ever been called babe in my life. The closest I have come is when someone asked me if I starred in that movie about a pig. I was like, whoa, steady on mum. However, in a survey conducted in 14 different languages by online language learning marketplace Preply, they discovered that the most popular pet names were babe, love, baby, honey and dear.
Not being in a relationship, I can only speculate as to the usage of such terms of affection. For example: “Hey babe, don’t forget to take the trash bin out”. “I’m on it, babe”. “Seriously, babe, don’t forget”. “Got-ya, babe”. “What the dickens, babe, you forgot the bin. It’s only being emptied every two weeks, remember, and we have a stupid small bin that’s small and stupid. The doggone crows will be pecking at the overflow. Are we crow people now, babe?” “I’m sorry, babe”. “Fine words butter no parsnips, babe”.
Don’t forget to take your bin out and enjoy these July gigs, babe…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
July Gigs
Vacations – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 3
With the love for their third album No Place Like Home still in the air, and performances on Jimmy Kimmel and The Late Show, it’s a pretty good time to take a break with Vacations.
Militarie Gun – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 3
When Regional Justice Center was put on hold due to the COVID pandemic, Ian Shelton set about forming L.A. alt-rock/punk rock outfit Militarie Gun. Life Under the Gun is their debut album.
Austin Mackay – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 4
Delivering heartfelt folk melodies with country rock energy, Austin Mackay’s busy lifestyle has kept him from touring regionally as much as he would like. That changes here.
Women of Wit – Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine on July 4; The Engine Room, Bendigo on July 5; and Potato Shed, Drysdale on July 13
Yuck it up to Prue Blake (RAW Comedy winner 2021), Patti Fawcett (Class Clowns winner 2019), He Huang (Comedy Festival All-Stars) and Alex Ward (Have You Been Paying Attention?).
Relays – The Eastern, Ballarat on July 5
Inspired by the likes of Dead Kennedys, Wiper and Cosmic Psychos, Relays proudly wear Aussie bogan punk like a blue Chesty Bonds. ‘Kids Fattening Centre’ is their new single.
Kris Mizzi – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 5
As the winner of the 2021 Australia Folk Alliance Award for ‘Best Solo Artist’, Kris Mizzi hits all the right notes – joyful, uplifting, spiritual, confronting, vulnerable and even comedic.
Bad Bangs – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on July 5
Garage rock, punk, country and psych influences all get a working with Bad Bangs. Here they’ll be launching their sophomore album, Out of Character.
Drencher Sideshow – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 5
Two Melbourne and two Geelong bands will take part in a Drencher sideshow. Your heavy-hitting line-up is Green Eyes Traitor, Get Rekt, Incendiment and Lay Low.
The Animals – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 5 & The Story House, Geelong on July 7
Although best known for their hit ‘The House of the Rising Sun’, The Animals have been on and off since the early 1960s. This is the final encore of their final tour.
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Jess Ribeiro – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on July 6
It might be the wrong season but folk chameleon Jess Ribeiro’s new album, Summer of Love, is sure to bring a little warmth to the cold days. She’ll be joined by Hantu.
Good Sniff – Bird Rock, Torquay on July 6
Comprised of bassist Elias Hodson and drummer/vocalist Lachie Brown, Good Sniff is a garage punk-rock duo who recently released their second album. Sargent Baker supports.
Nathan Seeckts and Matt Ward – Beave’s Bar Geelong
Double the trouble – beloved Bellarine blues man Nathan Seeckts teams up with dual ARAI number one album boasting Matt Ward, it’s sure to be an adventure, and definitely not one that can be missed
Freedom is Beautiful – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on July 6
Hosted by Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine, this is an evening of conversation between Farhad Bandesh and Arnold Sable. The doco Freedom is Beautiful will also be screened.
Tiffany Eckhardt & Dave Steel – Birregurra Mechanics Institute Hall, Birregurra on July 6
With more than twenty albums between them, including their latest in Starry Stuff (Eckhardt) and Wooden Music (Steel), there will be no shortage of songs from which to choose.
Sarah C: Soul Divas – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 6
International showgirl and recording artist Sarah C (Dancing with the Stars lead vocalist) pays tribute to the likes of Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse.
Elliot Goblet – Rafferty’s Tavern, Warrnambool on July 6
A character created by Jack Levi, Elliot Goblet is the master of deadpan one-liners who found fame on Hey Hey it’s Saturday. Your MC for the night is CJ Fortuna.
Violet – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 6
Local indie-rock trio Violet are cosying up to the venue that loves them as much as they love it. They’ll be joined by Ivy Black and new local act Burgundy.
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Lee Kernaghan – Costa Hall, Geelong on July 6 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 7
Country king Lee Kernaghan may have a new band. He may have a new set. He may have a new show. But he will forever be the boy from the bush.
Mystic Tea Party – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 7
Blending alternative rock, dream pop and indie-tronica, Melbourne’s Mystic Tea Party are gearing up for their Geelong debut. They’ll be joined by Lucy’s Disorder.
Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmon & The Fadeaways – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on July 11
In January, The Fadeaways hosted Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmons as they rocked the roof off Japan’s punk clubs. This time around it is Kim Salmon and his crew on hosting duties.
Jack Jones – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 11
Born in NYC but raised in Sydney, Jack Jones became a bona fide Aussie when he stepped out as the frontman of Southern Sons. He is joined here by Taylor Sheridan.
The Radiators – Volta, Ballarat on July 11 & Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 12
Some bands crash and burn before things really begin. Others, like The Radiators, have been at it for more than forty years. Pub rock never dies.
Bonespace – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 12
Grunge is back and it’s as heavy as it’s ever been with Bonespace. Their new single is ‘My Favourite Memory’. They’ll be joined by Small Lizard Big Brain and Fifth Quarter.
The Terrys – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 12
The Terrys are a bunch of larrikins that do it their way, and Skate Pop is their new album. They’ll be joined by Le Shiv and BLOKBSTR.
Elo & the Shinkicks – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on July 12
If all goes well, and one can only hope that it does, genre-fusers Elo & the Shinkicks will have an album out by the end of the year. Here they’re joined by Finn Farrell & the Hobyahs.
Castlemaine Fringe Fundraiser – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on July 12
A catwalk fashion parade, drag performances, door prizes and a screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert await you at this Castlemaine Fringe fundraiser.
Ernest Aines & Camille Trail – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 12
Ernest Aines (debut album Spiral Bound is out now) and Camille Trail (debut album River of Sin is out now) team up for a double bill of indie-folk charm.
Lightning & Rhinestones #5 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 13
Lightning & Rhinestones 5 is alive. Enjoy a cosmic country adventure with Ben Mastwyk & His Millions, Eils & the Drip, Sin City, Katie Bates, Tin Stars and more.
Jay Howie – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 13
With a deep-rooted appreciation for blues, rock and folk, songman Jay Howie is a huge Led Zeppelin fan whose latest release is the album High Tide.
The Blues Tram – Bendigo on July 13
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage Class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of ‘The Piano Wizard’ Andrew Farrell and Louise MacGregor.
Spacegoat – The Hawk, Eaglehawk on July 13
Bendigo-bred alternative-metal outfit Spacegoat are feeling pretty good. They’ve been in the studio working on some new jams that you may just hear at this show.
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Celtic Illusion – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 13
Irish dance meets grand illusion in Celtic Illusion. Led by Anthony Street and Georgia May, this is a show that will have you dancing in your seat one moment, and in amazement the next.
Double Trouble Blues Sessions – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 13
In the red corner you have bebop pianist Ezra Lee & his Boogie Woogie Band. In the blue corner you have Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers. The winner is you.
Lloyd Spiegel – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 13 & Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 19
For three-quarters of his life, 14-time Australian Blues Award winner Lloyd Spiegel has been touring the globe. He is joined here by trombonist Lisa Baird and drummer Tim Burnham.
Andy Alberts – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on July 17
A Gunditjmara Koorie singer-songwriter, Andy Alberts is passionate about his culture, his land, his people, his family and his music. Settle in for a night of country rock.
Laughs in the Ghetto 6 – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 18
Lilly Geddes, Fredricka Arthur, Steven Bradshaw, Aarti Vincent, Alessio Carducci, Garry Johal, Brad Oakes and more will serve up a night of stand-up and roast battles.
ORB – Volta, Ballarat on July 18 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 19
It wasn’t meant to be six years between drinks, but that’s life. The important news is that Geelong-forged psych/rock merchants ORB release their new album Tailem Bend this month.
King Stingray – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on July 18; Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 20; and Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on July 21
Would you like to be a guinea pig when it comes to sampling new material from King Stingray? Well, here’s your chance as the surf rock band road test material from what will be album number two.
Aether + Vassallo – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on July 19
Musician and linguist Bronwyn Eather and slide guitar specialist Paul Vassallo are behind the ambient/post-rock duo Aether + Vassallo. Unbroken is their debut album.
Astrodeath – The Eastern, Ballarat on July 19
You have been called upon to join Astrodeath on a quest. Are you ready to blast off with the sci-fi, stoner metal duo as they reach for the stars on their Intergalactic Ripstation tour?
Broadway Babes – Frolic Lane, Warrnambool on July 19
Indulge in some pizza and cocktails as Rachael Grace and Gabriella Labucci present a night of musical theatre favourites, including those from Wicked, Rocky Horror and Grease.
Kitty Flanagan – Deakin University, Geelong on July 19 & 20
Kitty Flanagan has been keeping busy with the likes of Have You Been Paying Attention? and abiding by 488 rules of life, but now she returns to the grand comedy stage.
Seven Drunken Nights – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 19 & Civic Hall, Ballarat on July 20
Making its Australian debut, Seven Drunken Nights is the jukebox celebratory story of The Dubliners, the legendary Irish folk band that paved the way for all others.
Jamie Lindsay & the Storm – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 20
Jamie Lindsay began playing hometown shows as a fifteen-year-old. At the age of 20, he formed Jamie Lindsay & the Storm. This is their 25-year reunion.
Salvador Peralta – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on July 20
Complete with a ten-piece band, Argentine-Australian singer-songwriter Salvador Peralta celebrates album number two, This Makes Me Comfortable.
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Earth Cadet – Bendigo Records, Bendigo on July 20
Grunge, shoegaze, punk and arena rock collide in the musical world of Bendigo’s Earth Cadet. The band is heading out and about in support of new EP, Tales from the End.
Opera Australia: La bohème – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 20
Composed by Giacomo Puccini, La bohème is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Fall into the original bohemian love story.
Floyd Thursby Trio – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on July 21
From a simple love song to a satirical take on environmental issues, Every Day’s Another Dance is the new album from Floyd Thursby. His trio is rounded out by Dan Witton and Harry Lye.
As Time Goes By – Craig’s Royal Hotel, Ballarat on July 21
Celebrating music from the 1920s through to the 1960s, the Klemantyne Ensemble will present popular works by Gershwin, Duke Ellington, The Beatles and more.
Polaris – Civic Hall, Ballarat on July 21 & Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on July 27
Wedged nicely between two international runs comes a tidy number of local shows where heavy hitters Polaris will be checking in with regional venues. Ocean Grove supports.
Garage Sale – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 25 & The Eastern, Ballarat on July 26
Melbourne’s Garage Sale are heading out in support of their new EP, Stars Fall 2. Joining them will be Everyday Believer, along with 00_ in Geelong and Claude in Ballarat.
Urzila Carlson – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 25 & Costa Hall, Geelong on July 26
A three-time winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s People’s Choice Award, Urzila Carlson is touring her accurately titled new show, Just Jokes.
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Heath Franklin’s Chopper – The Open House, Geelong on July 25 & Bendigo Bank Theatre, Bendigo on July 27
There’s comedy here. Here, there’s comedy, alright? After three years off, Heath Franklin is back with Chopper. And he is not here to fornicate arachnids
Meraki Minds – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 26
It’s not often you hear a band apologise without indiscretion. But here comes indie-pop outfit Meraki Minds with their new single, ‘Apologies’. My Giddy Aunt and Deporsal support.
Jeremy Beggs – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 26
Inspired by the likes of Jason Isbell, Hiss Golden Messenger and Whiskeytown, songman Jeremy Beggs found his true calling in Americana. His latest single is ‘Been Looking For’.
The Illegal Bootleg Band – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on July 26
A bunch of Bendigo’s finest musicians will come together to pay tribute to the likes of Otis Reading, The Commitments, James Brown and Soul Deep.
Oscar LaDell – Bellarine Estate Winery, Bellarine on July 27
Born in Colorado before making his way to New Zealand, the now Melbourne-based songman Oscar LaDell plucks from soul, blues, folk and psychedelic funk to create a genre-bending experience.
Eric Bogle – The Play House, Geelong on July 27
While beloved for his song ‘The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, songman Eric Bogle’s music has been recorded by Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, Billy Bragg and The Pogues among others.
Criminal Outsider – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on July 27
Attendees will be given case files on arrival, before being walked through a live true crime and forensics performance by best-selling author, Roy Maloy.
Maggie Jackson – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on July 27
A local music icon, Maggie Jackson NY Jazz Trio delivers a night of jazz, Celtic and classical fusions. With Rene Raulins on double bass and Peter Gilbert on drums and percussion.
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers & The Grogans – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 27
First, there was love and a shared affection for beards. Next to come along was collaborative single ‘Salt’. And now comes a tour featuring both bands.
Outlaw Australian Wrestling – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on July 27
Night three of the On Parole tour features wrestlers including Gweedo, Maddog, Mike Kaos and Morgan Rose and bands Enzyme, Shove, Cryptid and Clotheslined.
Goodnight, Cowboy – Volta, Ballarat on July 27
Giddy-up for a night of alt-country and rock tunes from Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits, Lady Lyon, Tam Vantage, Patrick Wilson and more. A percentage of profits will be donated to Support Act.
Chocolate Starfish – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 28
In this 30-year celebration of Chocolate Starfish, you’ll be getting more than the band’s hits. You’ll be getting choice cuts from Meat Loaf, INXS and Queen. It’s the Best of Everything tour.
The Peasant Prince – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 30
Monkey Baa Theatre Company returns with The Peasant Prince, the children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer.
Victoria Stanborough – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on July 31
The big voices and big characters of Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler will be taken on by American singer and actress, Victoria Stanborough.
The Syncopators – The Play House, Geelong on July 31
Since 1984, Australian jazz favourites The Syncopators have released almost twenty albums. Your toes will be tapping to this 40th anniversary show.
For more gigs and events happening in the region head here
