The best upcoming gigs, live music and concerts in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Torquay and more.
Where do you stand on giving pets people names? Is it okay to call your cat Darren, or your dog Greg? How about Pauline or Janet? In an article published by Country Living Magazine in 2020, data on more than 100,000 cats and dogs in the UK revealed nine out of the top ten names given to our little pals were shared by Britain’s newborn babies. However, it remains to be seen whether Mittens, Tinkerbell or Jelly Bean will be accepted as mainstream baby names. Lord Barkley is fine, though.
Leave your furball home for a night and enjoy one of these gigs…
Just remember to check band or venue socials to keep up with the latest updates.
The Red Hill – throughout November
The Red Hill Hotel, Chewton plays host to Matty Chaps on November 4, Charlie Bedford on November 11 and Brodie Glen on November 25.
The Taproom – throughout November
The Taproom, Castlemaine plays host to High Ace on November 5, Dan Challis and Stephen Grady on November 13 and Sherri Parry Duo on November 25.
Barry Morgan’s World of Organs – Ballarat Trades Hall, Ballarat on November 4; and The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 26
No one plays an organ quite like Barry Morgan. Loved instantly when he first appeared on Spicks & Specks, Barry has shared his love of organs far and wide.
Ron Snarski & friends – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 4
You have Blackeyed Susans’ Rob Snarski, Go-Betweens’ Lindy Morrison, The Triffids’ Graham Lee and Shane O’Mara all under one roof? Not too shabby.
Bob Log III – The Eastern, Ballarat on November 4
Once a year, Bob Log III brings his party to town. It’s a party few forget, and one you will tell your grandchildren about one day.
Damon Smith – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on November 4
Damon Smith is a singer-songwriter who uses his experience with mental illness to create a thought-provoking show with good doses of humour.
CITY – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 4
Whether you’re a city slicker or country dweller, Geelong alt-rockers CITY has the goods for you as they return home for the first time in more than a year.
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Confetti Western – Volta, Ballarat on November 4
Dance, hedonism and pleasure are the sounds of electro-western act Confetti Western. Grab your six-shooter and enjoy the single, ‘Once Upon a Western’.
Rhyley McGrath – Valhalla Brewing, Geelong on November 4
Specialising in finger-pickin’ blues and folk, songman Rhyley McGrath is hitting the road with his partner Maddie and their dog Bella.
Brett Franke – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on November 4
Armed with his trusty 12-string guitar, Brett Franke shakes it up with a combination of foot-stompin’ blues-roots, funk and progressive rock.
Eric Bogle – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 4 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on November 11
While forever known for ‘No Man’s Land’ and ‘And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, the career of Eric Bogle has four decades worth of material.
Surprise Chef – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on November 4 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 18
When you set out to create instrumental jazz/soul/funk, you are doing so not knowing how well you will be received. But Surprise Chef has indeed been received well.
DEAD – Trash Cult, Bendigo on November 5
DEAD are taking The Laughing Shadow for a spin in Bendigo, an album dedicated to the friends the band has lost along the way. Support is Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland.
Laurel & the Painkillers – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on November 5
English-born, Melbourne-based Laurel leads the Painkillers, an original and covers outfit deeply rooted in blues but with elements of rock, pop and groove.
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Dane Blacklock & the Preacher’s Daughter – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 5
Part satanic gospel, part rock opera, Dane Blackcock & the Preacher’s Daughter protest the influence of the church while spreading the word of Satan.
Crooked Colours (DJ set) – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on November 5
Having recently enjoyed time in the US, Crooked Colours are back on local soil and are eager to spin a few tunes for your listening and dancing pleasure.
Ella Hooper – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 5
Since scoring her first #1 with ‘Mascara’ as a seventeen-year-old, Ella Hooper has continued to rock new hearts far and wide. ‘Achilles Heel’ is her new single.
Flynn Gurry – The Space Studio, Warrnambool on November 5
It seems only appropriate that Warrnambool singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry launches his debut EP at home. And that EP is Weather & Dogs.
Brayden O’Hanlon – The Pier, Geelong on November 5
Geelong native Brayden O’Hanlon is launching his brand new album Hopeless Rogue Antics with a handful of bands, DJs and good vibes.
Distorta & friends – The Eastern, Ballarat on November 5
Hearing loss may occur when heavy-hitters Distorta take to the stage with new singer Dmitry Keremetsjiy. They will be joined by Bush Wizard, Yeah Sick and Cosmonaut.
Goanna – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – November 5 & Costa Hall, Geelong on November 18
After forming a few years prior, Goanna released their debut album, Spirit of Place, in 1982. Four decades on, their spirit is as strong as ever.
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Katchafire – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 6
Visiting from across the ditch, roots-reggae rockers Katchafire are coming fully prepared with their new single, ‘Always with You’.
Nigel Wearne – Hotel Warrnambool, Warrnambool on November 6
While his music contains elements of blues, swing and bluegrass, in his heart of hearts Nigel Wearne categorises his music as country/folk – two of his great loves.
The Sockettes – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 6
It is three-part harmonies galore with The Sockettes as Alice, Méabh and Leah share their learnings of love through folk music.
Danika – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on November 11
Turning her back on a record deal as a teenager, singer-songwriter Danika would find her own way. Her soulful-folk groove can be discovered on her EP, When Love Comes.
Rum Jungle – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on November 11
Newcastle trio Rum Jungle are about as chill as gently swinging in a hammock with a cool drink in hand. Everything is Easy is their latest reggae-rock release.
Matt Glass – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 11
Writer, performer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Glass will serve up his traditional folk hooks and contemporary beats as part of a SupperClub Friday show.
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Diminished Reason – Volta, Ballarat on November 11
Founded by childhood friends, Ballarat’s Diminished Reason will be hitting their local in support of EP Eternity. Joining them will be Fall and Resist, Spacegoat and more.
Juan Alban – The Eastern, Ballarat on November 11
With his band The Resentments in tow, Juan Alban will revisit Epicure’s back catalogue as well as songs from 2022’s Resentments Central.
These Immortal Souls Tribute – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 11
Harry Howard, Genevieve McGuckin and friends pay tribute to their former band These Immortal Souls in honour of the vinyl re-release of their two albums.
Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission – Bennetts on Bellarine on November 11. Also Ararat Live on November 9.
Mick Thomas and The Roving Commission are hitting the Peninsula for his annual Christmas tour, with support from Kerryn Fields.
Casey Donovan – The Capital, Bendigo on November 11 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on November 18
No more shouting out requests is needed as Casey Donovan takes her BluesDay Tuesday sessions on tour, playing the fans’ most requested tracks.
Mia Dyson – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 11 & Odessa Bar, Creswick on November 18
ARIA and APRA-winning artist Mia Dyson recently toured the anniversary of Parking Lots, but here she ventures out in support of new album, Tender Heart.
Tom Harrington – Handle Bar, Bendigo on November 11; Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay on November 17; and Bells Beach Brewery, Torquay on November 18
Indie-folk singer-songwriter Tom Harrington may have grown up in regional Victoria, but he has always been drawn to the coastlines. His debut EP is Be There Soon.
Chris Cavill – Saints and Sailors, Portarlington – November 12
One year ago, Chris Cavill honoured his late father with the album Lionheart. Entering a new phase, his latest single is ‘A Little Longer’. Support is Pat Tierney.
Watty Thompson – The Eastern, Ballarat on November 12
Watty Thompson is a little bit folk and a little bit country. More so, he is a whole lot of heart. ‘City to Run’ is the latest single from his forthcoming album.
Kid Sam – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 12
Making a splash with their debut self-titled album, Kid Sam disappeared soon after. In fact, they haven’t played a gig since 2015 – until now.
River Rocks – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 12
Rock until you drop with the likes of The Mark of Cain, Hard-Ons, HITS, The Casanovas, Fridge, Rocket Science, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs and many more.
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Taylor Sheridan – Gateway Hotel, Corio on November 12
With influences from Stevie Wonder to James Taylor, Taylor Sheridan describes his music as “soulfully acoustic”. His 2022 has included new music.
River Rocks Rehab – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 13
Still alive and kicking following River Rocks? Enjoy a little more with Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, The Unknowns, Fridge, Drunk Mums, Smoke Witch and more.
Pub Choir – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on November 13
For every soul out there with a rocker in their heart, there is Pub Choir. Led by Astrid Jorgensen, this is all about stepping out of the shower and singing with like-minded folk.
JB Paterson – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 13
Songwriter, guitarist and pianist JB Paterson is a roving blue-collar musician steeped in traditional folk and blues. He releases the album Springtime is Coming later this month.
Anh Do – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on November 15
Anh Do remains The Happiest Refugee. Stand-up, stories, photos and filmed pieces help bring his beloved book to life.
Tim Freedman – Piano Bar, Ballarat on November 15; Piano Bar, Bendigo on November 16; and Piano Bar, Geelong on November 17
From The Whitlams’ favourites to material from his latest album, Tim Freedman is doing a solo tour of Piano Bars following sold-out shows earlier in the year.
Void of Vision – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 17
Inspired by their newfound sense of direction and purpose, Chronicles II: Heaven is the next chapter in Void of Vision’s Chronicles saga.
The Waifs – The Capital, Bendigo on November 17 & The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 18
What started out as friends travelling in a van playing gigs anywhere that would have them is now a three-decade career for this much-loved outfit.
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Ruby Gill – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 18
Ruby Gill is a classically trained pianist born in Johannesburg and currently calling Melbourne home. Her debut album is I’m Gonna Die with This Frown of My Face.
Aberration – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 18
Back in the days when Sydney’s punk rock raged, Aberration powered through hard-hitting sets until they disbanded in 1986. Now, they’re back.
The Hornets – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on November 18
For a quarter of a century, The Hornets have been a fixture of Australia’s blues and roots scene. Lowdown in Lockdown is their latest release.
Tripod – Sphinx Hotel, Geelong on November 18
To put it simply, Tripod are three men who do songs and make funnies. And they have been doing songs and making funnies since 1996.
Illy – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on November 18 & Volta, Ballarat on November 19
It seems like yesterday that Illy was announcing his arrival, but Alasdair Murray released his sixth album last year as he continues to shine in both hip hop and pop circles.
Trouble Peach – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on November 19
The story of Trouble Peach is a story of a Neutral Milk Hotel tragic who conned four mates into making music. Down & Out is their new EP. Support is Kino Motel.
My Disco – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 19
Next year will mark twenty years since My Disco first started performing. They’re getting celebrations started early with a show in Castlemaine.
Manifold Resolution – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 19
It’s time to take a swig of eClectronic, a “polychromatic synthesis of beats, vox and horns, painting with wavelengths and sculpting with frequencies”.
Fortay at Large – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 19
His real name may be pretty closely guarded, but hip hop MC’s Fortay at Large’s music is known by many. His new album is Entertainer.
Blues Guitar Roadshow – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on November 19
Lining up for this all-star blues cast will be Geoff Achison, Phil Manning, Brett Garsed, Joe Creighton, The McNaMarr Project, Simon Kinny Lewis, Anita Scionti and more.
Things of Stone and Wood – The Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove on November 19 & Hotel Warrnambool, Warrnambool on November 20
Released in 1993, the debut album from Things of Stone and Wood, The Yearning, has a special place in the big Australian songbook. Hear it in full.
Georgia Fields – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on November 20
Set for release later this month, Hiraeth (pronounced hee-raith) is the third release from Georgia Fields. In the meantime, you have single ‘Tigress’.
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Gocsy – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 30
Performing a greatest hits show, Aaron ‘Gocsy’ Gocs is returning to Geelong stages for the first time in a few years. He will be joined by Jonathan Schuster.
Songs from Mermaid Avenue – The Bridge, Castlemaine on November 20
In 1998, Billy Bragg and Wilco set new music to unheard lyrics by Woody Guthrie and dubbed the album Mermaid Avenue. Enjoy its tribute here.
Guy Sebastian – Costa Hall, Geelong on November 20; WPAC, Ballarat on November 21; and Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on November 23-24
After taking his T.R.U.T.H. tour on a national arena run, Guy Sebastian is turning his attention to the regional market. You can expect all his hits.
Carla dal Forno – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 25
Following a decade of touring out of Berlin and London, Carla dal Forno returned to her hometown of Castlemaine to record her latest album, Come Around.
TTTDC – The Eastern, Ballarat on November 25
It’s been a couple of tough years in the making, but TTTDC are celebrating their third album. In support will be Gareth Skinner, Spacejunk and Swedish Magazines.
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – Hanging Rock Reserve on November 25 & 26
While they are no strangers to each other, this will be the first time Nick Cave and Warren Ellis have toured Australia as a duo.
Adam Hattaway & the Haunters – Red Hill Hotel, Chewton on November 26
It has taken five albums (their latest being Bug Eyes), but finally New Zealand outfit Adam Hattaway & the Haunters are making their Australian debut.
Lazy Eye – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on November 26
You can try sharing a scotch with Booker T and B.B. King at the Crossroads after midnight, or you can give Lazy Eye a try instead.
Beccy Cole – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on November 27
Performing for more than 30 years, Beccy Cole’s musical impact was recognised when she was inducted into the prestigious Roll of Renown at the 50th Golden Guitar Awards.
Violet – Barwon Club, Geelong on November 27
They have wall-shaking bass riffs. They have thumping drums that will rattle your teeth. They have distorted guitars that will cure your ails. They are Violet.
Seeker Lover Keeper – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on November 27
A conversation in a pub led Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby and Sally Seltmann to form Seeker Lover Keeper. They released the album Wild Seeds in 2019.
