Regional Victoria is popping with music offerings in June. From international stars like Marlon Williams and The Animals, Australia legends like Ross Wilson and Mark Seymour and the local leagues of The Bitter Vics and Winksy, these are the best gigs in the state this month.
If I had a dollar for every time someone has said to me of late a variation of ‘she’s a little chilly today’, I would have approximately zero dollars. I don’t get out a lot. Still, she’s getting cold out there. As bizarro Nelly might sing, ‘it’s getting cold out there, so put on all your clothes’. Solid advice, bizarro Nelly, thanks. It’s getting so cold skeletons are rugging up as to not get chilled to the bone.
Puffer jackets are, of course, quite the popular warmer maker. And they are far more ethical than puffin jackets. Black is a classic colour. And if you wear a pink top, you can look like a liquorice allsort. A beanie is a must. It’s particularly good for when your hair is in a disagreeable mood. At a pinch, a quick burst of jumping jacks may get the blood flowing. And if you can’t find a Jack, then doing them on the spot may do the trick.
Enjoy your June gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Charlie Bedford – American Hotel, Echuca on June 6 & The Red Lion Hotel, Ballarat on June 7
Well before drinking age, neo-blues-meets-rock songman Charlie Bedford began playing in pubs and clubs as a twelve-year-old. His most recent album is Good to Go.
Felipe Baldomir – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 7
Originally from Uruguay but currently based in Byron Bay, coastal indie-folk songman Felipe Baldomir released his third album earlier in the year, Tides.
Miguel Rios Duo – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 7
Compelling, down-low sets are the order of the day for this duo comprised of singer-songwriter Miguel Rios and fiddle player Ash Jones.
Shane Pacey Trio – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on June 7
It’s the blues as blues as the blues can be. With an urge to revisit the music that got him going in the beginning, Shane joins forces with drummer Dave Fester and bassist Paul Blasi.
Mark Seymour & the Undertow – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 7
With a bunch of uni mates, Mark Seymour would form one of Australia’s most beloved bands in Hunters & Collectors. He recently released his eleventh solo album, The Boxer.
Relays – Oni Streetwear, Castlemaine on June 7; Medusa, Geelong on June 28; and Bendigo Records, Bendigo on June 29
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.
Jimeoin – Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballarat on June 8
Some questions can just nag away at you. Like, how do you address someone whose name you have forgotten? Jimeoin is here to answer life’s little questions in new show, Who’s Your Man!?
Jodi Phillis – The Red Hill Hotel, Chewton on June 8
Singer-songwriter, composer, painter and member of The Clouds, Jodi Phillis can do it all. Here she invites you to share sorrow with her heartbreaking ballads.
Nat Bartsch – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on June 8
Released in 2021, Nat Bartsch’s Hope is a response to the Black Summer bushfires and long COVID lockdowns. Here, the pianist/composer performs the album with local strings musicians.
British India – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 8
Fan favourites, deep cuts and tracks from their latest album American Threshold are all on the menu as British India announce their latest run of headline shows.
Lettuce Fest 3 – The Eastern, Ballarat on June 8
Who says lettuce has no flavour? Lettuce Fest will deliver MYSTERY, The Shadow Ministers, Nasal Spray, Lettuce Prey, DDS, Riot After Midnight, Emily Carr, Sleeper Weed and Primitive Deserters.
The Jungle Giants – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 8 & 9
Sam Hales got super busy for The Jungle Giants’ #1 ARIA-charting album Love Signs, recording, performing and producing the album himself.
Vika & Linda – The Play House, Geelong on June 9
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.
Kirsty Webeck – Mozart Hall, Warrnambool on June 9
Last time Kirsty Webeck was in Warrnambool she was trialling material for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She returns with the polished end result.
Lloyd Spiegel – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on June 12
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.
Travis Collins – Gateway Hotel, Corio on June 14
In 2023, Travis Collins had the highest-charting Australian country album of the year and the longest-running #1 Australian country single of the year. What does 2024 have in store?
Jen Cloher – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 14
Last year, Jen Cloher released album number five in I Am the River, the River is Me (known in te reo Māori as Ko Au Te Awa, Ko Te Awa Ko Au). Eliza Hull supports.
Quivers – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on June 14
The cathartic guitar pop of Quivers is set to shimmer abroad shortly, but not before they do their warm-up stretches here. ‘Apparitions’ is their new single, with a new album to follow in August.
Wil Anderson – The Play House, Geelong on June 14
Six-time Melbourne Comedy Festival People’s Choice and Helpmann Award winner Wil Anderson is too legit to quit with his new show, Wilegitimate.
The Johnnys – The Eastern Hotel, Ballarat on June 14
Hot diggity, cowpunks The Johnnys are back in Ballarat territory. They haven’t been this way since Tony Lockett was a lad, but they still have the moves.
Áine Tyrrell – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on June 14
A social advocacy project with resilience and hope at its heart is behind ‘People Like You and Me’, the new single from the explosive Áine Tyrrell.
The Bitter Vics – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 14
Proto rock’n’roll of the ’50s collides with pub’n’punk rock energy of the ’70s in the world of The Bitter Vics. ‘Rock ‘O’ Shell’ is their new 7” single.
Pez – Lamby’s Tavern, Geelong on June 14 & Volta, Ballarat on June 15
Back in 2003, Perry Chapman, aka Pez, released his debut album as a 24-year-old. Titled A Mind of My Own, it spawned the summer vibes hit ‘Festival Song’.
Winksy – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 15
With an unhealthy love for The Kinks, The Beatles and The Velvet Underground, Winksy add a little quirkiness to the music world. They’ll be joined by Gabriel Delicious and The Bloody Norahs.
Sammy Owen & Liam Kealy – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on June 15
It’s a guitar versus Hammond organ face-off as Sammy Owen and Liam Kealy serve up a night of grooves and tunes. Holding it all together is Tony Martin on drums.
M79 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 15
If you don’t groove it, you lose it. Local electronic funk-rock dance outfit M79 are coming for you with their self-titled debut single.
Andy Golledge Band – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on June 15
Buckle up for a ride through the heart of life’s transitions as Andy Golledge Band hit the road for their recently released album, Young, Dumb & Wild.
DICE – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 15
Balancing societal expectations with personal well-being is at the centre of ‘Quick to Judge’, the new single from DICE. With it comes the beginning of a new era for the band.
Dez Dare – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 15
Fuzzy psych-punk songman Darren Smallman, aka Dez Dare, returns to Australia from the UK armed with his fourth album, A Billion Goats. A Billion Sparks. Fin.
Symphony of Shadows – The Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on June 15
Five bands from Victoria and Queensland combine for an evening of symphonic metal, including Victoria K, Die in a Dream, Mezmik, ANA and Awaken the Hate.
Jack Jones – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 15
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.
Wendy Rule – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on June 15 & The Monastery, Geelong on June 16
Mystical songstress Wendy Rule returns to Australia with Meadowlark, an ode to her home in the Northern New Mexico countryside.
The Maggie Pills & The Stripp – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on June 15 & The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 22
If you want bang for your buck, here it is. The Maggie Pills and The Stripp are launching their split 7”, with the former suppling ‘Gold’ and latter suppling ‘Gotta Go’.
Skeggs – Volta, Ballarat on June 16
If you are under the age of eighteen, you’re in luck. If you are over the age of eighteen, you’re in luck. Skeggs will be playing a show for both camps in support of new single, ‘Spaceman’.
Six60 – Volta, Ballarat on June 20
One of New Zealand’s biggest bands, Six60, are stripping it back for an unplugged tour of some of the country’s most loved small town venues.
Alain Johannes – Medusa, Geelong on June 21
Multi-instrumentalist Alain Johannes has worked with the likes of QOTSA, Chris Cornell and PJ Harvey, but here the cigar box guitar extraordinaire brings his own magic to Australia.
Chocolate Starfish – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on June 21
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.
Ivan Aristeguieta – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 21
As long as his phone is charged and Wi-Fi is accessible, life is pretty sweet for funnyman Ivan Aristeguieta. His new show is Too Easy.
Half Light – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 21 & The Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo on June22
Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill are behind Half Light, a duo that combines traditional folk tunes and original compositions with Celtic pride.
Dog Trumpet & The SnarskiCircusLindyBand – Volta, Ballarat on June 22
Spot the familiar faces as Dog Trumpet (Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa of Mental as Anything) and The SnarskiCircusLindyBand (Rob Snarski, Dan Kelly and more) serve up a feast of songs.
The Paper Kites – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 22
After doing their thing in the US, indie-folk outfit The Paper Kites have returned for some home-cooked shows. They will be joined by Hannah Cameron.
Lounge Lizards – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on June 22
With Pistol Pete’s set to hang up the gloves, they’re bringing in a bunch of old favourites. Join the Lounge Lizards for an evening of blues and rock.
Family Album – Mozart Hall, Warrnambool on June 22
Brother and sister combo Bruce Campbell and Alison Campbell Rate are out to share some upbeat tales of love, light, laughter and the twists and turns of life’s journey.
Marlon Williams – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on June 22 & 23
It has been almost ten years since New Zealand’s Marlon Williams toured Australia in solo mode. An Evening With… will feature songs old and new sung in original and traditional Māori Waiata.
Ross Wilson – The Story House, Geelong on June 23
You’ll be getting your Daddy Cool. You’ll be getting your Mondo Rock. You’ll be getting decades of sing-alongs as Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks present their 50 Years of Hits tour.
Five for Five – The Breakwater Hotel, Geelong on June 23
Take two Queensland bands and one apiece from NSW, Melbourne and Geelong and you have this, a night featuring Dedway, Tomohung, In the Esky, Forklift Assassins and Stop Asking.
Elena Gabrielle – The Piano Bar, Geelong on June 26
Are you okay? Are we okay? Is everything okay? Is the world okay? Challenging the audience to question whether they are okay, Elena Gabrielle serves up some comedy with new show, Ok!?
ARC Presents Led Zeppelin IV – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 27
Kram (Spiderbait), Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Mark Wilson (Jet) and Davey Lane (You Am I) are performing Led Zeppelin IV in full, followed by a second set of the band’s fan favourites.
Sherri Parry – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on June 28
Taking influence from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Hayley Williams and Mitski, independent Bendigo muso Sherri Parry seamlessly blends jazz, folk, pop and neo-soul.
Blondehouse – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 29
New Geelong three-piece Blondehouse couldn’t quite decide on things and so they serve up a cocktail of ’90s grunge, ’70s rock and 2000s indie. Paraguay, Carly Jorja and Apollo Project support.
The Animals – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 29
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.
Peter and the Wolves – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on June 29
Juggling parenting, ageing parents, insomnia and finding the meaning of life in this day and age are themes explored in the contemporary folk stylings of Peter and the Wolves.
Austin Mackay – The Eastern Hotel, Ballarat on June 29
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.
Bones and Jones – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 29
Having played ten shows in seven days as part of SXSW, Bones and Jones could be forgiven for taking a nap, but they have their EP In Blue to support, so it’s straight to business.
Tom Santa – Volta, Ballarat on June 29
Talk about announcing your arrival. With his debut song ‘Rainfall’, Melbourne producer Tom Santa has amassed 140 million streams and climbing. And things have only just begun.
Colin Hay – Costa Hall, Geelong on June 29
A couple of years ago, ‘Down Under’ was recognised by ARPA when it clocked up one billion streams. Now, Colin Hay returns to Australia with his all-star band in tow.
Melbourne Youth Orchestra – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 30
Embarking on their first-ever regional Victorian performance, the Melbourne Youth Orchestra are set to perform a program of fiery energy celebrating Romantic and 20th-century music traditions.
More gig information can be found in our gig guide.
