The new initiative, Gigs by Festival of Sails, is bringing free live music to Geelong venues for 8 days this January
The iconic Festival of Sails is making its return to Geelong for 2022 and is bringing a kaleidoscope of completely free music events to the city.
As one of Australia’s oldest sporting events (and the largest keelboat regatta in the southern hemisphere), the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Festival of Sails has played a key part in the Victorian and Australian yachting calendar since 1844, attracting more than 300 entries, 3,000 competitors and 100,000 visitors annually to Geelong to experience the incredibly competitive and diverse event.
The long-running event has always been a beacon of community in Geelong’s summer events program with a highlight being the live music program, which usually sees a selection of artists performing across two stages on the Geelong Waterfront over three days.
This year, however, organisers have upped the ante to deliver a bolstering free live music program across eight days in eight different venues, injecting music and life back into our beloved regional city from January 22 to January 29.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
With the pandemic continuing to impact many of Geelong’s major events still to this day, Gigs by Festival of Sails has been designed to directly assist local artists who are champing at the bit to get back on stage and performing, and hospitality staff who have been some of the hardest hit by COVID restrictions.
From pop to punk and blues to rock, more than 50 artists will be performing across eight days at the likes of Edge Geelong, Sailors’ Rest, The Pier, Piano Bar, Lambys Tavern, Beav’s Bar and the Barwon Club Hotel and of course, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
As for who you can expect to see, this event truly showcases the crème de la crème of local artists. From the cool and soulful talents of The Voice 2020 contestant Luke Biscan and Andy Pobjoy’s unique fusion of smooth vocals and rich piano playing, to the blend of singer/songwriter American folk with funky blues riffs from Marcus Hayden and Steven Clark who serves up everything from rap, rock, pop through to the classics, expect to witness a truly memorable series of live gigs this month.
If you’re keen to party, local legends Good faces 4 Radio are also on the bill. Playing an extensive range of music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to current classics, their gig will be something you can’t miss.
These performances which are free to both the Geelong community and Festival of Sails participants.
Bringing live music back to the city while supporting local artists, Gigs by Festival of Sails is the perfect way to spend these balmy summer nights.
You’ll find a full listing of all the venues, gigs and performers here.