In honour of Valentine’s Day, panic-bought last-minute cards from servos, wilting supermarket flowers and lovingly chosen movies that perhaps should not contain the words Van or Damme, here’s to love and our first crushes.
We all remember our first crush. From time to time, the name of mine will pop inside my head just to say, ‘hey’, before it meep-meeps out of there like the Road Runner on ACME delivery day. Her name was Becky, and I’m assuming still is. We went ice-skating once. Or hell-skating, such were my misadventures.
Go back a little from our hell-skating outing, and I found myself at the rink watching in awe as skaters young and old leapt into the air with effortless elegance. I can do that, I thought. Turns out, I could not. I mustered up all the speed my little legs could manage (not much), skyrocketed majestically into the air (nope), oh higher and higher I soared as if reaching for the heavens (again, nope), and… there I landed with all the grace of someone not yet wise to the importance that practise and patience plays in the developing of skills.
My feet slipped from under me, my body flopped awkwardly forwards with little I could do but accept my cold, hard fate. Fortunately, my chin broke my fall. I received seven stiches.
Fast-forward a touch, and with my crush unperturbed about my hell-skating shortcomings, the day came. With cold hands but a warm heart, I somehow managed to get through a session unscathed. And then we took a break for snacks. I ordered a Blue Lagoon slushy, which would slip from my grasp and tumble as if in slow motion to the floor. And so it became that, shimmering in the cafeteria lights, a sea of sad blue ice formed between us that not even Moses could part, forever dooming us before we had a chance to dance in the moonlight Blue Light Disco.
May there be love in your life, and I hope you enjoy February’s gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
February gigs
Wheatus – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 1
Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown was in our neck of the woods twice in 2024 and had such a blast that he returns again with fellow Wheatus member, Gabrielle Sterbenz.
Relays – Handle Bar, Bendigo on February 1
They may be a touch shameless, but non-politically correct outfit Relays are not nameless as they continue to make their mark in the scene. Their self-titled album is out now.
Neil Murray & Sarah Carroll – Queenscliff Brewhouse, Queenscliff on February 2
Neil Murray and Sarah Carroll are two of the country’s most experienced musicians. They are also great friends, which makes shows like this an even greater joy.
Red Eyed Rumours – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 2
Head on down and show your support as Red Eyed Rumours play their first-ever live show in support of their debut EP, A Conversation Between the Familiar.
Taylor Sheridan – Piano Bar, Ballarat on February 5; Major Tom’s, Kyneton on February 8; and Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on February 28
As a former member of Taxiride, Taylor Sheridan knows a little something about the music world. He’s walking a new road these days as a solo artist, and Troubadour is his debut album.
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Pierce Brothers – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 7
The Pierce Brothers have entered the vinyl world, giving breakout EP The Night Tree a makeover in honour of its tenth anniversary. It’s also the reason for this tour.
Dreadnaught & The Eternal – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 7
Dreadnaught drops their new album Shutdown a Heartbeat this month. The Eternal released their latest, Skinwalker, in 2024. It’s a double album launch, with some special friends in attendance.
Tori Darke & Brad Butcher – Eureka Hotel, Geelong on February 7
With a reputation as being one of Australia’s most dynamic country voices, Tori Darke has teamed up with two-time Golden Guitar winner Brad Butcher for some home-style country cooking.
Coda Chroma – Ballarat Regional Trades & Labour Council, Ballarat on February 7
Exploring consumerism, environmentalism, friendship and death, Luminous as it Is is the new album from Kate Lucas, aka Coda Chroma. It takes its name from Mary Oliver’s poem ‘Summer Morning’.
Adam Harvey – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 7
A winner of nine Golden Guitars, Adam Harvey is one of the country’s most popular country artists. Here he shines a light on his latest album, Let the Song Take You Home.
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Keli Holiday – Volta, Ballarat on February 7 & Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on February 8
He’s got the way to move you, Cherry. Rock and roll swagger king Keli Holiday is heading out to present Jesterman – The Final Clown tour.
Ash Grunwald – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on February 7 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on February 8
‘Surf by day, jam by night’ is how blues-roots muso Ash Grunwald likes to roll (so much so that he wrote a book with that particular title). Come and feel the good vibrations.
Dallas Frasca – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on February 8
With a big set of pipes and an on-stage presence to match, Dallas Frasca is, like the title of her latest album, a Force of Nature. Mandy Connell supports.
The Blues Tram – Bendigo on February 8
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of Mandy Connell and Luke Watt.
Thrown – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 8
Following their debut Australian tour opening for Alpha Wolf last year, Sweden’s heavy-hitters Thrown are back – this time in the #1 spot. Excessive Guilt is their latest album.
Georgia Fields – Potato Shed, Drysdale on February 8
Can a broken relationship finds its way again? That is the question posed with ‘Waiting for a Spark’, the latest single from art-pop alchemist Georgia Fields.
Upstander Fiesta – lot10, Castlemaine on February 8
Led by M79 and featuring a supergroup of local female artists and an all-female dance group, this is an all-ages event to raise funds for the local women’s refuge, Annie North.
Ten Years of Tom Waits – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 8
Join Dave Graney, Lachlan Bryan, Brooke Taylor, Delsinki and Maggie Alley as they pay tribute to the songs of Tom Waits’ 1977-1987 period.
Charles Maimarosia – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on February 8
Raised in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita, songman Charles Maimarosia is a traveller at heart whose music builds a bridge between his people’s traditions and the world.
Bad Debts – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on February 8
One generally doesn’t want to incur bad debts, but these Bad Debts are good to have. Join them and their loose rock and roll meets open sky roots music.
Xibalba – Volta, Ballarat on February 8
Roughly translated as “place of fright”, the hardcore-meets-metal power of California’s Xibalba is returning to Australian shores in support of their new EP, Aztlán.
The Plot Twist – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 9
They may say they’re out of time, out of tune, sloppy and messy, but The Plot Twist still knows how to have a good time. They’re joined here by Immortal Fish and CoolDad.
Seal Prince and the Roof Rats – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on February 12
Coming out of Geelong, earth-folk outfit Seal Prince and the Roof Rats is looking for love in commitment on their new single, ‘Barwon River Song’.
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Postmodern Jukebox – The Play House, GAC on February 12
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox recently knocked off show 1000, and they’re looking to do it all again. Enjoy a night of modern earworms in the style of 1920s jazz, swing, doo-wop and Motown.
Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham – Birregurra Hall, Birregurra on February 13
With a new album on the horizon, there is no better time to catch Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham as they preview new tunes while also dipping into their favourites.
Karise Eden – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on February 13
Since Karise Eden won the first season of The Voice Australia, she’s shown she’s always up for a challenge. Leaning into a new sound, ‘Wild Hearts’ is her latest single. Sherri Parry joins in.
Adam Newling – Kank Wolverang Records, Bakery Hill on February 13
Songman Adam Newling has spent the last six months taking it easy with his family while cooking up some new tunes. What do they sound like? You’ll find out here.
Amy Shark – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on February 13; Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton on February 15; and Costa Hall, Geelong on February 18
Eight-time ARIA winner Amy Shark is going where she has never gone before by stripping it all back to play an entirely acoustic set. Enjoy the songs, and the stories behind them.
Machinations – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 14
Big music, big beats and a big weekend – it’s a Vitamin b12 shot that will have you feeling good. The electro-funk journey that began in 1979 keeps on trucking.
Kim Churchill – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 14 & The Space Studio, Warrnambool on February 16
National parks, botanic gardens, natural amphitheatres and selected venues are all part of Kim Churchill’s six-month tour in support of his latest album, It’s Lovely to Have You Here.
Sarah Blasko – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on February 15
Late-night reflections on goodbyes, grief and new beginnings are themes running wild on the latest release from Sarah Blasko, I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain.
The Kill Devil Hills – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on February 15
Starting life as an acoustic outfit, the now blues-country-swamp gang The Kill Devil Hills soon found they needed to add a few decibels to their sound. They are joined here by Kino Motel and Archer.
Bic Runga – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 15
One song is all it takes to see why Bic Runga holds the record for the most Tui Awards (New Zealand Music Awards) by any individual. A new album is in the works.
Tijuana Cartel – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 15
Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with the psychedelic sounds of Tijuana Cartel. Their latest release is Ish and the Beautiful Nonsense Machine.
Molly Nilsson – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 16
All hail the glory of synth-pop. Swedish-born, Berlin-based artist Molly Nilsson returns to Australia in support of her latest release, Un-American Activities.
In Hearts Wake – Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on February 20
Quickly closing in on the twenty-year mark as a band, Byron Bay-bred metalcore act In Hearts Wake remain as determined as ever. They’re joined by Ocean Sleeper, Inertia and Reliqa.
Sara Storer – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on February 20
With more than twenty Golden Guitars to her name, Sara Storer is a country star through and through. She has a new album in the making, but for now there is new single ‘Layers’.
The Cloud Maker – Platform Arts, Geelong on February 20 & Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine on February 21
Channelling ancient tales of fierce battles, shaman dances and journeys to the after-life, The Cloud Maker is a wild ride you’re not going to want to end.
DZ Deathrays – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on February 20; Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 27; and Volta, Ballarat on February 28
Dance-punk outfit DZ Deathrays is kicking off 2025 with a dedicated regional tour. The Weekend Warriors run features some super special guests at all shows.
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The Butterfly Effect – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 21
Few birthdays are celebrated quite like turning twenty-one. And so it is that The Butterfly Effect is hitting the road to celebrate their debut album reaching this milestone.
Southern Sons – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on February 21
NYC-born Irwin Thomas, known better as Jack Jones, formed Southern Sons in 1989 with members of The State. Enjoy songs including ‘Heart in Danger’ ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’ and ‘ .
Hot Water Music – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 22
You have to go back to 2010 for when punk heavyweights Hot Water Music last played a headline show in Australia. All that changes here as the band celebrates 30 years in the game.
Soul Sister Swing– Geelong Botanic Gardens, Geelong on February 22
After forty years, you can be forgiven for calling it a day. With Andy Pobjoy on keys and a bunch of guest singers, it’s time for Soul Sister Swing to make the heavens sing for one last time.
Velvet Parade – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on February 22
Featuring members of Lime Spiders, Paul Kidney Experience and Cold Harbour, Velvet Parade is a noir-rock quintet riding the wave of their debut, Ghost. They’re joined by This Sweet Sickness.
Odette – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 22
At a time when she was looking at the world and revelling in both its beauty and nightmarishness at the same time, Odette wrote the song ‘Seahorses’.
Greta Williams Quartet – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on February 22
Backed by Benjamin Attiche, Jordan Tarento and Patrick Skarajew, Greta Williams will serve up classic jazz standards, folk songs and works by Joni Mitchell, Stephen Sondheim and more.
Toni Childs – The Story House, GAC on February 22
From her first musical steps to where she is today, come along and enjoy a two-hour performance of story and song with Tony Childs as she plays her hits, fan favourites and more.
Melted Festival – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 22
Melted Festival is back to melt that smile off your face with its heaviest line-up to date. The line-up includes Orpheus Omega, The Ascended, Caution:Thieves and Apollo Project.
Amber Lawrence – Bellarine Estate Winery, Bellarine on February 22 & The Royal Hotel, Meredith on February 23
After more than two decades, Amber Lawrence still shines bright. The 2023 CMAA Golden Guitar ‘Female Artist of the Year’ winner is saddling up for her Giddy Up tour.
Bek Jensen – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on February 23
It’s time to get on down and shake a tail feather to the retro-soul, funk and RnB fusion of Bek Jensen. Her latest album is Energy.
Greenleaf – Medusa Bar, Geelong on February 27
Do you have a need, a need for Swede? Well, Swedish heavy rock riffers Greenleaf are checking in on their Australian friends. Their latest album is The Head & the Habit.
Tom Waters & Geoff Achison – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on February 27
Tom Waters is the UK’s number one RnB saxophonist. Geoff Achison is one of Australia’s finest blues-roots guitarists. They team up here for something special.
Dragon – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 28
From ‘April Sun in Cuba’ to ‘Rain’, ‘Are You Old Enough’ to ‘Dreams of Ordinary Men’, what Aussie BBQ mix is complete without a Dragon song? This is their Greatest Hits tour.
Cash Savage – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on February 28
With songs carefully chosen for the occasion from her 15-year back catalogue, Cash Savage is winning new fans and warming hearts with her solo shows.
Buddhadatta – Medusa Bar, Geelong on February 28
Punk knows no borders. Hailing from the Republic of Tuva, Buddhadatta sing the sutra chanting method called ‘Kalgula’ to sing about the ideals of Japanese Buddhism.
My Cousin Vlad – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 28
To the self-proclaimed “World’s 1st Official Immaculagent”, life is not so much a box of chocolates as it is a joke. Join My Cousin Vlad as he tours his new show, ‘Life’s a Joke’.
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The Grogans – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on February 28
Formed while still in high school, genre-hopping outfit The Grogans have four albums to their name, the latest being 2023’s Find Me a Cloud. They’re supported here by De Porsal.
For more gigs and events happening in the region head here.