Here's a bunch of upcoming gigs, live music and concerts in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and more.
The festive season is truly here and shopping centres are alive with Christmas music. What is your favourite? Are you in The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’ camp? Are you in the corner of Mariah Carey and ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’? Or do you prefer the tenderness of Rodney Rude’s ‘Hey Santa Claus’ or the chingedy ching of Dominick the Donkey? If ever there was a song, however, to warm the cockles of your Christmas heart it may well be R2-D2 We Wish you a Merry Christmas.
Before the majestic force of Bon Jovi came to be, Jon Bon Jovi, or Jon Bongiovi at the time, signed on for a Star Wars-themed Christmas album. Power Station owner Tony Bongiovi saw the opportunity to further the dreams of his younger cousin, but unfortunately RSO Records went bust on the eve of the album’s release. Still, Jon, then 18, reportedly made a cool $180 for the job. It’s not quite Livin’ on a Prayer, but it’s… something.
Merry Christmas to you all, and may you enjoy these musical gifts…
You’ll find a more exhaustive list of gigs in our online gig guide here.
Meredith Music Festival – Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, from December 9 – 11
The sold-out festival will feature Caribou, Courtney Barnett and Yothu Yindi.
Seal Prince & the Roof Rats – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on December 9
A heart-warming and life-affirming experience is assured as this Geelong-bred folk-rock outfit present their debut album, Threads to Follow.
Nigel Wearne – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on December 9 and Odessa Bar, Creswick on December 10
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.
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Pseudo Echo – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 9
With an expanded six-piece band, the glory of the 1980s will be on full display when Pseudo Echo performs a two-hour show – including tracks from their Race album.
Alawishus Jones & the Outright Lies – The Vine, Bendigo on December 9
When you need a high-energy, foot stompin’, thigh slappin’ good time, Alawishus Jones & the Outright Lies are here to satisfy.
SupperClub Presents – The Palais, Hepburn Springs throughout December
Your SupperClub month features Vida Jazz on December 9 and Our Favourite Things on December 16.
June Jones – The Bridge, Castlemaine on December 9
Living alone for the first time can be exciting and daunting. For June Jones, it enabled her to get to work on her third album, Pop Music for Normal Women.
Nimbus Rooftop Gigs – Nimbus Rooftop Bar, Bendigo throughout December
Your Nimbus Rooftop Bar month features Jazz Deuce on December 2, Nathan Schifferle on December 9 and Honk Tank on December 23.
Rhyley McGrath – Saints and Sailors, Portarlington on December 9
Specialising in finger-pickin’ blues and folk, songman Rhyley McGrath is hitting the road with his partner Maddie and their dog Bella.
Mother Culture – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 9
Brothers Darcy and Spencer Ward, better known as Mother Culture, return with another hearty slice of indie with single ‘Should She Stay’.
Macy Rose – Volta, Ballarat on December 9; Platform Arts, Geelong on December 10; and Trades Hall, Ballarat on December 17
Adopting the stage name Macy Rose when she was twelve-years-old, Maze Mather leads this soul-bearing, genre-bending outfit.
Tarab Ensemble – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on December 10
Tarab is a difficult-to-translate Arabic word, but one that encapsulates the pleasure and joy one gets from classical Arab music. This is instrumental classical Arabic music with a twist.
Speed – Volta, Ballarat on December 10
If you feel a need, a need for speed, you have Sydney hardcore outfit Speed waiting impatiently. They released Gang Called Speed earlier in the year.
HOSS – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 10
Classic heavy rock is on the menu as Hoss hits the stage for a Christmas show. They will be supported by The Swedish Magazines, Space Junk and The Strike-Outs.
Andrew McCubbin – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on December 10
Producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andrew McCubbin is due to release his sixth album early next year. For now, enjoy moments from all his others.
The McNamarr Project, Jarrod Shaw, Anna Scionti, Jimi Hocking – The Blues Train, Queenscliff on December 10
One train, four carriages and four incredible musos.
The Killers for a day on the green – Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on December 10
The rockers are bringing their Imploding The Mirage Tour 2022 to Geelong.
Weave Perfection – The Bridge, Castlemaine on December 11
Featuring members of Footy, Kid Sam and Galaxy Hop, Weave Perfection is a sun-soaked fusion of folk, country and pop styles.
Kincaid – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 11
Take a shared love of indie rock and a lead singer’s infatuation with jazz and you get a band that’s got a whole lot of groove and a touch of angst.
Jarrod Shaw – Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues, Geelong on December 11
This man possesses a passion and appreciation for blues music that becomes obvious from the moment the first note sounds.
Civic, The Prize, Dragnet – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 15
‘End of the Line’ is the new single from Civic, a song about vocalist Jim McCullough’s solo trip around Europe in his early twenties. New album Taken by Force drops in February.
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Northlane – Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on December 15
Heavy-hitting trailblazers Northlane are taking their #1 album Obsidian on tour, which has passed the twenty-million-streaming mark on Spotify.
Kim Churchill – The Space Studio, Warrnambool on December 16
Having returned from shows in Canada and Europe, well-travelled songman Kim Churchill turns his eye to local shows in the countdown to 2023’s new album, Dawn Sounds.
Hold//Fire – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 16
Relationships, things going south and the rides of life are all examined on the new album from Hold//Fire, Daydreamer. They will be supported by Localles.
Wybie – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on December 16
Freak-folk outfit Wybie is the brainchild of guitarist, producer and songwriter Kyle Muir. Help celebrate their debut album, We are the Kids.
Bird Machine & Stress Walters Show – Analogue Academy on December 16
Get ready to fall in love with up and coming duo Bird Machine.
Sammy Owen & Liam Kealy’s Burning B3 Trio – Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues, Geelong on December 16
Two great players bringing it together for an explosive night of guitar and hammond riffs, grooves and tunes.
Elvis by Anthony Petrucci – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on December 17
Accompanied by a live band, this special Christmas performance features many of Elvis’ greatest hits, plus the odd surprise for die-hard fans.
Mojo Corner – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on December 17
Rock and roll blues is the name of the game for Mojo Corner. They may be a little rough around the edges, but they’re always up for a good time.
Motor City Sounds – Ballarat Mechanics Institute on December 17
Enjoy the cool sounds of Motown as Motown City Sounds presents Motown Christmas. It’s what Santa would want.
Georgia Fields – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 17 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 18
Gracefully moving from electric guitar to vintage keyboards, Georgia Fields sees out the year with shows celebrating her third album, Hiraeth.
The Black Sorrows – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 17
Only a couple of months ago, The Black Sorrows were touring Europe. Now, they’re back touring a country they know so well. Keep an eye out for a new live album.
VEEPED XMAS XI – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 17
The annual Christmas party featuring Tommy Dynamite & The Explosions, The Skips, Final Final, BIFF, Grimwoods, Something Krook and more.
The Neptune Power Federation – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 18
Anyone who is anyone knows Neptune is the greatest planet. The Neptune Power Federation is heading out with psychedelic hexes and Christmas cheer.
The Go Set – Brewicolo Brewing, Ocean Grove – December 18
Some say Christmas can’t be Christmas without a dose of punk. And so it is that The Go Set are playing their annual Christmas show, ho ho ho.
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Garry Allen – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong December 18
There is arguably no name that carries more weight in blues than Robert Johnson. Here, Garry Allen pays tribute to the King of the Delta Blues.
The Kings of Christmas – Costa Hall, Geelong on December 18
Robs Mills and Bobby Fox have joined forces for the ultimate Christmas celebration.
Simon Llewelyn Evans – The Hop Inn, Mount Duneed on December 22
Having released his new album Something Real earlier in the month, Simon Llewelyn Evans is capping off his 2022 in style. A clip for single ‘No Horse’ is out now.
Willie J Maxwell – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on December 22
The soulful tamber and sickening guitar licks of Willie J are not to be missed.
Juno Mamba & Frances Inferno Orchestra – Volta, Ballarat on December 23
Sweat Dreams presents Filipino immigrant Juno Mamba and Francis Inferno Orchestra (Griffin James) in a night of eclectic sounds.
DJ Chunky Love VS Cruella De Cowgirl – Barwon Club, Geelong on December 23
The ultimate Friendmas Christmas party in the heart of town.
Madhouse – The Elephant & Castle Hotel, Geelong on December 23
Madhouse cover band are finally back and this one’s free entry.
GBOMM’s Christmas Blowout – The Eastern, Ballarat on December 23
Featuring Thing From Spring, Barracouta, Rummiklub, Confetti Western
Pistol Pete’s Allstar Christmas Party – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on December 23
Wayne Jury, Shannon Bourne, Andrea & Dave Robertson and so much more for a Christmas party to remember
Xmas Eve Bash – Volta, Ballarat on December 24
Ballarat’s Volta is back with another pre-Christmas bash where bands and patrons rejoice in the season, featuring Fonteray, Meraki Minds, Sami, Sam Darcy and Confetti Western.
The Inn Hotel Block Party – The Inn Hotel, Geelong on December 26
Did you have a good Christmas? Did you have a rotten one? Celebrate or commiserate with the good cheer of The Inn Hotel’s Block Party. Darude is your headliner.
Human Movement – Geelong Hotel, Geelong on December 26
Edward MacDonald is Human Movement, an artist known for his forward-thinking dance music inspired by UK garage, ’90’s house and old school rave.
Coastal Jam – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on December 26
Coastal Jam’s boxing day party returns with Disco Lines, Dean Turnley, Coco Du Ma, DJ Swella, Meetwally and so much more.
Boxing Day Carpark Party – Dive, Geelong on December 26
This new little bar is hosting a party featuring Papa Smurf, Bella Claxton, Luke Hovey, Senor Senor and more.
Shannon Bourne Band – Pistol Petes, Geelong on December 29
Send of 2022 with Shannon Bourne, Karl Willebrant and Dean Matter.
Ben Waters & Ben Mastwyk – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on December 30
Two Bens are better than one as Americana songman Ben Waters and cosmic country soul songman Ben Mastwyk get together for a show.
DiscoINFERNO – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on December 31
Featuring DJ Gaff-E, Jess Love, Valerie Hex, Rani Huszar ‘Foxy Moron’ and Jarred Dewey, DiscoINFERNO encourages you to glam up and get loose on the dancefloor.
We’ve got a separate piece for festivals and a separate piece coming with all the NYE gigs so keep your eyes peeled – it will be a big one!
