It’s the mega awesome end of financial year sale at Forte’s Funatorium, and boy howdy do we have the goods for you.
We have Hypercolor T-shirts in all your favourite colours. Do you want to look temporarily cool for school? Do you want to be the hip thing for a bee sting? Do you want everyone to see your pit stains and back sweat? Do you want someone’s handprints all over your T-shirt? Do you want to turn up the heat, TURN UP THE STYLE? Then get on board. It’s the mood ring of clothing. Just don’t wash them too often or they just become T-shirts – and that ain’t fly, guy.
Hey, do you want a pet but don’t want to be accused of being a murderer because responsible pet ownership eludes you like proper hygiene at a three-day camping festival and then you have to take your dearly departed to an ancient burial ground with the power to raise the dead only for spooky shenanigans to unfold? Well, we’ve got Tamagotchis up the wazoo. You can feed it. You can clean up after it. You can play with it. You can discipline it. Just don’t ignore it for too long or it’s going to beeeeep, beeeeep, beeeeep… your pet is dead. But at least you’re no murderer.
Did someone say LaserDisc? Let’s say you’ve had a hard day working in the YoGo mines. Imagine coming home, putting on your favourite flick and throwing your feet up with an ice cold Jolt Cola in hand. Just don’t get too comfortable, because you’re going to have to flip that sucker over. But who cares when you’re dealing with the ultimate in home cinema? We’re talking 425 TVL (NTSC) or 440 TVL (PAL) horizontal resolution, baby. That makes your dusty old VHS look like garbage. And you deserve better than garbage, don’t you?
We’ve sold out of Pogs, but I hope you enjoy June’s gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Jessica Pratt – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 1
After poaching a guitar from her brother, Jessica Pratt started her songwriting journey. Here in the Pitch is her latest album. Wilson Tanner supports.
Gaudion x Hein Cooper – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on June 1
Following their support for Ziggy Alberts, indie-pop singer-songwriter Gaudion and folk/pop singer-songwriter Hein Cooper are out for a co-headlining tour of passion, authenticity and celebration.
Rachael Beck – The Capital, Bendigo on June 1
Drawing from an eclectic collection of songs, Rachael Beck presents Both Sides, a musical exploration of life’s curveballs and how we can learn from them.
The Wet Whistles – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on June 1
Buckle up, cowboys and cowgirls. The Sex, Drugs & Country Music Tour is coming at you thanks to The Wet Whistles. Keep up with them if you can.
Shaun Kirk – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on June 1
Following a 2024 that saw him recharge his batteries, Shaun Kirk kicked off 2025 by playing his first festival in the US. Now, the blues and soul troubadour has been enjoying being back on home soil.
Jim E. Brown – Red Hill Hotel, Chewton on June 5
He may have several degenerative conditions. He may be an alcoholic. But Manchester singer-songwriter/poet Jim E. Brown isn’t letting any of that stop him.
Muso Corner – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on June 5
The first Thursday of every month is Open Mic Night at the Daylesford Hotel. Take part in the action, or spend an evening discovering the talent of the region.
Rueben Solo – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 6
Comedian Rueben Solo knows someone in the crowd will betray him. It’s in the title of his show. Who it is, well that’s anyone’s guess. My guess it’s the dude twirling his moustache.
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Ukulele Death Squad – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on June 6
This ukulele outfit is not for the faint-hearted. This is ukulele with teeth. If this was the Wild West, they would be outlaws. See what they can do with the tiny little instrument.
The Stripp – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 6
You don’t have to be naked to enjoy the sounds of garage-rockers The Stripp, but it might help. Joining them will be The Strike-Outs and Sacramento Sweaters.
Lloyd Spiegel & Charlie A’Court – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on June 6
An Australian and a Canadian walk into a venue and begin playing guitar. With a shared passion for the blues, kick back and enjoy these guitar slingers go to work.
Flynn Gurry – The Space Studio, Warrnambool on June 7
He’s supported Ash Grunwald and Kim Churchill, won triple j Unearthed’s One Night Stand and released some much-loved singles, and now Flynn Gurry heads out on an east coast run.
Chasing Ghosts – Volta, Ballarat on June 7
It’s the next best thing to slipping into a nice warm bath as indie-punk outfit Chasing Ghosts launch their new album, Therapy. They’ll be joined by The Comfort and Cordiform.
Kasey Chambers – The Play House, GAC on June 7
With a career now more than two-decades strong, country queen Kasey Chambers is showing no signs of slowing down with a new album and book. The new album is Backbone.
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Black Aces – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 7
A throwback to the sweaty Australian pub rock of the 1980s, Bendigo’s Black Aces will visit Geelong for the first time in too long. They’ll be joined by Dirty Wasabi and The Coolabahs.
Heft in the Valley – The Watering Hole, Heathcote on June 7
Heft in the Valley returns for an afternoon of rock. Locals Vex Cortex leads the way, with ample support from Blue Fur, Ergasia and Trip Hazard.
Negative Waves – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 8
The naughty sibling to River Rocks and River Rocks Rehab is back, and they’re more annoying than ever. Your line-up includes Cosmic Psychos, Dr. Colossus, The Meanies, Hoss and The Stripp.
New Rampant Optimism Roadshow – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 9
The dark songwriter experience is being hit up with a dose of shoot-from-the-hip levity, thanks to Ned Collette, Leah Senior and Michael Beach. Thalia Zedek will also join in.
Heart Songs Trio – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on June 11
Join Rose Bygrave, Dave Steel and Wayne Jury as they share a night singing songs about the heart, for the heart and from the heart. They’re all heart, this bunch.
1927 – Gateway Hotel, Corio on June 13
Decades after the release of …Ish, 1927 continue to breathe new life into old favourites. Enjoy a night of the band’s classics, including ‘If I Could’ and ‘That’s When I Think of You’.
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4 Days – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 13
They’ve been hard at work in the studio and now alternative rock outfit 4 Days are ready to show off their debut single. Tanner Keast and New Art Society will be there as well.
Clare Bowditch – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on June 13
Presented by the Queenscliff Music Festival, Best of the Fest welcomes musician, broadcaster, sometimes actor, speaker, entrepreneur and author Clare Bowditch.
Blues in the Bridge Bar – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on June 13
It’s a double dose of the good stuff as The Mojo Corner will be joined by Tasmania’s Pete Cornelius Band for some blues and soul.
The Simba Sessions – Kyneton Uniting Church, Kyneton on June 13
Drawn together by music, poetry and the arts, The Simba Sessions invite you to their ‘quiet night in’. Performing will be Lucy Wise, Sarah & Silas and Team Slama.
Mel Parsons – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 13
On her first Australian tour since 2019, New Zealand singer-songwriter Mel Parsons welcomes her new single, the introspective ‘Post High Slide’.
Lee Kernaghan – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 13 & Civic Hall, Ballarat on June 14
You can’t go talking about Australian country music without talking about Lee Kernaghan. Following sold out runs in 2024, Boys from the Bush – The Concert continues.
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The Superjesus – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 14
It has taken more than three decades but The Superjesus have finally gone and released a self-titled album, and with it they reckon they’ve found their sweet spot.
The Bendigo Blues Tram – Bendigo on June 14
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of Highway 79 and Iseula Hingano.
Derek Gripper & Guy Buttery – Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong on June 14
Hailing from South Africa, Derek Gripper and Guy Buttery are long-time friends and collaborators. They are also leading exponents of the acoustic guitar.
Cool Sounds – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 14
They’ve got moves. They’ve got grooves. If they were horses they’d have hooves. Cool Sounds are back with new album, Party Punisher. They’re joined by Galaxy Hop.
Kathryn Clements & the Peat Fires – Aireys Inlet Community Hall on June 14
Let an intimate evening of Irish music, song and story warm the cockles of your heart as Kathryn Clements & the Peat Fires present new show, From Ireland to Aireys.
Soccer Mommy – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 14 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 15
Heading this way for VIVID Sydney, RISING Melbourne and Open Season, alt-indie singer-songwriter Soccer Mommy is making good use of her return. Evergreen is her latest album.
Stars of Countdown – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 14 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on June 21
For more than a decade, Countdown was compulsory viewing. For those who missed it or miss it, this is for you. Your line-up is Brian Mannix, Scott Carne, Ally Fowler and Wilbur Wilde.
Kitty Flanagan – The Open House, GAC from June 16-24
Some of it will sizzle. Some of it may fizzle. Some of it will need some ironing out. It’s Whiteboard O’Clock, Kitty Flanagan’s new show that gives her the opportunity to road test new material.
Thelma Plum – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 19; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 20; and Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on June 21
Created with “love, heartache, forgiveness and care in mind,” Thelma Plum dropped her second album, I’m Sorry, Now Say it Back, last year.
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Four Lions – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on June 20
Having been binging on the likes of The Replacements, Redd Kross and Teenage Fanclub, Four Lions are hitting the studio to record their sixth album. Earth Cadet and Sugargum join the party here.
Tenzin Choegyal – Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton on June 20
Widely regarded as one of the finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal has worked with everyone from Philip Glass to Matt Corby. His latest album is Whispering Sky.
Forklift Assassins – handle bar, Bendigo on June 21
Formed through a love of rock, punk and metal, Forklift Assassins have a humdinger of a debut album in Ripsnorter. They will be joined by Harold Holt Search Party and Alarms.
King Parrot – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 21
The grindcore heavyweights are out to launch their new album, A Young Person’s Guide to King Parrot. It’s kind of like a For Dummies book, but with sweet sounds.
Lior – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on June 21
A tick more than two decades ago, Lior released his debut album, Autumn Flow. It would become one of the most successful independent debut Australian releases.
Blowers – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on June 21
Inspired by The Reatards, The Spits and Wipers, Blowers is a hot gust of garage-punk wind to the face. Blowmania is their new album. They’re joined by The Maggie Pills.
Frenzal Rhomb – Volta, Ballarat on June 21
If, following an election year, you feel more lost than ever, there is always the FRPP (Frenzal Rhomb Political Party). Their campaign is based on punk-rockin’ your face off.
Old Mervs – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 22
They may have old in their name, but Old Mervs have the energy to take their tour to as many whippersnappers as possible. Their self-titled debut album is out now.
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Bush Gothic – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on June 22
They’re post-modern. They’re anti-establishment. They’re folk feminists. They are Bush Gothic, and they have some tales to tell. What Pop People Folk This Popular is their new album.
Make Them Suffer – Volta, Ballarat on June 25 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 27
Fresh from a tour abroad, Make Them Suffer are continuing the carnage on a big old regional tour. They’ll be joined by Justice for the Damned and The Gloom in the Corner.
Bliss N Eso – Barwon Heads Hotel, Geelong on June 26
Following on from 2021’s The Sun comes the new album from Aussie hip hop pioneers Bliss N Eso, The Moon (The Light Side). Meet and Greet packages are available.
Pete Murray – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 26; Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on June 27; The Capital, Bendigo on June 28; and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 29
Songman Pete Murray is not doing things by halves as he embarks on a 50+ date tour in solo acoustic mode. He is joined by Rachael Fahim and Brett Wood.
Ross Wilson – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 27
From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and all the other good bits in an almost six-decade career, Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks will churn out hit after hit after hit.
Debra Byrne – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on June 27
Inspired by the essence of home and what it means to us, legendary pop performer Debra Byrne presents a night of song and storytelling with her new show, Feels like Home.
Jane Gazzo – Bendigo Library on June 27
Ah, the ’80s. It’s time to tease up the hair, don the fluro and join Jane Gazzo as she explores the glory days of Aussie music through her new book, I Hear Motion.
Tiger Driver – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 28
If you’re afraid of the dark, then be very afraid of sludge death metal outfit Tiger Driver. Joining them here will be EarthOmen, Sloth and Electric Funeral.
