It is the month where love is in the air, for those who choose to smell it, so let’s take a little look at, with full respect to Amiel and her slice of pop perfection ‘Lovesong’, love songs.
Back in 23rd century BC, there was this high priestess named Enheduanna who is regarded as the earliest known named author. She also, apparently, wrote sexy ditties to her Sumerian gods. Take this, for example: ‘I will lay out mighty love clothes; I know how exactly; I will look so fine; I will make you feel like a king’. Her follow-up single, ‘You Put the Baby in Babylon’, reached #2 on the Mesopotamia rock charts: ‘I’ll be your nail if you’ll be my hammer; Rock me all night to the roll of your thunder’ (okay, that one may or may not be true).
Around 600BC along came the poet Sappho (not to be confused with the fruit chew confectionary Zappo) who could arguably be considered the first pop superstar. Not only did she write lyric poetry, but she could also play a mean cithara. This is an excerpt from To Me That Man Seems Equal to Gods: ‘My tongue is paralysed, a flickering fire suffuses my whole frame; all I can hear is ringing in my ears, on both my eyes; darkness like nightfall descends’. Damn, Sappho.
Written in 1955 by Hy Zaret and Alex North, ‘Unchained Melody’ has been recorded by more than 650 artists. Of these, the version by Righteous Brothers is the best known. And, according to Pandora, the most romantic song of all time, noted for its “positive force of this unquestionable love”. It is, of course, also in that pottery movie about a ghost. It’s called Ghost. It’s the one with Patrick Swayze, who is – I’m very sorry for this – now a ghost.
So whether it is Preston Smith’s ‘Oh, I Love You So’ or Merril Bainbridge’s ‘Mouth’, Magnetic Fields’ ‘The Book of Love’ or Mazzy Star’s ‘Fade into You’, Neneh Cherry & Michael Stipe’s ‘Trout’ or Paul McDermott & Fiona Horne’s ‘Shut Up / Kiss Me’, may there be a song that dances in the playground of your heart. Or you can always go with Ministry’s ‘Jesus Built My Hotrod’.
Ding a ding dang my dang a long ling long, I hope you enjoy February’s flirty festivals and events…
Summer in the Parks
Bendigo – throughout February
Summer is ready when you are
Ah, summer. It’s a time for doing the bare feet on hot concrete dance. It’s a time for burning yourself on your seatbelt buckle. But there is plenty of the good stuff as well. The final month of Bendigo’s Summer in the Parks includes the always popular Music in the Park series. Sessions take place on February 7 at Axedale Park (Chris DeAraugo and Sally Miller Duo), February 14 at Marong’s Malone Park (Funkle Band and Funk Junkies Band), February 21 at Strathdale Park (The Asian Women’s Collective and The Latin Hour) and February 28 at White Hills’ Garden for the Future.
More through https://www.bendigosummerintheparks.com
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A day on the Green with The Script
Mount Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds – February 1
Today is a good day
Up for a craic? Who isn’t! In August of last year, The Script released their seventh album, Satellites, their first following the passing of co-founder Mark Sheehan. The Dublin charmers also went from a trio to quartet. The current incarnation heads to Australia where they will be joined by Calum Scott, Montaigne, X Ambassadors and Lotte Gallagher.
More through https://www.mtduneedestate.com.au/the-script-a-day-on-the-green/
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Bendigo Chamber Music Festival
Bendigo – February 5-9
I can tell that we are gonna be friends
The music of friends is how chamber music has been described, a style of music designed for small ensembles in an intimate setting. It is usually performed as one player per instrument. Performers include violinists Sophie Rowell, Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux, Natsuko Yoshimoto and Brigid Coleridge, violists Tobias Breider and Justin Williams, cellists Howard Penny and Chris Howlett, pianists Daniel de Borah, Louisa Breen and Ignas Maknickas, soprano Alexandra Flood, clarinettist Lloyd Van’t Hoff, horn player Peter Luff and the Tarilindy String Quartet.
More through https://bendigochambermusicfestival.com.au
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Waterfront Festival
Frankston Waterfront, Frankston – February 7 & 8
Down by the water, an effervescent sky
It’s the festival equivalent of a burger with the lot. You’ve got it all here. A Rotary Duck Race, you ask? They’ve got that. They have a kids’ village family zone as well. Do you want to try a new sport? You can do that here. Looking for a challenge? Give the Frankston Swim Classic a crack. If chilling out is what you want, soak up the sounds as you enjoy something to eat from one of many food trucks. To top it all off, Saturday night will conclude with a fireworks display.
Friday performers include Sneaky Sound System, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, Amaru Tribe and Coco Michelle. Saturday performers include Pierce Brothers, Steph Strings, Ausecuma Beats, George & Noriko, Lotte Gallagher, Queenie, Sunshine and Natasha Kate.
More through https://www.imaginefrankston.com.au/waterfront-festival
Wunta Fiesta
Liebig Street, Warrnambool – February 14
It’s dynamite on Friday night
Throw on a little something special and kick off the weekend in style with a Friday night street party on Liebig Street. You’ll find live music, as well as activities for the little ones and a pop-up bar for the big ones.
More through https://whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/wunta-fiesta
Laneway Festival
Flemington Park, Melbourne – February 14
A shady lane, everybody wants one
Back in 2005 when everyone was asking ‘what is a hollaback girl?’, a little Melbourne bar had their eyes on a big prize. And so a series of weekly shows blossomed into Laneway Festival. Your line-up is 2hollis, Bicep present Chroma (AV set), Barry Can’t Swim, Beabadoobee, Charli XCX, Clairo, Djo, Eyedress, Fcukers, Girl and Girl, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, Julie, Ninajirachi, Olivia Dean, RONA., Remi Wolf, STÜM, Skeggs and The Vovos.
More through https://www.lanewayfestival.com/melbourne/event-info
Bohemian Summer Festival
Phoenix Park, Ballan – February 14-16
Girls just wanna have fun now
Being kind to yourself isn’t always easy, but if you can learn to do so the benefits are huge. At the women-only Bohemian Summer Festival, you will discover three days of self-care. Your ticket includes daily workshops, talks, craft sessions, yoga, dance, meditation, sound healing, drumming, psychic readings, paint and sip, massage, open mic sessions, live performances, comedy, outdoor cinema, marketplace, street food and nightly bar.
More through https://www.bohemiansummerfest.com.au/
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Riverboats Music Festival
Echuca-Moama – February 14-16
Good people, you’re invited tonight, to the riverboat shuffle
Set under towering river red gums, the Riverboats Music Festival is as gorgeous visually as it is sonically. Your line-up is John Butler, The Cruel Sea, Dan Sultan, Bic Runga, Ian Moss, Little Birdy, Pierce Brothers, Dan Kelly’s Regional Crisis, Grace Cummings, Emily Wurramara, The Pleasures, Southern River Band, Skyscraper Stan & the Commission Flats, Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits and Owelu Dreamhouse. Brian Nankervis will step up as MC.
More through https://www.riverboatsmusic.com.au/
Circus Latino
Ballarat Showgrounds, Ballarat – February 14 through March 2
The circus is the place for me
Step right up, folks, you won’t believe your eyes. It’s the magical and fantastical greatest show on earth. With an aim to celebrate culture through the art of circus performance, Circus Latino utilises Argentinean dancers and Latin music throughout to give it its South American flavour. You’ll also discover a world of clowns, acrobats, aerial arts, hand balancing, jugglers, Hula hoopers and the amazing Ring of Death.
More through https://www.circuslatino.com/
Jamageddon
Medusa Bar, Geelong – February 15
Hey, but are you gettin’ it? (Jamageddon it)
It may not be the end of the world, but if it is, this is a hell of a way to go out. Jamageddon is back for another round, this time with Space Junk, Smoke Witch, Giant, EarthOmen, Howling Mountain, Ocean Lord, Vessel Project, Astro Fuzz, Bog Monster and Apollo Project.
More through https://allevents.in/geelong/jamageddon-2025-medusa-bar-geelong/200027719382937
Goomfest
Wangoom (near Warrnambool) – February 15
My heart going goom-goom-goom
There’s no gloom here. No doom, either. It’s all about Goom. So come join this little festival as it sets out to strike a big chord. Your line-up is Rinse, Toni Yotzi, Kuzco, Winten, Coldwave, Alex Albrecht, Birdsnake, Dragnet, Charlotte Rooney, Kosmetika, Portal Gun, Annie Kez, Dez, Ryan Stow, Smizzart, Corey Ryan, Lewsciou and Chela. Goomfest is BYO drinks, but no glass. You’ll also find plenty of food vendors, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
More through https://www.goomfest.com/
Friend in Me
Geelong Racecourse, Geelong – February 15
You’ve got a friend in me
The Friend in Me family fun day is all about creating those special moments that will be reflected upon well down the road. With live music from the Mik Maks, life-like dinosaurs, meet and greets with superheroes and princesses and an appearance from the Melbourne Transformers, this one is for families to share joy, laughter and connection.
More through https://allevents.in/geelong/friend-in-me-family-fun-day-geelong/200026857508932
Geelong Rainbow Festival
Johnstone Park, Geelong on February 15
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
You can’t help but feel joy at the sight of a rainbow. It’s a smile in the sky. And at the Geelong Rainbow Festival, you’ll be smiling all day long. Kicking off with their annual pride march, a day of drag, acoustic music, spoken word and more will then play out in a safe, fun-filled space aimed at engaging the local LGBTQIA+ community. Wander the market stalls and enjoy a bite to eat in an event for all ages.
More through https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/plus/calendar/item/8dc2418fddf3daa.aspx
St Kilda Festival
St Kilda – February 15 & 16
Down St Kilda way
For more than four decades, the St Kilda Festival has been a summer-fuelled celebration of community spirit. A two-day format was introduced in 2023 and proved so successful they’ve kept it going. Performers include Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos, Painters and Dockers, Cub Sport, Jem Cassar-Daley, Dizzy Days, Dyan Tai, Jamie Lena, Leroy Macqueen, Mansplainers, Name UL, One Spirit Africa, R.em.edy, Velvet Bloom, 3%, Allysha Joy, Amos Roach, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, bella amor, Brazaman, Bronte Morrison, Charlie Needs Braces, Full Flower Moon Band, Good Sniff, Grace Woodroofe, Immy Owusu, YARA and a whole lot more.
More through https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/
Maldon Antique Fair
Bill Woodfull Reserve, Maldon – February 15 & 16
Step right up, everyone’s a winner, bargains galore
Something old is new again. From high-end china and ceramics, to old hand tools and rustic farming implements, the Maldon Antique Fair is sure to have a collectible for your granny, your dad, your mum, your brother, your sister and everyone else. In all, you’ll find 130 stalls.
More through https://www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Explore-the-shire/Community-events-and-things-to-do/Maldon-Antique-Fair
Anglesea Shorts Film Festival
Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea – February 16
If life’s a movie, then it’s a short film
Short films with big dreams will roll out at the inaugural Anglesea Shorts Film Festival, a fantastic opportunity for those aged 18 and under to showcase their creative skills. It came about after the Anglesea Community House began their movie club as a way to engage young people. Not a great deal was known at the time of writing, but all films are fewer than three minutes in length and contain a reference to mango. Twelve finalists will feature.
More through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1336591
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Americana on the Bellarine
Potato Shed, Drysdale – February 22
All I want is to rock your soul
When the sun sets and the twinkle-twinkle of little stars begins, it’s time to get on down to an evening of blues, roots, country, folk, rock, rockabilly and gospel – with a whole lot of soul for good measure. Your line-up is Matt Joe Gow & the Dead Leaves, Andrea Robertson and band and The Mojo Corner.
More through https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/calendar/item/8dd12ea413695b5.aspx
Melted Festival
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong – February 22
Melt your face right off your skull
A mad scientist uses residents of peaceful Geelong as unknowing subjects in a new ‘body drug’ test experiment. That may be the movie Body Melt, but there is still a chance of destruction here. Your line-up is Orpheus Omega, Flaming Wreckage, The Ascended, Get Rekt, Caution:Thieves, Apollo Project and Thrash Gordon.
Ballarat Pride Community Day
Eureka Stockade Park and Eureka Hall, Ballarat – February 22
People who need people are the luckiest people in the world
Today’s the day the LGBTIQA+ community has their picnic. Bring along a picnic and a picnic rug and enjoy a little time chilling outdoors with Ballarat’s LGBTIQA+ community and allies. You’ll find food trucks, roving performers and the Pride Market.
More through https://ballaratpride.au/pride-community-day
Pako Festa
Pakington Street, Geelong – February 22
Let’s learn about ourselves and what makes us unique
Culture, comradery, cuisine, celebration and colour can all be found at Victoria’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity. One of the event’s highlights is the annual Pako Festival Street Parade featuring a marching, dancing and singing procession of diverse performers from all corners of the globe. The Geelong Arts Centre Stage, meanwhile, will feature the talents of LENNi, Daisy Kilbourne, Baraka the Kid, Wild Gloriosa, Ridzyray, Bella Deer, Riordan and the National Celtic Festival Showcase.
More through https://pakofesta.com.au/
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne – February 22 through March 8
Looking good and feeling fine
If, like The Kinks, you’re a dedicated follower of fashion, the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is the perfect fit. The 2025 program includes Fashion Film Awards Screening, Fashion Talks, New Again Runway, Grand Showcase, F*** the Invisible Runway, Back in Blak Runway, Menswear Edit Runway, National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne and National Designer Award x David Jones.
More through https://melbournefashionfestival.com.au/
Festival of Colours
Elephant Walk, Torquay – February 23
Colour me once, colour me twice. Everything gonna turn out nice
Dance, sing and celebrate with friends, family and strangers – all while piffing coloured powder at them. Honouring the Hindi celebration of Holi, this brightly-coloured event recognises the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness. Vegetarian and vegan food will be made available throughout the day. Coloured powders cost $14 for three packets. Prepare to get messy.
More through https://events.humanitix.com/festival-of-colours-torquay
Knotfest
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne – February 28
Give it the gain, turn up the master
Knot, knot. Who’s there? It’s Knotfest, a music, art and culture festival so loud your ears will be ringing for days. Your line-up is Slipknot, A Day to Remember, BABYMETAL, Slaughter to Prevail, Polaris, Within Temptation, Enter Shikari, Hatebreed, In Hearts Wake, HEALTH, Miss May I, Vended and Sunami.
More through https://knotfest.com/pages/australia
So much to do, so much to see, enjoy the next month in the world of festivities!
