Finish the year with a bang with these bigger than Ben Hur gigs!
In the spirit of the season, let’s talk about reindeer. Apparently reindeer meat is quite tasty. It is high in lean protein, low in fat and packed full of nutrients. In Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, it was Comet who led the charge in preventing Rudolph from joining in on any reindeer games. Now, I am not suggesting Comet should be culled, his/her meat shredded, fried up in butter and then bit by bit added to a pot with pre-fried mushrooms and bacon, adding water and leaving to simmer before later adding sour cream, milk, sweet brown goat cheese, crushed juniper and thyme along with salt and pepper for tasting and served with mashed potatoes for a mean-spirited comment, but perhaps finding a reindeer stew recipe pinned to the barn door may cause a shift in Comet’s jerk attitude.
Speaking of reindeer, apparently they are unable to walk and pee at the same time and must take a break to urinate roughly every 10km. Its term is poronkusema. How this translates to flight, I do not know. However, just to be on the safe side, if you’re planning on sky-watching come Christmas Eve to get a glimpse of the big man, I suggest keeping your mouth closed.
Have a safe and happy Christmas and NYE, folks. Enjoy your December gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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John Williamson – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on December 1
Performing for five decades, there are few that can paint a musical picture of Australian life quite like journeyed songman John ‘True Blue’ Williamson.
Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 1
Deck the halls with boughs of holly as Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission hit the road for their annual Christmas tour. A few new songs will find their way between old favourites.
Amarillo – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on December 1
With influences including Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zandt and Grant Lee Buffalo, folk-country outfit Amarillo is flying off the back of their latest album, Golden Mountain.
Anna Smyrk – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on December 1
Are you a word nerd? Are you a pop hook obsessive? If you said yes, then Anna Smyrk is going to be right up your alley. Her latest EP is Cortisol and Blue Light.
Katchafire – Volta, Ballarat on December 1
Combining classic roots reggae, R&B, funk and modern dancehall, Maori reggae-rockers Katchafire are on an ongoing mission to raise your spirits and soul.
Anthony B – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on December 4
Breathe in the good and breathe out the bad. Anthony B is coming to town with his good vibes as part of ALWAYS LIVE. He’ll be joined by DJ Banna.
Sarah Blasko – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 5
Late night reflections on goodbyes, grief and new beginnings can be found on the recently released album from Sarah Blasko, I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain.
Andy Shauf – Volta, Ballarat on December 5 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 6
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andy Shauf is heading our way again. This time it’s in support of his latest release, the concept album Norm.
Jack White – Civic Hall, Ballarat on December 6
More than twenty years ago, Jack White came up with the riff to ‘Seven Nation Army’ while in Australia. More than ten years ago was the last time he toured in solo mode.
Rufous Whistler – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on December 6
Named after the bird found in New Caledonia and Australia, Rufous Whistler is the moniker of contemporary folkman Vinny Russell. ‘River Gum Tree’ is his new single.
Ely McK & the Unbelievers – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 6
Having only formed last year, Australian alt-country meets Americana outfit Ely McK & the Unbelievers has already made a splash. Their latest single is ‘The Wind Up’.
Mimi Gilbert – The Eastern, Ballarat on December 6
She may be back in Los Angeles now, but California-born Mimi Gilbert spent a decade or so creating and recording music in Australia and New Zealand. A new album is coming in 2025.
Thirsty Merc – Gateway Hotel, Corio on December 6 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 7
They just want to play in the sunshine. Following their 20 Good Years tour, Sydney-bred outfit Thirsty Merc is at it again with their Electric Summer tour.
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Tom Harrington – Backyard Shows in Bendigo on December 6 & Ballarat on December 8
Indie-folk songman Tom Harrington is celebrating the release of album When Time is On Our Side in laid-back style by playing backyards of mates made along the way. Venues will be emailed.
L.R. Marsh – Aussie Hotel, Shepparton on December 6; Axedale Tavern, Axedale on December 7; and Hop Temple, Ballarat on December 8
Blues-rock one-man-band L.R. Marsh is out to show it’s all about quality, not quantity. Settle in for an afternoon of tunes that capture the heart and soul of early 20th century delta blues.
Daryl Braithwaite – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on December 6 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on December 14
ARIA Hall of Famer Daryl Braithwaite will take you on a stroll through his career with hits including ‘The Horses’, ‘As the Days Go By’ and ‘One Summer’.
Wade Forster – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on December 7
Following a big year that included a visit to Nashville’s CMA Fest, rodeo cowboy, country songman and drifter Wade Forster heads out in support of new single, ‘Chemistry’.
Princess Superstar – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on December 7
Concetta Suzanne Kirschner is Princess Superstar, a rapper and DJ whose ‘flip-flop’ sounds have been running hot since 1993. She will hit the decks between 11pm and midnight.
Brolga – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on December 7
Founded as the Brolga Boys in 1996, Russell Smith continues to lead this First Nations outfit as Brolga, a band he describes as “the new ancient sound of Australia”.
Witchskull – Medusa Bar, Geelong on December 7
It has been ten years since the heavy doom rock of Witchskull entered the world. They are enjoying the moment and will be joined here by Robot God and Smoke Witch.
The Royal High Jinx – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 7
Steeped in European traditions and peppered with gypsy jazz, Latin, Balkan, swing grooves and even a dash of folk, The Royal High Jinx are set to deliver a healthy dose of festive joy.
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Henry Wagons & Adalita – Art Gallery of Ballarat on December 7
E-A-D-G-B-E, find out what you mean to me. Well, find out what it means to Henry Wagons and Adalita as they chew the fat about the guitar.
Fiona Lee Maynard & James Lomas – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on December 8
Such is the strength of the relationship between husband and wife team Fiona and James, that Fiona gave him her left kidney in 2023. They also happen to make acoustic and melodic folk-rock.
Tim Rogers – Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton on December 8
Rock and roller, storyteller and NFMC fanatic, Tim Rogers is still doing his thing as good as ever three decades after his first musical steps. Mariah McCarthy supports.
The Breadmakers – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on December 8
Having recently showcased their rhythm and blues to Japanese crowds, The Breadmakers are back for their yearly visit to The Bridge Hotel. A new album is on the cards for 2025.
Ben Lee – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 8 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on December 13
A spirited exploration of getting older while keeping your punk spirit alive is behind the recently released album from Ben Lee, This One’s for the Old Headz.
An Evening with Shaun Micallef – Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine on December 9
From his days as Milo Kerrigan to Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation to Mad as Hell, Shaun Micallef has had a place in Australian households for decades. Slivers, Shards and Skerricks is his new book.
Lucy Durack – The Play House, GAC on December 11
Screen and stage star Lucy Durack (Wicked, Legally Blonde: The Musical) will spread a little Christmas cheer with a morning of classics including ‘Silent Night’, ‘All I Want for Christmas’ and ‘O Holy Night’.
The Jungle Giants – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 13
Mr Sandman, bring me The Jungle Giants and their Regional Tour of Dreams tour. With a #1 ARIA-charting album in Love Signs, it is little wonder the tour just got bigger.
Folkie Fridays – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Creswick on December 13
An initiative of CresFest, Folkie Fridays is your end-of-the-week special. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Maggie Rigby will headline, with Arlo & Stevie to support.
Christmas Carnage – Volta, Ballarat on December 13
Have yourself a metal little Christmas as Nicolas Cage Fighter play their last show of 2024. They will be joined by Circle of Blood, Vexation and Slowburn.
Convict Class – Medusa Bar, Geelong on December 13
Gritty Aussie punk rock is the name of the game for Convict Class and Generation of Discontent is their debut album. They’re joined here by Poppin’ Mommas, All Hope Remains and Le Bonge.
The Great Divides & Snowy – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on December 14
Jumble pop purveyors The Great Divides and Snowy both released albums on the same day. And as the old expression goes, bands who release an album on the same day must share the same stage.
Eliza Hull – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on December 14
Having had songs appear on The Heights, Awkward, Teen Wolf and Saving Hope, Eliza Hull’s music gets around. She’ll be debuting songs from her forthcoming 2025 album.
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blyss – Medusa Bar, Geelong on December 14
Set adrift to Geelong’s blyss as the band mixes touches of the old with pinches of the new. Joining in will be The Hybernators and Plastic Cheeses.
Songwriter Showcase – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on December 15
It’s a songwriter showcase that will leave you fuller than Christmas lunch. Join Jack Davies, Anna Schneider, Billy Barker and Claudie Joy.
Dami Im – The Story House, GAC on December 20
Let the festive season take hold as you open up a big box of Christmas classics, original songs and timeless favourites with Dami Im as she celebrates Christmas.
Cool Out Sun & Aurus – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on December 20
Good friends and good beats await you as afro-future hip hop group Cool Out Sun and Aurus, the solo project of Bastien Picot, team up for this double bill.
Streams of Whiskey – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on December 20
Fairytales of New York find life in Geelong as the Barwon Club celebrates the one-year anniversary of Shane McGowan’s death in this two-set evening of Pogues’ classics.
Dune Rats – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on December 20
When was the last time you asked your neighbour to turn up their music? Dune Rats are seeing out the year by showing off their latest album, If it Sucks, Turn it Up.
Frenzee – The Eastern, Ballarat on December 20
The children of George Xylouris (Xylouris White) are living up to their old man’s reputation while carving out their own musical path as Frenzee. They’ll be joined by River of Snakes and DDS.
Relays – Medusa Bar, Geelong on December 20 & Kankwolverang Records, Ballarat on December 21 (AA)
They may be a touch shameless, but non-politically correct outfit Relays are not nameless as they continue to make their mark in the underground punk scene. Their self-titled album is out now.
Four Lions – handle bar, Bendigo on December 21
Where does the time go? It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Four Lions were four cubs, but it has in fact been ten years. And they’re in a celebratory mood.
Lionel Baker – Medusa Bar, Geelong on December 22
Heartbreak, loss and seeking self-identity can be found in the music of Lionel Baker. ‘Chasing the Dark’ and ‘Graveyard Shift’ are his latest singles. Catie Alison supports.
Dr. Colossus – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on December 22
Bring along your copy of Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge to get signed when Simpsons-themed doom/metal outfit Dr. Colossus put on a Christmas show.
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Ross Wilson – Bellarine Estate, Bellarine on December 28
You’ll be getting your Daddy Cool. You’ll be getting your Mondo Rock. You’ll be getting decades of sing-alongs as Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks present their 50 Years of Hits tour.
NYE Party –Torquay Hotel, Torquay on December 31
It’s that time of year. Dance the night away and see in 2025 at the Torquay Hotel with Tiff Cornish, Dena Amy, Coco & Ayres and PINNA.
