Elvis reincarnated, car revivals and a trip to medieval times - November bridges the old and new on the festival front.
It would be fair to say I am not a man of fashion. A sense of style has eluded me like a hangover eludes a hamster. I am more comfortable in holding a hose than striking a pose. If fashion teams were to be chosen, I would be the last one picked. Ugh Chester, I guess. But I wear what I like and like what I wear. And I have been partial to the band t-shirt over the years.
One of the first I recall having was a Public Enemy one. Pasty, primary-school-aged me probably thought I was too cool for school. The reality is that I did not bring the noise and no one believed the hype. My best friend at the time had a Poison t-shirt, which, much to my chagrin, never found its way to my wardrobe. I am not saying possessing my own Look What the Cat Dragged In tee would have made for a life less ordinary, but the world is a mysterious place and we’re but its temporary visitors. I do believe I also had a Jesus Jones one at some stage. I was that awesome.
As Ausmusic T-shirt Day approaches on November 28, I remember my Magic Dirt t-shirt. It was an olive green Rabbit with Fangs tee I picked up at a show many moons ago. Oh, what a frabjous t-shirt it was. Like a towel fresh from the dryer, a favourite t-shirt is full of comfort and joy. Where it ended up, I am not sure. I can only imagine it made its way to an op shop following a misadventure in spring cleaning. If it did meet such a fate, I hope it became a favourite of the new owner.
Enjoy your November festivals and events…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The B.I.G. Weekend
The Bendigo Club, Bendigo – November 1-3
In a world of games, let’s rather round. Board games we love, where fun is found
There are two kinds of people in this world: people who cheat at Monopoly, and people who deny cheating at Monopoly. The B.I.G. Weekend is a three-day event for board game lovers to come together to share, learn, discuss and, most importantly, play board games. Bring along your own game, or select one from the library.
More through https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/whatson/the-big-weekend
Maldon Folk Festival
Maldon – November 1-4
Some folks love their music and they sing it all the time
You’ve got plenty of good folk music at the Maldon Folk Festival. You’ve got plenty of good folk as well. And what’s not to like about good folk enjoying good folk music? Established in 1974, the festival may be bigger now but the song remains the same.
Your line-up includes Albi & the Wolves, Fred Smith, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, Alan Reid, Michael Waugh, Alana Wilkinson, Jenny Mitchell, Enda Kenny, Leroy Johnson & the Waterbag Band, Robyn Martin, The Nightingales, Sonia Smith & Glenn Skuthorpe Band, Nick Charles, Suzette Herft, Rhiz & the Sugarplums, Sadie Mustoe, Out of Hand, Kevin McCarthy, Katankin, Saije, Bread and Drink and Painted Rooms, Mast Gully Fellers, Reiltin Collective, The Duck Downpickers, Kaylah Thomas, Fiona Ross, Freya & Tom McGowan, Steven Whiteside (book launch), Eric Purdie, Geoffrey W. Graham, The Rhymer from Ryde, Kyneton Street Band, Lorraine McCrimmon, Margaret Crichton, Bush Sessions, A Bit of English, Campbell the Swaggie, Michael the Balloonologist, Emu Creek Bush Band, Harpers Bizarre, Jeanette & Duncan, O’Shea Ryan Academy of Irish Dancing, The Britannia Morris, The Connected Circus, Rudy the Music Man and The Woodend Warblers.
More through https://www.maldonfolkfestival.com/
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BBQ & Blues
Bellarine Estate, Bellarine – November 2
The stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap), deep in the heart of Texas
You won’t win friends with salad here, but who needs them with this menu? Sticky fingers and sticky tunes will come together as Texas BBQ lovers and music lovers enjoy the best of both worlds. Your line-up is Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows, Phil Para Band, Collard Greens & Gravy and Sweet Water Blues.
More through https://www.bellarineestate.com.au/events
Lord Lucifer’s Big Vinyl Dig
North Ballarat Sports Club, Ballarat – November 2
The needle’s in the groove and the vinyl’s on the platter
They don’t say ‘once you go vinyl, your decision is final’ for no reason. Whether it’s the ritual of collecting or that warm sound, the world of vinyl is for audiophiles and hobbyists alike. At Lord Lucifer’s Big Vinyl Dig, bargain hunters can expect 50,000 LPs, CDs and 45s, as well as a bunch of music memorabilia and a music-themed menu in the bistro.
More through https://allevents.in/ballarat/big-vinyl-dig-ballarat-2024/200026857922645
Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens
Castlemaine & District – November 2-10
I wanna run through your wicked garden
It is not uncommon, from time to time, to take a sneak beyond a white picket fence to admire a garden of creation and colour. When it comes to the Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens, your stickybeaking becomes a walkthrough wonder. Twenty-three gardens will open their gates, including grand country gardens, historic gardens, verge gardens, sculpture gardens and town gardens as the festival celebrates the theme ‘The Art of Gardening’.
More through https://festivalofgardens.org/
Wreckfest
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, Warrnambool – November 3
This is true craftsmanship. Mix hard work and a gift and what you have is this
Forget about extended warranties and disposable goods. Wreckfest is built to last. From skilled knife makers to a cooper crafting traditional barrels, rope makers weaving their craft to scoreboard plaque makers, Wreckfest celebrates traditional craftsmanship. If you are one for a rollicking adventure, settle in for some Devonshire Tea as you hear stories of shipwreck survivors and tales from those who have faced unforgiving seas. Entertainment will be provided by the Tin Shed Singers.
More through https://whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/wreckfest-rare-trades-festival
Geelong Elvis Festival
Geelong – November 7-10
You’re bringing out the Elvis in me
It’s the hip shaking, rubber legs quaking festival where you can’t help falling in love. Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has entered the building. Your performers are Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Winner Jay Dupuis, Jimmy Holmes, Moses Snow and Geelong’s hometown hero, Jack Gatto. As an added bonus, fifteen-year-old Colac sensation Charlie Gaylard will show the next generation what it’s all about. All shows will be backed by the first-class Tributes in Concert Band.
More through https://geelongelvisfestival.com.au/
Out West Fest
Ararat Town Hall, Ararat – November 9
Living in the wild, Wild West
Have you ever been to a show and been blown away by what you saw/heard? The kind of artist that makes you want to run through the streets wearing nothing but the newly discovered artist’s t-shirt, or at the very least head home and peruse their entire discography? Bel Kil, aka Annabel Kilpatrick, sure has. That is what this show is all about. It’s about artists that have blown Annabel’s socks off, and that she feels will blow yours off as well. Your line-up includes Deep Sea Arcade, Sex on Toast, Hayley Mary, Sunday Honey, Milou Moon, Umbra Moon and Maso. Bel Kil will also perform.
More through https://ararattownhall.com.au/event/out-west-fest/
Red Hot Summer Tour
Victoria Park, Ballarat – November 9
Baby you’re red hot, red hot
The Red Hot Summer Tour is as Australian as a couple of dimmies at your local pool. It’s as Australian as the Nutbush. It is as Australian as an indifference to the National Anthem. And it’s hotter than ever. Your line-up is Cold Chisel (50-year anniversary), The Cruel Sea, Birds of Tokyo, The Superjesus and Karen Lee Andrews.
More through https://www.redhotsummertour.com.au/
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Scots on Show
Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – November 9
Drums in my heart are drummin’. I hear the bagpipes hummin’
There’s been some rather unkind things said about the bagpipes throughout history, but if it’s good enough for the likes of AC/DC, The Church and John Farnham, it’s good enough for me. Enjoy a pipe band contest as you brush up on Scottish culture at the inaugural Scots on Show Scottish Festival.
More through https://allevents.in/bendigo/scots-on-show-scottish-festival/200027270603004#
River Rocks & River Rocks Rehab
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on November 9 & 10
We will, we will, rock you
Turn it down you say, but all River Rocks got to say to you is time and time again they say no (no)
no, no, no, no, no. It’s that time of year to get your River Rocks off, folks. Your line-up is Dern Rutlidge, Stiff Richards, Pat Todd & the Rankoutsiders, Los Chicos, Split System, Dick Move, Stepmother, Hot Machine, Goutlaw, The Double Agents, Licklash, The Miffs, Grindhouse, Alarms, Chimers, Fly!, Dukes of Deliciousness and Clifford Parade.
The perfect hangover cure takes place the next day with River Rocks Rehab. Your line-up here is Private Function, Los Chicos, Watty Thompson (solo), It Thing, Grindhouse, Snake Powder, Budd, Jaded, Chrome Gypsy and DJ Rory Fang It!.
More through https://www.barwonclub.com.au/whats-on/
Day of the Dead Fiesta
Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong – November 9 & Lot19, Castlemaine – November 23
Tuku, tuku, tuki, taka, what a mischievous skeleton
An annual celebration, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time when families gather to remember lost loved ones. It is believed the souls of the deceased visit homes, businesses and cemeteries. The day includes an Aztec shaman welcoming, costume celebration, a traditional altar, a Day of the Dead photo booth, a mini market and Mexican wrestling. And let’s not forget the best tacos this side of town. These will be authentic Mexican events, put together by Mexicans and featuring Mexican performers.
More through https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/day-of-the-dead-fiesta-geelong-family-show-tickets-1006037113087 and https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/day-of-the-dead-fiesta-castlemaine-family-show-tickets-1006203972167
SummerSalt
Torquay Common, Torquay – November 10
The daylight sun makes me wanna feel right
You don’t need summer lovin’ to be having a blast. Music will do just fine. And sure, it’s not quite summer, but close enough is good enough as SummerSalt is all about providing a live concert series that exemplifies the great Australian outdoor summer. Your line-up includes Hozier, Angie McMahon and Joy Oladokun.
More through https://summersaltmusic.com.au/
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North Bellarine Film Festival
Parks Hall, Portarlington – November 15 & 16
Rewind the film again. I’d love to see my joy, my friends
Grab your peanut M&Ms and cheerfully (but quietly, as to not disturb others) munch away at the North Bellarine Film Festival. Your program is a screening of award-winning short Daisy (featuring a Q&A with the film’s writer and producer, Cassidy Krygger), a screening of the Amy Winehouse biographical film Back to Black, the Emerging Filmmaker Awards Ceremony, the Emerging Documentary Filmmaker Award and a Short Film Program featuring the winner of Geelong’s 48 Hour Film Frenzy.
More through https://www.northbellarinefilmfestival.org/
Town Folk Festival
Castlemaine – November 16
Round and round, up and down, through the streets of your town
Turn that frown upside town as the Town Folk Festival celebrates the ever-widening umbrella of folk. Your line-up is A. Savage, Aplegate, Don’t Thank Me Spank Me!, Felicity Cripps Band, Grace Cummings, Harmony Byrne, Jess Ribeiro, M79, Marlon Williams, Merry Jeann, Ngaiire, Queenie, Ruby & Loretta, Tek Tek Ensemble, The Maes, The Teskey Brothers and Yirinda.
More through https://townfolkfestival.com/
Victorian Medieval Festival
Kryal Castle, Leigh Creek – November 16 & 17
As medieval as Merlin, a pact for power was made
My lords, my ladies and everybody else here not sitting on a cushion, the Victorian Medieval Festival is here. Watch brave knights mount their trusty steeds and do battle in the Victorian Jousting Tournament and match wits and honour in the Medieval Combat Tournament. Walk through the Re-enactment Village and be blown away by the majestic Birds of Prey arena. Enjoy food fit for royalty, learn about medieval life and enjoy live performances.
More through https://www.kryalcastle.com.au/pages/upcoming-events
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Bendigo Swap Meet
Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – November 16 & 17
The Sunday swap meet is a battleground
There will be enough bargains, goodies and curiosities at the Bendigo Swap Meet to start your own reality television series. From barn finds and survivor car displays, to die-cast models and toys, some 1700 stalls will have you playing Tetris in your shed to fit it all in.
More through https://www.bendigoswap.com.au/
Traditional Arts Fair
Buda, Castlemaine – November 17
Perfect the art, respect the craft
The Traditional Arts Fair is held in honour of the Leviny sisters, whose family owned the historic Buda house for more than 118 years. Remaining single, the Leviny sisters were able to pursue their creative interests. Among other duties, the eldest, Mary, helped make everyone’s clothing. Hilda was an embroiderer, Gertrude turned to woodcarving, Kate was a photographer and Dorothy worked in metal and enamel. In the spirit of the sisters, the day will feature embroidery, bookbinding, saffron, weaving, garden crafts, metalwork, felting, painting, jewellery, cooking, handmade body products, basket weaving and more. For the sweet tooth, the handcrafted ice cream is always a winner.
More through https://budacastlemaine.org/event/taf24/
Melbourne Beethoven Festival
Melbourne – November 19-30
I love to listen to Beethoven
If Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure taught us anything it’s that, as well as being a big fan of Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet, Ludwig van Beethoven’s name is of grand status. In recent articles, both Classicfm.com and classical-music.com ranked him as the third greatest composer of all time. All nine of his symphonies will be performed throughout the fortnight-long celebration.
More through https://www.mso.com.au/packages/2024-beethoven-festival
Fungus Brain Festival
Volta, Ballarat – November 22
Brain shake, brain shake, brain shake. All I can take
You can’t spell fungus without ‘fun’. And that is what you are sure to have at the Fungus Brain Festival as psych-rock and post-rock combine to nourish the almighty organ with a musical dose of fish oil. Your line-up is Mushroom Giant, Khan, Treebeard, Heinous Crimes and The Sinsemillian.
More through https://www.voltaballarat.com.au/gigs
Queenscliff Music Festival
Queenscliff – November 22-24
Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside
Back in 1997 when Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’, Chumbawamba’s ‘Tubthumping’, Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ and Hanson’s ‘MMMBop’ were everywhere, a small group of locals decided they wanted to bring music back to the seaside village of Queenscliff. And that they did as 1500 attended the first Queenscliff Music Festival.
Your 2024 line-up is Andy Golledge Band, Bella Deer, Bob Log III, Bondi Cigars, C.W. Stoneking, Caitlin Harnett & the Pony Boys, Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Charlie Needs Braces, Checkerboard Lounge, Chikchika, Coterie, Elizabeth Riordan, Emily Wurramara, Fools, Gimmy, Grace Cummings, Hassall, Ishan, Jack Botts, Jasmin Adria, Joe Terror, Kasey Chambers, Maddie Jackway, Marlon Williams, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission, Nathan Beretta, Queenie, Rob Edwards, Sugar Fed Leopards, Sweethearts, The Bures Band, The High Street Drifters, The Meltdown, The Stamps, The Weeping Willows, The Wiggles Sound System (ft Dorothy the Dinosaur), Tides of Welcome, Tjaka, Vaudeville Smash, Whistle & Trick, Wild Honey, Winksy and Xavier Rudd.
More through https://www.qmf.net.au/
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Geelong Revival Motoring Festival
Geelong – November 22-24
When you motor away, beyond the once-red lips
Not just for revheads, the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival is a family-friendly celebration of all things racing and retro. The popular Quarter Mile Sprint returns featuring 300+ two- and four-wheeled vehicles putting the pedal to the metal across the curved quarter-mile track. Or take in Shannons Classic Motorshow, a 1000+ vehicle showing that will bring out the joy like a new Matchbox as a kid.
More through https://geelongrevival.com.au/
Ska Nation
Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury on November 30 & December 1
Come on everybody, join in our song. We’re playing ska, come on and sing along
From Skaline Dion to Skabra Streisand to Frank Skanatra, everyone is jumping aboard the ska train. Your line-up includes Hey Smith, Voodoo Glow Skulls, The Black Seeds, Sunny Coast Rude Boys, The Resignators, Ras Jahknow, The Kittyhawks, Operation Ibis, Loonee Tunes, The Skarntz, The Overits, Steel City Allstars, Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge and more.
More through https://www.skanation.com/
There is so much happening across the state this month, it would be a shame to miss out on all of the action!
