Welcome to our Victorian gig calendar, with all the live events, parties, celebrations and cultural gatherings happening across Victoria updated every month.
Enjoy this month in history. In 1845, Stephen Perry patented the first rubber band, which he used to flick at his cat, Mr Huffleberry. In 1841, Orlando Jones patented corn starch. Not to be confused with the actor of the same name who was born more than 100 years later in 1968. In 1933, Monopoly was invented. The first tantrum was had 15 minutes later. In 1878, George W. Hill plotted the moon’s orbit. His evil twin brother, George M. Hill, meanwhile, plotted its destruction.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
In 1956, An Wang sold his patent for magnetic core memory to IBM. They giggled at his name. In 1895, Charles Jenkins patented his motion picture machine, the Phantoscope. Without it, we would have no Citizen Cane, no The Godfather and no Freddy Got Fingered. In 1933, FDR gave his “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” speech. The original was “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself… oh, and spiders”.
In 1958, Elvis Presley joined the Army and found there was a little less conversation, a little more action. In 1837, future president Grover Cleveland was born. He would later become a Muppet.
Enjoy your March gigs…
1927 & Boom Crash Opera – Wool Exchange, Geelong on March 1
Get out of the house and get to this celebration of two heavyweight bands of the ’80s/’90s who keep on rocking like the old times.
DisKust – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 1
Metalcore outfit DisKust are on a mission to spread new single ‘Nether’ far and wide. They’ll be joined by Furious George, Deadweight 80 and Get Rekt.
L.R. Marsh – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 1 & Cally Hotel, Warrnambool on March 2
Hailing from Brisbane, L.R. Marsh is a blues-rock multi-instrumentalist and one-man band who captures the spirit of early 20th century delta blues.
The Vanns – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 1 & Volta, Ballarat on March 3
It was a not too shabby 2023 for The Vanns, with the release of Last of Your Kind and sold-out shows across capital cities. Now they’re heading to regional areas.
a day on the green – Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds on March 2
Big beat pioneers The Chemical Brothers head a dance-a-thon day on the green with a support cast of The Presets, Anna Lunoe and James Holroyd.
Coterie – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 2
The four brothers that comprise Coterie formed in New Zealand but nowadays call Perth home. With their soulful rock rocking both sides of the Tasman, who gets to claims them?
Tom Harrington – Bird Rock Café, Torquay on March 2 & Radcliffe’s, Echuca on March 3
Known for his storytelling and live looping skills, indie-folk songman Tom Harrington is looking to the night sky on his new track, ‘Every Full Moon’.
Riflebirds – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 3
It has been ten years since Riflebirds began making their vintage psych-groove-rock and they’re celebrating the occasion with their first new material in two years.
Ross Wilson – Riverlinks, Shepparton on March 3
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.
Video Nasty – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 6 & The Eastern, Ballarat on March 7
Turn it up for Video Nasty, a noisy alternative outfit from New Zealand as they make their first trip our way. They’ll be armed with their new EP, Magenta.
Sweethearts – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 7
With a refreshing take on modern, classic and neo soul (plus a little of that sass), Sweethearts will provide a night of original work and inspired adaptations.
Sons of the East – Volta, Ballarat on March 7 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 10
Following sold-out shows in London, L.A., New York, Paris and Barcelona, indie-folk trio Sons of the East are now out and about on their largest Australian tour to date.
Wednesday – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 8
Described as a mixture of shoegaze and country rock, Wednesday originally formed as the solo project of Karly Hartzman. This will be their first Australian tour.
The Waifs – Costa Hall, Geelong on March 9
While already together for a decade, The Waifs released their breakthrough album, Up All Night, in 2003. They’ll be playing the album in full, as well as a selection of fan favourites.
The Waifs’ Geelong show rescheduled for March 2024 following e-scooter crash
ChillinIT – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 9
From the bush to the beach and all the places in between, rapper and musician ChillinIT is embarking on his first regional tour of Australia. His new mixtape is 420DNA.
Phil Coyne & the Wayward Aces – Bellarine Estate, Bellarine on March 9
Led by blues harp master and blaster Phil Coyne, the tone and fury of the Chicago blues of the 1950s is on full display when The Wayward Aces come to town.
Red Coote – Bird Rock Jan Juc, Torquay on March 9
After beginning the year kicking it around with the likes of The Dreggs and Kyle Lionhart, indie folk-pop songman Red Coote is embarking on his first headlining run. ‘Blue Lake’ is his new song.
COOLDAD – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 9
The most hip dudes on the block, COOLDAD have some indie-rock they want to play for you. They’ll be joined by De Porsal and Fifth Quarter.
The Owls – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 10
The Owls is where Sean McMahon gets to shine. The new tour will bring to the stage songs from Sean’s 2023 album Victoria and more.
Minami Deutsch – Lorne Theatre, Lorne on March 10
As part of Lorne Theatre and The Clam’s Long Hot Summer Series, Japanese psychedelic outfit Minami Deutsch is in town. Leah Senior supports.
Luka Bloom – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on March 11
Using the Susanne Vega song and a James Joyce character to form his stage name, Irish troubadour Luka Bloom’s first tour was as a fourteen-year-old when he supported his brother, Christy Moore.
Curtis Eller & Gleny Rae Virus – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on March 14
The explosive rock and roll energy of Detroit-born Curtis Eller and his American Circus and the lively country-roots sounds of songbird Gleny Rae Virus combine for a night of tunes and laughs.
Cheap Trick & The Angels – Costa Hall, Geelong on March 14
From ‘The Flame’ to ‘I Want You to Want Me’, come and help Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick celebrate 50 years of classic rock. Joining them will be The Angels.
Charm of Finches – Elmore Memorial Hall, Elmore on March 14; Heathcote Memorial Hall, Heathcote on March 15; and Bendigo Bank Theatre, Bendigo on March 16
The dreamy indie-pop duo Charm of Finches are playing a few shows in the lead up to their fourth album, Marlinchen in the Snow (April 19). ‘Clean Cut’ is the latest single.
Jessica Mauboy – Costa Hall, Geelong on March 15
Singer-songwriter and actress Jessica Mauboy is feeling the most comfortable she has felt in her songwriting on her new album, Yours Forever.
Jessica Mauboy’s ‘Yours Forever’ Tour is coming to Geelong and Bendigo in 2024
Harry Manx – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on March 15
The Mohan veena is a twenty-string instrument invented by Harry Manx mentor Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Discover what it’s all about, along with Manx’s ‘mysticssippi’ sound.
Sir Archer – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 15
With their sound being described as an ’80s AM clock radio, Sir Archer is your wake-up call to a better day. Don’t hit snooze. They’ll be joined by Pretty Moi and Berkeley.
Cambodian Space Project – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 15
Founded by Kak Channthy and Tasmanian guitarist Julien Poulson, the Cambodian Space Project is a musical trip through the lost divas and rock and roll legends of Cambodia’s golden age.
The Slingers – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 15
With releases that range in style from rock and roll to electronica to folk, The Slingers have walked an eclectic road on their way to what is known as ‘motel pop’.
Wayne Jury & Eddy Boyle – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 15
Pistol Pete’s has turned ten and they are celebrating by inviting some long-time friends along in Wayne Jury and Eddy Boyle.
Rose Tattoo – Volta, Ballarat on March 15 & The Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on March 16
The tour of local rock legends Rose Tattoo is under the banner of the Southern Stars, a flag, idea and legacy close to the heart of frontman Angry Anderson.
Bob Log III – The Bridge, Castlemaine on March 16
There ain’t no party like a Bob Log III party because this slide guitar one-man party machine don’t quit. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a scotch.
Red Hot Summer Tour – Victoria Park, Newington on March 16
Detroit’s rock queen Suzi Quatro is a regular visitor this way – her first in 1974. She returns for the RHST with Cheap Trick, John Stevens, The Angels, Baby Animals and The Screaming Jets.
The Black Sorrows – WPAC, Wendouree on March 16
Few Australian summer soundtracks are complete without a tune or two from The Black Sorrows. After decades in the game, the thrill of performing remains for the band.
Neil Murray – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 16
Founding Warumpi Band member Neil Murray hit double figures when he released his tenth solo album, The Telling, last year. Kavisha Mazzella will open proceedings.
Hussy Hicks – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on March 16
Get your kicks with Hussy Hicks, the duo of Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker and their blend of folk, blues, country and roots. Kelly Brouhaha supports.
Steve Boyd’s Rum Reverie – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 16
Tom Waits meeting Hound Dog Taylor in Bourbon St, New Orleans is how Steve Boyd’s Rum Reverie has been reviewed. So if that is your cup of tea, you’re going to love this.
Comedy Untamed – The Brewery, Geelong on March 16
No subject matter is off the table when it comes to Comedy Untamed. The second half of every show features on-the-spot games based on audience participation and suggestions.
Guttermouth – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 17
Mind your Ps and Qs, except when it comes time for your favourite Guttermouth song as the punk rock band returns to play Covered with Ants and a whole bunch of fan-demanded tracks.
Lydia Lynch & Joseph Keckler – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 17
Two of New York’s most unique performers come together for this special show that also features a screening of the Lynch doco The War is Never Over (complete with a Q&A).
Anna Scionti – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on 17
It doesn’t matter if it’s a cigar box guitar, resonator, lap steel or six-string guitar – if it’s a guitar, Anna Scionti can make it hum. Hers is a style steeped in blues, roots and rock.
Banned from NSW Tour – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 21
What gets you banned from NSW? Their loss is Victoria’s gain as Fortay, Nter, Rops1 and The Kid Kearve perform live for one night only.
Anh Do – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on March 21
With a smile and charm that can put you at ease in an instant, Anh Do is returning to the stage with his smash-hit show, The Happiest Refugee.
Old Mervs – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 22
Indie-rockers Old Mervs are doing what their tour name suggests, and that is comin’ to a town near you. The WA duo has new EP Give it Up in their back pocket.
Charlie Bedford – Red Lion Hotel, Ballarat on March 22
Having first performed in clubs and pubs at the tender age of twelve, Charlie Bedford knows a thing or two about working a crowd. His latest album is Good to Go.
Steve Poltz – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on March 22
Hosted by The Sound Doctor, Canadian-American songman Steve Poltz is returning for his 22nd tour of Australia. This will be two one-hour sets, with a break of 30 minutes.
Aisha Khan & Louis King – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 22
In the red corner you have London’s rhythm and blues queen Aisha Khan. In the blue you have Melbourne rockabilly king Louis King. Everyone is a winner.
War Bear – The Eastern, Ballarat on March 22
If you had to choose an animal to go to battle with, what would it be? Combining metalcore and hardcore, War Bear is heading out in support of new EP, Wrecked ’Em.
Barracouta – Volta, Ballarat on March 22
With a promise to keep hands clapping and feet stomping, there is nowhere to hide for Barracouta as they emerge from the darkness with some fresh power funk.
Mia Dyson – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on March 23
Inspired by her near-death experience with heart failure, Mia Dyson explores love, death and transformation on her new album, Tender Heart.
Jerkfest 9 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 23
The #1 show for jerks everywhere, Jerkfest 9 welcomes The Uranium Club, R.M.F.C., Wireheads, Straightjacket Nation, Silicone Prairie and a truckload more.
Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham – Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on March 23
Conquering the cage and finding yourself is the theme that runs through Birdsong, the latest release from this blues-country-folk duo.
Jack Botts – Downtown Shepparton on March 23
If the coast is too far to travel, the sounds of Jack Botts will get you as close to ocean living as you can. The surf-folk songman released his debut album, Sucker for Sunsets, last year.
Dave Hole – Bendigo Bank Theatre, Bendigo on March 23
Following the release of his debut album Short Fuse Blues, bluesman Dave Hole was picked up by Chicago heavyweight label Alligator Records. Nine more albums have followed.
The Afrobiotics – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on March 24
Founded as a side-project of the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, The Afrobiotics play Afrobeat but not as you know it. Give in to the good vibrations.
Selve – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 24
Accompanied by a visual film, theatrical alternative rock outfit Selve released their debut album last year. It’s called Red Desert Dream, and they’re taking it on the road.
Brant Bjork Trio – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 28
To celebrate 20 years in the game, desert rock supremo Brant Bjork is paying a visit to our shores in trio form with Mario Lalli and Ryan Gut.
Missy Higgins – Civic Hall, Ballarat on March 29
It has been twenty years since Missy Higgins dropped her debut album The Sound of White and its highly successful single ‘Scar’. Worth celebrating? You betcha.
Shannon Bourne – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on March 30
Blues veteran Shannon Bourne will be joined by drumming rocket Dean Matters and bass master Karl Willebrant for some finger lickin’ good tunes.
Miss Friby – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on March 31
Joined by Stuart Atkin on guitar and Sally Ingram on drums/bass, Miss Friby will lead you through a night of stripped-back soul, country and R&B.
