The best upcoming gigs, live music and concerts in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Torquay and more.
Is there a more shining display of Valentine’s Day romanticism than panic-bought flowers purchased at the last minute from the supermarket? Those sometimes wilting, desperately hoping for a meaningful life, last-to-be-picked displays where petals cascade down like tears if bumped even with the lightest touch? Who is to say? It is your Valentine’s Day, so do as you please. We just hope the day makes your heart go boom, boom, boom.
Outside of that, there are always these gigs to warm the cockles of your heart…
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Sons of the East – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 16
Indie-folk trio Sons of the East have made plenty of friends abroad, and now they’re eager to widen their social circuit locally. Palomar Parade is their debut album.
Anthony Pateras – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 16
Internationally-renowned composer and pianist Anthony Pateras will perform a selection of ’80’s electro-acoustic classical works in a show titled ‘A Dread of Voids’.
Druid Fluids – The Eastern, Ballarat on February 16
You gotta love a band with a rhyming name. Psych outfit Druid Fluids are launching new single ‘Into Me I See’ as they eye their debut full-length release.
The Whitlams – The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on February 17
Featuring their triple j Hottest 100 winner ‘No Aphrodisiac’, The Whitlams’ third album Eternal Nightcap celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Enjoy it in full.
The Stripp – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 17
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t rock and roll all night. Join The Stripp as they celebrate the release of their debut album, Ain’t No Crime to Rock ‘n’ Roll.
KILAT – The Eastern, Ballarat on February 17
Following a few years of discussion, KILAT formed in 2021 to spread the word of explorative raw black metal. They will be supported by DEAD and Wrathian.
Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on February 17 & 18
Enjoy N.O. Funk on February 17 and Jules Boult & His Redeemers on February 18. Tickets come with a complimentary drink and Mardi Gras beads on arrival.
Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras celebrations return to Geelong for 2023
Volta’s Birthday Bash – The Eastern, Ballarat on February 17 & 18
Aw, look at how they’ve grown. Ballarat’s Volta is turning three, and they have some celebrating to do. Artists include Nicholas Cage Fighter and Auntie Leo & the Backstabbers.
Bret Mosley – Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet on February 18
From a small desert town in Texas to New York’s indie scene, touring veteran Bret Mosley has more than 2000 headlining dates under his well-worn belt.
Kingswood – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 18
Following a healthy run in Europe in 2022, Kingswood are embarking on a mindboggling 70+ date tour of Australia. ‘Burning Holes’ is their new single.
Riverboats Music Festival – Echuca from February 17-19
The award-winning festival welcomes Marlon Williams, Spiderbait, C.W. Stoneking, Phil Jamieson & Tex Perkins, Alice Skye, Katy Steele and many more.
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Manish Pingle – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on February 18
Manish Pingle is a virtuoso mohan veena (Indian slide guitar) player who will perform an evening of traditional Indian ragas and folk tunes.
The Bridesmaid – The Vine, Bendigo on February 18
The side project of Four Lions guitarist Keith MacQueen, The Bridesmaid will hit their local to launch their album Modern Rubbish is Life.
Steve Kilbey – The Bridge, Castlemaine on February 18
A treat for The Church fans, with frontman Steve Kilbey hitting the road for some special one-off shows where he will perform the band’s singles from 1980-1992.
Andreas S. Jensen – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on February 18
Danish-born, UK-based singer-songwriter Andreas S. Jensen is in Australia for six weeks as he tours his debut album, Disturbed. Keep Sane will follow in 2023.
Wilbur Wilde & the Trouble Makers – Manchester Arms, Bendigo on February 18
Legendary vocalist and saxophonist Wilbur Wilde and his merry band of troublemakers will have you dancing and singing on the dance floor all night long.
Fulton Street – The Bridge, Castlemaine on February 19
Led by soul queen Shannen Wick, Fulton Street is Melbourne’s favourite street party band. Feel the groove with their latest album, Problems & Pain.
Everclear – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 19
Favourites including ‘Santa Monica’ and ‘Father of Mine’ will be played alongside deep cuts when Everclear make their way to our sunny shores.
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Carla Geneve/Luke Morris & the Heavy Hitters/Quality Used Cars – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on February 19
Triple your listening pleasure with this cracking night of tunes and tales with acts from Western Australia, Byron Bay and Melbourne.
PUB: The Movie – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 23
Fred Negro is an artist, singer and creator of PUB, a cartoon strip tracking the history of St Kilda’s music scene. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the man himself.
Angel Olsen – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 24
Released midyear in 2022, Big Time became Missouri singer-songwriter Angel Olsen’s sixth album in ten years. It was accompanied by a 28-minute visual component.
Storer – The Golden Vine, Bendigo on February 24
Storer is the combined talents of the Storer siblings, Sara and Matt, who have finally decided to team up for an album. Lead single is ‘Show Me’.
a day on the green with Sting – Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds on February 25
It’s another big day on the green with Gordon Sumner, the man known simply as Sting, set to perform all your favourites. He will be joined by James Reyne and Joe Sumner.
The chief of The Police: Sting to swarm Mt Duneed Estate for A Day On The Green
Down South Festival – The Star of the West, Port Fairy on February 25
Get down to Bad//Dreems, Civic, C.O.F.F.I.N, Future Suck, SO.Crates, Queenie, Blowers, Eyeroll, Grond, Convict Class, Bluestone River Band, Lisztomania and Whipwerm.
Red Hot Summer Tour – Bendigo Jockey Club, Ascot on February 25
The hottest summer festival delivers Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Mark Seymour, Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley.
Jordie Lane – The Bridge, Castlemaine on February 25
Having relocated to Nashville in 2018, Jordie Lane’s Australian tours have been rare treats. Here he comes with new collection, The Empty House Tapes.
Stella Donnelly – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 25 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on February 26
She’s been charming audiences abroad, but Stella Donnelly is bringing her music magic back to local audiences. Her latest album is Flood.
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Mick Harvey & J.P. Shilo – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on February 26
A founding member of The Boys Next Door (Harvey) and a founding member of Hungry Ghosts (Shilo) combine for a show of old favourites and new goodies.
Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits – The Bridge, Castlemaine on February 26
Despite coming from punk rock backgrounds, Hana Brenecki and Jessie-Lee Zubkevych take Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits on a country-soul ride.
