Regional Victoria is where it is at this month when it comes to must-see gigs and live music events.
If Nelly was herre, he may well be advocating for the removal of one’s clothes. It’s hot. Hotter than a shearer’s armpit, you may say. It’s so hot the chooks are laying boiled eggs. And you know it’s hot because as well as having the ability to feel temperature, everyone is mentioning how hot it is. That, and there is an increase in swearing at flies and mozzies.
Speaking about the weather is an easy little filler. It’s a speaking-about-nothing topic that isn’t going to offend. Some may hate it, but we say embrace it. It’s a nice day for it.
Take the heat off and enjoy these great gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The Sinsemillian – The Eastern, Ballarat on January 13
Blood, sweat and beers is what you can expect at a Sinsemillian show. That, and plenty of sweet, sweet psychedelic metal.
Haven City – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 13
In the time of snap lockdowns and toilet paper shortages, a couple of Kate Miller-Heidke and Crowded House buffs began making heartfelt folk, pop and organic rock.
Bret Mosley – Hickinbotham of Dromana, Dromana – January 14
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.
Dave Graney & Clare Moore – The Taproom, Castlemaine on January 14
Having created more than 40 albums together, Dave Graney and Clare Moore are surely one of the country’s most enduring creative forces. In a Mistly is their latest.
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Leela Misel – The Ombibulous Project, Port Fairy on January 14
Not too long ago, independent singer-songwriter Leela Misel released her debut single, ‘Switch’. Not bad for someone who picked up a guitar to beat the pandemic blues.
Isabelle Davis – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 14
Releasing her debut EP Small World in 2021, Isabelle Davis is a Melbourne-born, Shanghai-raised and WAAPA-trained singer-songwriter.
Matt Bourke & the Delusional Drunks – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 14
The energy kicks up a notch when this dirty blues-driven rock and roll outfit hits the stage. Catch them as they launch their debut EP, Small Town Blues.
Kim Churchill – Narrawong Mechanics Hall, Narrawong – January 14; The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on January 20; and Noodledorf Brewing, Koroit on January 21
Following shows across Canada and Europe, Kim Churchill is taking his Dawn Sounds album out for his largest Australian tour to date.
M79 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on January 14, 21 & 28
Five-piece electronic funk-rock dance outfit M79 are giving you plenty of opportunities to get on the floor with a Castlemaine residency.
Mat McHugh & The Beautiful Girls – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on January 15
The Together at Last tour celebrates the music of Mat McHugh, as well as his moniker The Beautiful Girls, in one, big beautiful 21-date tour.
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The ChOOks – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 15
Wendy Ealey and Moira Tyers deliver folk, blues and golden standards – and they’re not afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way.
Farm – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine – January 15
Take some multi-layered harmonies, throw in some fuzzy tones, add in some 12-string guitar jangles and you may get a feel for what Farm delivers.
Rhyley McGrath – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 19
Specialising in finger-pickin’ blues and folk, songman Rhyley McGrath is hitting the road with his partner Maddie and their dog Bella.
Grace Petrie – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 20
She has toured with Frank Turner, and supported comedians including Josie Long and Hannah Gadsby, and now UK folk singer-songwriter Grace Petrie returns.
The Vintage Blues Machine – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on December 20
The Vintage Blues Machine just want to make you feel good, and they do this by dressing up in style and playing blues and jazz of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.
Ty Segall – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea on January 20
Good things come to Ty Segall fans that wait. Touring with his Freedom Band, Ty Segall is back for the first time since 2014 where he will tour new album, Hello, Hi.
Locals Night II – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on January 20
The Locals Night returns with the friendly neighbours of Beans, Bananagun, Savage Honey, Mona Bay, Paraquay and DJ Dr Worm.
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BATTS – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on January 20
Singer-songwriter and producer Tanya Batt is behind BATTS. The Nightline is the project’s latest release, recorded in the Australian bush surrounded by horses and lorikeets.
Great Australian Beer Festival – Johnstone Park on January 20 & 21
Put on your drinking pants for two days of beer, beer and beer and music, music, music, including Jolyon Petch, Ash Grunwald and Telenova.
Orange Orange – Volta, Ballarat on January 20 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 22
Ryan Basile is behind indie-alternative project Orange Orange. His new release, The Sun Isn’t Gone, explores the likes of rock, electronica, folk, dance and freak-psychedelia.
Newstead Live, Newstead – January 20 through 23
Michael Waugh, Mariah McCarthy, Tuck Shop Ladies, Joshua Batten, Dan Duggan, Enda Kenny, Cat Canteri and more will roll up their sleeves at 2023’s Newstead Live.
Hepburn Beach Party – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on January 21
Throw some zinc on the nose because Rufino & the Coconuts and Mikelangelo combine their musical superpowers for the first-ever Hepburn Beach Party.
Jarrad Kenny – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 21
When he is not teaching at the Coach Music Academy, singer-songwriter Jarrad Kenny is sharing his love of soulful acoustic tunes.
DJ Boring – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on January 21
Set your expectations low and you can’t be disappointed. Is this the case with DJ Boring? Is it a trick? Who knows, but our guess is DJ Boring is anything but boring.
Tiaryn – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 21
When singer-songwriter and pianist Tiaryn was stuck in Perth in 2020, she spent her time learning Burt Bacharach songs and Disney soundtracks. Now she is back in Melbourne.
BABBA – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on January 21
BABBA have had us moving like the dancing queen for more than two decades. Step back to the 1970s and sing yourself hoarse.
Richard Clapton – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on January 22
It’s hard to believe Richard Clapton has not performed at the Torquay Hotel before, but such is the case. Enjoy an evening with an iconic Australia songwriter.
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Slimy and the Fishstix – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 25
They’re a little punk, a little grunge, a little garage rock/surf rock. They are Slimy and the Fishstix, and they’re headlining the End of Days Drama Fest with a few mates.
Ian Pooley & Merve – The Inn Hotel, Geelong on January 25
A mid-week treat is coming at you for Australia Day Eve with Germany’s Ian Pooley and Melbourne’s Merve combining for a little magic.
Bones and Jones – The Bridge, Castlemaine on January 27
Take a generous serving of Australiana and mix it with an equally generous serving of Kiwi alt-rock and you get the joyful farm rock sounds of Bones and Jones.
Brett Franke – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 27
Fuelled by a 12-string acoustic guitar, songman Brett Franke delivers a powerhouse set of foot stompin’ blues-rock, funk and progressive rock.
Free Time – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on January 27
With recording beginning back in early 2017, Free Time released their third album, Jangle Jargon, in the back-half of 2022.
Reece Mastin – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 28
It’s a fancy dress musical party, with Reese Mastin performing all his hits as patrons are encouraged to dress up. Best dressed wins a merchandise pack and signed poster.
Georgia Rodgers – Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford on January 28
Armed with her trusty loop pedal and Telecaster, Georgia Rodgers brings to the stage a combination of jazz and blues.
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Matt Joe Gow – Saints and Sailors, Portarlington – January 28
Last time Music Victoria winner and Americana songman played Saints and Sailors, it was a full house. His forthcoming album is titled Between Tonight & Tomorrow.
Jason Heerah – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on January 28
With a musical style stemming from the famous Motown era, singer-drummer Jason Heerah has worked with some of the best artists from Mauritius.
Hottest 100 Party – Geelong Hotel, Geelong on January 28
The Geelong Hotel hosts a sweet little triple j Hottest 100 with special guests KLP, We Are Nuts, Coco Du Ma and more.
Hottest 100 Party – The Inn Hotel Car Park, Geelong on January 28
The Inn Hotel is hosting their own little triple j Hottest 100 party, with Odd Mob your guest of honour. The official kick-on will be held at the Geelong Hotel.
Cosmic Psychos – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on January 28 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on January 29
Supporting Gun N’ Roses on their recent tour, Cosmic Psychos are heading back to their favourite smaller venues. With support from Thee Cha Cha Chas and Dick Move.
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