Jump in for some juicy jives this October as the live music scene heats up in regional Victoria.
A long time ago, when my head sat closer to the ground than it does today, I saw a ghost. May well you be sceptical and pass it off as nothing but a child’s nightmare, but I swear on the memory of Harold Ramis that I did. It just kind of hovered there looking like a Scooby Doo ghost. Still, where it actually sat on the friendly-frightening scale of Casper to The Jackal I did not wish to chance, for wee me was more concerned with doing a little wee. I ran into my parents’ room and they did the parental thing.
Shortly thereafter, my dad, God rest his soul, hammered some nails into the outside window sill. ‘Next time the ghost comes a-haunting, it will get its jingles caught on these ’ere jangles,’ he said. Of course, he didn’t speak like that. However, he essentially explained that any ghost wishing to enter my room would snag itself on the protruding fasteners and would therefore be denied entry to my otherwise safe and snug abode. His theory proved effective. I never saw another ghost. And it’s why I always bring nails with me when I stay in hotels.
Have a Happy Halloween and enjoy these frighteningly good October gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
360 ALLSTARS – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on October 3
Hey now, you’re an all star. BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more combine for this urban circus that connects the street with the elite.
Cosmic Psychos – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 4
Good blokes Cosmic Psychos are doing a few good shows. You can come if you want to. Or you can stay at home. They’re cool either way, but you would probably have more fun there.
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Shane Howard & Band – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on October 4
From Goanna days to his solo work, Shane Howard has been at his craft for more than 40 years as he has cemented his place as one of the country’s most influential singer-songwriters.
COG – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on October 5
Next year will mark 20 years since prog-rockers COG released their debut album, The New Normal. Until then, they’re closing out the year with some regional fun.
Rogue Traders – Civic Hall, Ballarat on October 5
Formed by James Ash and Steve Davis, Rogue Traders became a seven-time Top 20 ARIA Single Chart hit machine when joined by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Tim Henwood and Cameron McGlinchey.
Slow Grind Fever – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on October 5
Slow Grind Fever is dusting off the slowest, spookiest, sweetest, swinginest old records they can find for people to slow dance to in a haze of smoke and dim red lights.
Sarah McDonald Quintet – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine on October 5
Sarah McDonald has put together her dream team in order to visit soul and jazz from the likes of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley and Freddie Hubbard.
Olympia – Volta, Ballarat on October 5
Olympia, real name Olivia Jayne Bartley, is heading out with a spring in her step as she hits the road with full band in tow and fresh tunes from an upcoming full-length album.
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Port Fairy Community Ball – The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy on October 5
Come along and support the local community of Port Fairy and the special community groups and clubs within as you let your hair down, frock-up and dance the night away.
Daniel Muggleton – The Deck Ballarat on October 5 & Mozart Hall, Warrnambool on October 6
In the near-words of ZZ Top, every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man in a red tracksuit. His name is Daniel Muggleton and his new show is Blinded by the Whites.
IKSRE – Fyansford Paper Mill, Fyansford throughout October
The moniker of Phoebe Dubar, IKSRE curates this special series featuring Tom Barton (Oct 5), Hamish Upton (Oct 12), Anna Morley (Oct 19) and Pepper Willow (Oct 26).
A Conversation with Tim Minchin – Costa Hall, Geelong on October 9
In a conversation with Jacinta Parsons, Tim Minchin explore life, art, success, kindness, love and more as he welcomes his first non-fiction book, You Don’t Have to Have a Dream.
Hyperdog – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on October 10
Is your cuddly canine causing a commotion? Then you need an injection of Hyperdog and their egg-punk sound inspired by the Californian garage scene.
Jack Ladder – Itinerant Spirts (Goods Shed), Ballarat on October 10
Having toured everywhere from Bali to Berlin, it’s been a busy year for Jack Ladder. It’s still busy as the singer-songwriter hits the road with musical mate Ryder the Eagle.
Kate Miller-Heidke – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on October 10 & The Play House, GAC on October 11
From her greatest hits to her original musical numbers, covers to the odd request, Kate Miller-Heidke is serving up a little bit of everything on her Catching Diamonds tour.
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Oceans – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 11
With inspiration from the ambient to new wave to the dream pop of the ’90s, Oceans have been experimenting in the studio with new album, Luminosity.
Out on the Weekend – Itinerant Spirts (Goods Shed), Ballarat on October 11
Saddle up as Out on the Weekend goes country with a humdinger of a line-up featuring Uncle Lucius, Nick Shoulders, Margo Cilker, Freya Josephine Hollick, Watershed Stringband and more.
Pyrex – The Eastern, Ballarat on October 11
One year on from the release of their debut eight-track EP, Pyrex return for another serving of dream pop with Gemini. Dayfever and Hap & Ryda will join in.
The Mojo Corner – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on October 11
The sweet seven behind The Mojo Corner are a little bit rock, a little bit roots, a little bit blues, a little bit soul and a whole lotta heart.
How Sweet It Is – Potato Shed, Drysdale on October 11 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on October 12
Partners on stage and off, Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove welcome you into their world of love, marriage and the intricacies of being a couple.
World Music Series – Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine throughout October
The Northern Arts Hotel’s World Music Series continues with performances from Raziel Gutiérrez Soto Duo on October 11 and Miguel Rios on October 20.
Khan – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 12
Stand aside, Chaka. Stand aside, The Wrath of. Heavy prog-psych outfit Khan hits the stage for the first time in 2024 after spending several months working on a new album.
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Chocolate Starfish – The Play House, GAC on October 12
In this 30-year celebration of Chocolate Starfish, you’ll be getting more than the band’s hits. You’ll be getting choice cuts from Meat Loaf, INXS and Queen. It’s the Best of Everything tour.
Pseudo Echo – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on October 12
While a trip to Funky Town is always guaranteed, Pseudo Echo has enjoyed several local Top 20 hits including ‘Listening’, ‘A Beat for You’ and ‘Don’t Go’.
Ross Wilson – The Capital, Bendigo on October 12
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.
The Blues Tram – Bendigo on October 12
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage Class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of Archer and Matt Katsis.
David Bridie – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on October 12
Taking a seat at a piano, journeyed songman David Bridie will navigate his way through Not Drowning Waving, My Friend the Chocolate Cake and solo material.
Checkerboard Lounge – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on October 13
Fire, virtuosity and improvisation fuel the blues, classic soul and roots stylings of Checkerboard Lounge. Roller Coast is the band’s latest album.
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Ally Row – Awaken Coffee, Bendigo on October 13
On a mission to Patchewollock Music Festival, Gippsland-based indie pop-folk rock duo Ally Row will warm up with a Sunday afternoon session of music, food and sangria.
G-String Nicotine – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 13
Get hooked on G-String Nicotine as they bring their raw, unapologetic punk-rock energy to the stage. They’ll be joined by Busking in Pompeii and Serenity Zero.
William Alexander – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on October 13
With a style reminiscent of Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, the singing stockman himself, William Alexander, is playing a free Sunday afternoon special.
Honky Tonk Queens – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on October 13
Known for the theatrical show Coal Miner’s Daughter, here Amber Joy Poulton pays tribute to the Queens of Country – Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.
Dakota East – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on October 13
Born in Canada but now based in Melbourne, coastal country rising star Dakota East was a top ten finalist in the 2024 Tamworth Toyota Starmaker Competition.
Emily Barker – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on October 17
A singer-songwriter, composer (she wrote and performed Wallander’s theme) and poet, Emily Barker is touring her latest album, Fragile as Humans.
Ray O’Leary – The Story House, GAC on October 17
He may be from New Zealand, but he is everywhere in Australia. So he is kind of like Pavlova where we both get to claim him. Your Laughter is Just Making Me Stronger is his new show.
Fortay + Nter + Ribby247 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 17
Settle in for a night of tongue twisters with Fortay, Nter and Ribby247. Joining them will be Jugada, Kussin & Bobby Soda, C Chef & D Tha Artist, Creation, Nazza and DJ Jungle J
Middle Kids – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on October 17 & Civic Hall, Ballarat on October 19
Some statistics somewhere, maybe, suggest the best kids are those born in the middle. Faith Crisis Pt 1 is the latest release from Sydney’s indie trio The Middle Kids.
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D.C Cross – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on October 18
Previously of Gerling, Darren “D.C” Cross has spent the last several years working on a craft that he refers to as Australian Ecstatic Guitar. Glookies Guit is his latest release.
Frenzal Rhomb – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on October 18
25 years and their life is still tryin’ to get up that great big hill of punk rock. Well, not exactly, but Frenzal Rhomb is celebrating the 25th anniversary of A Man’s Not a Camel.
Nazeem Hussain – The Story House, GAC on October 18
Following a two-year break, Nazeem Hussain is back and he wants to let you know all is okay. Find out what he’s been up to in his new show, Totally Normal.
The Smith Street Band – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on October 18 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 19
After completing their 15-year anniversary tour, it became abundantly clear to all that The Smith Street Band needed more time to celebrate. And so here they are with more shows.
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High Pass Filter & Machine Translations – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on October 19
The nineties are in town as Fitzroy underground kings High Pass Filter and indie-pop, folk and electronica explorers Machine Translations team up to launch their double vinyl releases.
Steve Kilbey – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on October 19
Hits and deep cuts from The Church, solo material and covers will all get a run as Steve Kilbey looks back on his career with songs, anecdotes and observations.
Sand Pebbles – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on October 19
Hypnotic. Cosmic. Kinetic. Spiritually Aware. This is Sand Pebbles, the Melbourne outfit with psychedelia in their veins since 1987. The Antagonist is their latest.
Pink Pony Club – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on October 19
It’s the show where you don’t have to be able to say femininomenon to have a good time. With Superficial DJS spinning the biggest pop tracks, boys and girls can all be queens at PPC.
Wendy Rule – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on October 20
Originally from Melbourne but now living life in New Mexico, spellbinding singer-songwriter Wendy Rule returns to play songs from her latest release, Meadowlark, and more.
Wendy Stapleton – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on October 22 & Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on October 23
The great Wendy Stapleton takes on the Swinging Sixties and a songbook of The Chiffons, The Ronettes, The Shirelles, Petula Clark, Lulu, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield and more.
Umlaut – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on October 24
The project of Mr Bungle’s Clinton Bär McKinnon, Umlaut is heading out for one of their biggest tours to date. Andy Burns supports.
Bill Bailey – Deakin University, Geelong on October 24
How can the history of human thought help us thrive and survive in a brand new world? Join Bill Bailey as he dives inside his mind and yours in new show, Thoughtifier.
Salt Tree – Volta, Ballarat on October 24 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 26
Keen surfers and nature lovers, soulful acoustic duo Salt Tree were born where the forest meets the sea. Their new single is ‘Dreaming of a Future’.
Toby Mobbs – Beav’s Bar, Geelong on October 25
Toby Mobbs is a librarian by day and singer-songwriter by night who is setting out on a 15,000km journey in support of his second album, In Between the Worlds.
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Jon Stevens & Kate Ceberano – Costa Hall, Geelong on October 25
More than three decades after the smash success of Jesus Christ Superstar, two of its superstar performers in Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano are together again to revisit the hits.
The Angels – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on October 25
If it’s true that if you love what you do you never work a day in your life, then The Angels haven’t worked a day in 50 years. Hear all your favourites as they celebrate this milestone.
SOS – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on October 25
Mixing the greatest hits of ABBA with a selection of the hottest disco track of the ’70s, SOS will rule the stage while you rule the dance floor.
Sovereign Slaughter Fest – The Eastern, Ballarat on October 25
The inaugural Sovereign Slaughter Fest will be led by Tasmania’s Van Diemen playing their first Ballarat show. Aeons Abyss, Spacegoat, Distorta and Order of Torment round out the bill.
COOLDAD – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 25
The coolest dads on the block, indie-rock trio COOLDAD, are launching their new single, ‘Major Sea’. Heath Robertson Band and Nina Leo will be hanging out as well.
Taylor Moss – Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo on October 25
At the forefront of the new generation of Australian country you will find Taylor Moss. Her childhood, heartbreak and the possibilities of the future are explored on debut album, Firecracker.
Tash York – The Open House, GAC on October 25 & 26
Happy hour isn’t solely about cheap drinks, but it doesn’t hurt. The Trash Queen of Cabaret, Tash York, is on a mission to find out what makes us happy in new show, Happy Hour.
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Daryl Braithwaite – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on October 25 & The Story House, GAC on October 27
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’.
Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley – Odessa at Leaver’s, Creswick on October 26
A visual artist, actor and musician, Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley is launching her new album, I Am Here. In part, it explores her life growing up in north Queensland.
Gord Bamford – Gateway Hotel, Corio on October 26
Born in Traralgon, Gord Bamford moved to Canada at an early age. Today he is one of Canada’s most successful country artists with 26 Canadian Country Music Association awards to his name.
Valley Road + Cate Taylor + Katankin – The Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo on October 26
Prepare to have your spirits uplifted as Valley Road, Cate Taylor and Katankin team up for a triple-header of indie, country and folk music.
The Deserters – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on October 27
The Deserters is the combined musical powers of Brooke Taylor and Delsinki. Enjoy an afternoon of new songs and covers, with support from Steven Gates (Tripod).
Semantics – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 27 & Volta, Ballarat on October 31
An already strong bond became that much tighter throughout the recording of I Feel it All at Once, the latest release from Brisbane indie-punk quartet Semantics.
Bootleg Rascal – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on October 31
Bootleg Rascal are nearing the end of their current tour celebrating new song ‘Oti’, a tribute to guitarist Jimmy Young’s son Otis featuring Danté Knows.
Fanny Lumsden – Maurocco Bar, Castlemaine on October 31
From a sheep farm in western NSW to Glastonbury, two ARIAs, nine Golden Guitars and more, it’s been a wild ride for Fanny Lumsden. And it’s one that’s far from over.
