The best upcoming gigs, live music and concerts in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Torquay and more.
Ah, Easter. While it is the most important day in Christianity, many simply associate it with chocolatey goodness. In pre-Christian pagan times, spring meant giving thanks to the ancient goddess of fertility Ēostre, from which Easter derives its name. Since the rabbit was seen as a symbol of fertility and new life, it too became associated with springtime and Easter. While eggs were originally decorated and given as presents, the first British company to sell chocolate Easter Eggs was J. S. Fry and Sons, Ltd., later absorbed by Cadbury. And we’ve been coo-coo for cocoa ever since.
And how could one not love a rabbit? Well, maybe except Frank from Donnie Darko. And the demonic rabbit from Twilight Zone: The Movie. And the Easter Bunny from Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. And General Woundwort from Watership Down. And the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And the giant mutant rabbits from Night of the Lepus. And The White Rabbit from 1988’s Alice…
Anyway, here you have a heap of April gigs. Happy Easter! Enjoy.
Just remember to check band or venue socials to keep up with the latest updates.
The Ugly Kings – Volta, Ballarat on April 1
Strange, Strange Times is the new album from Melbourne power blues outfit The Ugly Kings, and it captures all the madness of the last few years.
Trophy Eyes – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 1
All eyes are on Trophy Eyes as the anthemic punk rockers hit the road for their first headline tour in a couple of years. Feel free to check out their single ’27 Club’.
Dave Graney & Clare Moore – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 1
With more than 40 albums under their belt, including their latest Everything Was Funny, you never quite know what you’re going to get from Dave Graney and Clare Moore.
Mama Kin Spender – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 1
Playing their only club show of this current run, Mama Kin Spender will make up for too much lost time with a show aided by the Macapella Singers.
DEAD – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 1
DEAD are gearing up to play their first hometown show in super-dooper power trio mode, where they will be joined by The Girlfriends.
Julia Jacklin – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on April 1 and The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 2 & 3
Unfortunately for Julia Jacklin and her international fans, she wasn’t able to head to the US for shows with Courtney Barnett. But their loss is our gain.
Gordon Koang – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 1 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 9
Music brings people together, but arguably few do it with such positivity as Gordon Koang. His latest album is Unity.
Steph Bitter – Handle Bar, Bendigo on April 1 & The Vine, Bendigo on April 23
We could all do with a heart to heart every now and again. Share some thoughts with Steph Bitter and her new EP, Playful Thoughts of a Sentimental Heart.
Great Australian Beer Festival – Johnstone Park, Geelong on April 2
There will be beer. There will be music including The Badloves and Art vs. Science. There will be beer. There will be food. There will be beer. The GABF has it all, including beer.
Superfuzz Festival – Platform Arts, Geelong on April 2
Designed by teens to support underage music, the AA Superfuzz Festival welcomes the likes of Mundane Jane, Neuritis, Sirens, Paraquay and more.
Beautiful Dark – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 2
Premiering at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2019, Beautiful Dark is a musical collective that brings to life the music of Twin Peaks.
Keaper – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 2
Melbourne-based Keaper draw inspiration from the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, The Sundays and The 1975. Their new EP is Fade.
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Felicity Urquhart – Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo on April 2
A winner of multiple Country Music Awards, Felicity Urquhart has teamed up with Josh Cunningham of The Waifs for a series of shows.
Kitten Heel – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 2
Kitten Heel is the combination of university mates Jareth Leslie-Evans and Jourdain Vitiello, and they create a sound that sits somewhere between rock and rave.
Wrapped Up 3 – Phoenix Park, Ballan on April 2
Jump around to the likes of RVG, Civic, Krakatau, Leah Senior, Bananagun, The Living Eyes, Parsnip, Sleeper & Snake, Martin Frawley and many more.
Gabriella Cohen – Volta, Ballarat on April 2 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 3
Gabriella Cohen self-produced and recorded the bulk of her third album Blue No More, which will hopefully bring a smile to your dial.
Mast Gully Fellers – Handle Bar, Bendigo on April 2 & Hustler, Bendigo on April 3
With doses of alt-country and blues, to ballads and Celtic punk, Mast Gully Fellers play what they lovingly refer to as Australiana bar-room folk and roots.
Jack Carty – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on April 3
We’re not all morning people, but muso Jack Carty is hoping everyone wakes a little more cheerily with his new album, Wake to a Bright Morning.
Hard-Ons – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 7
For almost four decades, Hard-Ons have been delivering the punk goods far and wide. Now, they have managed to (easily) convince Tim Rogers to head the band.
Allday – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 7
Capturing moments of his “extended youth”, Drinking with My Smoking Friends is the new album from Tom Gaynor, better known as Allday.
Supersoakerr – Volta, Ballarat on April 7
Summer just wasn’t summer without a full blast of cold water in your face from a Supersoaker. As for the band Supersoakerr, they’re a blast of garage rock.
The Rubens – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on April 7; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on April 9 and The Pier, Geelong on April 10
Comprised of three brothers and a couple of mates, The Rubens are kicking out their feel-good jams, including their new single in ‘Waste a Day’.
Surround Sounds: Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival – April 7-May 8
Showcasing a wide variety of music and experiences, the Surround Sounds – Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival offers something for everyone.
Tex Perkins & the Fat Rubber Band – Volta, Ballarat on April 8
If I had a dollar for every time I craved existential electric country funk folk rock swamp witch blues, I would use those funds to buy Tex Perkins & the Fat Rubber Band’s album.
Renée Geyer – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 8
Releasing her self-titled debut in 1973, Renée Geyer is regarded as one of the country’s finest exponents of jazz, soul and R&B.
Grace Cummings – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 8
Armed with her second album Storm Queen, Melbourne folk/blues singer-songwriter Grace Cummings is seeing what the rest of the country is up to.
Adam Harvey – The Capital, Bendigo on April 8
A winner of eight Golden Guitars, Adam Harvey has been doing the rounds in support of his latest album, Songs from Highway One.
Mightiest of Guns – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 8 & The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 23
From fuzzed-out Australian rock to growling noir country, Melbourne outfit Mightiest of Guns are hitting the road with new single, ‘Give it a Rest’.
Nathan Seeckts – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on April 8; Austin’s Winery, Geelong on April 10; and Stars and Bars Festival, Heathcote on April 23
Nathan Seeckts is soon to return to the studio, but before he does so he is kindly sharing all the new tracks he has been working on, plus a few more.
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DZ Deathrays – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 9
Positive Rising: Pt 2 is the second instalment of DZ Deathrays’ two-part album, and it apparently packs a moodier punch than its predecessor.
Mike Elrington – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 9
After hearing Dire Straits’ ‘Money for Nothing’, Mike Elrington would pretend his squash racquet was a guitar. Today, the blues-roots muso is one of the hardest workers around.
Homecoming Presents – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 9
Homecoming Presents takes artists back to their hometown. Here, you will have the pleasure of Crepes and Chimpanzee.
Dianas – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 9
From a drunken conversation between friends that never ended, dream pop outfit Dianas continue to stun with their third album, Little Glimmer.
The Monaros – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 9
If you don’t own a pair of Dunlop Volleys, yobbo punksters The Monaros would like a word. And if you’re looking for a good time, they would like a word.
Phi11a – Volta, Ballarat on April 9
Raised in Sydney’s Inner-West, rapper Phi11a combines powerful, dirty and thought-provoking lyrics with a strong work ethic.
Land of Plenty – Showgrounds, Shepparton on April 9
They don’t lie. Land of Plenty delivers plenty of the good stuff, including Ball Park Music, G Flip, Thundamentals, Birdz, Thornhill and many more.
Last Quokka & Plaster of Paris – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 10
For when one punk rock band doesn’t cut it, you have the co-headlining tour of Western Australia’s Last Quokka and Victoria’s Plaster of Paris.
Ain’t That Swell – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 10
Hosted by Jed ‘Smivvy’ Smith and Vaughan ‘Rinsed Corn’ Dead, one of the best surfing podcasts is hitting the road. 100% pure adrenaline.
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Deuce – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 10
Comprised of visual artist and musician Kayleigh Heydon and Curtis Wakeling (The Ocean Party, Pop Filter), Deuce are launching their self-titled debut.
Neil Murray – Hotel Warrnambool, Warrnambool on April 10
A founding member of the Warumpi Band, Neil Murray has been performing for four decades. Blood and Longing is his latest album.
Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival – Showgrounds, Shepparton on April 10
Tip your hat to the likes of Lee Kernaghan, Casey Barnes, Brad Cox, Felicity Urquhart, Andrew Swift, Cass Hopetoun and a whole lot more.
Dr Colossus – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 14
Simpsons-themed outfit Dr Colossus have a new album with a really long title that won’t fit in this small space, but reports say that it is a perfectly cromulent affair.
Stella Donnelly – Volta, Ballarat on April 14
The New York Times, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone all dug Stella Donnelly’s debut, so they are sure to be among those looking forward to her second album late this year.
Children Collide – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 14 & Barwon Club, Geelong on April 15
Time flies. In the nick of time. As time goes by. Time after time. Time is money. If you still have time to spare, check out Children Collide’s album Time Itself.
Easter Blues Bender – Bendigo, April 14-18
Presented by the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival, Easter Blues Bender takes on various venues across its run. Easter Saturday at The Vine is a tribute to Sunbury Festival.
WAAX – Volta, Ballarat on April 15
Hold on tight, you know WAAX is a little bit dangerous. After two years of cancelled shows, WAAX are coming for you – and they may even have a few new songs.
Dallas Woods – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 15
Growing up in East Kimberley, Dallas Woods was known as ‘Julie’s Boy’, the legendary matriarch of the community. Fittingly, his new EP is Julie’s Boy.
Pinch Points – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 15 & The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 30
On their new album Process, Melbourne post-punks Pinch Points engage with the social and political fractures in so-called ‘Australia’.
Anticline & Heists – Volta, Ballarat on April 16
Like many, Anticline and Heists grew weary of staying at home. The Sick of Staying at Home tour celebrates clearer skies.
Triple One – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 21
Western Sydney hip hop crew Triple One co-wrote their new emotive track, ‘Come Over’, with Matt Mason of the DMA’s. Now they’re touring it.
Lillie Mae & Her Family Band – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 21
Set to play Boogie Festival, Nashville-based Lillie Mae & Her Family Band (siblings Frank and Scarlett, and UK guitarist Craig Smith) are dropping by some smaller venues as well.
Polish Club – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 22
Rumours suggest Polish Club’s latest album Now We’re Cookin’ is the perfect album to play in the kitchen while you’re whipping up spaghetti bolognese.
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Tumbleweed – Volta, Ballarat on April 22
In December 1992, Tumbleweed released their self-titled debut. That upcoming 30-year anniversary is worth celebrating, don’t you think?
Homecoming Presents – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 22
Homecoming Presents takes artists back to their hometown. Here, you will have the pleasure of Cool Sounds, Romero, The Prize and Moody Beaches.
The Delta Riggs – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 22
Arguably Kubrick’s lesser known work, 2022 A Riggs Odyssey will see The Delta Riggs hitting the road for old favourites and new offerings.
The Lazy Eyes – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 22
A loving part of Australia’s psych-rock scene, The Lazy Eyes have been anything but lazy putting together their debut album, SongBook.
RocKwiz – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on April 22
One good thing of having forced time out recently, is participants of RocKwiz have been able to brush up on their music trivia. The show is on the road again.
1927 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on April 22
‘That’s When I Think of You’, ‘Compulsory Hero’, ‘To Love Me’ and ‘If I Could’ will be among the songs performed when Aussie icons 1927 take the stage.
OK Motels – Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong on April 22
OK Motels is back in Geelong, and they have dragged along Cosmic Psychos, The Living Eyes, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice and Operation Karma for the ride.
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The Smith Street Band – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 22 & Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on April 23
The Smith Street Band’s postponed 2021 shows are coming your way, with the band hitting the road to remind people of what they’re all about.
Loose Bricks & Majak Door – The Geelong Hotel, Geelong on April 22 & Volta, Ballarat on April 24
It is time to double your fun with Loose Bricks and Majak Door, a couple of Melbourne-based bands with country hearts and manners.
MorningMaxwell – Volta, Ballarat on April 23
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the feel-good, party vibes of DJ and producer Max Bishop, who some may know better as MorningMaxwell.
Fight Floods & War with Rock & Love – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 23
A NSW/Queensland floods and Ukrainian humanitarian fundraiser featuring Redro Redriguez & His Inner Demons, Green Blanket, Jelly Mammoth and many more.
Henry Wagons – The Capital, Bendigo on April 23
From Graceland to Gippsland and everywhere in between, Henry Wagons has more stories than he does songs – and he has a whole lotta songs.
Crowded House – Mount Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds on April 23
A Day on the Green welcomes Crowded House, one of the most loved Australian bands of all time. It’s only natural that you’re going to love this.
Stars & Bars Festival – Palling Brothers Brewery, Heathcote on April 23
The Seven-Ups, Nathan Seeckts, Alister Turrill and more are on board for Heathcote’s trail blazin’, star gazin’, hell raisin’ Stars and Bars Festival.
The Grogans – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 23
It’s not a bad job when you get to hang out with your best mates and play music. Meet The Grogans, a trio who dabble in surf, punk, blues, garage, rockabilly and more.
Geelong Bus Tour – April 23 & April 30 (and May 7)
Departing from the iconic Barwon Club, the Geelong Bus tour features a special guest as music lovers are taken on a guided tour of Geelong’s best bits.
FANGZ – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 24
Some shows are postponed, while others are new. But everyone will leave happy after FANGZ rip through a set, which hopefully includes new single ‘Won’t Be Me’.
Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 28
There wasn’t much room to move in 2021, but Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders still managed to release the album Hijack!.
Felipe Baldomir – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 28
Indie-folk singer-songwriter Felipe Baldomir is delivering hope to all with his new single, ‘Everything is Fine’. And we could all do with a dose of optimism.
Odette – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on April 28 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on April 29
Odette’s album Herald, released at the beginning of 2021, acts as a nuanced discussion about the positives and negatives of mental illness.
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Foggy Notion – The Palais, Hepburn Springs on April 29
Originally formed as a two-piece, the more buff Foggy Notion performs dreamy pop with the tug of a teardrop. You can enjoy their new album, Vol.2.
Adalita – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 29
In 1991, Adalita helped kick-start Magic Dirt. Since 2011, she has been rocking it as a solo artist. Since the day she was born, she was rocking the world.
Eliza Hull – The Bridge, Castlemaine on April 29
The music of Eliza Hull has featured on Awkward, Teen Wolf and Saving Hope. This year, the singer-songwriter will add a new EP to her collection.
Mod Con & Sarah Mary Chadwick – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 29
Here is some pretty great news for Ballarat music lovers, with Mod Con and Sarah Mary Chadwick set to visit the area for the first time.
Human Nature – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on April 29 & Costa Hall, Geelong on April 30
Human Nature may have been in the game for three decades, but they sure don’t look or sound it. Enjoy a night of originals, Motown classics and more.
Pseudo Hive Mind – The Eastern, Ballarat on April 30
Melbourne psych outfit Pseudo Hive Mind kicked off the year with single ‘You Can Run’, but that is only the beginning with the band currently working on a new album.
Dan Dinnen & Shorty – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on April 30
The collaboration of Dan Dinnen and Anthony ‘Shorty’ Shortte helped them win Music Victoria’s Best Blues Act 2021.
Franklin’s Mint – Barwon Club, Geelong on April 30
Phil Franklin (Secret Chiefs, Sunburned Hand of Man) is behind Franklin’s Mint, and they’re touring Australia for the first time. Enjoy a special show in G-Town.
Groovin the Moo – Showgrounds, Bendigo on April 30
Groovin the Moo is back, and it has been missed. Performers include Wolf Alice, Broods, Thomas Headon, Alice Ivy, Hilltop Hoods, Spiderbait and Montaigne.
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