Regional Victoria is where it is at this winter when it comes to must-see gigs, events and festivals.
Prices everywhere are sky-high, we’ve had to resort to single ply. Can we verify your wi-fi? Still, may your July satisfy and good times be in high supply. We’d like to drop by to testify, mystify and electrify. Are you down to playing some GoldenEye? Let’s chow down on some French-fries, maybe indulge in some apple pie and watch that movie with Marty McFly, listen to some Sebadoh, digging their lo-fi.
Check out these gigs, they’re super-fly.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The Palais SupperClub – throughout July
Your SupperClub month is Skiffle Party (July 1), Matt Katsis (July 8), Ernest Aines (July 15), Miriam Lieberman (July 22) and D’eux (July 29).
Stand Atlantic – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 7
Stand Atlantic are back with new album F.E.A.R., an anti-concept album that stands as an F-U to the “Hollywood-style story that musicians tell you fell out of their ass”.
James Southwell – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on July 7
Unafraid to push his music past all previously existing boundaries and well past what most musicians consider the limits of what is safe, James’ music comes from a deep love of the blues with heavy inspirational rock and roll influences. Performing with Blues Roulette, this band will capture your attention and you will be totally engrossed.
The Terrys – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 8
Tell you mates Jezza, Kezza and Tezza you’ll meet them down the local for a drink. Tell ’em The Terrys are playing. Tell ’em ‘Waiting for You’ is their new single.
Among the Restless – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 8
Raised on rock and inspired by Australia’s indie-alt-rock sound, Among the Restless present their debut EP in all its glory, Define.
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Eliza Hull – The Bridge, Castlemaine on July 8
Songbird and disability advocate within the music industry, Eliza Hull’s music has featured on various TV shows including Awkward, Teen Wolf and Saving Hope.
The Stitch – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong on July 8
With doses of Jimmy McGriff, Meters and B.B. King, Tasmanian organ outfit The Stitch are crossing the waters for a night of humming tunes.
Reece Mastin – The Vine, Bendigo on July 8 & 9
Last year, Reece Mastin celebrated ten years since taking out 2011’s X Factor. He also has new material in the works, so hopefully you hear some on tour.
Drapht – Volta, Ballarat on July 8; Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on July 9; and Barwon Club, Geelong on July 10
Paul Reid, better known as Drapht, made his first hip hop steps as a seventeen-year-old. Approaching 40 this year, he is still working his craft.
Icky Sticks – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 9
In the words of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, hit me with your Icky Sticks. The Geelong psychedelic enthusiasts are launching their debut EP, Vol 1.
Xani – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on July 9
Singer-songwriter and violinist Xani is getting down with her bad self and new single, the dreamy disco-pop ‘Dreaming of You’.
Tex Perkins and the Fat Rubber Band – Volta, Ballarat on July 9
Bonding over a Link Wray record led to the formation of Tex Perkins and the Fat Rubber Band, which then led to the band’s self-titled 2021 debut.
Jasmin Bade – Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay on July 9 & 31
Studying music at the University of Tasmania, up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Jasmin Bade found success with her debut single, ‘I’m Fine’. ‘Rent’ is her latest.
Bakers Eddy – Volta, Ballarat on July 10
Bakers Eddy have released ‘Drinking Mood’, the sixth single from their debut album. That is a single for most days of the week, with one day left for rest.
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Hannah Acfield – The Bridge, Castlemaine on July 10
More than a decade ago, Hannah Acfield released two EPs before joining her brother for The Acfields. No Light Without Shade is her debut solo full-length release.
Kate Miller-Heidke – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 14 and Costa Hall, Geelong on July 15
Joined by a six-piece band, Kate Miller-Heidke is heading out for the long-awaited tour celebrating her 2020 album, Child in Reverse.
The Jürgens – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 14
Fresh-faced Surf Coast outfit The Jürgens lead a nice little band stack at the BC, where they are sure to play new single ‘Til You Say So’ just for you.
The Hard Aches – Tonic Bar, Bendigo on July 14 & Barwon Club, Geelong on July 15
‘Party Ghost’ is The Hard Aches’ first single since 2019 and is a track that explores finding comfort in the uncomfortable. A new album should drop in 2022, too.
Amy Shark – Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton on July 14; Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 19; Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 20; WPAC, Wendouree on July 21; and Costa Hall, Geelong on July 23 & 24
Playing more than 40 dates across every state and territory, Amy Shark is as busy as any musician has been on her See You Somewhere Australia tour.
The Wolfe Brothers – Corio Hotel, Corio on July 15
The Wolfe Brothers were as happy as anyone to get to do what they love once more when the world opened up – including getting people to hear their fifth album, Kids on Cassette.
Winter Sounds – Daylesford from July 15-17
Enjoy a weekend of intimate performances in Daylesford and the surrounding hills, where everywhere from historic churches to art-deco theatres will play host.
Bendigo Queer Film Festival – Bendigo Cinemas from July 15-17
Your opening night film is Flee, while other highlights include the BQFF International Short Film Festival and a Sunday morning breakfast special with Adam Richard.
Joe Camilleri & the Black Sorrows – The Sands, Torquay on July 16
With the release of Saint Georges Road last year, The Black Sorrows released their nineteenth album, while Joe Camilleri raised his bat to fifty albums.
Fridge – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 16
Back in 1991 when grunge was king, scuzzy fuzz rockers Fridge stepped out in unwashed style. They’re older, wiser, scuzzier and fuzzier.
Katie Brianna – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on July 16
When she was just 15-years-old, Paul Kelly hand-picked Katie Brianna to appear on the soundtrack to Jindabyne. Her latest album is This Way or Some Other.
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Women of Wit – Potato Shed, Drysdale on July 16
Laugh, laugh, laugh the night away to Sonia Di Iorio, Grace Jarvis, Jude Perl, Stevie Stix, Alysha Jane, Linda Batson and Kirsty Webeck.
Xavier Rudd – Costa Hall, Geelong on July 16 and Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on July 17
Songman and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd reached an impressive milestone earlier in the year with the release of album number ten, Jan Juc Moon.
Jem Pryse – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 17
Following his showing at Groovin the Moo, Jem Pryse is keeping the good times rolling with a show that will highlight his recently released debut album, Seek.
Cornish Wreckers – The Eastern, Ballarat on July 17
Festivals in Paris, smuggler dens in Cornwall and medieval pubs and gothic churches in Devon have all played host to international folkloric collective, Cornish Wreckers.
Amyl & the Sniffers – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on July 17
Is there anywhere Amyl & the Sniffers won’t play? Probably not, but that goes to show how much love there is for the band from here to Timbuktu.
Watch Melbourne punk exports Amyl and The Sniffers make US TV debut on ‘Seth Meyers’
Simon Hudson – The Taproom, Castlemaine on July 17
With influences including Carlinhos Brown, The Cat Empire and José González, Melbourne-based songman Simon Hudson weaves a spell of world, roots and folk.
Jeff the Brotherhood – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 22
Tennessee-bred outfit Jeff the Brotherhood, a two-piece consisting of Jake and Jamin Orrall, have missed Australia so much they are returning for Splendour and additional dates.
Set Mo – The Geelong Hotel, Geelong on July 22
After bumping into each other at several parties, Nick Drabble and Stu Turner began their electronic musical journey together as Set Mo.
Van Walker & the Ferriters – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on July 22
A few years ago, songman Van Walker moved to Geelong and hooked up with local Irish outfit The Ferriters. They’re set to launch new album, Greetings from Newton Geelong.
The Go Set – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 22 & Volta, Ballarat on July 29
The Go Set will notch up twenty years in the game next year. Until then, break a sweat to their latest album, Of Bright Futures and Broken Pasts.
Mundane Jane – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 23
With the joy of their debut single ‘Need You Now’ still being felt, Mundane Jane has plenty more to give. They’ll be joined by Fuzzrays, Karen Took the Kids and Left at the Avenue.
Richard Clapton – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on July 23
An iconic name in the Australian music industry, Richard Clapton released a covers album of equally grand names last year titled Music is Love (1966-1970).
Sanctioned & Pizza Death – Trash Cult, Bendigo on July 23
Downtuned Records are promoting two of their finest, with Sanctioned (Annexation) and Pizza Death (Slice of Death) coming at you hard and fast.
Outlaw Winter Wonderland – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon on July 23
A snug mini-fest with part proceeds to the Macedon CFA. Performers include Brooke Taylor & the Poison Spitting Gin Queens and Duncan Phillips.
Dave Graney & Clare Moore – Portland Arts Centre, Portland on July 23
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.
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Russell Morris – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on July 24
In 1966, at the age of 18, Russell Morris began his long musical journey with Somebody’s Image. A few years later he would strike gold with ‘The Real Thing’.
BB&RMF Showcase/Fundraiser – The Vine, Bendigo – July 24
Jay Howie, Flora, Funk Junkies, Charlie Bedford, Maria McCarthy Trio, Alister Turrill and Georgia Rodgers are among the line-up for the first showcase/fundraiser since 2020.
Bret Mosley – Aunty Jack’s, Ballarat on July 24 & The Vine, Bendigo on July 29
Bret Mosley has been a ranch hand, a fur trapper and a computer programmer among his 1001 careers. The Texas-born, NYC-native also plays a mean slide guitar.
Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival – Echuca Moama from July 28-31
After a couple of cancellations, the blues is back, baby. The line-up includes Geoff Achison, 12 Twenty, Nadia, Bill Barber, Sweet Felicia and Jarrod Shaw.
Allday – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on July 29
Capturing moments from his “extended youth”, the new album from Allday, Drinking with My Smoking Friends, marks a new era for Tom Gaynor.
Foggy Notion – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 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.
Shaun Kirk – Saints and Sailors, Portarlington on July 29 & The Palais, Hepburn Springs on July 30
Songman Shaun Kirk made a triumphant return to stages, selling out his Worth the Weight tour post-COVID. ‘Holding onto Hope’ is his new single.
Cush Ryder – The Vine, Bendigo on July 30
An intended six-month tour for Cush Ryder ended up being a seventeen-year stint touring the world, including a couple of years on a cruise ship. His latest EP is Ride Me.
M79 – The Bridge, Castlemaine on July 30
Formed in Castlemaine, M79 fuse electro-funk, Eastern-European reggae, RnB and swinging psych-pop for your listening pleasure.
Sweat Dreams presents – Volta, Ballarat on July 30
Sweat Dreams and Point of Departure have brought together Roy Blues, Bryce Tyson and DJ Quality Time for a night that will heat up the dance floor.
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Lez Zeppelin – Barwon Club, Geelong on July 31
When Jimmy Page has your back, you know you’re the real deal. Lez Zeppelin, the most successful Led Zeppelin tribute band in the world, is heading back to Australia.
Sing a Song of Sixpence – The Commercial Hotel, Terang on July 31
Sing a Song of Sixpence is a writer’s round where some of the country’s finest musos come together to play tunes and share the stories behind the songs.
