As Victoria’s Labour Day long weekend approaches, a public holiday awaits many.
So, who do we have to thank? Well, working life was tough back in the 1850s, with workers putting in up to 16 hours a day, six days a week.
It wasn’t until a bunch of stonemasons decided enough was enough for change to take shape. I know what you are thinking: Aren’t they responsible for making Steve Guttenberg a star? No, that was the Stonecutters from The Simpsons. That and Police Academy, Short Circuit and Cocoon.
On April 21, 1856, they downed tools and walked off the job in protest as they demanded a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. They had had a gutful and decided we’re not gonna take it. I know what you are thinking: Isn’t that a Twisted Sister song? Wait, did the movement inspire the song? Yes, and highly doubtful.
Twisted Sister did, however, rally against the establishment. You see, back in the 1980s the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) decided the music of the day was becoming a touch too vulgar – it was, essentially, a ‘won’t someone think of the children?’ moment. Led by Tipper Gore among others, they compiled the ‘Filthy Fifteen’ list – a collection of objectionable songs they felt were corrupting young minds. Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ was on this list. It went before the Senate, where Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider would speak out against the PMRC. All this eventually resulted in those parental guidance stickers on CDs. I know what you are thinking: What’s a CD?
Whatever issues remain in the current climate, there’s no harm in sparing a moment to recognise the good fight put in by the stonemasons. And if nothing else, hopefully you have a day off to enjoy a BBQ, fire up some tunes and forget about working life for a while.
I hope you enjoy March’s gigs…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Gorgi Coghlan & Anna-Lee Robertson – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on March 5
Celebrating almost 40 years of friendship, Gorgi Coghlan and Anna-Lee Robertson will take you on a musical journey through Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin, Paul Simon, Cole Porter, Adele and more.
Simon Joyner – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on March 5
Joined by backing band The Eucalypts, which features Leah Senior, Jesse Williams and Michael Beach, celebrated American songman Simon Joyner is touring Australia for the first time.
Hannah Aldridge – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 6
With one foot inside country and the other inside rock, Hannah Aldridge comes armed with a fierce Southern energy. She will be joined by Riley Catherall.
The Butterfly Effect – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 6
Few birthdays are celebrated quite like turning twenty-one. And so it is that The Butterfly Effect is hitting the road to celebrate their debut album, Begins Here, reaching this milestone.
Festival of Small Halls – Deans Marsh Community Hall, Deans Marsh on March 6
The Festival of Small Halls plucks artists from two of the country’s largest festivals and serves them up in an intimate setting. Here you have Hat Fitz & Cara and Lucy Farrell.
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Lay Low – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 7
Despite their name, Lay Low have been doing anything but as they set out to launch new single ‘Cold’. They’ll be joined by Miseryguts and Lakeview.
Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on March 7
Peter Garrett is arguably one of the greatest forces Australian music has witnessed. In 2024 he released the album The True North with help from The Alter Egos.
Damien Leith – The Open House, GAC on March 7
Since winning Australian Idol in 2006, Damien Leith has done it all. Enjoy a night of song and stories behind hits including ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Night of My Life’.
Ruthie Foster – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on March 7 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 14
Born into a family with rich gospel tradition, Ruthie Foster has gone from singing in rural Texas churches to collaborating with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Mileage is her latest album.
The Bendigo Blues Tram – Bendigo on March 8
Enjoy the sights of Bendigo from aboard a restored vintage class tram #610 as you enjoy the sounds of Wayne Jury and Out of Abingdon.
Todd Rundgren – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 8
Following a sold-out tour in 2024, Todd Rundgren returns. And with a career that dates back to the mid-’60s, you’re in for a bit of everything. He will be joined by Davey Lane.
Joe Mungovan – Paper Scissors Rock, Halls Gap on March 8
When a skateboarding accident led Joe Mungovan away from the drum kit and towards the guitar, his inner groove-based indie rocker was found. His new single is ‘Old Dog/New Tricks’.
Daily J – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 8 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 9
Auckland’s indie-psych outfit Daily J is dropping in on their Australian neighbours to help get their life organised as they tour their new album, Scatterbrains.
Síomha – Ballarat South Uniting Church, Buninyong – March 11
Dancing the line between folk, jazz and neo-soul, Síomha (pronounced she-vah) is an independent Irish singer-songwriter. She’s out here for the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
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Old Man Luedecke – Ararat Town Hall, Ararat on March 12
Canadian roots singer-songwriter and bona fide banjo whiz Old Man Luedecke makes his long-awaited return to Australia. His latest album is She Told Me Where to Go.
Mama Kin Spender – The Space Studio, Warrnambool on March 12 & Salvage Yard, Castlemaine on March 13
Do you want to get up close and personal with Mama Kin and Dingo Spender, better known as Mama Kin Spender? Then enjoy this intimate evening of deep dives and stories.
Brad Cox – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 13
With his big Mack Truck full of country gold, Brad Cox is embarking on a regional tour. His latest release is the CMAA-winning Acres. He is joined by Piper Butcher.
The Alan Fletcher Band – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 13 & Freight Bar and Rooftop, Ballarat on March 14
Alongside his acting career, music is one of life’s great joys for Alan Fletcher. With songs that are lively, whimsical and comedic, Fletcher and co are out to spread some joy.
Dharma’s Birthday Bash – Barwon Club, Geelong on March 14
It is Dharma’s birthday and the occasion will be celebrated with the ear-splitting sounds of Bog Mönster, ISUA, Circle of Blood, Oceanlord, Zombie Hunger and Shipyard.
C.W. Stoneking – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool on March 14
From New Orleans brass and drums to American folk guitar and banjo, C.W. Stoneking draws influence from just about every style of music out there. Catch him with his three-piece band.
John Waters: Radio Luxembourg – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 15
The newest show from John Waters, where he is joined by Stewart D’Arrietta and the Chartbusters, pays tribute to the British Pop Invasion – a time that changed music forever.
Goodwood & Mt Pleasant – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 15
The Ben Starinskas and Jack Pile Experience are teaming up for a show where everyone is best friends. Say hello to Goodwood and Mt Pleasant.
Southern Sons – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on March 15
NYC-born Irwin Thomas, known better as Jack Jones, formed Southern Sons in 1989 with members of The State. Enjoy songs including ‘Heart in Danger’, ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’ and ‘Always and Ever’.
The Swell Sessions – Torquay Surf Life Saving Club on March 15
The Swell Sessions are a series of fundraisers for the TSLSC. Here you have The Southern River Band, Majak Door, Sargent Baker, Neon Goblin and TTTDC.
Tanner Keast – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 16
After doing time in the likes of Dysphoriac, Fifth Quarter and No Wuckas, Tanner Keast is set to strut his stuff as a solo artist. His debut single is ‘Invalidation’.
Skerryvore – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 16
To go along with their Port Fairy Folk Festival appearance, three-time winners of Scotland’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ award, Skerryvore, are heading to Castlemaine.
The Waifs – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 19
Following a fifty-date anniversary tour of 2003’s Up All Night album, The Waifs have decided that the best thing they can do is just keeping playing and playing and playing.
Barry Adamson – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 20
Before coming to the attention of The Birthday Party, Barry Adamson learned bass overnight for the influential Manchester outfit Magazine. His latest release is Memento Mori (Anthology 1978-2018).
Nai Palm – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 20 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 27
As a founding member and frontwoman for Hiatus Kaiyote, Nai Palm has earned a reputation as one of the defining solo artists of recent times.
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Speed – Volta, Ballarat on March 21
Following run-ins with each other at hardcore events in Sydney, a crew decided they may as well give the whole thing a crack. They released their debut album, Only One Mode, last year.
Ruby Fields – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 21 & Torquay Hotel, Torquay on March 22
With her first new music since 2021, Ruby Fields has been on the road in support of single ‘’92 Purebred’. $1 from each ticket will be donated to the Kulai Pre-School Aboriginal Corporation.
Pond – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 21 & Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 23
Since forming in 2008, hard-working psychedelic rock outfit Pond have released ten studio albums and two live albums. Stung! is their latest.
Sarah Blasko – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on March 21; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on March 22; and Echuca Wharf, Echuca on March 23
Late-night reflections on goodbyes, grief and new beginnings are themes running wild on the latest release from Sarah Blasko, I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain. Eliza Hull supports.
Ross Wilson – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 22
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 keep the good times rolling.
Quiet Neighbours – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on March 22
Ah, neighbours. They can make or break your sanity. Just what Quiet Neighbours will do for you is something you’ll discover here. They’re joined by The Gurr and Elo and the Shinkicks.
Forklift Assassins – Breakwater Hotel, Geelong on March 22
Forklift Assassins have got their licence and they’re ready to load up their hard and loud tunes and deliver them to you. They’ll be joined by Mulshlucka, In the Esky and The Half Pints.
Sons of the Blues – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 23
With a plan to get you on your feet to some rockin’ blues, Men at Work’s Jerry Speiser and Goanna’s John Phillips have teamed up with Pat Byrne for Sons of the Blues.
Estudiantina of Melbourne – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 23
Translated to Students of Melbourne, Estudiantina of Melbourne brings new light to traditional Greek music, with a particular focus on a style called Smyrneika.
Melbourne Celtic Festival Sideshow – The Capital, Bendigo on March 23
Free your inner Irish as the Melbourne Celtic Festival comes to town. Here you have ‘Australian Folk Band of the Year’ winners Austral, Chloe Matharu and Bhan Tre.
Guitar Wolf – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on March 26 & The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on March 27
They’re wild, they’re dangerous and all-around contagious. The jet rock and rollers that call themselves Guitar Wolf are on a mission.
Ziggy Alberts – Civic Hall, Ballarat on March 27
Rooted in traditional acoustic folk, the spirited and finely moustachioed Ziggy Alberts released his latest album, New Love, last month. Enjoy some new tunes here.
Heath Franklin’s Chopper – The Open House, GAC on March 27 & The Capital, Bendigo on March 28
The year is 2030 and humanity has all but been wiped out by softness and 37 types of milk. Enter Heath Franklin’s Chopper and new show, The Last Hard Bastard on Earth.
Wala – Is Life – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 28
Armed with a repertoire of folk Palm Wine and Ghana Highlife songs, Wala – Is Life is twelve drums played with hands, feet and sticks, as well as vocal harmonies, flutes and dancing.
No Hope – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 28
Bendigo’s melodic hardcore act No Hope dropped their debut Demo 2024 last year and they’re keen to show it off. They’ll be joined by fellow Bendigo band Abreact, The Orphan and Lay Low.
David Francey – Malmsbury Hotel, Malmsbury on March 29
David Francey is a Canadian folk songman with three Juno Awards and three Canadian Folk Music Awards under his belt. He is joined here by Malmsbury-bred guitar legend Geoff Achison.
19-Twenty – The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy on March 29
With their infectious riff- and groove-based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots, 19-Twenty rattle the cage and shake the stage. Their new album is Call it What You Want.
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Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmon – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on March 30
Closing in on fifty years in the game, Kim Salmon has found a fresh feeling with Smoked Salmon, a band with twelve members spread across two countries. Their self-titled debut album is out now.
The Black Sorrows – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 30
With hits including ‘Hit & Run’, ‘Chained to the Wheel’ and ‘Harley & Rose’, there is many a hoarse voice following a Black Sorrows show.
Charm of Finches – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on March 30
Kick back, relax and enjoy a lazy afternoon of folk-pop with Charm of Finches. Their latest album is Marlinchen in the Snow, recorded in rural Nova Scotia.
SO much good music heading your way!
