Editorial Note

The first few months of 2023 were a bit excessive, no? Summer festivals,

Christmas parties,

releases, Harry Styles… we’re all just living our best chaotic life and I’m so here for it.

Well, good news. The beautiful and excessive chaos continues as we tick over into April and venture further into the year and autumn with golden trees and crunchy leaves, the alwaysepic Easter long weekend and with it, a bevy of gigs, festivals and special events to explore.

This issue though, we’re skipping ahead to the wintery long weekend in June, championing the return of the National Celtic Folk Festival on our cover. Transforming the Portarlington foreshore and surrounding haunts into a bustling winter wonderland of talented musicians and performers, this year will showcase a full roster of international talent for the first time since 2019. We sit down with festival director Una McAlinden and and dive head first into this Celtic affair.

Further in, we chat with seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney, Surf Coast-bred multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Immy Owusu, UK indie rockers alt-J, Melbourne pop trio Telenova, and we sit down with internationally-published music photographer and Geelong local Lucinda Goodwin in support of her forthcoming solo exhibition - a must-see for any live music fan. We also take a closer look at Stars & Bars Music Festival, the Geelong Pride Film Festival and our usual round-up of albums, exhibitions and stage show to check out. Well, what are you waiting for? I just told you what a shit-hot issue this one is. Get into it.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

Forte Magazine will be distributed for free monthly to hundreds of regional Victoria locations. To enquire about having Forte Magazine at your venue email distribution@fortemag.com.au

Geelong’s Popcultcha opens Popcultcha Records

Located upstairs above their Flagship Ryrie Street store in the Old Griffiths Bookstore building, find 4,000 in-stock vinyl record titles, as well as an incredible range of books, comics, graphic novels, manga, apparel and much more. The store will feature in-store artist appearances and exclusive events, showcasing local artists and musicians regularly.

Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights returns

Dates have been announced for the 2023 edition of Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights. From Saturday 24 June until Sunday 16 July, the outdoor museum will transform into a wonderland of sounds, lights and wintry delights.

Supanova is Whittlesea’s $8M, nine-storey high zero-gravity waterslide

Located at Victoria’s biggest theme park (15.7-hectares), the new nine-storey-high, 250-metre-long waterslide experience is the first of its kind in the world, combining positive, zero G forces, colour effects and high-speed banking exploding into a mind-blowing 60-foot funnel.

Lizzo announces Australian headline tour for July

Straight off the back of being announced as a Splendour in the Grass headliner, four times GRAMMY Award-winner, Emmy Award-winner, songwriter, rapper and singer Lizzo will be bringing The Special Tour 2023 to Australia and New Zealand this July for a series of headline shows. Catch her at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne on 17 and 18 July.

Nothing But Thieves announce Australian headline tour

With the recent announcement of their fourth album Dead Club City, UK alt-rock band Nothing But Thieves is set to take Australia by storm with their upcoming tour. Their internationally acclaimed live sets will be showcased across Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, as well as at the Groovin The Moo Festival. Catch them at Forum Melbourne on 27 April.

A Taste of Tolga pops up at Medusa, bringing late-night street eats to Rock O’Cashel Lane

Setting up outside the hidden venue every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm until late, A Taste Of Tolga will be bringing a selection of high-quality tasty street food to Medusa’s laneway that will leave you desperate for more.

Cameron is making her debut at Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Radio presenter turned stand-up comedian Sarah Maree Cameron is debuting her first solo comedy show One Womb Please! After being diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and Endometriosis, Sarah Maree travelled down the path of IVF and now surrogacy. This is a show about her journey to motherhood. One Womb Please! runs from 11 April – 23 April at Coopers Inn.

Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival reveals lineup for its 2023 edition

Now in its 24th year, the Winter Blues Festival has announced its return, bringing along an impressive lineup of Australia’s best artists. Taking place from July 27 – 30, the festival will feature 19-Twenty, Anna Scionti, Catfish Voodoo, Electric Blues Collective, Fiona Boyes, Lloyd Spiegel and more.

The Jungle Giants are heading on an Australian tour this May and June

Absolute titans of the Australian indie world, The Jungle Giants have announced a huge Australian and New Zealand tour for 2023, coinciding with the release of their new single ‘Trippin Up’ – the first single from their upcoming fifth full-length record. The tour will see the infectious four-piece take Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on 23 June.

Holy Holy announce 11-stop national headline tour for April and May

Indie rockers Holy Holy have announced an 11-stop national headline tour for April and May 2023, featuring special guests Kwame, CLEWS and Medhanit. The famed duo will kick off the tour in Wollongong in April before heading to Newcastle, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Torquay, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, Margaret River, and Canberra, before finishing up in Sydney at the end of May. They’ll take to the Torquay Hotel on 4 May.

Dom Mariani’s Datura4 announce first East Coast tour since 2017

Internationally acclaimed West Australian boogie masters DATURA4, who are fronted by Dom Mariani of legendary Oz garage rockers The Stems, are set to tour the east coast of Australia for the first time in six years on the success of their fifth album, Neanderthal Jam. Catch them locally at the Barwon Club in Geelong on 23 April.

Wanderer Festival announces return for 2023

Wanderer Festival (from industry powerhouse Simon Daly) is set to return 29 September – 1 October to picturesque

Pambula Beach, Sapphire Coast. Curated as a genuine festival of culture, Wanderer features world-class production of music and art encompassing comedy, theatre, circus and artisan workshops over three unforgettable days and nights.

$26.2M luxury holiday resort is set to transform the Grampians region in 2024

The Grampians is on the verge of a major glow-up with a new $26.2 million luxury resort named the Mount Zero Resort project, which will feature 40 luxury accommodation villas, a restaurant and a café. The project will deliver a spa and wellness facility, plunge pool, a function centre and landscaped gardens, and is expected to be open to the public in 2024.

Something For Kate announce one-off show at Torquay Hotel this April

After two sold-out national theatre tours in 2022, in addition to numerous festival appearances, Melbourne trio Something For Kate have announced a limited number of one-off shows. For one night only in Torquay, Frankston and Canberra, Paul Dempsey, Stephanie Ashworth and Clint Hyndman will celebrate the albums embedded in the hearts, minds and collective DNA of Australian audiences. Catch them at Torquay Hotel on 28 April.

The Audreys are heading to the Palais-Hepburn with a brand new lineup

Led by sultry songstress Taasha Coates, live favourites and multiple ARIA award winners The Audreys return with a brand new lineup. Launching in 2006 with Triple J faves “You and Steve McQueen”, “Oh Honey’ and “Banjo & Violin” from their debut album, The Audreys have four albums worth of songs to choose from and just as many hilarious anecdotes. Catch them at the Palais-Hepburn on 6 May.

Witchery has arrived in Myer Geelong

In some exciting news for regional shoppers, the premium Australian women’s fashion brand Witchery has launched in Myer Geelong for the first time. Located on the ground floor of Myer, opposite the cosmetics section, the new Witchery offering brings along on-trend, well-made and versatile collections for all your day-to-night occasions.

YIRRAMBOI festival reveals stacked lineup of First Nations artists

After three wildly successful runs, YIRRAMBOI is shaping up for its biggest year yet. Showcasing over 300 artists in over 170 shows during the month of May, the festival includes a biopunk drag cabaret show, underground club DJs, a First Nations fashion runway show, a Canadian First Nations dance performance, a collaboration with Dark Mofo, and so much more.

Melbourne’s RISING festival announces 2023 program

RISING festival has unveiled its expansive 2023 program of 185 events featuring more than 400 artists including 35 commissions and 12 world premieres, set to ignite the heart of Melbourne from 7—18 June. Expect 12 nights of powerful theatre, exhilarating dance, music that traverses the globe, large-scale installation, public performance, free and low-cost experiences, and outdoor works of mass participation.

Armageddon Cake announces plans to return to Geelong

Under new management from Charles Corby, Armageddon Cake is planning on making its triumphant return to a new secret location, bringing back everything that we knew and loved – the speciality coffee and cake, table games, original art, old magazines and vintage decor that screams ‘If Granny was a murderer, this is what her home would look like!’. More details to come.

Sip and Savour Festival expands to Port Macquarie

Fresh from its events in Albury and Lake Macquarie, Sip and Savour is headed to Port Macquarie NSW for the June long weekend. The three-day festival celebrating the best in food, drink, art, and live entertainment, headlined by The Rubens and Thelma Plum, will take place at Westport Park from Friday 9 June to Sunday 11 June.

Thornhill announce Dressed To Kill regional Australian tour

Melbourne metallers Thornhill will visit 13 regional towns across Australia. Kicking off on the Sunshine Coast in May, locally the band will take to Bendigo, Geelong and Frankston. Armed with their ARIA Awardnominated 2022 album Heroine, Thornhill will also be joined by special guests Young Lions, Inertia and Tapestry for this exciting run of shows.

The Wiggles are coming to Geelong and Bendigo this July

Beloved children’s music group The Wiggles are bringing their all-singing, all-dancing stage show hit to stages across Victoria this year with their Hello! We’re The Wiggles show. Kicking off in Box Hill on June 25, the famed group will travel to Southbank, Dandenong, Wyndham, Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton. Locally, The Wiggles will hit up Costa Hall in Geelong on 8 and 9 July, and Bendigo’s performing arts centre on 10 July.

Australia’s most celebrated cheese festival MOULD returns to Melbourne

MOULD will once again host cheese lovers and foodies alike across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as well as marking its Perth debut in August with a lineup of over 25 local producers showcasing over 100 varieties of Australian-made dairy products. Locally, MOULD will head to The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne from 2-4 June.

Australian powerhouse The Amity Affliction announce national tour

The Amity Affliction have announced their highly anticipated national tour Not Without My Ghosts in October with special guests Silverstein, Earth Caller and Winnerz Circle. The national run will begin at the band’s hometown Brisbane at Fortitude Music Hall before heading to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall, Melbourne’s Forum and wrapping up at Perth’s Metro City.

1927 announce massive 39-date Australian tour

Festival is returning to Kryal Castle from Friday 7 April until Saturday 22 April. After selling out in 2022, the festival will again see Australia’s only medieval adventure park come alive with magical creatures, enchanting performances and interactive crafts and activities.

There’s a Geelong Elvis Festival happening this year

From the producers of the beloved Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Queensland Elvis Festivals, the Geelong Elvis Festival will head to the regional city for the very first time in honour of the King. Taking place across two days in August, this four-concert international event will feature some truly incredible superstar Elvis tribute artists from Memphis and Graceland.

DMA’S announce huge 16-date Australian tour

Multi-Platinum and critically acclaimed Sydney anthemic trio of DMA’S – comprised of Tommy O’Dell, Johnny Took and Matt Mason – will set off across the country in Spring with their biggest headline tour of Australia so far. Catch them at Pier Bandroom, Frankston on 23 Sep, Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on 25 Sep and Torquay Hotel on 29 Sep.

Australian rock band 1927 hit the road in 2023 with a mammoth national tour that will see them crisscrossing Australia with their Next Generation ’23 tour. Starting in Perth in April, 1927 will play 39 shows through until September, hitting Victorian stages in Warragul, Sale, Bendigo, Ballarat, Melbourne, Frankston, Warrnambool, Horsham, Mildura and Ringwood.

New Zealand’s Mitch James announces Australian tour for June

New Zealand singer, songwriter and guitarist Mitch James is hitting the east coast of Australia this winter after announcing his first-ever global tour! The Long Road Home Tour will see James play 50 shows across 15 countries, including eight Australian shows this June. The singer, songwriter and guitarist will take to Warrnambool, Melbourne and Rye on 9, 10 and 11 June, respectively.

Mushroom Group is celebrating 50 years with event series and massive concert

Championing music that has become the soundtrack of our lives, the Mushroom Group has announced a series of exciting events and initiatives this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary, including a Michael Gudinski documentary, new recordings of iconic Mushroom Group singles, limited-edition merch, and culminating in a major concert featuring an all-star roster of artists.

The Unicorn Festival is coming to Ballarat’s Kryal Castle for the school holidays

A magical way to spend the Easter School Holidays, the much-adored Unicorn

The beloved Mother’s Day Classic announces its return to Geelong this May

Australia’s biggest fun run and walk for breast cancer research, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic, has announced its return where participants can celebrate, honour and raise vital funds for those impacted by breast cancer. Major events, including Geelong, will have an event village, entertainment, live music and food stalls as well as activities for kids both on-course and in the event village.

100 Years of Wonder: Disney

On Ice is touring Australia once again this June and July

Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder is an adventure for the whole family, filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, and wow moments both on the ice and in the air. In 2023 this wonder will be celebrated in a stunning six-city tour taking in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle over June and July.

Victorian towns Ballarat and Echuca named as two of Australia’s best travel destinations

Two beautiful and thriving regional Victorian locations have been recognised amongst Australia’s best travel destinations for this year, as part of travel website Wotif‘s 2023 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. Injecting a sense of pride within Victoria, Ballarat and Echuca have secured fifth and tenth place respectively on the list of top travel destinations around the country.

Babymetal announce their very first Australian headline tour Japanese metal sensation Babymetal will be returning to Australia this year for their very first headline tour in June as part of their World Tour. Kicking off in Brisbane on Thursday, 8 June at the Fortitude Music Hall, the tour will make its way down the east coast to Sydney on Friday, 9 June at the Hordern Pavilion and then Melbourne on Sunday, 11 June at Margaret Court Arena.

Carl Barron is coming to Geelong and Bendigo

Hailed as one of Australia’s most popular comedians, Carl Barron will be bringing his Skating Rink for Flies show to Geelong and Bendigo. The comedian will take to Costa Hall for two back-to-back nights on 30 and 31 May and Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on 25 and 26 July for his newest show which sees the comedian ponder things we all think about but never mention.

Queenscliff Music Festival expands to a fourth day in 2023

In 2023, music lovers and longtime QMFgoers will be able to make a long weekend out of the festivities and join the festival in Queenscliff for an extra day, Thursday 23 November. The Thursday Night program will operate exclusively in existing venues throughout town, outside of the main festival arena, featuring a diverse bunch of artists. Early bird tickets for the festival are on sale now.

Adalita announces intimate Anglesea show as part of national album tour

UNIFY Gathering announces new touring festival series

Unify Gathering has announced its return with Unify Off The Record 2023, a series of small club shows across five states. Hitting Mackay, Adelaide, Wollongong, Hobart and Frankston, Unify Off The Record features a diverse lineup of Australia’s premiere heavy acts including ARIA chart-topping Northlane, Thy Art Is Murder, Thornhill, Make Them Suffer, Teenage Joans, In Hearts Wake, Alpha Wolf, Ocean Grove, Redhook and more.

the best self-

Ocean Grove retreat named

Contained Accommodation In The Entire Country

Tucked away in tranquil bushland, two very stunning studio cabins offer stylish, peaceful, cosy and relaxed accommodation in central Ocean Grove. Owned by a fourth-generation Ocean Grove family, the quiet retreat – The Woods – has just taken out gold in the 2022 Australian Tourism Awards for the best Self-Contained Accommodation.

Hot off the release of her third solo album Inland, Adalita is heading out on a national tour to celebrate the release. She’ll be joined by her powerhouse band, which consists of Matt Bailey on bass, Dan McKay on drums and Lewis Boyes on lead guitar. Adalita will perform at the Anglesea Memorial Hall in Anglesea on Saturday, 27 May courtesy of The Sound Doctor.

Two huge headliner changes for Groovin The Moo festival

Groovin the Moo have revealed that two headlining acts will no longer be performing at this year’s festival. Omar Apollo and Skepta have “unfortunately cancelled their Australian tours”, with GTM instead announcing Genesis Owusu and Nothing But Thieves as their replacements. These acts join the likes of Denzel Curry, lord of the bangers Fatboy Slim, Eliza Rose, Ball Park Music, Skegss and more.

Sunset Sounds is bringing Aussie music legends to Torquay in April

Sunset Sounds will take over Torquay Common, Torquay on Saturday 8 April with a stacked lineup of Aussie music legends. Headlining the huge day of live music will be ARIA Hall of Fame recipient Daryl Braithwaite who will be joined by The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Richard Clapton, Ross Wilson, Wendy Matthews, Eurogliders, Jack Jones, The Chantoozies and Matt Finish.

Australian first, All-Abilities Football Netball League to play opening round on GMHBA Stadium

The AFL Barwon Region will be hosting an Australian-first, All-Abilities Football Netball League in 2023. Adding further diversity and community opportunities to play both sports in Barwon region, the inaugural season of the Football and Netball League will kick off on Saturday 29 April with a double-header at GMHBA Stadium in a major coup for the competition.

Telenova announce 15-date regional Australian tour for 2023

Fresh from a festival-filled summer including Spilt Milk, Lost Paradise and Falls Fest, Telenova will take their sophomore EP Stained Glass Love to new audiences on a 15-date regional tour this April. The tour will kick off in April in Canberra, and take to Wollongong, Belgrave, Mornington, Margaret River, Fremantle, Perth, Maroochydore, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Katoomba, Newcastle, Caringbah and Ballarat, before finishing up in Torquay in June.