Forte 744

Global superstars The Chicks make their A Day on the Green debut at Mt Duneed Estate this October

Music Festival

DECEMBER 16 & 17

MAD CADDIES (USA)

THE RESIGNATORS - THE PIRATESKA REBELLION

MISTER COFFEE - OPERATION IBIS (NSW) - THE OVERITS (SA)

AADD - THE DONALD TRUMPETS (WA) - THE KITTYHAWKS

ESS EM (NSW) - OPERATION BIG JAKE BOSSTONE

DJ CON DODGIE and more

CAMPING OPTIONS * MARKET * FOOD STALLS

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE - FULLY LICENSED NO BYO

EARLYBIRD TIX www.SKANATION.com

TI TREE HOTEL WARRION

2 HOUR DRIVE SOUTH WEST OF MELBOURNE

PAMBULA BEACH, NSW 29 SEP - 1 OCT 2023

OCEAN ALLEY

DJANGO DJANGO (UK) • THE JUNGLE GIANTS

THELMA PLUM • SPIDERBAIT

KEVIN MORBY (USA) • SON LITTLE (USA)

ART VS SCIENCE • BABE RAINBOW

BEN OTTEWELL & IAN BALL (GOMEZ / UK) • C.W. STONEKING

KIM CHURCHILL • LISA MITCHELL

MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA • MONTAIGNE

STEPH STRINGS • URTHBOY & MORE + CIRCUS, COMEDY, THEATRE & DANCE

TICKETS ON SALE

wanderer.com.au

EXPLORE WHAT’S ON AT YOUR ARTS CENTRE

BOOK NOW CALL 1300 251 200

ONLINE

g 4444444 t 4444444 h 18th

Amendment Bar Presents

the tasting, you’ll have the chance to savour a selection of WhistlePig’s finest Rye Whiskies, guided by David Denton WhistlePig Brand Ambassador. Learn about the history of the brand and its 500 acre farm as well as the story behind each distinct farm-to-bottle expression.

Immerse yourself in the enticing aromas, complex profiles, and smooth finishes that have made WhistlePig a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Expand your palate and discover why WhistlePig Rye stands out as one of the best in the industry. Spaces for this exclusive event are limited, so secure your spot now for an unforgettable evening of whiskey appreciation.

date: June 28th

time: 7pm–8:30pm

price: $40 per person

EDITOR

Talia Rinaldo

PARTNERSHIPS & CAMPAIGN MANAGER

Matt Wilkinson

DESIGN

Riley McDonald

DIRECTOR

Greg Pettinella

GIG GUIDE

Alex Callan

CONTRIBUTORS

Benjamin Lamb, Tammy Walters, Alex Callan, Tyler Jenke, Anthony Morris, Chester Ogilvie, Jacob McCormack, Luke Carlino, Chloe Cicero

FOR ADVERTISING OR SPONSORED CONTENT ENQUIRIES advertise@fortemag.com.au

ACCOUNTS

accounts@furstmedia.com.au

ENQUIRE ABOUT HAVING FORTE MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED AT YOUR BUSINESS OR VENUE distribution@fortemag.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

03 9428 3600

Æ During her 1989 World Tour, Taylor Swift made this statement about her idol Natalie Maines from The Chicks, the groundbreaking country-music trio formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. A major influence in her life, The Chicks modelled the kind of spirit and career Swift - the multi-Grammy award-winning US country-turned-pop superstar - aspired to.

Speaking their mind and channelling their anger and frustrations into their music, The Chicks paved the way with unapologetic boldness, performing outspoken songs, and playing to hundreds of thousands at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling US female band of all time.

Music lovers will see these global superstars when they return to Australia this October for the first time since their sold-out 2017 tour. In a win for the region, they’ll also make their A Day on the Green debut at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, adding to the impressive collection of musical acts we’ve been privileged to see on local soil. For our cover story, our writer Tammy dives into the history of this inspiring power trio ahead of the show.

Like a blanket on a wintery eve, this month our curated content will keep you toasty with interviews with feverish punk rockers The Hard-Ons, gold-suited Melbourne cosmic-country-rocker Ben Mastwyk, local favourites Bones and Jones, and the genre-defying force of award-winning opera singer, composer and songwriter Jess Hitchcock.

As usual, we’ve also got a bunch of gigs, exhibitions, stage shows, and unforgettable events to get to, some top-tier foodie spots you’ve just got to try, and some ripper new albums if you’re looking for a musical treat.

Buckle up because things are about to get interesting.

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.

SOCIALS ForteMagazine forte_mag forte_mag

DISTRIBUTION

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

“If not for this woman and her band, I wouldn’t have dreamed the things I dreamed and I wouldn’t be standing on this stage today ”.

FOO FIGHTERS ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN STADIUM TOUR FOR 2023

15-time Grammy winners Foo Fighters will return to Australia this summer, bringing their unrivalled live show to stadiums in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. The tour will be Foo Fighters’ first headline tour of both countries since 2018 following their special one-off gig in Geelong back in March 2022. Catch them on 4 December at AAMI Park, Melbourne.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL HEADLINE OUT ON THE WEEKEND ONEDAY FESTIVAL

Grammy Award-winning and ultimate American Western swing supergroup Asleep

At The Wheel will make their Australian debut at Out On The Weekend. The one-day festival couples Americana and alt-country aural treats with tasty eats and drinks on 14 October, brought to you by Love Police in the sweet seaside suburb of Williamstown.

FALLS FESTIVAL CANCELS ITS SUMMER FESTIVAL RUN

After an impressive 28 years ringing in the New Year with some of the world’s biggest acts, the beloved Falls Festival team have announced they won’t be going ahead with a run of festivals this year, switching on their OOOs and taking this New Years’ season off to “rest, recover and recalibrate”.

COLDPLAY ANNOUNCE TWO EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN 2023 STADIUM SHOWS IN PERTH

JESSICA MAUBOY LEADS GEELONG ARTS CENTRE’S MONTH-LONG GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL

The Geelong Arts Centre will host a huge four-week-long opening festival, kicking it all off with two opening night events (19 August) featuring stellar headliners; celebrated multi-ARIA-Award winning R&B-pop artist, Jessica Mauboy, and an Australian comedy triple-header, featuring Dave Thornton, Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo.

MAGIC DIRT ANNOUNCE ‘YOUNG AND FULL OF THE DEVIL’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Celebrating 25 years and the enduring legacy of ‘Young And Full Of The Devil’, Magic Dirt will embark on an 18-date national tour, performing the acclaimed second album in full, plus a selection of their most loved hits. Catch them in Melbourne, Castlemaine, Ballarat, Belgrave, Geelong and Rye in August and September.

ED KUEPPER IS BRINGING ‘THE EXPLODING UNIVERSE OF ED KUEPPER’ LIVE SHOW TO QUEENSCLIFF

Fresh from releasing reissues of classic albums Electrical Storm and Honey Steel’s Gold , the legendary Ed Kuepper has announced The Exploding Universe of Ed Kuepper tour. This will be the first live band experience of Ed Kuepper’s solo material since 2009. Locally, you can witness the magic at the Queenscliff Town Hall on 8 September 2023.

After a triumphant 2022 where Coldplay sold more concert tickets than any other artist and broke attendance records around the world, the iconic band will bring their spectacular stadium show, bursting with lasers, fireworks and LED wristbands to Perth for the first time since 2009 for record-breaking Music Of The Spheres World Tour. They will play at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 18 & 19 November.

ICEHOUSE, JON STEVENS LEADS WERRIBEE’S ONE ELECTRIC DAY FESTIVAL

Melbourne’s sing-along favourite One Electric Day Festival is back this year for its huge 10th-anniversary edition featuring ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens, Belinda Carlisle, Daryl Braithwaite, Mark Seymour and Boom Crash Opera, all heading to Werribee Park on Sunday, 19 November.

THE SUPERJESUS ANNOUNCE THE LIGHTS OUT AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR 2023

Adelaide rock band The Superjesus are back with a brand new single ‘Lights Out’ and will be heading out on a 15-date tour across Australia to celebrate. Locally you’ll be able to catch the band at the Barwon Club Hotel in Geelong on 16 September, Volta in Ballarat on 17 November and Golden Vine Hotel in Bendigo on 18 November.

THE WOLFE BROTHERS ANNOUNCE SHOWS IN GEELONG, WARRNAMBOOL AND MORE

Australian country rockers The Wolfe Brothers have just announced their Australian tour dates for 2023, hot on the heels of the release of their 6th studio album ‘Livin’ The Dream’ which entered the ARIA charts at #1 Country album, #1 All Genre Australian Artists chart and #8 on the overall ARIA Chart. Catch them at Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on 12 August and The Gateway Hotel, Geelong on 25 August.

YOURS AND OWLS ANNOUNCE NEW FESTIVAL LOCATION FOR 2023

Off the back of a wild few years for Yours and Owls, with floods, revolving stages and Autumn dates, the New South Wales festival has announced a brand new home in 2023. This year, the festival will welcome patrons within the grounds and surrounds of the University of Wollongong on the new date of 14 & 15 October.

WINTER SOUNDS FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DAYLESFORD

Taking place from 17-20 August, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford and the surrounding hills with a lineup including Mo’ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker, Adalita, Watty Thompson, Jess Ribeiro, Martin Frawley, Leah Senior, Coda Chroma, Skyscraper Stan and Jarrah Olive.

DZ DEATHRAYS ANNOUNCE NATIONAL ALBUM TOUR

DZ Deathrays have dropped their game-changing sixth studio album R.I.F.F. alongside the news of their national album tour for July – September, with a series of major city and regional performances supported by Press Club and dust. See them at the Torquay Hotel on 18 August and at Volta in Ballarat on 31 August.

TORQUAY HOTEL CROWNED AS VICTORIA’S BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Honouring and celebrating the industry’s strengths and successes, the Torquay Hotel was one of the local feel-good stories of the 2023 Australian Hotels Association, Victoria (AHA Vic) State Awards for Excellence, taking out gold in the Best Live Entertainment Category, beating out the likes of the Corner Hotel in Richmond, the Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury and The Westernport in San Remo.

THE PRESETS BRING SPECIAL 20TH

BOY & BEAR ANNOUNCE MASSIVE REGIONAL TOUR FOR 2023

SOUTH GIPPSLAND’S NYE ON THE HILL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES RETURN FOR 2023

Off the back of a huge event last year, featuring the likes of Hockey Dad, Northeast Party House, Tess Birch, Birdz, Ruby Fields and heaps more, NYE on the Hill will return from 30 December 2023 to the 1 January 2024, welcoming a bunch of bands and performers into its space, as well as late night DJs, a deck disco, comedians, art installations, morning yoga, curated food trucks and licensed bars.

ANNIVERSARY DJ TOUR

TO TORQUAY AND FRANKSTON

Sydney electronic kings The Presets have announced a huge national DJ tour throughout July, August, and September in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Armed with a huge DJ set, they’ll be playing at small clubs and bars, reconnecting with the electric spirit that got them making music in the first place. Catch them at Pier Bandroom, Frankston on 15 July and Torquay Hotel on 19 August.

BY

THE C BRINGS

JIMMY BARNES, THE LIVING END, BIRDS OF TOKYO TO TORQUAY

Taking to the Torquay Common on Saturday, 2 December, By The C returns for a musicdrenched soiree with some of the best Aussie favourites featuring Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers and Mahalia Barnes and the Soul Mates.

Australian ARIA-award-winning act Boy & Bear are coming out swinging with their self-titled fifth studio album and a huge list of regional Australian tour dates across September to November, following their national headline tour dates in June and July. Catch them locally at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on 13 September, Pier Bandroom, Frankston on 15 September and Torquay Hotel on 16 September.

ASH GRUNWALD ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SHOW IN QUEENSCLIFF

Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald is heading to the beautiful Bellarine this October with an intimate show. Taking place on 14 October, the legendary singer-songwriter will take to the stage at Queenscliff Town Hall – a music venue created by the team at QMF – the music jewel of the Bellarine.

EVANESCENCE ANNOUNCE ‘FALLEN’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Iconic American rockers Evanescence are coming to Australia in 2023 to celebrate 20 years of one of their finest albums – their 2003 debut Fallen. A critical and commercial triumph, the band will be bringing the gothic beauty of the 2003 debut release and a career-spanning set of fan favourites to cities across Australia. Catch them at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on 30 August.

BOREALIS ON THE LAKE BRINGS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TO DAYLESFORD FOR WINTER 2023

Created by internationally renowned Switzerland-based artist Dan Archer, the captivating display is set to transport Victorians to the Arctic Circle in an experience that will be unique to Daylesford every Thursday to Sunday from 20 July to 1 October 2023, beaming lasers over Daylesford Lake to recreate the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights this winter.

KISS ANNOUNCE ONE FINAL AUSTRALIAN FAREWELL SHOW IN OCTOBER

KISS is set to make their last-ever appearance in Australia this October, giving fans one final chance to see them live before they finish off their massive career with a performance in their hometown at Madison Square Garden. They’ll be saying goodbye to our fair nation at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 7 2023.

POLARIS ANNOUNCE ‘FATALISM’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR SEPTEMBER

With their third album Fatalism around the corner, Sydney-heavy icons Polaris are heading out on the Fatalism Australian Tour this September with special Guests August Burns Red, Kublai Khan TX and Currents. See them at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on 9 September.

RED HOT SUMMER TOUR RETURNS TO BENDIGO IN 2024

Aussie-centered music festival Red Hot Summer Tour has announced it will return this summer for eight events across the country as part of its Series One instalment, including Bendigo Racecourse on 10 February 2024. The show will feature the legendary Jimmy Barnes, as well as The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers and Barnes’ daughter’s band Mahalia Barnes and the Soulmates.

GRINSPOON ANNOUNCE ‘EASY DETENTION’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Grinspoon has announced an extensive Australian tour to support the release of their second and third albums, Easy and New Detention , on vinyl for the first time ever. Heading to Melbourne’s Forum on 6 November, they’ll bring two local heavy hitters with them – Melbourne’s Private Function and Byron Bay’s Cupid & The Stupids.

MATCHBOX TWENTY ANNOUNCE HUGE 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Matchbox Twenty will make their longawaited return to Australian stages in 2024 for an extensive 10-stop tour in February in support of their new album “Where The Light Goes”, released in May and marking the band’s first new music in 11 years! Joined by the Goo Goo Dolls, see them at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on 16 February and Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley on 17 February.

WHAT SO NOT ANNOUNCES FIRST AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR IN FIVE YEARS

Following his sensational 2022 album release, Anomaly, one of Australia’s largest exports and highly respected EDM producer What So Not (AKA Emoh / Chris Emerson) has announced his highly anticipated Anomaly: Live Mode Australian Tour. A triumphant return to the live stage in Australia, this marks What So Not’s first local headline tour since 2018. See it at Northcote Theatre, Melbourne on 12 August.

DEF LEPPARD AND MÖTLEY CRÜE ANNOUNCE 2023 AUSTRALIA STADIUM TOUR

The world’s most iconic and celebrated rock legends Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe are heading to Australia with their ‘The World Tour’. The icons will join forces for three exclusive dates in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Catch them when they head to Melbourne for a show at Marvel Stadium on 14 November.

A SERIES OF PIANO BAR POP-UP SUNDAY SESSIONS IS COMING TO TORQUAY AND OCEAN GROVE

For selected Sundays until August, Piano Bar Geelong, known for its vibrant atmosphere and talented musicians, will set the stage at Blackman’s Brewery for an epic afternoon of singalongs and drag queens. The sessions run from 2pm to 5pm and tickets are $25 which include your first pot of beer or seltzer and a magical afternoon of entertainment.

MONTY PYTHON AND FAWLTY TOWERS’ LEGEND OF COMEDY JOHN CLEESE IS COMING TO GEELONG

The legendary British comedian John Cleese has announced a run of shows across Australia this year, including a local stop in Geelong. Cleese will take over Costa Hall in Geelong for one night only on 29 July, reporting on his experiences in the afterlife, and what the audience can expect when they get there.

‘EGO: THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY’ DOCUMENTARY WILL MAKE ITS WORLD PREMIERE IN MELBOURNE

50 years in the making, Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story will make its world premiere at Melbourne International Film Festival on 10 August and hit cinemas nationwide on 31 August. Famed for his eccentricities and boldness, the film dives into Michael’s psyche and unorthodox tactics as he became the frontman of a cultural movement and built a music empire whose artists created the soundtrack for a nation.

THE MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLIGHTS RETURNS TO BALLARAT’S SOVEREIGN HILL

Running from 24 June to 16 July, expect ever-changing projections to Sovereign Hill’s streetscape, ‘snow’ falls, pantomimes and theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, the chance to share a photo with St Nick, and wonderful wintry treats like mulled wine and gingerbread at Winter Wonderlights 2023.

THE LUME’S ‘CONNECTION’ IS A BREATHTAKING AND IMMERSIVE FIRST NATIONS ARTIST-LED EXHIBITION

In partnership with the National Museum of Victoria, the Lume has assembled more than 550 original pieces created by over a hundred First Nations artists and musicians to be proudly displayed in the 3000-square-metre gallery. The exhibition brings together the oldest culture in the world with futuristic technology. The Lume will open Connection: Breathtaking Stories Through First Nations Art and Music on 23 June.

PUFFING BILLY’S IMMERSIVE TRAIN OF LIGHTS NIGHT-TIME EXPERIENCE RETURNS THIS WINTER

Puffing Billy’s immersive Train of Lights experience is back from 23 June to 9 July for its second-ever run. Taking place as soon as darkness takes over, the mesmerising winter steam train will become adorned with thousands of dazzling lights and stunning visual effects, illuminating the trees, tracks, and passing towns, captivating passengers with its magical charm.

THERE’S A SHREK-THEMED RAVE COMING TO GEELONG

Celebrating the pop-culture phenomenon, the ogre-themed party combines the infectious energy of a rave with the beloved characters and memorable soundtrack of the Shrek film franchise. Expect ‘cooked Shrek’ visuals, a Shrek DJ set, the Smash Mouth sing-alongs, rave bangers, ‘Shrek’themed drink specials and thousands of free green glow sticks. It’s all due to go down at The Deck on 5 August.

PAINT AND SIP DELICIOUS GIN AT FLOW STATE’S BRILLIANT WATERCOLOUR SOCIAL SESSIONS

Local artist Natalie Martin has partnered with Torquay distillery Flow State to bring a series of Watercolour Social Sessions to Torquay, a paint and sip style evening running on the last Thursday of every month. Everything is provided, including watercolour materials, a drink of your choice and light snacks.

CIVIC ARE HEADING TO TORQUAY THIS JULY

Melbourne’s CIVIC have gone from strength to strength since the release of this year’s visceral new full-length studio album Taken By Force – an album the band aptly sums up as “1984 meets Endless Summer”. Heading out on a regional Aussie tour, catch them on 28 July at the Torquay Hotel.

GEELONG’S ICONIC CALENDAR PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IS NOW OPEN FOR 2024

The City of Greater Geelong is calling for amateur and professional photographers to help showcase the beautiful region for the 2024 Geelong Calendar. All ages are encouraged to get creative and submit their ‘uniquely Geelong’ images for a chance to be featured in the next calendar. Entries close at 5pm on 11 August.

COMEDY REPUBLIC IS BRINGING MELBOURNE’S FAVOURITE COMEDIANS TO HEPBURN SPRINGS

Taking place on 23 June, comedians Daniel Connell, Lizzy Hoo, Bronwyn Kuss and Bron Lewis will be performing at the heritage-listed Palais-Hepburn, all hot off the back of successful runs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

DALLAS, DITCHING DIXIE AND A DAY ON THE GREEN:

THE CHICKS DECADES ON

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

It was after this rise that the first obstacle hit in the form of a dispute with their record label, Sony, where they had been withheld $4 million US dollars in royalties. Following a private settlement, the Dixie Chicks were awarded their own record label imprint, Open Wide Records, affording them more control over their creative process and finances; a win in the industry game and a platform for other female artists who had shared label experiences to take action. It was at this point in their career that the trio came into their own. Perhaps one of the most famous covers in country history, Dixie Chicks took on Fleetwood Mac’s iconic ‘Landslide’, released under their third album Home. This Grammy-award-winning album was a point of perspective, deviating to less commercial routes and allowing the women to speak their minds addressing issues in the country music scene. Their outspoken nature continues and has become synonymous with their musical identity. In fact, so synonymous, it almost outshone their musical accolades.

Æ In 1989, sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer started the bluegrass quartet, Dixie Chicks, in Dallas, Texas. After some reformation of shape, parting ways with bassist Laura Lynch and vocalist/guitarist Robin Lynn Macy, and onboarding Natalie Maines, Dixie Chicks really took flight, becoming the heralded country trio that they are today.

It all began with Wide Open Spaces. The 1998 album saw all three singles, ‘There’s Your Trouble’, ‘You Were Mine’ and the titular track all reach the number one spot on the country charts. The album itself would open the group’s doors into the vast pop space, setting a record for the best-selling duo or group in country music history at 12 million initial copies sold, an RIAA-certified diamond standard. It saw them gain Grammy Award-winning status and significant recognition from music institutions including the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

The trajectory was fast for the three females, as they continued to back it up with 1999’s Fly, an album that introduced us to the revenge story ‘Goodbye Earl’, and a song that has amassed over 163 million streams, the revered ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’.

This year marks 20 years since the public boycott, fandom backlash and attempted banishment of the Dixie Chicks. All of a sudden, Dixie Chicks disappeared and all because Maines told a London audience that the group did not endorse the war in Iraq and were ashamed of US President George W. Bush being from Texas. This occurred days before the 2003 invasion but had a lasting impact unshakeable for years later; both the war and the comment. Did Maines, Maguire and Strayer lose themselves to the controversy? Absolutely not! Remember their bio statement - these women are fighters.

They joined the Vote For Change tour which raised money for political groups opposing Bush. Alongside Dolly Parton, Christina Aguilera, Yoko Ono and Mandy Moore they released Love Rocks in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. After cocooning on the songwriting front for three years, they came back with Taking The Long Way in 2006, fly-kicking the backlash with ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’, an anthem that continues to evoke empowerment.

Maines, Maguire and Strayer have done it their own way ever since, addressing points of contention head-on, driving their own narrative and educating people along the way. Amid several world tours and hiatuses, rallies, protests and turmoil exploded in the US. In direct response to these protests, the music documentary Sounds Like A Revolution was released, featuring interviews with group members unpacking their protest songs. The continuation of protests spilled on the streets of the States, with George Floyd changing the course of the band’s history.

The Chicks Instagram bio reads, “Superstars, renegades, innovators, heroes, villains, and moms. Hate not welcome here”. Throughout their nearly three-decade career in their current formation, each of these plural nouns and their final statement holds true to their global phenomena story.

On 25 May 2020, an African-American man, George Floyd, was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest made after a store clerk suspected Floyd may have used a counterfeit twenty-dollar. This sparked global outrage in the form of Black Lives Matter protests. After years of subtly shortening their name to DCX, this act of discrimination was the tipping point for the trio to officially change their group name, educating people that Dixie is a term associated with American slavery, with the Confederate flag described as “the Dixie Swastika” on social media in 2020. This was a term that they wanted no association with.

Speaking to the New York Times they said: “We were literally teenagers when we picked that stupid name,” said Martie Maguire of the name chosen in 1989, long before Natalie Maines joined the group, as a comical derivation of the Little Feat song ‘Dixie Chicken.’

“We wanted to change it years and years and years ago,” said Maines, adding, “I just wanted to separate myself from people that wave that Dixie flag.”

And so the trio entered a new era as The Chicks. But it wouldn’t be an appropriate entrance without a song of political power. Releasing ‘March March’, The Chicks made way for their next chapter, welcoming with it their first album in 14 years, Gaslighter. The album co-produced by Jack Antonoff and includes collaborations with Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter, has been on the road for the last year played live by the three women and their children. Maines’ son has joined the band, as has Maguire’s daughter.

Chatting to Kelly Clarkson on the Kelly Clarkson show in 2022, Maines said, “It’s awesome. Slade is 21 and can play anything and Martie’s daughter will play with us,” with Maguire adding, “She plays piano and violin but will play mainly violin and maybe try some accordion. I will say Slade is just as good as anyone else in the band. It’s not a charity case, he is genuinely good.”

Now The Chicks will be bringing their tour to Australia and New Zealand thanks to Roundhouse Entertainment, Chugg Entertainment and Frontier Touring. For the first time in six years, following a soldout national tour and a mammoth headline slot at CMC Rocks QLD, The Chicks will be joining the A Day On The Green family.

Across nine dates they will bring their impressive sound and story to audiences including a pop into Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday 14 October. With Rod Stewart shaking the ground in March alongside the colourful Cyndi Lauper and Jon Stevens, and the cheekiest Take That member, Robbie Williams, heading out in November, A Day On The Green has built a reputation for bringing world-class talent to our backyard. The superstar status of The Chicks is no different.

Just as they will make their sound explode in the open outdoor setting of Mt Duneed Estate, The Chicks have made their voices heard in the wide open spaces of the industry. They are superstars. They are renegades. They are innovators. They are heroes. They are villains. They are mums. And most of all they are change.

THE CHICKS, AT A DAY ON THE GREEN

WHERE: MT DUNEED ESTATE

WHEN: 14 OCT

They are superstars. They are renegades. They are innovators. They are heroes. They are villains. They are mums. And most of all they are change.

HARD-ONS RIP INTO SECOND ALBUM WITH TIM ROGERS

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

Æ Hard-Ons’ mainstay Peter ‘Blackie’ Black explains, “We like the music that we’re making together. So you know, there’s no real reason to stop or question it or anything like that. I get people saying ‘How can he be doing that?’ And it’s like because it fucking feels good, you know? I don’t analyse shit. It’s either right or it’s wrong. And for us, this definitely feels really fucking good.

“We’ve had people come who have been seeing us for like 30 years now and have come up to me after a show and go, ‘I don’t know how you fucking do it. It’s 30 years later and you’re more powerful than you’ve ever been’. That’s just really awesome to hear. I think we are renewed in a sense and Tim has brought a lot of that energy to us.”

I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken saw Rogers rock up to the studio for a first introduction, jumping head-first into rehearsal and recording mode with songs provided by Black and guitarist Ray Ahn. Heading into album number two, the 2 June release of Ripper ‘23, there was a songwriting dynamic shift.

“For the first record, obviously a lot of songs - almost all of them except one - were written before Tim actually joined. And this time, all the songs were written knowing he was going to be the singer. When I write, I know the person’s strength and to me, Tim is like having a soul singer in a band. So it’s like we can do this and we can do that. It’s actually been a nice, gentle continuation of what we’ve been

doing, and now that Tim is in the band and super keen, he’s written a bunch of stuff as well, so it’s progressing very nicely,” says Black.

“Knowing Tim’s now in the band, it’s like we can maybe go a little bit outside what the Hard-Ons box is and I feel like the Hard-Ons boxes are pretty big ones anyway. We’ve always, from day one, gone all over the shop.”

It’s especially notable on the closing track ‘Ordinary Things’ - a track spearheaded by Rogers which features piano and a glorious crescendo. It pushes Hard-Ons into new territory without removing their signature DNA, but it did take some convincing from Blackie to make the final cut.

“That one did take some convincing but I just knew it was right for us! We’re one of the first bands Tim ever saw live. So I guess there’s a fair bit of what we do in his musical DNA anyway.

“There’s nothing that he’s brought that’s horrible; that hasn’t been anything but excellent. That song is an example of that and if we’re not growing as a band then what the fuck are we doing? People were confused when he joined but I still can’t see anyone being perplexed because he has been fucking awesome. And to be honest, we don’t care! We just look at the work that we’ve done with the last two records and know that it’s right for us!”

Comfort in the songwriting process has also translated into building Ripper ‘23’s branding. Ripper ‘23 includes more of Tim Rogers than his soaring vocals and songwriting skills. His derrière makes an appearance on the album cover, paying homage to the greatest hits compilation vinyl of the 80s. It also answers the age-old question, “Who wears short shorts?”. Tim Rogers wears ripped denim hot pants!

“Welcome to the band. Now get your ass out for the next album cover,” Black laughs.

“Ray, being the art director, had that idea and after we finished pissing ourselves laughing, we went back and asked him. Tim was like ‘Yep no problem, I’ve even got a photographer in mind’. I can’t wait to see it on a billboard.” HARD-ONS

Hard-Ons are an Australian punk rock institution serving 40 years on the stage. When they announced the coronation of rock royalty, Tim Rogers, as frontman in their punk palace in 2021, the sonic tectonic plates shifted, quaking with I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken . Following a nine-date national tour and European tour, the iconic music pairing has been stamped as permanent.

LIGHTNING & RHINESTONES

The new alt-country day festival coming to Geelong

Æ Merging the storytelling traditions of country music with the raw energy and instrumentation of rock, alt-country has experienced a notable rise in popularity within the gigs and festivals circuits in recent years. While it initially existed on the fringes, alt-country has gained a devoted following and carved out its niche in the music landscape.

For the first time, alt-country will be celebrated in Geelong with the brand-new Lightning & Rhinestones music festival, shining a light on the genre’s unique identity while providing a platform for artists to share their craft.

The brainchild of Graham Bowman and Tara Roberts, Lightning & Rhinestones music festival will take place on 18 June at the Barwon Club Hotel featuring a lineup of Australia’s most talented alt-country musicians.

Headlining the inaugural event will be Australian cosmic country Queen Freya Josephine Hollick and Melbourne cosmic country rocker Ben Mastwyk and His Millions, with Mastwyk doubling as festival curator.

Renowned for his shimmering 70’s cosmic-country-soul with lashings of psychedelic-honky tonk, Mastwyk pulled together an impressive lineup that celebrates the genre’s diverse range of styles and showcases both established and emerging artists.

“Bowie and Tara were keen on focusing on the more rocky, alt-country sound and so we knew that we wanted to create something that was a bit more rock and roll and party in its energy than a stripped-back Americana kind of vibe.

“We wanted to do something that had some lightning and real energy in it.” Gold-suited and rhinestoned, Mastwyk has become an artist to watch in the Australian country music scene in recent years. Twice nominated for Best Country Album (Music Victoria Awards), touring his songs around Australia, NZ and the USA and receiving high rotation across national radio, Mastwyk was the perfect choice when it came to handpicking a lineup bursting with twanging good times, country-soul glam, and psych-guitar glitz.

Alongside Freya Josephine Hollick, who arrives fresh from her cracking sets at Golden Plains, LoJo and Boogie this year, the festival will also feature ARIA nominee Georgia State Line, Melbourne Americana singer-songwriter Katie Bates, and the multi-talented Patrick Wilson who will lend his musical talents to most of the acts on the lineup alongside his own set.

“Patrick is one of the most prolific country musicians in our scene. He plays with so many bands he’ll be playing with almost all of the bands on this day.

“He’s an amazing drummer, an amazing guitarist, the voice of an angel. And he has put together one of the greatest albums that I’ve heard which will be coming out this year. He just released his second single from it called ‘Medicine’ and he’s certainly one to watch the old Patrick Wilson.”

One of the key appeals of alt-country lies in its ability to transcend traditional genre boundaries. With its fusion of country, folk, rock, and Americana influences, alt-country offers a refreshing and dynamic sound that

appeals to a wide range of music lovers, reflective of the Lightning & Rhinestones lineup.

“I know that we’ll have lots of country music fans come but what I’m really excited about is the people coming that don’t really consider themselves country fans because this is absolutely an event to change that for people,” Mastwyk explains.

“I think the lineup that we’ve put together is, if you are country music or Americanacurious, then you definitely need to come to this show because you’ll be seeing some of the best acts in the country doing this stuff, and I can guarantee you’ll be a convert.”

The impressive lineup is topped with Bellarine’s own Nathan Seeckts as resident MC for the event, alongside DJ Clip Clop who will be delivering the country bangers between acts on the main stage.

If all that wasn’t enough, regional festival-goers also have the rare opportunity to learn two-step dancing with beginner lessons run by Emma-Bee (from Americana Dance Academy) accompanied live by the Honky Tonkin’ No Sleep Til Texas.

“In Melbourne, there is a real scene of Texas Two-Step and Emma-Bee is hugely responsible for that. We are very lucky in Melbourne to have Emma-Bee as a big part of our scene. It’s an exciting layer to the whole situation; when you’re playing country music and you’ve got people Texas Two-Stepping.

“With this event, we’re trying to bring the heart of that scene that we get to enjoy in Melbourne pretty much every week, often numerous times a week, to regional Victoria.”

With the appetite for home-grown alt-country bands growing at lightning speed, it was only a matter of time before the Bellarine, Geelong and Surf Coast deserved to experience some of the country’s most talented musicians and this festival certainly promises to deliver.

MASTWYK, AT LIGHTNING AND RHINESTONES

WHERE: THE BARWON CLUB, GEELONG

WHEN: SUN 18 JUN, 12–8PM

TICKETS: ONLINE, OR $40 AT THE DOOR

IT’S ALL FINALLY HAPPENING FOR BONES AND JONES

WORDS BY ALEX CALLAN

“But it’s kind of funny talking about the changes on this album,” he states, “because we just recorded a bunch of new stuff last weekend for the next release and quite a few of the elements that are new on Love You – that were added towards the end of the recording sessions – are much more prominent on the newer music we’re currently working on.”

“Like, Masch [Tom Maschio] got into playing the synth towards the end of the last recording, and I had only just started dabbling with pedal steel guitars, so we are largely just playing around with them on Love You, but they are definitely sounds that are seeping through with a lot of the stuff we’ve been writing now.” This will surprise some of the group’s purists, who will undoubtedly be upset to hear that their favourite blues-rock outfit is changing up their tried and tested formula. But for Jolley, it all comes as “a natural progression”.

“I think it’s stemmed from the luxury of having our own space to record,” he remarks, about his Wallington-based home studio Big Fridge Sounds.

“It essentially means that we can duck in at any point and because we’re not paying for the time, we can sit around and be a bit more experimental, which has been a lot of fun - especially the synth, that’s opened up a lot of doors and Tom’s fallen head over heels for it,” he laughs. “This has been cool because he bounces off Bailey [Bates], who does the keys. It’s been sick to see how both bounce off each other and experiment with different sounds and tones.”

It’s not just synth’s that the group have been experimenting with for this release, with Love You also boasting Jolley’s newfound skill of the pedal steel guitar.

“It’s kind of funny because, in a way, people are hearing me learn how to play it, which I think sounds really good…but I’m sure there are a lot of really talented pedal steel players out there who would be wincing at the sound of it.

“But it’s an instrument that you can play around with tonally and get some ambient soundscapes, so it’s been a lot of fun to toy around with. It’s just super versatile.”

Æ With two albums and a collaborative EP with Folk Bitch Trio to their name and having scored a nomination for Music Victoria’s Best Regional Act in 2022, the local trailblazers have since gone on to sell out their largest headliner shows to date– performing to packed band rooms nationwide throughout their summer tour. But before the lads could even sit back, cheers a beer and go, ‘Pfft how’s it we sold out the Brunswick Bandroom?’, they have already one-upped themselves, announcing their largest-ever Aussie tour in support of the release of their fourth LP, Love You, kicking off in Melbourne in July and finishing up in Torquay in November. So how do they feel about it all?

“Honestly... it’s terrifying,” laughs the group’s vocalist and primary songwriter Jasper Jolley, “But it’ll be a lot of fun. We’ve never played in places like Perth, Freo or Tassie before, so we aren’t expecting a massive turnout or anything, but hopefully, we can get some people together in a room. Then hopefully the next time we go over we can get a few more people in a room.”

“That would be great, but in all honesty, we’re just stoked that we get to experience some nice parts of the country together,” he humbly states.

With the tour coinciding with the release of the group’s forthcoming LP, Jolley also touched on the group’s new material and what led to its surprising (but welcomed) change of style that sees the upstarts’ migrate into a world of psychedelic synth tones, lap steel harmonics and swaggering rock and roll riffs.

“I don’t know if I could pinpoint exactly what led to it, but it’s probably the first time in a couple of records that we’ve actually been able to make a record together because of all the lockdowns and everything, so I think everyone was feeling really good about that.

“It was also written immediately after playing a bunch of shows so we wanted to keep that same energy that we have when we play live.

“But, we’re still very singer/songwriter focused,” he contends, “I don’t think Bones and Jones will ever step away from that.”

“I mean, we’ve only just started to get a bit more jammy… we’re probably still a little while off doing our Eno thing.”

Bones and Jones new album Love You is out on 23 June via Bonsai Records.

After cutting their teeth as staples of the national gig circuit for the past decade, it seems the Bellarine/ Melbourne-based blues rock outfit Bones and Jones are finally getting the attention they have so long deserved.

Credit Kyle Dobie

THE UNBREAKABLE JESS HITCHCOCK

Melbourne-based award-winning singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock is a shooting star in the music cosmos.

Æ Presenting talent and wisdom beyond her years, Hitchcock has stirred the Australian music and performing arts scene as a genre-defying force. Her powerful voice and knack for storytelling have seen her shine across pop, country, folk, opera and music theatre, sharing the stage and studio with some of Australia’s industry favourites.

Hitchcock shined with her 2019 debut Bloodline, inspired by her family origins from Saibai Island, in the Torres Strait, and Papua New Guinea. Now the artist comes to life on her new album Unbreakable, a dynamic and sweetly soaring outpouring of feel-good sounds and raw, vulnerable emotion.

Due for release on 30 June, the album delves into compelling depths with grace and stirring confidence, providing an ode to overcoming inner and outer life battles and exploring resilience through a female lens. From finding the strength to walk away from a toxic relationship while quashing the fear of being alone on ‘On My Own’; the country-tinged ‘Homeward Bound’ which tells the story of returning to a place that was ruined by an ex-lover and reclaiming that space; to the closing title track dedicated to Hitchcock’s dear friend who lost her brother Abraham to suicide during lockdown, the album is a dazzling pop soundtrack to personal growth, overcoming hurdles and being confidence: becoming unbreakable.

“We don’t have to be defined by what happens in our youth, the importance of always learning something new even as we grow older, and never letting anyone dim your light for any reason. The whole album is about what leads up to becoming Unbreakable,” Hitchcock says. While Hitchcock radiated warmth and light with the sweet sounds of her ukulele and mesmerising vocals on her delicate and acoustic debut, she takes a new self-assured approach to pop in Unbreakable , exploring bigger and bolder sounds paired with her same alluring vocal performances and compassionate lyricism.

“Bloodline was a real love album, and honestly, if you took everything away from this album, it would sound much the same. But storytelling is always my focus, but this time I wanted the music to become part of the storytelling as well. The music has evolved into something that is still me but with a bigger sound.”

Hitchcock will enchant an enraptured audience in Anglesea this July with an effervescent free-flowing energy. Hosted by The Sound Doctor Presents, An Evening with Jess Hitchcock will see the incredible artist bring her new album to the intimate Anglesea Memorial Hall with support from Jem Cassar-Daley.

“I’m very excited to be heading down to that part of the world again. I wrote my favourite songs from my first album By The Sea while I was down there last. It’s also going to be the first show in a very exclusive run of shows I will be doing to promote the album so make sure you come along if you are around.”

With a resume performing nationwide and overseas with Kate Miller-Heidke, working with Deborah Cheetham AO at Australia’s Indigenous opera company Short Black Opera and having just toured on huge shows with Paul Kelly on Red Hot Summer Tour, this special night of music will see Hitchcock strip it all back to an intimate event, filling the Anglesea Hall with her stunning vocals and beautiful storytelling.

“My music really lends itself to the smaller audience at the moment. I absolutely love those big events and one day when more people know my music and can sing along I would be grateful to be playing with my band on one of those stages. But for now, I love to talk to people about the stories behind my music and connect with people always on that one-toone level.”

Ahead of her performance in Anglesea, Hitchcock will join an all-star collection of performers in tribute to one of Australia’s greatest artists, Archie Roach.

An evening of song and storytelling at Arts Centre Melbourne’s resplendent Hamer Hall alongside some of the country’s most decorated artists, One Song will celebrate the enormous legacy of Gunditjamara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, song man and storyteller, Archie Roach AC AM, as part of the MSO’s NAIDOC Week program.

“Uncle Archie was such a special human being and every time I sing his music I feel him watching over all of us as we continue to spread his stories. I’m so grateful that I get to sing his music and this event with be very special, One Song is the title track of the very last song he ever released so it’s going to be a beautiful and emotional evening for everyone I think.”

ONE SONG: THE MUSIC OF ARCHIE ROACH

WHERE: HAMER HALL, MELBOURNE

WHEN: WED 05, THU 06 JUL

AN EVENING WITH JESS HITCHCOCK

WHERE: ANGLESEA MEMORIAL HALL

WHEN: 29 JUL

Credit: Tessa Thames

The free fire and ice-themed winter festival coming to Queenscliff

Æ It’s time to bundle up and embrace the cold with the newest event to grace the Bellarine this winter.

From the forward-thinking legends at Searoad Ferries, Queenscliff Music Festival and the Borough of Queenscliffe, Nightide is the exciting new fire and ice-themed event taking over the Queenscliff Foreshore on Saturday 24 June.

Celebrating the beauty of mid-winter and the winter solstice, this extraordinary celebration promises to immerse visitors in a magical experience filled with vibrant performances, visual spectacles and delectable food and wine offerings.

As the sun sets over the Bellarine, the Queenscliff foreshore will come alive with a trail of crackling fire sculptures, immersive soundscapes called The Sand Is Always Moving and inflatable ice baths.

The thoughtfully curated free event will include pop-up bars, musical performances, and an array of food and wine experiences for a winter solstice celebration. Think nitrogen ice cream, mulled wine, food trucks with local delicacies, and the finest wines and beers.

Upstairs at the new Queenscliff Ferry Terminal, there will be live music and wine tastings where visitors can relax, warm up or explore the facilities of the new building.

For an elevated winter solstice experience, a private fire and ice-themed ticketed dinner event – Glacial Ember – will be hosted by Executive Chef Michael Demagistris and Head Chef Ryan James from restaurant TARRA. The team will create a dazzling fourcourse shared menu, plus a wine pairing option. Bookings to this are essential with just 50 tickets available. Super exclusive and entirely indulgent.

The event will conclude with a spectacular operatic sky finale where multi-award-winning soprano Lee Abrahmsen will deliver a breathtaking performance, culminating in a stunning fireworks display at 9pm.

Nightide is a free event open to the public and promises to be an unforgettable experience for families, friends and visitors alike. Visitors can access Nightide from the Queenscliff Pier from 4pm and from 6pm at the new Queenscliff Ferry Terminal.

WINTER GLOW

Adventure Park transforms into a glowing and snowy winter wonderland

Æ While Adventure Park is already known and loved for its thrilling water slides and other attractions through summer, during the winter months is when the park truly comes to life, transforming into a dazzling glowing winter wonderland.

Taking inspiration from the park’s ever-popular Christmas Festival of Lights, Winter Glow will transform the theme park into a frosty winter wonderland in June and July with several activities and experiences perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to embrace the winter season.

A highlight is the park being decorated with millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that is truly breathtaking. Visitors can wander through the park’s illuminated gardens and explore hundreds of glittering installations all over the park or ride the famous Ferris wheel to enjoy spectacular views of the dazzling winter landscape.

In addition to the stunning decorations and lighting, Winter Glow offers a range of winter-themed activities for visitors to enjoy. From building a snowman in the Snow Play Zone (with realistic snow) to impressive fire twirling and ice sculpting displays from local artists, awesome action rides, face painting, cookie decorating and even mini-golf, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can also warm up with a loaded hot chocolate, spiced cider and mulled wine or indulge in delicious winter-themed treats like roasted marshmallows or s’mores over the roaring open fire and rainbow glowing fairy floss!

While the water rides won’t be operating, visitors can take advantage of unlimited dry rides like the air balloons, tea cups, Ferris Wheel, Wave Swinger, Crazy Coaster, Red Baron, Carousel, and Little Buggy Speedway.

Whether you’re looking to embrace the winter season, create magical memories with your family, or simply enjoy the beauty of Adventure Park at night, this event is not to be missed.

NIGHTIDE

WHERE: QUEENSCLIFF FORESHORE

WHEN: 24 JUN

WINTER GLOW

WHERE: ADVENTURE PARK, BELLARINE HWY, WALLINGTON

WHEN: 16–18 JUN, 23 JUN–10 JUL, 13–16 JUL

BLUEBIRD FOUNDATION

Creating and delivering beautiful and diverse arts programs that make a difference

Æ Since the beginning of time, art has always been at the heart of human society. A genuine gift to the world, art gives meaning to life, helps us understand our world, be open to new ideas and experiences; and allows us to have a deeper understanding of our emotions.

Based on the notion that art can bring positive change into our lives for the better and built on the pillars of joy, inclusion and integrity, Bluebird Foundation is a Geelong-based community arts organisation creating and delivering quality arts programs that make a difference for vulnerable families and young people in Geelong.

Joining forces with award-winning Geelong-based artist Laura Alice, the Bluebird Foundation has been creating safe, creative spaces and high-quality arts empowerment projects, offering a healing and wonderful journey at no cost. Collaborative and needs-based, projects range from ongoing weekly programs to short-term projects, as well as occasional one-off performances and opportunities.

“Music and the arts is integral to being human,” Laura explains. “It provides a connection to self, to others and the world. It can provide healing, safety and joy. Bluebird have recognised this and made it central to their mission, to help people plug into their innate creativity, without barriers or division.” Well known for creating collaborative projects that are both empowering and esoteric, Laura’s arts background and passion for social justice and inclusion proved the perfect match for Bluebird Foundation, paving the way to a more vibrant, understanding future for coming generations.

“I wanted to make high-quality art but wanted everyone to experience it – not just the fortunate elite – everyone. I wanted them to experience the joy of making, the magical sense of working communally and then feeling proud of making something beautiful. I was thrilled when I discovered Bluebird and Bron who constantly empowered and supported me to do just that. I feel incredibly privileged to partner with them, and grateful every day.”

One beautiful Bluebird Foundation project that champions creative ways of expressing human experience is the recent STIM! Short Film, a NeuroDivergent Teens Advisory Group Project that celebrates neurodiversity through the eyes of four amazing teens sharing their unique perspectives.

“Since the very beginning of my work at Bluebird and girls street art collective, we found that quite a lot of the wonderful young people who came to our programs and were drawn to our creative spaces were neurodiverse. Over time we noticed that Bluebird House was a real sanctuary for them,” Laura explains.

“However, on the flip side, we also realised how under-supported these young people were, and how easy it was for them to slip through the cracks of NDIS and funding support - especially for girls, women and non-binary neurodiverse people. There were so few programs designed to empower and cater to them and their unique skills, strengths and challenges, and so little education about what that looks like from their perspective.”

With creative Laura at the helm, for this project Leilani Blackert, Sage MacDonald, Grace Hamilton and Lucinda Lewis came together, along with assistant Cat Kilner, over several sessions, learning digital drawing, animation and visual storytelling, and unpacking together their unique ADHD and/or Autistic lives.

Proving vulnerability is so often the secret creative ingredient, the project combined their paintings, sketches and musings in the final product of STIM!, offering a glimpse into their vibrant inner worlds.

Celebrating neurodiversity through unique perspectives, the beautiful short animated documentary serves to remind us that diversity is a vital and important part of the human experience.

“My main hope is that people will come away and realize that diversity of the human mind is a wonderful asset to society and that making space for difference strengthens and unifies us.

“For so many years, neurodivergent people have faced discrimination, inequity and misunderstanding. The ways they have been taught to ‘fit in’ have, in many cases, actually caused harm.

“However, despite challenges and support differences, neurodiverse people have so much to offer. There are strengths, superpowers and great beauty in the unique skills and communication styles of neurodiverse people, and they deserve to be celebrated, understood and appreciated.”

STIM! will make its premiere at The Pivotonian Cinema on Sunday, June 18 from 2pm to 3:30pm, coinciding with the weekend of Autistic Pride Day and Neurodiversity Pride Day.

Offering a blank canvas and an outlet for community members to express their views and foster self-expression, all within a safe environment of support and cooperation, Laura and Bluebird Foundation will continue to foster arts projects that make a difference.

“Each project is different, each outcome is a fun and unique challenge,” Laura explains.

“Film-making, murals, augmented reality installations. We have a lot of exciting projects on the boil and a lot of key artists, musicians and mentors working on different projects. It’s all very exciting and ever-changing.”

If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved with the Bluebird Foundations, and the workshops, exhibitions, shows and screenings, head to the website, Instagram or Facebook page.

Music and the arts is integral to being human... It provides a connection to self, to others and the world.”

— LAURA ALICE, ARTIST

ARTS GUIDE

Exhibitions to see this June

WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE

MARK DOBER & TRUDY RICE: PASTORAL & FLIGHT

Through mediums including oil on canvas and board, watercolour and gouache, Castlemaine-based Mark Dober, who has a PhD in painting from Monash, uses his exploration of surrounding areas to fuel his work. Trudy Rice’s skillset includes solar plate etchings, stencilling and mono-printing. Inspired by the natural environment around her, particularly the gardens of family, she has a deep love for colour.

QUEENSCLIFF GALLERY 22 JUN–09 JUL

MARKET ART WINTER EXHIBITION

It is said that one word can warm three winter months. Here, it is hoped that art is the fire that keeps the body and heart warm. The annual Market Art Winter Exhibition returns with a showcase of more than 100 artists from the Goldfields region. The exhibition will feature paintings, sculptures, photography, jewellery, textiles and much more, with all works available for purchase. Come and warm your three months of winter.

CASTLEMAINE

MARKET BUILDING 17 JUN–15 OCT

NIKHIL JAMES ARLO

The search for a sense of belonging helps shape the work of Nikhil James Arlo. The Melbourne-based Anglo-Indian artist, whose father, his parents and six siblings arrived in Australia in 1970, works through sculpture, photography and performance, piecing together fragments of lives lived by family to create something more tangible. Through exploring the relationship between place, object and body, Nikhil seeks to discover what it means to live within the Anglo-Indian hyphen.

GALLERY ONE, PLATFORM ARTS, GEELONG UNTIL JUNE 30

LIZ WILLIAMSON: WEAVING EUCALYPTUS PROJECT

The eucalyptus tree has become a symbol of strength, protection and abundance. In 2020, weaver Liz Williamson invited colleagues from Australia to India to colour silk fabrics with locally sourced eucalyptus leaves. The project has since extended to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and more. Local colour, cultural connections and weaving traditions are displayed through 100 woven panels dyed by 60 collaborators and featuring more than 50 eucalypt species sourced from more than 50 locations.

IGNACIO QUEREJETA: BENDIGO BIRDLIFE

One does not have to be an ornithologist to appreciate birds. From their importance to nature, to their song and communication, they are most magnificent creatures. In Bendigo Birdlife, Ignacio displays his curiosity and empathy for his subject matter through black and white portraits. Originally from San Sebastian in Spain but currently residing in Wollongong, Ignacio is an artist and visual designer inspired by the natural and urban environments around him.

DUDLEY HOUSE, BENDIGO 16–25 JUN

TERRA FIRMA III /SWARM / I’M NOT SORRY THAT YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL

Three very different exhibitions will run at the same time later this month. In Terra Firma III , a diverse collection of artists explore natural and Australian landscapes. In Swarm , Vietnamese-born Hop Dac explores the ordinary and unreal about living in a Vietnamese home in a country Australian town. And in I’m Not Sorry That You’re Beautiful, James Price explores the sentiment “our eyes speak a language that only our heart understands”.

BOOM GALLERY, GEELONG 22 JUN–16 JUL

FROLIC DARK RAINBOW ART SHOW

The Frolic Dark Rainbow Festival (June 22-24) is the dark counterpart to its summer Ballarat Frolic Festival. Life here is edgier, bolder, exploring worlds inspired by queerness of paganism, Wicca, Norse mythology and the occult. This art show isn’t afraid to take a walk on the wild side, proudly showcasing a diverse and challenging exhibition featuring some of the region’s best queer art.

FEMXLE EXPERIENCE ART

REBELLION, BALLARAT 22 JUN–29 JUL

WARRNIBALD ART PRIZE

Borrowing from Australia’s most prestigious art prize, the Warrnibald Art Prize celebrates, local, national and international people who have made an impact on areas of local culture, charity, business, science, health and education. A venture between the Warrnambool Art Gallery and WDEA Works, winners of the Warrnibald Art Prize (including the juniors) will be announced at the festival’s launch on June 23. Voting for the Archibool People’s Choice is open until July 15.

ARARAT GALLERY TAMA UNTIL JUNE 25

WARRNAMBOOL ART GALLERY 24–03 SEP

WE THE MAKERS SUSTAINABLE FASHION PRIZE

Exploring Fashion’s Sustainable Future through the Next Generation of Fashion Designers

Æ Celebrating the emerging world of sustainable fibre and textiles through emerging fashion makers and courageous designers, the inspiring We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize has returned to the regional city of Geelong.

Aligned with the Geelong UNESCO City of Design designation, the We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize takes place every two years and challenges the next generation of fashion designers to create one original outfit that represents their design aesthetic and showcases their commitment to sustainable fashion.

It is the only sustainable fashion prize offered in Australia for emerging designers with less than ten years of industry experience and is open to designers worldwide. Attracting over 100 expressions of interest from Australian and international designers this year alone, We the Makers truly champions the future of design, Geelong’s status as a creative city, and Geelong’s ongoing role in the wool, fibre and textile industries.

With a swathe of emerging designers, bold, dynamic and exciting designs and $10,000 that will help establish the career of a talented designer, just 20 emerging designers were shortlisted to win the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize for 2023.

Moving beyond ethical supply chains, this year’s designers took bold approaches when repurposing garments and accessories. Designers embraced reviving traditional and near-forgotten methods, dying using organic botanicals and creating with purpose using slow fashion approaches.

Among the shortlisted designers for 2023 include Geelong creatives Lazarus Gordon with their design The Bride; JasmineSkye Marinos with Kaweerr Koorran Dress, Emily Rastas with Electric Avenue , and Portarlington’s Kate VM Sylvester with My Favourite T-shirt

Impressive creations from Melbourne designers were also featured, including Jedda Bahloo’s hmm...must have missed it…, Amy Forbes and Caitlin Mullaly (Veils of Cirrus) with Hemlock Three Piece Suit, and Baaqiy Ghazali’s Decay , among others, while Sydney designers Samara Darling and Jordan Gogos feature with their masterpieces, Open Voices and Very woolly , respectively.

This year the We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2023 also attracted entries from across the world, including designers Gakuki Ito from Niigata, Japan; Steven Junil Park from Otautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand; Vida Straseviciute from Kaunas, Lithuania; and Eliz Yusuf from London, United Kingdom.

“The response to We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2023 has been phenomenal,” says Senior Curator National Wool Museum Josephine Rout.

“It is clear from the breadth and depth of submissions that for the next generation of designers, sustainability is no longer an afterthought, but is embedded within their practice. The finalists are leaders for change in fashion.”

Judged by a panel of international industry experts, Melbourne-based designer Canwen Zho has taken out the major prize. Canwen Zhao is a multidisciplinary fashion designer currently based in Melbourne. With a background in Chinese painting and further studies in fashion and art, Zhao brings a unique aesthetic vision to her practice.

The winning design, 35 Life , provides playful solutions to the increasing environmental threat of sun exposure. The metamorphic piece, which can be worn in multiple ways and packed down into a bag, is made from functional and decorative materials. Both the colours and the form are indebted to historic Chinese dress but reimagined for a contemporary wearer.

Transitioning from a competition to a prolific showcase, the We The Makers exhibition is now open at Geelong’s National Wool Museum, displaying Zhao’s winning design alongside the 19 other shortlisted outfits for everyone to enjoy.

True designers of the future, the works within the curated group exhibition are incredibly diverse and innovative with an unapologetic commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, providing a wonderful opportunity for those looking to sneak a peek at the fashion of the future and for the designers included.

Zhao’s winning garment will join the City’s Collection of Sustainable Fashion after the exhibition.

While the judges have already made their selections, as part of the major biennial program, the top 20 designers featured in the exhibition are all eligible for the Geelong UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award of $2,000, with the prize announced during Geelong Design Week in October 2023.

Upon exploring the exhibition within the iconic National Wool Museum building, the public can vote for their favourite makers. Voting is open now with one vote allowed per day for a favourite maker. All voters go into the running to win a 12-month subscription to Peppermint Magazine.

WE

THE MAKERS SUSTAINABLE FASHION PRIZE

WHERE: NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM, GEELONG

WHEN: UNTIL 29 OCT

Concrete Sky, Eliz Yusuf

Re-Weave, Lilli McKenzie Mermaid, Gakuki Ito My Favourite T-shirt, Kate VM Sylvester

WORDS BY ALEX CALLAN

THE TESKEY BROTHERS The Winding Way

Æ The Teskey Brothers were always going to take out this issue’s feature album. How could they not? There’s just something so monumental about them that makes each new release that they bring out to feel like you’re witnessing history unfold in front of you. It’s as if every album in their catalogue is destined to go on to become timeless Australian treasures in the years following their release.

Their first two albums - Half Mile Harvest (2017), and the Grammy-nominated Run Home Slow (2019) - already have, with the Warrandyte-raised brothers finding stardom as R&B/Soul megastars both at home and away before taking some time to step away and focus on side projects.

So naturally, the news that the brothers were planning on returning for album number three sent most fans into an absolute frenzy, however, the coinciding announcements that it would be recorded amid a new lineup, and with acclaimed dance music producer Eric J Dubowsky (Flume, Chet Faker, Chemical Brothers) were met with trepidation by a handful of online commenters fearful that the group were drastically changing up their sound.

And while those commenters were right – the group have changed it up – they’ve done so in the best ways possible, with Dubowsky’s subtle touch helping The Teskey Brothers to deliver their most stunning, yet adventurous album to date. Fuller in tone and less formulaic in approach, The Winding Way sees The Teskey Brothers dive head-first into a wealth of rich textures and instruments previously unexplored by the group, all while maintaining the integrity, power and levity of their first two releases.

Opener ‘I’m Leaving’ is one for the purists, keeping its cards close to its chest with classic Teskey Brother’s sensibilities– Josh’s voice is as powerful as ever, as is Sam’s minute yet deliberate strums. It’ll have you feeling at home immediately.

‘Oceans Of Emotions’ evokes the same feeling, with its mo-town/gospel harmonics destined to be a favourite amongst longtime fans of the group’s bluegrass roots. ‘London Bridge’ changes it up, organically dabbling into the free-flowing tempo changes of electronic music through a myriad of powerful hooks and well-placed breaks.

In a similar vein ‘This Will Be Our Year’ maintains impressive tempo changes through meticulous drum fills and cymbal work, while ‘Blind Without You’ goes in a different direction again, contrasting winding horn arrangements and uplifting folk melodies alongside Josh’s wounded, emotionally driven vocal delivery.

In other moments of experimentation, the brothers triumphantly try their hand at Pink Floyd-ian psychedelic guitar solos in ‘Rich Man’ and powerful blues rock harmonies in ‘What Will Be’.

There is truly not a skippable moment. An album that will surprise many but still feel at home for most, The Winding Way displays The Teskey Brothers in their finest form yet.

RELEASE: 16 JUN

LABEL: IVY LEAGUE RECORDS

GHOST ORCHID Ghost Orchid

Æ Ghost Orchid can only be described in one word: masterful. And I’m not just saying that because they are my colleagues (Matt Wilkinson and Nathan Mossop), I truly mean it. Ghost Orchid’s self-titled debut album blew me away.

With each song delivered with a clear point of difference from one another, it is a debut that offers up a wealth of easy-listening folk-rock soundscapes that will undoubtedly strike a chord with many.

From the naturalistic foley that ushers you in on ‘Bloom’, to the methodical layering of guitars that awaits you on ‘Middlemist Red’, you will find yourself immediately immersed in Ghost Orchid’s lush array of sounds.

‘Jade Vine’ channels glorious, carefree indie-folk qualities that will resonate with fans of Vance Joy and Ziggy Alberts, ‘Bird Of Paradise’ adds a soulful R&B groove to Wilkinson’s vocal delivery, while ‘Cherry Blossom’ distils the jovial vibrancy of a children’s choir adjacent to its alt-pop tonal qualities.

Toying with a more sombre edge, ‘Ivy Leave’ delicately balances layers of overlapping vocal harmonies alongside powerful string-based crescendos and subtle hand percussion. Title track ‘Ghost Orchid’, on the other hand, hones in on the duo’s conceptual nature, evoking feelings of desert landscapes as sporadic spaghetti-western backing vocals and singular kick drum patterns pound alongside Mossop’s tech-heavy riff work.

As previously stated, the album only be described as masterful. Holistic in its vision and methodical in its execution, Ghost Orchid’s debut is truly a magnificent first effort.

RELEASE: OUT NOW

LABEL: THERE & BACK AGAIN RECORDS

Big Star

Æ Considering the name that Katy Steele made for herself as the lead presence of Little Birdy, her debut solo album Human should have received more attention than it did.

Released in 2016, Human marked itself as a transformative album for Steele, offering soulful disco grooves and synthheavy ambience as a stark replacement for the melancholic post-grunge stylings of her work in Little Birdy.

But while it was an album that saw Steele experimenting with her sound in exciting new ways, it was a release that fell flat with its shelf-life largely struggling to maintain prominence past a short run on triple j’s ‘What’s New’ rotation.

The same won’t be said about her second studio album Big Star

Sure, it continues to propel the anthemic pop stylings that some Little Birdy fans struggled to connect with on Human, but this time around it feels much more memorable, with Big Star delivering a powerful blend of Steele’s iconic vocals alongside the greatest elements of pop music, both modern and nostalgic.

‘Come And See Me’ ties in ‘80s synthpop ambience with shimmery Fleetwood Mac-inspired earworm melodies, ‘Falling Apart’ melds lo-fi techno sensibilities alongside sparkly alt-pop rhythms while title track ‘Big Star’ sees Steele experiment with elements of gospel in her vocal cadence.

While it’s evident that Big Star was written from a much happier perspective than Steele’s work in Little Birdy, it does feel like it has less to say. But with grand arrangements, synth-heavy tonal qualities and shimmering pop-rooted guitars now acting as the pillars of Steele’s sound, you’ll still have a lot of fun along the way.

THE TOADS

In The Wilderness

Æ Anti Fade is more than just a record label. They have that whole Fast and the Furious ‘it’s all about family’ vibe going on with members from almost every band on their roster chopping and changing to lend their services to their mates’ newest side project. And somehow, every new project that the label boasts not only maintains a distinct flavour from one another, they seemingly get better and better.

The Toads are their newest offering. Finding their sound between the thin-wire garage rock guitar tones of Article 58 and the geeky, yet stoic nature of proto-punks The Modern Lovers, The Toads mark themselves as newcomers worth keeping an eye on.

Their debut In the Wilderness showcases the group’s self-described brand of ‘nervy post-punk scuffle’ with finesse–marrying sharp, tinny guitar tones with echoes of disco quirk and gothic drawl. Miles Jansen’s naturally despondent vocals uphold the group’s sound, with his nonchalant demeanour and deadpan delivery maintaining the angst and boredom of UK garage punk, whilst simultaneously channelling adding an adjacent playful larrikin wit.

Through a combination of ragged 1970s surf-punk riffs (‘Two Dozen Functions’), humdrum Brit-Pop melodies (‘Gimme Little More’), and minimalistic post-punk rhythms (‘The Next Door’), In the Wilderness marks itself as a debut release that continues to push the scope of Melbourne’s ever emerging DIY punk scene in refreshing new ways, while still giving a stern nod to the influences that have come before it.

BONES AND JONES

Love You

Æ Bones and Jones have been onto a pretty winning formula since day dot, so if they never changed their style and just continued to rehash the bluesy folkrock stylings of their first few releases, we wouldn’t even be mad— we’d be stoked.

But lucky for us, the Bellarine-based outfit wanted to offer up something new with their newest release Love You, migrating into a world of psychedelic synth tones, lap steel harmonics and swaggering rock and roll riffs.

Essentially, the band are heading in the direction that so many of us were hoping for after the group dropped ‘Reckless’ and we are here for it.

Arriving as the first of many surprises, opener ‘Oh Day’ sees the group’s vocalist Jasper Jolley adopt a hazy, subdued nature to his delivery, imbuing dreamlike qualities akin to the likes of Sufjan Stevens or Fleet Foxes. ‘Be The Best Man At My Wedding’ further differentiates the group’s sound, adding layers of garage-rock dissonance through its use of deftly organised lap steel guitars and rapid-fire drumrolls.

The real gems on the album, however, are ‘Ain’t It Hard’ and ‘Jump Rope’, which see the group deliver some of their most ambitious and adventurous pieces yet, with Tom Maschio’s exploration of synths propelling the group sound to ethereal new heights.

All in all, Love You is a refreshing change-up from the much-loved and fast-rising indie rock outfit.

WHISTLEPIG DISTILLERY RYE JULY

Elevating Geelong’s Hospitality Scene with Exquisite Whiskey Masterclasses

Æ Nestled in the heart of Geelong, the famed 1920s Prohibitionstyle cocktail bar, 18th Amendment Bar, stands as a hidden gem within the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Known for its sophisticated ambiance, unusual ingredients, the remarkable selection of spirits behind the bar and the house-concocted barrel-aged cocktails, this establishment has become a unique addition to the bar scene, capturing the attention of locals and visitors alike.

Celebrating cocktail culture and presenting impressive, classic cocktails with a contemporary twist, the venue’s exclusive masterclasses have become a sought-after experience for whiskey, gin, scotch and cocktail enthusiasts in Geelong. These exclusive events provide participants with an immersive experience, combining education with hands-on tasting sessions.

Following a short hiatus, the beloved bar is now welcoming masterclasses back to the venue in the best of ways with an unforgettable evening of WhistlePig Rye Tasting.

Taking place on 28 June from 7pm, the exclusive event is entirely dedicated to celebrating the exceptional craftsmanship of WhistlePig Distillery.

WhistlePig, nestled in the heart of Vermont, has gained global recognition for its world-class Rye Whiskey and this event offers a unique opportunity to dive into the rich history and exquisite flavours of the WhistlePig Rye varieties.

During the tasting, you’ll have the chance to savour a selection of WhistlePig’s finest Rye Whiskies, guided by David Denton WhistlePig Brand Ambassador. Offering a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of this timeless spirit, you will dive into the history of the brand and its 500-acre farm as well as the story behind each distinct farm-to-bottle expression.

With a drink on arrival and with five specialised tastings, you will immerse yourself in the enticing aromas, complex profiles, and smooth finishes that have made WhistlePig a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Expand your palate and discover why WhistlePig Rye stands out as one of the best in the industry.

Spaces for this exclusive event are limited, so secure your spot online now for an unforgettable evening of whiskey appreciation.

‘HALF DEAF, COMPLETELY MAD’

The new memoir from Australia’s Most Legendary Music Producer Tony Cohen

Æ Masterful in every sense of the word, maverick music producer-engineer Tony Cohen defined Australia’s punk and rock sounds from the late 70s through to the 90s.

Working with the likes of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Models, The Go-Betweens, Hunters & Collectors, Cold Chisel, The Saints, The Cruel Sea, Paul Kelly and so many more, Cohen’s lengthy and acclaimed career saw him work around the world. From Melbourne and Sydney to West Berlin and London’s Abbey Road, Cohen worked with innumerable bands up until his death in 2017.

Cohen’s story is now being told in his own words, with help from friend and fellow engineer John Olson, in the new book Half Deaf, Completely Mad: The Chaotic Genius of Australia’s Most Legendary Producer

Entirely funny, insightful and moving, the memoir shares details of Cohen’s decades-long relationship with Nick Cave (The Boys Next Door, The Birthday Party, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) and provides behind-the-scenes access to recordings by the bands mentioned above as well as Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, Cat Stevens, Jim Keays, Lobby Loyde, The Ferrets, Split Enz, Laughing Clowns, Models, Magazine, The Reels, Beasts of Bourbon, The Saints, X, Michael Hutchence, TISM and so many more.

“I first met Nick Cave… at Richmond Recorders in January. I appeared shoeless, red-eyed and late. As usual. The grand piano was overflowing with bits of metal, microphone stands, anything that wasn’t nailed down. “That should sound interesting,” I said. It was the start of a great love affair.”

Across 240 pages, Half Deaf, Completely Mad is a hilarious, tragic and triumphant memoir that reveals a chaotic genius who lived hard and LOUD.

Half Deaf, Completely Mad: The Chaotic Genius of Australia’s Most Legendary Producer by Tony Cohen and John Olson is out now.

1981–2

Tim Stobart, Peter McIan and Tony at Richmond Recorders Tony Cohen Collection

BITES GUIDE

Food and drink to try this June

AFTER DARK: 1915 AND ANTHER SPIRITS ARE HOSTING AN IMMERSIVE WINTER SOLSTICE DINING EXPERIENCE

BAY VIEW BAR & GRILL OPENS NEW VENUE IN PORTARLINGTON

FAT COOKIE HAS OPENED A STOREFRONT IN DRYSDALE SELLING GIANT LOADED COOKIES

After taking on the mouth-watering cookie-delivery market with its thick, New York-style cookies, Fat Cookie has opened its first store in Drysdale. Located at 2/4 Clarendon Road, Drysdale, you can now pick up the famed loaded cookies that are big, thick and moist, packed with a bucketload of toppings and extra bits and bobs for a real chunky good time. They’ll also be slinging coffee and a selection of delicious toasties.

1915 Restaurant and Bar has joined with Anther Spirits to create an innovative, culinary celebration of Winter Solstice, with ‘After Dark’ taking over Federal Mills on 23 June. The two established icons of Geelong’s food and drink scene are celebrating the longest night of the year with a delicious three-course candle-lit dinner at 1915 paired with finely crafted Anther Spirits cocktails. The menu will have killer combinations of earth and fire.

LOCAL BREWERIES WIN BIG AT THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL BEER AWARDS

Proving our local brewers are at the top of their game, Blackman’s Brewery in Geelong and Aunty Jacks in Ballarat were recognised for their talent at the 2023 Australian International Beer Awards. Blackman’s took home the champion trophy for Best Porter or Stout with their Arthur Smoked Porter, while Aunty Jacks took out the Best European-Style Lager for their Mair St Märzen, Draught.

A well-loved venue on Geelong’s Waterfront for the past few years, Bay View Bar & Grill has expanded to the Bellarine, opening at 82 Newcombe Street in the beautiful seaside town of Portarlington. Open from 8:30am through to 9pm, foodies can dine on an enticing selection of seafood, meat dishes, salads, burgers and pasta. The new spot is also running All-You-Can-Eat Mussels nights, happening every Monday and Tuesday throughout June and July for $28 per head.

BROWN DELI BRINGS BAGELS, KOREAN TWISTS AND COFFEE TO GEELONG’S WATERFRONT

Tucked away on Geelong’s Waterfront, Brown Deli is the new pint-sized cafe to draw in the locals with its Korean-inspired bagels, toasties, coffees and good vibes throughout the week. The deli-style outpost is the first Geelong venue from award-winning Melbourne chef Jack Lee and the menu boasts exciting flavour combinations, plus gluten-free and plant-based options abound, so bagel enthusiasts of all stripes can satisfy their cravings. Find it at 5 Cunningham Street, Geelong.

PIT STOP LORNE BRINGS A RETRO AMERICAN BEACH DINER EXPERIENCE TO APOLLO BAY

Bathed in pastels, timber and neon, the Pit Stop Bros American Beach Diner has opened in Apollo Bay, expanding Pit Stop Lorne’s successful brand. Step inside and find yourself transported to a vibrant beachside eatery, with lively music, friendly staff, and a menu bursting with irresistible classic American cuisine. You’ll also find shakes, pinball machines and even a jukebox, taking you back to the golden era alongside retro memorabilia and charming beach decor.

GEELONG’S RETROINSPIRED DUMPLING BAR IS NOW DOING ‘BOTTOMLESS BAHJONG’ EVERY SUNDAY

Geelong’s newest dumpling diner and bar Bahjong is bringing Bottomless Bahjong to Little Malop Street. Happening every Sunday from noon for $59 per person, Bottomless Bahjong will get you four serves of dumplings with bottomless drinks in the 1hr 30min sitting. There’s a minimum of two people to participate, and the more diners you have, the more dumplings you’ll get. So if there are four of you, you’ll get eight servings of dumplings and so on.

MULITA BBQ IS BRINGING A TEXAS BARBECUE POP-UP TO AUSTIN’S WINERY THIS WINTER

If you’re craving the best American cooking with a touch of Mexican flavours and a quality glass of pinot noir, head to Austin’s Winery. Kicking off on 9 June and running until 2 July on Fridays through to Sundays, Mulita BBQ will be serving an incredibly delicious BBQ menu for all the locals, tourists and wine-lovers visiting Austin’s Wine’s new drinking destinations, located on Austin’s family-owned vineyard in Sutherlands Creek.

BUMBLE BEE EATERY

Geelong’s bright and cosy Asian-inspired Café

Celebrating its fourth birthday just a few months ago, it’s no wonder that Bumble Bee Eatery has become a community favourite. Featuring an Asian-inspired menu that pays tribute to owner Shanny Oh’s Malaysian and Chinese heritage, this Hamlyn Heights café is kicking all the foodie goals, especially when it comes to sweets. Not only are all its dishes made in-house, but its Asian-inspired cakes and desserts are also all homemade, giving qualified pastry chef Shanny the chance to experiment with flavours and new recipes (for both sweet and savoury options) that are bound to be loved by many. Shanny also makes stunning and delicious Insta-worthy celebration cakes available to order for any event.

If Asian fusion fare isn’t really your thing, that’s fine because Bumble Bee’s menu also features classics like a fan favourite big brekky, pulled pork eggs benny, and they even do a brunch tasting plateperfect for when you want one of everything, or if you can’t decide between all the delicious choices.

Ready to launch their new winter menu, Bumble Bee has assured us that the ever-popular crispy chicken bao buns and the corn fritters will still be available through the colder months, and they will be bringing back their beef rendang with butterfly blue pea rice and the crispy chicken burger which have been absolute crowd favourites. Accommodating to all, there is a rotating list of weekly specials, a super spacious café space (wheelchair and pram accessible), and an incredibly welcoming community vibe, with customers feeling right at home from the moment they walk in, to the moment they leave.

Bumble Bee prides itself on its kind-hearted customer service and absolutely delicious menu, which will have you coming back again and again just to experience that well-loved community feeling.

INTERLUDE CAFÉ & CHARLIE BAKERY

Where croissants, coffee and community are the stars of the show

Æ ‘Interlude is a temporary amusement or diversion that contrasts with what goes before or after…’

Located on the busy Torquay highway, Interlude is a minimalist, pint-sized container café, offering the perfect outdoor space to enjoy a range of takeaway food and coffee.

Here you’ll find gourmet toasties made with care and love, a range of menu items including smashed avocado and acai bowls, and belly warmers such as porridge and soup for the winter season.

Employing a humble little team dedicated to serving their loyal and new customers to the best of their ability, service is always with a smile and a willingness to have a long chat: Interlude is the definition of a local Geelong café.

Last month they opened their newest and perhaps most beautiful and intimate venue, Charlie Bakery, located just around the corner on Burdoo Drive in Grovedale.

This is where the incredible and to-die-for pastries are made, including plain croissants, almond croissants, doughnuts and more, which then travel on down to Interlude Café, giving customers the option to order something sweet, tasty and homemade alongside its predictably excellent coffee.

With a reputation for first-class coffee and simple food, Interlude pride itself on freshness and quality, with customers coming back and passing on the good word, knowing regulars and newcomers won’t be disappointed.

The best thing about this container café (besides being the perfect caffeine pit stop and meeting spot for the local community) is that they are pup-friendly and even include a range of doggo treats from Baked By Bree, so it’s the perfect morning, and afternoon or weekend outing for you and your furry friend: coffee, pastries and dogs, this is the best of all three worlds.

Having opened up initially as a little coffee van at the height of the pandemic, the team at Interlude continue to impress, eternally grateful for the continuous support from the community.

They hope to fill your little gaps in life with joy and delicious coffee – and they don’t disappoint.

INTERLUDE CAFÉ

WHERE:

272 TORQUAY ROAD, GROVEDALE

OPEN: 6AM–3:30PM MON–FRI, 7:30AM–1PM SAT–SUN

CHARLIE BAKERY

WHERE:

WHERE: 1/63 VINES ROAD, HAMLYN HEIGHTS

OPEN: 8AM–2:30PM MON–FRI, 8AM–2PM SAT

122 BURDOO DRIVE, GROVEDALE

OPEN: 6AM–4PM MON–FRI, 7-11:30AM SAT–SUN

YAKINIKU HACHIBEH

Indulge in All-You-Can-Eat at this Torquay Japanese Barbeque Joint

Æ If you’re looking for a lavish new all-you-can-eat dining experience with high-grade beef sizzled over red-hot charcoal grills, Yakiniku Hachibeh should be on your list with its new bottomless feast offering.

Located at Shop 7, 4-6, Yakiniku Hachibeh is all about authentic Japanese BBQ, gifting Torquay and the region a premium Japanese dining and traditional Yakiniku (barbecue) experience, unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Yakiniku Hachibeh’s all-you-can-eat feast includes a bottomless selection of six different types of Japanese Angus and Wagyu beef, pork belly, squid, mussels and a range of mixed vegetables, all for you to perfectly grill at your table.

There will also be a range of hot food options to add to your buffet experience including their famous Karaage fried chicken, Harumaki spring roll, Takoyaki, Yaki Gyoza, Tempura prawn, plus a variety of salad options like Japanese mixed salad, Seaweed salad, mushroom salad, squid salad, plus miso soup and rice. To finish your feast with something sweet, there’s also sorbet available.

The feast will be available weekdays for $58 per head, and weekends for $65 per head. If you’re bringing the kids. aged 0-6 are free and 7-12 are only $25. The adult rate applies to those aged 13+ and there is a senior discount available.

If you’re not feeling like a bottomless feast but still keen for a meal of epic proportions, the Hachibeh AU Zen Platter features three selections of Japanese top-range Wagyu, M9 pork belly, seafood (two Large King prawns, four squids, two scallops) and Veggies (a mix of mushrooms, pumpkin, zucchini and eggplants). If you love awesome BBQ, you’ve gotta eat here.

You can also of course just opt for the high-quality Japanese wagyu beef, with choices of sirloin, scotch and short ribs, alongside Japanese beers and beer towers, Japanese whisky, Sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails to choose from, plus wine, mocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and Japanese roasted green tea.

Bookings are required and can be made online.

WHERE: SHOP 7, 4–6 GILBERT ST, TORQUAY

AVAILABLE: DINNER ONLY WED–FRI, LUNCH & DINNER SAT–SUN

SMITH AND CO. FOODS

Creating unforgettable events and memorable moments with visual and edible feasts

Æ Smith and Co. Foods began as a passion project in Melbourne whilst owner Camilla was still working in the media industry. She noticed that there were no delicious, healthy options for corporate lunches and private catering in her area and so she began cooking for friends and family from her small apartment.

When life took a turn and her boyfriend said they were moving to regional Victoria for work, she decided to give Smith and Co. Foods a red hot go. What started as small food deliveries, soon turned into weddings and private events. Overnight Smith and Co. Foods went from a one-woman business to a flourishing company with a strong team catering events for up to 1400 people and counting.

In April 2023, Smith and Co. Foods took a leap of faith and moved to Mercer St in Geelong. Moving just felt right for Camilla; with her incredibly talented and amazing chefs based in Geelong and a noticeable rise in a younger demographic heading to the area. And with that brings a new clientele who want beautiful canapes and events with a Melbourne feel but in a regional city – the best of both worlds.

The new beautiful space allows Smith and Co. to not just cater to, but also host cocktail parties for up to 130 people, as well as sit-down events ranging from 20 to 70 people. Regardless if you are after a private bespoke intimate dinner party, a corporate do or a stand-up cocktail party with everyone you know, they will work with you to develop a renowned tailored menu with fresh and seasonal produce to suit your event needs and budget.

Adding flair to any event, Smith and Co also specialise in grazing tables, providing a perfect option for almost all parties and events. Here the team create a spectacular and delicious visual masterpiece in any space.

And, to make things even better, they absolutely love weddings at Smith and Co Foods. With a knack for bringing an event to life and making it one to remember, Camilla and her team are here to create catering fairytales with beautiful, seasonal and tailored menus for both sit-down or cocktail love-filled events.

WHERE: 70–72 MERCER STREET, GEELONG

HOURS: 9:30–5:30 MON–FRI

STAGE GUIDE Performances to see this June

WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE

HENRY ROLLINS: GOOD TO SEE YOU

You need a little bit of insanity to do great things, so said Henry Rollins. And he has indeed accomplished great things – actor, author, DJ, voice-over artist and, of course, acclaimed musician. Rollins’ last tour was in 2016, but his first trip our way was more than three decades ago. This tour fills us in on what he has been up to since his last visit.

ULUMBARRA THEATRE, BENDIGO 21JUN

CIVIC HALL, BALLARAT 22 JUN

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, The Sound of Music is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s favourite things. Presented by Ballarat Lyric Theatre, directed by Stephen Armati and starring Jenna Featherstone as Maria Rainer and David Sheludko as Captain Georg von Trapp, this is a sing-along reimagining of the beloved musical that first took place in 1959 and won five Tony awards. The film would also later win five Academy awards.

CIVIC HALL, BALLARAT 30 JUN–09 JUL

WINTER SOLSTICE ONE ACT PLAYS

For more than a decade, Theatre 3Triple2 has celebrated Winter Solstice with their One Act Play production. In 2023, Act One is You Wouldn’t Understand, a comedy with an edge that explores what it means to be a “real” family. Act Two is the laugh-out-loud The Set Up, an exploration of blind dates in all their glory. With mulled wine, warm fires and pre-show entertainment, it’s a warm way to spend a cold evening.

POTATO SHED, DRYSDALE 16,17 JUN

PROOF

Catherine is a twenty-something young woman whose troubled life is compounded by looking after her brilliant but unstable mathematician father in David Auburn’s Proof . Following his death, she is visited by her estranged sister and Hal, a former student of her father in search of valuable work. The waves come crashing down as Catherine must wrestle with family, burgeoning romance and the question of how much of her father’s genius, or madness, she will inherit.

WOODBIN THEATRE, GEELONG 30 JUN–15 JUL

It’s uncategorical. It’s a fuel-burning oracle. It’s a fantasmagorical machine! What’s not to love about a magical adventure with a flying car? With a wonderfully talented cast of adults and children, the Ararat Musical Comedy Society has dusted off the 1968 film, which was loosely based on an Ian Fleming novel, for a high-flying production that will put a little bang bang in your life.

ARARAT TOWN HALL 16–18, 23–25 JUN

WOMEN OF WIT

Since launching in Bendigo in 2018, Women of Wit has given the stage to seasoned and upcoming female comedians alike. And the wit of women is on full display once again as 2023 is headlined by Cal Wilson, who more than two decades ago won the Best Newcomer Award at the MICF. Patti Fawcett, Grace Jarvis (Bendigo), Jordan Barr (Bendigo), Daisy Webb (Drysdale) and Nicky Barry (Drysdale) round out the night of laughs.

THE ENGINE ROOM, BENDIGO 30 JUN

POTATO SHED, DRYSDALE 08 JUL

JULIA MORRIS: 75 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

After years of being indoors, Australia’s First Lady of Comedy, Julia Morris, is back in circulation and off the leash in her brand new stand-up spectacular, 75 Years in the Business. A household name thanks to her multi-faceted career as an award winning standup, actor, TV presenter, two-time reality show winner and author, this will be Lady JMo’s first tour since 2018!

COSTA HALL, GEELONG 01 JUL

ARSENIC & OLD LACE

What’s that they say about family? When Brooklyn drama critic and notorious marriage cynic Mortimer Brewster falls for Elaine Harper, their wedded bliss is put to the test by Mortimer’s unconventional family. His two spinster aunts have taken to poisoning lonely old men. One brother believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. The other is a murderer who has an accomplice in a plastic surgeon. How much chaos will their vows allow?

CRESWICK COURTHOUSE THEATRE 16–18, 23–25 JUN

GIG GUIDE JUNE 2023

THU 15 JUN

NICK ALLBROOK

The Workers Club, Melbourne. 7pm. $23.20.

BEN GERRANS‘SPINS’ OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY

The Deck, Geelong. 9pm. $11.40.

SARAH MCLEOD

Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. $35.70.

PUNK NIGHT

W/ DJ DREAD

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

FRI 16 JUN

BEL KILL - ‘MY YEAR’ LIVE, WILD GLORISA.

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7:30pm. $23.44. Student Discount $18.40.

TELENOVA

Volta, Ballarat. 8pm. $30.

TRIO D’LUX

The Palais Hepburn. 6pm. $15.

BRAD COXACRES TOUR

The Gateway Hotel, Corio. 8:30pm. SOLD OUT.

CAP CARTER

The Eastern, Ballarat. 8:30pm. $35.

LADIES NIGHT WITH RAW MUSCLE OGS

The Golden

Vine, Bendigo. 7:30pm. $38.87.

I LOVE THE 90S

Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. $15.30.

VOIID, BLIND GIRLS

Northcote Social Club. 8pm. $24.

HOWLING

MOUNTAIN Cactus Room, Thornbury. 8pm. $15.30.

DEVILLE (SWE)

Stay Gold, Brunswick. 7pm. $44.90.

V, MAXINE GILLON, GHOST BITCH (US) Medusa Bar, Geelong. 7:30pm. $15.

MICHAEL BUBLE

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 8pm. $83.70.

LIVE MUSIC Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT THE JUKE

The Juke, The Grovedale Hotel, Geelong. 8:30. Free.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Barwon Heads Hotel. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 3pm. Free.

JUKEBOX FRIDAYS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 4pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL VINYL/ HOUSE DJS

Edge, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

BRET MOSLEY

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

SAT 17 JUN

FANDANGO!

ZZ TOP TRIBUTE SHOW

Pistol Pete’s Food & Blues, Geelong. 9:30pm. $25.

WILFRID GORDON MCDONAL PARTRIDGE

Geelong Arts Centre. 10:30am & 12pm. Adult $32. Child $22.

TRIPLE THREAT: V, MAXINE GILLON & GHOST BITCH (US) Volta, Ballarat. 7pm. $23.75.

ROCKATANSKI, GREENHOUSE, BLYESS

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7:30pm. $15.

WOOSHKA

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

TELENOVA

Torquay Hotel. 8pm. $30.

KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS

The Palais Hepburn. 7pm. $35.

PIANO WIZARD ANDREW FARRELL

Handle Bar, Bendigo. 7pm. Free.

BEN WITAM & THE BETTY BAND

Lighthouse Studio, Warrnambool.

7:30pm. $25.

BOOM CRASH OPERA

The Wool Exchange, Geelong. 8pm. $45.

LED ZEPPELIN AND DEEP PURPLE TRIBUTE SHOW

The Golden Vine, Bendigo. 9pm. $30.

MICHAEL BUBLE

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 8pm. $83.70.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT THE JUKE

The Juke, The Grovedale Hotel, Geelong. 8:30. Free.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Barwon Heads Hotel. 5pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE GH Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SATURDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS AND DJS

Edge, Geelong. 3pmDJs from 6:30pm. Free.

SCOTTY D

VINYL DJ Black Salt, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT DJS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT AIREYS PUB

Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet. 5pm. Free.

SUN 18 JUN

LIGHTNING & RHINESTONES

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 12pm. $39.80.

COPYCAT KILLERS

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 3:30pm. Free.

BENDIGO

SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: LIGHT & SHADE Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. 2:30pm. $50.

PIANO BAR POP UP SUNDAY SESSIONSOCEAN GROVE

Blackmans Ocean Grove. 2pm. $27.78.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS

Beavs, Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR

SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

ROOFTOP

SUNDAYS

Geelong Hotel. 2pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SUNDAYS Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 3pm. Free.

THU 22 JUN

THE HARD ONS Volta, Ballarat. 7pm. $40.05.

ARC PRESENTS: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. 8pm. Tickets from $71.35.

AINE TYRELL Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. $35.70.

BOOM BOOM

KID (ARGENTINA) , PSYCHOCYBIN Trashcult Eaglehawk, Bendigo. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 4pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

FRI 23 JUN

COOLDAD, DEPORSAL, BRUNETTE RED DRESS

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7pm. $15.30.

HARD-ONS

Torquay Hotel. 8pm. $40.80.

COMEDY REPUBLIC

The Palais Hepburn. 6:30pm. $29.

TARAH FRAWLEY

Handle Bar, Bendigo. 6pm. Free.

TRIBUTE TO OLIVIA NEWTON

JOHN

The Potato Shed, Drysdale. 8pm. $40.

DON WALKERLIGHTNING IN THE SKY TOUR

Sooki Lounge, Belgrave. 8pm. $67.35.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 6pm. Free

LIVE MUSIC AT THE JUKE

The Juke, The Grovedale Hotel, Geelong. 8:30. Free.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Barwon Heads Hotel. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS

Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 3pm. Free.

JUKEBOX FRIDAYS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 4pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL VINYL/ HOUSE DJS

Edge, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

MATT CHAPMAN

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

SAT 24 JUN

B. BOOKINGS PRESENTS: FUN AGAIN

ft. Eyeroll, Winsky, DJ CHUNKY LOVE and Cruella De Cowgirl. The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7pm. $20.

GEORGE TRIMMER BAND

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

DR. DAYTIME

ft. Sam Alfred, Mordi, Ponystar and Luke Shep.

Torquay Hotel. 8pm. $51.

JULES BOULT & THE REDEEMERS

Pistol Pete’s Food & Blues, Geelong. 9:30pm. $15.

ÁINE TYRELL

The Palais Hepburn. 7pm. $30.

MELBOURNE

TARTAN FESTIVAL: CALEDONIAN CASTAWAYS AND LOCAL HERO ft. Live Band and film.

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. 4:30pm. $35.

10CC - THE ULTIMATE GREATEST HITS

TOUR WITH GUEST ROMANIE

Costa Hall - Deakin

University Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. $129 - $99.90.

LOUI FROIA

Handle Bar, Bendigo. 7pm. Free.

LACHLAN

DENTON & MARTIN FRAWLEY

The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 9pm. $22.95.

WILBUR WILDE & THE TROUBLEMAKERS

The Golden Vine, Bendigo. 9pm. $45.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE JUKE

The Juke, The Grovedale Hotel, Geelong. 8:30. Free.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Barwon Heads Hotel. 5pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE GH

Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SATURDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN

SATURDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS AND DJS

Edge, Geelong. 3pmDJs from 6:30pm. Free.

SCOTTY D

VINYL DJ

Black Salt, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT DJS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT AIREYS PUB

Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet. 5pm. Free.

NESTTER DONUTS (SPAIN) , SIN CITY.

Trashcult Eaglehawk, Bendigo. 7pm. Free.

SUN 25 JUN

HARD ONS

The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 2pm. $38.80.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS

Beavs, Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR

SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

ROOFTOP

SUNDAYS

Geelong Hotel. 2pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SUNDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 3pm. Free.

THU

29 JUN

THY ART IS MURDER, JUSTICE FOR THE DAMNED, TO THE GRAVE

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7pm. $49.90.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 4pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

FRI 30 JUN

FREYA JOSEPHINE

HOLLICK, LASHES, NKECHI ANELE, DJ MACARONI

Volta, Ballarat. 7:30pm. $18.40.

WOMEN OF WIT - 2023

The Engine Room, Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $30. Concession $27.

THE SWING SENSATIONS

ft. The Martini Set. The Palais Hepburn. 6:30pm. $25.

THE MILK CARTON KIDS

Queenscliff Town Hall. 7pm. $63.40.

RAY CHEN PERFORMS

TCHAIKOVSKYMELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SEASON 2023

Costa Hall - Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 8:30pm. $99 - $44.

COLONEL VIPERS WHIPSTICK BAND

The Golden Vine, Bendigo. 9pm. $10.

LIVE MUSIC Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The Barwon Heads Hotel. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 3pm. Free.

JUKEBOX FRIDAYS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 4pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL VINYL/ HOUSE DJS

Edge, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

TRINITY JAYNE

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Burchmore and Jack Earle Big Band

SCATTERED ORDER, NO

MAN’S LAND

Trashcult Eaglehawk, Bendigo. 7pm. Free.

SAT 01 JUL

NATHAN SEECKTS‘SOMETHING

RARE AND BEAUTIFUL’ TOUR with Leslie D. King & The Trembling Shakes and Gretta Ziller. The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 8pm. $23.50.

AUSTRALIAN DOORS TRIBUTE

The Palais Hepburn. 6:30pm. $30.

JULIA MORRIS - ‘75 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS’ Costa Hall - Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. $61.

JACK JONES

Bannockburn Railway Hotel. 8pm. $48.96.

DAVE WRIGHT & THE MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS

Pistol Pete’s Food & Blues, Geelong. 9:30pm. $15.

LIVE MUSIC Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE GH Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SATURDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm.Free.

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS AND DJS

Edge, Geelong. 3pmDJs from 6:30pm. Free.

SCOTTY D VINYL DJ

Black Salt, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT DJS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT AIREYS PUB

Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet. 5pm. Free.

SUN 02 JUL

THE MILK CARTON KIDS (USA), VERA SOLA. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. 7pm. $66.20.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS

Beavs, Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR

SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

ROOFTOP SUNDAYS

Geelong Hotel. 2pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SUNDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 3pm. Free.

THU 06 JUL

SLY WITHERS

Volta, Ballarat. 7:30pm. $40.05.

RORY LOWE

The Engine Room, Bendigo. 8pm. $39.90.

KINGSWOOD

Lamby’s, Geelong. 8pm. SOLD OUT.

METAL NIGHT

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong.

9:30pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS

Edge, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

FRI 07 JUL

CHAOTIC

DISCHORD (UK) , SACRAMENTO SWEATERS

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 7pm. $52.05.

KING PARROT Volta, Ballarat.

7:30pm. $34.95.

THE DREGGS, MITCH SANTIAGO

Torquay Hotel. 8pm. SOLD OUT.

DAVID BRIDIE

Bendigo Bank Theatre.

7:30pm. Adult $69. Concession $59.

DOUBLE BLUES: KALIOPI AND THE BLUES MESSENGERS & MATT DWYER AND THE MAGNATONES

The Palais Hepburn. 6:30pm. $35.

LIVE MUSIC

The Elephant & Castle, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 3pm. Free.

JUKEBOX FRIDAYS

Medusa Bar, Geelong. 4pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL VINYL/ HOUSE DJS

Edge, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

SAT 08 JUL

THE WIGGLES - ‘HELLO! WE’RE THE WIGGLES’

Costa Hall - Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 10am; 12:30pm, 3pm. $33.90.

KING PARROT

The Barwon Club, South Geelong. 8pm. $34.70.

SLY WITHERS, BEC STEVENS

Torquay Hotel. 8pm. $40.40.

KINGS OF THE BLUES

The Capital, Bendigo. 7:30pm. Adult $79. Concession $69.

EMO CARNIVAL BALLARAT

Volta, Ballarat. 7:30pm. $23.75.

GET RHYTHM: THE JOHNNY CASH & JUNE CARTER SHOW

The Palais Hepburn. 6:30pm. $35.

TRAVIS COLLINS - ANY LESS ANY MORE TOUR

The Gateway Hotel, Corio. 8:30pm. $44.90.

LIVE MUSIC

Beavs, Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT THE JUKE

The Juke, The Grovedale Hotel, Geelong. 8:30. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

AT GUITAR BAR

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHTS

AT THE GH Geelong Hotel. 9pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SATURDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS

Captain, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

LOCAL ACOUSTICS AND DJS

Edge, Geelong. 3pmDJs from 6:30pm. Free.

SCOTTY D VINYL DJ

Black Salt, Geelong. 6:30pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT DJS Medusa Bar, Geelong. 6pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT AIREYS PUB Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet. 5pm. Free.

SUN 09 JUL

THE WIGGLES - ‘HELLO! WE’RE THE WIGGLES’

Costa Hall - Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 10am, 12:30pm. $33.90.

VIKA & LINDA

The Capital, Bendigo. 5pm. Adult $79. Concession $69.

KIRIN J CALLINAN - ‘IF I COULD SING’ TOUR

The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine. 8pm. $39.30.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS

Beavs, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR

SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Barking Dog, Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

Bombora’s Beach Bar, Torquay. 12pm. Free.

WAX SUNDAYS

Waxyard Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJS AT DIVE

Dive Bar, Geelong. 5pm. Free.

Friday Night Live

LIVE AND LOCAL MUSIC IN THE HEART OF GEELONG’S CBD EVERY FRIDAY FROM 8PM

12-14 UNION ST GEELONG