Beat 1705

Camp

“We

Cope at Brunswick Music Festival

changed the music industry because it didn’t suit us”

FJAAK [DE]

LAURA KING HÉCTOR OAKS

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

SUN 19 MAR

[ES]

PIKNIC FINALE

BEN KLOCK SHLØMO

TAAHLIAH TRYM

SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL

SUN 02 APRIL

SATURDAY 18 MARCH

7.30pm

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall BOOK NOW

ARIA-nominated First Nations neo-soul star Ngaiire joins the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a performance drawing on her career and latest album – the criticallyacclaimed 3.

KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS

BLACK MIDI - JEN CLOHER - KUCKA

CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS

BIG SCARY - LOODS - DAINE - RONA.

AGUNG MANGO - ALLYSHA JOY

OUR CARLSON - AYEBATONYE

MIRASIA - RUBY GILL - SUNFRUITS

GENA ROSE BRUCE - KOMANG

SETWUN - DELIVERY - CHEF CHUNG

DR SURE ’S UNUSUAL PRACTICE

WORKHORSE - WAY DYNAMIC

WILDFIRE MANWURRK

TAMARA & THE DREAMS

THE BLOODY NORAHS + MORE

EDITOR

Lucas Radbourne

ASSISTANT EDITORS  Sidonie Bird de la Coeur

Talia Rinaldo

STAFF WRITER

Kaya Martin

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Riley McDonald

GIG GUIDE

Jacob Colliver

CONTRIBUTORS

Ben Lamb, Bryget Chrisfield, Jacob McCormack, Luke Carlino, Lucy Andrews, Lesleigh Luiten, Jasmine Penman, Kosa Monteith

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

ACCOUNTS accounts@furstmedia.com.au

DISTRIBUTION distribution@furstmedia.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

FOUNDER

Rob Furst

Editorial Note

In news that makes us feel almost as old as we look, Jimmy Eat World has now been popping punk for 30 years, so we bonded over unnaturally long life before they rock Rod Laver with My Chemical Romance.

We also chat to Folk Bitch Trio about meeting your idols, geek over guitars with Hussy Hicks, and learn about cocaine-funded hippos with Harry Hook.

We’re also saving space to gorge on Melbourne Food & Wine Festival’s delectable degustation, before we cast a more critical eye over this city’s hospitality culture with MASS. Like every festival this month, MFWF is packed with international attractions but everyone’s just interested in the locals. That’s the way we like it.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. DISTRIBUTION

Beat Mag will be distributed free every month to hundreds of locations around metro Melbourne, to enquire about having it at your venue email distribution@furstmedia.com.au

Our March cover stars are Camp Cope, photographed by Kane Hibberd

This month we raise a glass to Camp Cope, who headline both BMF and this rag in celebration of their final shows. We have detailed guides for the entire festival and the Sydney Road Street Party within, so consider Beat your BMF bible.

Brunswick Music Festival reveals full lineup

Brunswick Music Festival will electrify Melbourne’s Northern corridor for the 35th consecutive year in 2023, elevating cutting-edge curated lineups throughout Brunswick for nine days this March 5-13. The festival will feature headlining performances from Camp Cope, Mdou Moctar, CIVIC, Crumb and Leon Vynehall.

ACMI unveil their autumn program

From design exhibitions exploring the women that shaped the industry’s history to curated retrospectives that celebrate iconic horror filmmakers, there’s something for the cinephile in all of us at ACMI this autumn, with their Focus on the Dead series first off the rank in March.

Cate Blanchett to star in RISING exhibition

From June 2 to June 18, the Melbourne Town Hall will host Euphoria, a spectacular installation that will transform the Town Hall into a mesmerising display of screens that will feature narration by acclaimed Australian actress Cate Blanchett.

Groovin the Moo announce huge 2023 lineup

Time to mark it in the diaries music lovers – Groovin The Moo have announced their killer lineup with Skepta, Fatboy Slim, alt-J and more. It all goes down in Bendigo on April 29 and tickets are available now.

ChillOut festival announce biggest program yet

Daylesford’s celebrated gathering of the regional LGBTQIA+ community offers a star-studded line-up featuring acts like Kate Miller-Heidke, Drag Race Down Under’s Art Simone, ABC’s Nate Byrne, and Rainbow History TikTok star Rudy Jean Rigg, along with plenty of events, talks, and general good times from March 9 – 13.

Modest Mouse, Slowdive headline Daydream Festival

The inaugural Daydream festival is heading to Australia and will hit Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With a lineup that includes Modest Mouse, Slowdive and Tropical Fuck Storm, Daydream is set to take over the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a huge show on April 22.

Meadow 2023 lineup gets bigger

Meadow 2023 lineup adds Allysha Joy, Sunfruits and Chef Chung to a lineup already brimming with the likes of Kurt Vile and Black Midi. It returns to the Surf Coast from March 31 – April 2.

The Grogans, Kee’ahn lead The Far East Music Festival

There’s a brand new boutique music festival to love, with The Far East Music Festival, taking place on the wilderness coast in the small and remote coastal township of Mallacoota in Victoria on the Easter weekend, April 7-9 2023.

Moomba Festival set to be bigger than ever

Currently in its 69th year (nice), Moomba Festival 2023 is set to feature all the classics such as the Moomba Birdman Rally, the Moomba Carnival and the Moomba Parade. Taking place over the Labour Day long weekend, Moomba will enchant you with five days of fun from March 9 to 13.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2023 program is here

From a gourmet sausage sizzle to an Italo-disco oyster party, the 2023 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is looking mouth watering. Running from March 24 to April 2, it will feature over 150 snack-centric events.

St Kilda Blues Festival to take over 20 venues

The fourth annual St Kilda Blues Festival is back in 2023 for a full weekend of musical escape from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5. This free, three-day festival promises a lineup chock full of incredible local grassroots bands and international appearances, with events spanning over 20 iconic local St Kilda venues, including an outdoor stage in Acland Street plaza and performers up and down Fitzroy Street.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to perform Star Wars classic

Following the successful Star Wars in Concert Series, the force will return to the MSO when they perform John Williams’ legendary score as the classic 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back, is projected on the big screen at Hamer Hall. Performances will run on October 19, 20 and 21.

Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz festival returns

The 2023 incarnation of the popular Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival will return to the South Melbourne Market, happening over Saturday March 11 and Sunday March 12.

Megadeth announce Melbourne headline show

Megadeth have announced a headline

Melbourne show at Margaret Court Arena with support from In Flames, on March 22.

Tantalise your tastebuds at Melbourne’s Herb and Chilli Festival

The Herb and Chilli Festival will feature eating competitions, live music, a specialty ingredient marketplace, and much more on March 18 and 19 in the Yarra Valley.

Boogie is back with a country weekender

From April 7 to 9, Boogie is taking over Our Friend’s Farm for a rockabilly event like no other. Private Function, The Counterfeits’ Wild West Show featuring Freya Josephine Hollick, Girl & Girl, Guitar Wolf (JPN) and The Prize will all feature on the mainstage.

Smashing Pumpkins announce Australian festival tour

The festival is set to feature Jane’s Addiction and killer Aussie rock from Amyl & The Sniffers, RedHook, Battlesnake and professional wrestling, with shows in Hastings on April 22, Ballarat on April 23 and Melbourne on April 27.

Birrarangga Film Festival is coming to Melbourne

The Birrarangga Film Festival, a celebration of Indigenous films from around the globe, is returning to Naarm from March 23-28. The inspiring collection of stories from First Nations filmmakers will be screening at The Capitol, ACMI, Lido, Classic, Victorian Pride Centre and Federation Square.

Good Times expands lineup for 2023

Surprise Chef, Bumpy, Wax O Paradiso and Glass Beams are among the many incredible acts joining Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, C.W. Stoneking & his Primitive Horn Orchestra and FLOODLIGHTS at the inaugural Good Times festival on Saturday March 25 in Tocumwal.

The official Elvis musical is coming to Melbourne

Elvis: A Musical Revolution is is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of the award-winning cultural icon, set to tour Australia in 2023, rocking into Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre in September.

Made In China 2.0 comes to Malthouse

Get up close and personal with one of China’s most provocative exports when experimental theatre maker Wang Chong presents Made In China 2.0 at Malthouse Theatre, running until March 19.

Port Fairy Folk Festival announce Archie Roach Foundation Stage

Celebrating First Nations artists both established and emerging, the stage will feature music from the likes of Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Birdz & Fred Leone, Bumpy, Dobby, Emma Donovan, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Pirritu, and a group tribute to Uncle Archie from March 10-13.

country music and good vibes. Taking place on Frankston Foreshore on March 4 and 5, this two-day event will bring together some of the best country music talents in all of Australia.

There’s an Asian pop music festival coming to Melbourne

Sonica Music Festival will feature K-Pop, hip hop, RnB and much more performed by some of the hottest Asian sensations. The Asian pop music and culture festival is set for March 17 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Steve-O announces The Bucket List Tour

Jackass star, stand-up comedian, and New York Times best-selling author, Steve-O, is bringing his The Bucket List Tour to Melbourne in April, as part of his current Australian and New Zealand tour. Catch him when he heads to Melbourne’s own Plenary Theatre on March 11.

Australian International Airshow is back this March

Alliance Française Film Festival reveals 2023 program

Screening a whopping 39 feature films across seven participating Melbourne cinemas, this year’s iteration of the festival is shaping up to be a real treat. The festival will take over various cinemas across Melbourne from March 8 until April 5.

From March 3 to 5, some of the world’s best jets will take over the Avalon Airport to perform dramatic displays of aerial prowess. The three-day fest will also have up-close viewings of specialised aircrafts, food and beverage options and live entertainment.

CresFest expands 2023 lineup

The lineup features international folk and roots music stars, national treasures, including First Nations artists and a diverse local lineup in partnership with The Boîte, from March 31 to April 2.

New electronic festival Higher Grnd comes to Melbourne

Three of the UK’s emerging electronic artists will be descending Down Under to headline a new electronic event: Higher Grnd 2023, which comes to Melbourne’s MPavillion on March 17.

Melbourne International Dumpling Festival comes to Victoria Market

Deep-fried samosas, boiled-and-panfried pierogies, and juicy steamed xiao long bao may seem like they’re worlds apart, but on March 22, they’ll be brought together under one roof as punters gather to celebrate the beloved snack at the return of the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival.

CLAMM announce Australian tour

Melbourne trio CLAMM head back out around the country after the release of their celebrated 2022 album Care, and welcome new member Stella Rennex (Parsnip, Thibault, Smarts) on bass. They’re set to play a show at Melbourne’s own Croxton Bandroom on April 15.

Abbie Chatfield is coming to Melbourne in May

Country by the Bay to hit Frankston in March

Start your autumn out right with a journey down south to the hidden oasis of Long Island Reserve for an epic weekend of

She’s getting it off her chest on a national level: Australian television star, author, podcaster and chronic oversharer Abbie Chatfield is heading across the country for a five-date tour this April and May. Catch her when she brings The Trauma Dump tour to St Kilda’s own Palais Theatre for a heartfelt and hilarious show on April 28.

FRAME:

A biennial of dance is coming to Melbourne

FRAME: A biennial of dance is a new pilot festival in Melbourne and surrounds occurring throughout March.

Boardwalk Country Music Festival launches

The Boardwalk Country Music Festival is a mammoth undertaking, rolling from city to city throughout our fair country this April and bringing in some of the best of local and international twang. It’s coming to Ballarat, Hastings and Melbourne, with a show in Port Melbourne on April 26.

Fortyfivedownstairs announces CUT

CUT – by Australian playwright Duncan Graham – is a jagged and disorienting psychological thriller coming to fortyfivedownstairs on March 16 and 17.

Live at Warrawee is bringing live music to Oakleigh

Currently in its sixth iteration, Live at Warrawee is set to take over Warrawee Park in Oakleigh for a free festival on March 18. Bringing some excellent acts into the eastern suburbs in 2022, this exciting evening boats a lineup featuring Pierce Brothers, Thndo, D’Arcy Spiller, Pirritu, Women of Soul and Busted Chops.

Catch Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs in concert

National Celtic Folk Festival unveils 2023 lineup

From June 9 - 12, the National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF) will celebrate its 19th year bringing the best in Celtic culture to the shores of Portarlington, Wadawurrung Country, featuring Daoirí Farrell, Sorcha Costello and Charm of Finches among others.

Jen Cloher announces Australian tour

Matt Corby announces Australian album tour

Matt Corby will celebrate his forthcoming album release with a run of tour dates in late May and early June, coming to The Forum on May 22.

Melbourne Guitar Show coming to Caulfield Racecourse

The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on March 4 and 5, with performances from Eric Bibb, Nick Johnston, Hussy Hicks and Steph Strings.

For one night only this May, some of the country’s finest vocalists will join forces to take on the soundtracks of Quentin Tarantino. Catch the show at Melbourne’s own Palais Theatre on May 5.

PURE rave returns to Melbourne

Carl Cox, Joris Voorn, Ida Engberg and Luigi Madonna are playing at Flemington Racecourse for the return of PURE’s techno rave on April 23.

The multi-award winner is coming to The Sound Doctor in Anglesea on May 26 and the Northcote Theatre on May 27.

Melbourne Aquarium launches digital exhibition

Journey through living light with Submerged, an all-new immersive digital experience running until December at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

FUSE Festival is returning this March

The City of Darebin, known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse cultural offerings, is set to host its annual FUSE Festival from March 11 to 26. With standout events including Out of the Park Picnic, performances from Emma Donovan, DJ Jumps and Dorsal Fins, interactive spaces and more, FUSE is set to showcase some of the best creative local talents.

National Pet Show announces Melbourne dates

Taking place Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March at Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, the Pet Show will bring together a range of experts and feature a variety of stage shows and activations.

Aireys Inlet Music Festival reveals lineup

Returning for its 17th year, the Aireys Inlet Music Festival is set to take over this coastal town from March 17 - March 19, with Ella Hooper headlining another cracking lineup of homegrown talent.

Masked Wolf to play free Fed Square gig

Masked Wolf will play a free show at Fed Square on March 24 as part of Fed Live, supported by Big Twisty and Funknasty, Agung Mango, POOKIE and Kootsie Don.

For our interview, Camp Cope’s bassist and new mum Kelly-Dawn Hellmrich

Zooms in from her home in Western Sydney. Singer-guitarist Georgia Maq joins the chat from Melbourne and points out her pappous (Greek term for grandfather), who is pottering around in the background.

CAMP COPE

We’re told this cover shoot was actually the first time Maq and Camp Cope’s drummer Sarah ‘Thomo’ Thompson met their bandmate’s baby, Coda, who, you’ve gotta admit, is an absolute natural in front of the camera.

There’s footage of Hellmrich playing bass on stage while six months pregnant in the music video for the title track from their latest, Australian Music Prize-shortlisted record, Running With The Hurricane, and we can’t help but wonder whether Coda perks up whenever Camp Cope songs are played, having regularly heard them in the womb. Hellmrich confirms he most definitely does, adding that another track on this album, Sing

Your Heart Out, is actually her son’s personal fave. But since the majority of this song is a piano ballad and his mum’s bass contributions don’t kick in ‘til around the song’s final quarter, Hellmrich jokes, “I’m not even in it that long! So I’m a bit sour about that.”

Throughout her “whole pregnancy”, Hellmrich tells us she used to sing It’ll All Work Out by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and has also noticed Coda “hyperfocuses” whenever he hears that particular song: “I sing it every time he is upset now and, yeah, he recognises it. Babies are so cool!”

Credit Kane Hibbard

Scenes from the hospital, when Coda was actually born, feature in the music video for Sing Your Heart Out. It interpolates live Camp Cope footage from some of their highlight performances over the years from home movies (Veebs, Thomo’s cat of 18 years, and her new kitten Jennifer also make appearances).

Coda actually went on the road with Camp Cope when they travelled to New Zealand for a couple of shows – which ended up being cancelled due to floods – earlier this year. Hellmrich recalls: “We were there right up until the show was about to start and he was really good during load-in, soundcheck and everything… I’ve been really blessed with a very chill baby as well, so he made it very easy.”

When asked whether seeing other muso mums making it work inspired her to have a child of her own, Hellmrich reveals, “I always wanted kids, but I thought I could never do it. But our tour manager Lani [Purkis] was in this band in New Zealand called Elemeno P. So I was talking to her – she’s got two sons – and I said one night, ‘I wish I had kids, but I’ve chosen to play music, so…’ And she was like, ‘I did it. I brought my son to Texas, New York, Paris, Big Day Out – you just do it... So she kind of put that idea into my head.

“But then I saw Hannah [Joy] from Middle Kids playing pregnant – and that’s singing and playing, which I can’t even imagine; playing bass was hard enough. And Isabella Manfredi as well: she was playing pregnant and looking absolutely gorgeous doing it, too. I dunno how she looked so amazing, when I was pregnant I felt like – you know the scene where the girl eats the blueberry in Willy Wonka [& The Chocolate Factory]? That’s how I felt,” she shares, laughing. “And when I was a kid, I saw Yumi Stynes. She was hosting Channel V and I remember she was at the Big Day Out or the ARIAs or something, interviewing artists, and she was in a crop top and pregnant. And that image is still in my brain from when I was really little.”

Maq contributes, “I remember when we were in LA and Anna Lunoe was there, and she was pregnant and it was just beautiful. And I was like, ‘Go you, you’re so cool!’”

“I think it’s really cool, but it also depends on the pregnancy as well,” Hellmrich cautions. “The first half of my pregnancy I really struggled to, like, even get out of bed. So I wanna promote that you can do anything when you’re pregnant but also some people can’t, as well. It should be normalised, but also I don’t want women to feel the pressure that you have to do everything you did before [you got pregnant].

“I’ve made the whole pregnancy journey, and the birth and being a mum, part of my image on social media, ‘cause it’s like: this is me now. None of us have ever tried to pretend to be something that we’re not in our everyday lives.”

Prior to conceiving Coda, Hellmrich had a miscarriage and was still dealing with the associated physical and emotional trauma while doing promo for Running With The Hurricane. She shared the devastating news of her miscarriage on social media and explains, “I wanted people to know; I didn’t want to have to go through and message everybody individually. I wanted to help reduce the stigma of suffering in silence and then also to honour that baby as well. I felt like I wanted people to know – it was a girl – that she existed. So it was a way of honouring her. I wanted people to know about her, because she was a part of my life, too. So I’m really glad that I did that. It was one of the best things I ever did, to be honest.

“And it helped me. It was hundreds and hundreds of messages I got from people who had gone through the same thing. I’m so glad that I shared it; I wasn’t sure whether to, but I’m so glad I did.”

Maq says that Camp Cope “constantly talked about” Hellmrich’s plans to start a family. Hellmrich remembers, smiling, “I said that when I’m 30 I’m having a baby and I’m gonna bring them on tour. And then I literally had him when I was 30! I manifested it.”

“You manifested it, yeah,” Maq concurs. “I love Coda so much. He’s so cute. He makes touring so much better. I just wanted to hold him all the time and she wouldn’t let me! She wouldn’t let me wear the baby carrier. I was so sad. I’d just stare at him while he was asleep, like a fucking psycho [laughs]. He’s just so cute it’s fucked! But Camp Cope has just always made things work. We changed the music industry because it didn’t suit us.

“I feel like we’ve always just been a very realistic band. We’ve never looked too flashy, all our film clips are just kind of like live performances or us playing and, you know, that was quite intentional because we always just wanted to show who we really are and how you don’t have to look a certain way to play in a band or behave a certain way or fit into someone else’s idea of what a woman in music should be. We just made our own path.”

“But men are allowed, they just get up there in their jeans and their T-shirt,” Hellmrich observes. Maq: “They just do whatever they want.”

“We’ve got friends in the industry that were being told – this was, like, a decade ago – that they had to grow their hair out and wear dresses if they wanted to make music as women and that stuff was done in secret,” Hellmrich recalls. “But it’s still very much done: you have to look a certain way if you’re gonna appeal to a certain audience and I feel like, yeah, being a mother, that doesn’t fit that image that they wanna sell. But we’re artists, we’re not looking to sell an image that people can eat up.”

“Yeah, people forget that musicians aren’t models,” Maq agrees.

Camp Cope have since announced they’re breaking up, a mysterious decision they resist delving into at this stage, and will perform their farewell shows as part of the upcoming Brunswick Festival. Hellmrich actually lived in Brunswick for a couple of years, which she remembers fondly: “It’s one of the favourite places I’ve lived.”

“I think Brunswick’s quite cool because we wrote Running With The Hurricane there,” Maq shares, before Hellmrich confirms, “Yeah, in the rehearsal space.”

After Hellmrich admits, “I can’t wait to see the cover. I haven’t seen it yet!” Maq excitedly fills her pappous in on the fact that Camp Cope are gracing the cover of Beat’s March print edition. Then Hellmrich’s partner passes Coda into her arms and Maq beams, “Oh, exciting!” before trying to attract the baby’s attention: “Coda, Coda, look at me! Hi, hello. Oh my god, he’s so perfect. He’s so huge now!” Hellmrich acknowledges, wistfully, “I know.”

Camp Cope are playing two shows at Estonian House on March 11 for Brunswick Music Festival. Beat is an official media partner of Brunswick Music Festival.

“But Camp Cope has just always made things work. We changed the music industry because it didn’t suit us.”

BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL

35 years and running, Brunswick Music Festival is gearing up to showcase a range of renowned venues in Brunswick for yet another year.

Words by Jacob McCormack

The festival, which runs from March 5 through to 13, is bringing back international headliners for the first time since Kevin Morby played in 2020. Here are a few of our top picks, but you can check out the full lineup on the BMF website.

CIVIC

Melbourne punk-inspired rockers and provocative political commentators

CIVIC are launching their new LP Taken By Force on Friday March 10 at the Estonian House. High-Octane and littered with reckless abandon, witnessing CIVIC live will certify your membership in the clusters of fans dispersed globally all connecting on the disillusionment to empty promises of governments and structural injustice.

Leon Vynehall

A departure from the up-tempo, down stroke dominated punk rock, UK based DJ and Producer Leon Vynehall is performing a set at this year’s festival in Estonian House. On Sunday March 12, the famous Brunswick performance hall will be taken over by a troupe of new era Australian musical artists accompanying the profound textural exploration of Vynehall. Alongside Vynehall, the electronic music extravaganza will see the likes of DJ JNETT, Cassettes For Kids, Monfreaq, Caucasian Opportunities and Memphis LK showcasing their DJ prowess.

Blak Stage

The longest running First Nations open mic night conducted in the Kulin nations - Blak Stage at the Retreat Hotel will feature an event on Tuesday March 7. The stage is exclusively to be held by first nations artists, but all are welcome to attend to revel in the song, dance, poetry, comedy and more of presenting artists.

Last but certainly not least, the Sydney Road Street Party is set to block off the iconic Brunswick main road on Sunday March 5. In traditional fashion not only will there be venues open showcasing music, but stages will be set up hosting acts such as Black Jesus Experience, Cable Ties, Pinch Points, Ajak Kwai, Kira Puru, Mindy Meng Wang and many more.

Crumb

Rounding out the international headliners are Brooklyn based rock-pop outfit Crumb. Having already taken the world by storm with their woozy toned down psychedelia, the band’s maiden trip to Australia this year includes a big show at Estonian House on Wednesday March 8. Crumb are set to provide nothing short of a captivating performance with their wafty and potent musical wanderings.

Camp Cope

The festival will see a range of other local as well as international bands and musicians take to the various stages scattered around Brunswick. Camp Cope have locked in an afternoon, all-ages show on Saturday March 11. Facilitating the younger folk and those preferencing an early night the show will act as a warm-up to their sold out audience at the Estonian House on the same day. Sadly, this will be their last ever Naarm/ Melbourne show.

ZÖJ

In line with International Women’s Day, ZÖJ (made up of Gelareh Pour: Kamancheh/vocals and Brian O’Dwyer: Drumkit) are performing their dark, romantic and poetic improvised musical accompaniment to exhibitions by Iranian born Setareh Hosseini and Sofi Basseghi and Burmese Shwe Wutt Hmon. At 6pm on Wednesday March 6, There Is No Celebration Here will take place at Counihan Gallery, as ZÖJ will explore the notion of human rights, drawing it into focus sonically as they stand in solidarity with those affected by the legally enshrined gender inequality in place in countries such as Iran.

Music For The Mob

The festival comes to an end with Music For The Mob on March 13, a collaboration between the festival and Bad Apples Music, Briggs’ phenomenal label spotlighting First Nations artists. Kobie Dee, Chasing Ghosts and Canisha will all perform at the totally free and family-friendly event in Brunswick’s Gilpin Park from 1-6pm.

Brunswick Music Festival runs between March 5 – 13 in venues across Brunswick. Beat is an official media partner of Brunswick Music Festival.

SYDNEY ROAD STREET PARTY

The Sydney Road Street Party is an unmissable event on the Brunswick Music Festival calendar, taking over Sydney Road on March 5 from 12pm ‘til late.

Words by Jacob McCormack

Autumn is fast approaching, at least according to seasonal shifts we have all come to relate to. But the weather is still susceptible to being hot, the cold beer as refreshing as ever, and summer has just sped past, fast as it consistently seems to each year. Festivals have been attended, days have been spent by the beach or perched by an urban pool and 2023 is well underway.

Marking this seasonal transition is the world-renowned landmark of the Sydney Road Street Party. Yes, world renowned. What’s more alluring than a blocked off Sydney Road with the infrastructure to showcase some of Australia’s most musically talented all afternoon? It rivals carnivals around the world as being one of the best urban parties ever.

As biased and perhaps embellished as this may be The Sydney Road Street Party is back after the drawn-out and debilitating interruption of the pandemic. This year, the 2023 rendition is going to be huge! Next month the Street Party will be taking place on Sunday March 5, acting as the opening event for the Brunswick Music Festival that will span across the following week.

What’s on

As always, the street party will feature food stalls selling delectable cuisine, market stalls boasting a mixed array of trinkets and wares, all the types of entertainment you could imagine and more as well as music at almost every corner and in every venue splattered along the distinguished main road of Brunswick.

Running from midday to 6pm, six stages of musical programming have been arranged through Brunswick Music Festival. However, these don’t include the stages featured in venues such as The Retreat Hotel, Stay Gold, Brunswick Ballroom and the four stages within the Bergy Seltzer. Across the entire footprint of the street party there will be 14 stages hosting musical displays.

Teeming with musical talent a selection of music inclusive of and eclipsing all genres, explorations and sounds will be performed throughout the entirety of the Street Party. It will be harder than planning which artist to see at your favourite summer music festival, undoubtedly creating conflict within those wanting to make the most of the offerings.

The lineup

Realistically one won’t be able to witness all of the acts performing on the day, but standout artists such as June Jones, Kira Piru, Palm Springs, Cable Ties, Mindy Meng Wang, Ajak Kwai, Pinch Points and Black Jesus Experience, all of which are based in Naarm/Melbourne are nearly unmissable.

From the rapture of experimental ethio-jazz synonymous with the name Black Jesus Experience to the strippeddown and occasionally angelic modern take on folk of Palm Springs. To the heavy-hitting franticness of Cable Ties and then onwards into the transcendental and journeying sounds of Mindy Meng Wang’s reinvigoration of classical Chinese music. Round it all out with the punchy post-punk guitar riffs of Pinch Points and you have you’ve only

experienced a micro-cosmic example of the diversity apparent in Naarm/ Melbourne’s current music scene.

Further expanding this long list of musical diversity featured are the notable Sunfruits closing out the Brunswick Ballroom stage, Teether and Kuya Neil wrapping up proceedings at The Retreat Hotel, and The Miffs, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice and Dumb Punts gracing the Stay Gold stage throughout the course of the day.

The afterparties

Although the festival, or that which operates on the street will conclude at 6pm, musical performances will continue well into the night and sprawl out into the early hours of the following morning. The Bergy Seltzer bandroom will be humming until after 1:00am.

With secret headliners yet to be revealed the already confirmed wealth of talent set to perform on the day, has venues keeping surprises close to their inner circles to add to the suspense and tension already high in anticipation for the Sydney Road Street Party.

All in all, the return of the Sydney Road Street Party is a welcoming one for residents of the northern suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne, but also for those living across the city and those that are lucky enough to be travelling in the area in early March.

It’s nothing short of ecstasy leading up to the largest and most exciting celebration of music and culture in the streets of Brunswick, a tradition that has been dearly missed over the last two years.

Sydney Road Street Party takes over Brunswick’s Sydney Road on March 5, the opening day of Brunswick Music Festival. Beat is an official media partner of Brunswick Music Festival.

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Words by Jasmine Penman

Australia’s leading culinary celebration returns to Melbourne this March and April. We talked to Pat Nourse, the creative director of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, about this year’s program.

Walk through the streets of Melbourne on any given Friday night and you’ll see why the city has built a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. There are freshly shucked oysters in basements and boat noodles in car parks. There are wine bars tucked away in graffiti-ridden laneways and cocktail bars hidden in churchyards and radio stations. None of this sounds like it should make any sense when you think about what good dining typically looks like in other major cities around the world. But in Melbourne, things are different. In Melbourne, we have our own thing going on altogether.

It’s late on a Friday afternoon when Pat and I start talking about how lucky we are to live in a city with such a vibrant food culture. “There aren’t many cities in the world that can offer the variety we have at the quality and at the prices that we get it at here in Melbourne,” he says.

Since 2019, Nourse has held the post of creative director at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, so if there’s anyone who really understands the true breadth of what our city has to offer in food and wine–it’s him.

This year, the festival will be taking place between Friday 24 March and Sunday 2 April. Over the course of 10 jam-packed days, local and international talent will converge in Melbourne to celebrate the best of Victorian food and wine. There are world-class chefs flying in from New York, London, and Kyoto. There are dazzling dinners and long lunches popping up across town. Oh, and there’s a gourmet 7-Eleven store opening at Fed Square, where you’ll be able to feast on lamb sandwiches by Lee Ho Fook’s Victor Liong, banana bread ice cream by Luther’s Scoops, and rum and gin spiked Slurpees–among a host of other delectable offerings.

“Oh my god, Victor Liong’s spicy lamb flatbread sandwich will change your life,” Nourse is quick to tell me. “But if having your life changed by meat isn’t your thing, Shannon Martinez is doing a new take on her plant-based chicken parma sandwich.”

In many ways, this year’s festival program feels like a microcosm of our city’s dining scene. It’s diverse, vibrant and oozing with personality. Central to the program are its ultra-fine dining events and its degustations; but equally important to the festival are its sausage sizzles and its open-air markets. “Our food culture is something that everyone participates in,” says Nourse. “It’s not something that’s reserved for an elite class.”

In an industry that is sometimes criticised for being pompous and stiff, this kind of laid back, unpretentious approach to dining is refreshing–groundbreaking, even. And it resonates deeply within Melburnians far and wide. So far, the response to the festival has been overwhelmingly high. Dozens of events completely sold out within days of the festival’s pre-sale. Among them was the Florian Eatery x Julia Busuttil Nishimura dinner, an event that reached capacity not within days, but within minutes.

“It’s really heartening, actually, that while we’re flying in chefs from New York and Kyoto and all over the place, it’s Julia Busuttil Nishimura wandering over from Fitzroy North to Carlton North that has attracted some of the most attention across the whole festival,” Nourse says. “Isn’t that fantastic?”

It’s heartwarming to see, partly because it’s such a wonderful testament to our community’s willingness to champion smaller, independent players. Ultimately, this lies at the heart of Melbourne’s success as a leading food destination. “It’s no good having the best cafe or the best bar or the best restaurant in the world if people aren’t going to find the time to support it,” says Nourse. “I guess as Melburnians, we enjoy seeking out the good stuff and sharing it with our friends.”

Speaking of sharing the good stuff (if I may digress for one moment), I ask Nourse to share with me his go-to spot for a gin martini in Melbourne. Without missing a beat, he tells me that Caretaker’s Cottage–the tiny pub just off Lonsdale Street–is the place to go in the city for a world-class martini. “I personally think that a martini should be so cold that it’s almost painful to drink,” says Nourse. “And theirs are right up there with the coldest in town.” You heard it here first.

This year, the team at Caretaker’s Cottage will be taking rein of the drinks menu at The Festival Bar, which will be popping up at Fed Square. There’ll be spirits from Nagambie, whiskies from Steward, beers from Brick Lane, and wines from Pizzini and Tahbilk. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, Nourse tells me that Tom ‘Hummus King’ Sarafian (the former head chef at Bar Saracen) will be leading the charge on the snack front, supplying guests throughout the festival with luscious plates of creamy, velvety hummus.

There’s a lot to love about our city’s eccentricities. “I think a lot of what makes the city so exciting now is that willingness to experiment and that creative spirit,” Nourse says. “I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that this is the most socially progressive city in Australia, and I think the food scene, in part, reflects that.”

All of the events in the festival’s calendar capture, in some way or another, this innovative and creative flair that Nourse talks about. But there are, of course, some standouts – events that really push the creative boundaries of how food can be used to broaden our perspectives and to challenge our preconceptions of what good dining looks like. One of them is Tokyo Tina’s Rubbish Ramen Soup Shop event, where diners will slurp their way through generous bowls of noodle soups prepared by Senior Chef Enza Sotto, using only excess produce destined for the rubbish dump. Another one is Robata’s The Heart Inside event, where diners will feast on a warm and bountiful robatayaki meal, inspired by the world of Studio Ghibli. And then there’s the Celebrity Sausage event, where the likes of Christian Petracca, Virginia Trioli and Chrissie Swan will come together at Fed Square to create the sausage sandwiches of their dreams.

As for Nourse’s top pick from the festival’s program, it’s an easy one. “I wouldn’t miss Baker’s Dozen in a blue fit,” he says, as we approach the end of our conversation. “I just think it’s going to be such an insane day out. We’re bringing together 13 incredible Victorian bakeries, and we’ve got the most cult bakeries in town. It’s free to attend; it’s at Fed Square; it’s right in the middle of the city; so it’s an easy and fun way to get together with a bunch of friends.”

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns in 2023 between Friday 24 March and Sunday 2 April.

“It’s really heartening, actually, that while we’re flying in chefs from New York and Kyoto and all over the place, it’s Julia Busuttil Nishimura wandering over from Fitzroy North to Carlton North that has attracted some of the most attention across the whole festival,” Nourse says. “Isn’t that fantastic?”

HUSSY HICKS

Grab your fellow guitar geek because Hussy Hicks are in town for Melbourne Guitar Show.

Words by Jacob McCormack

Hussy Hicks have been making a name for themselves since the arrival of their first LP in 2008.

The 11-track Life Plays Out, was the maiden collection of songs for the band, but for guitarist Julz Parker a history of playing and touring in bands spans long before the inaugural Hussy Hicks release.

Since then, the band has expanded, adding more members and subsequently more instrumentation, but guitarist Julz’ self-explained guitar geekiness has stood the test of time. With multiple performances coming up for the band at the Melbourne Guitar Show on Saturday and Sunday March 4 and 5, Julz is looking forward to not only showcasing the versatility of Hussy Hicks, but the satisfaction that will come from perusing new guitar constructions and trailblazing technology.

“We are playing a set with the big band,” says Julz. “Doing the acoustic jam with Nick Charles, both on Saturday. Then on Sunday we will be playing an acoustic set, in duo mode. Then we will also be hanging around for the blues roulette jam later that day.”

“I will definitely be walking around and checking out any of the workshops that I can, and any new things from instrument manufacturers, pedal makers and all that absolutely geeky stuff. The rest of the band will probably go and get a pub lunch and I’ll just keep geeking out. I am all about that stuff.”

This self-described geekiness has been something that Julz established in primary school. She was a 10-year-old student that would regularly be seen carrying a guitar around the campus she attended.

“I am a card-carrying guitar geek,” says Julz. “I was that kid who just carried a guitar round at school every day. I had the Guitar Player magazine on first reserve at the local library from when I was 10.”

While they join a bill packed with talent - Eric Bibb, Nick Johnston and Steph Strings just to name a few - there actually couldn’t be a more fitting band to have playing at the Melbourne Guitar Show than Hussy Hicks.

Now with six studio albums in their discography, the band still identifies their live shows as the true strength to their repertoire. “Generally, there will be some songs where the recorded version goes a certain way,” says Julz. “But for live performances there is room to expand that, to linger on an idea and see where it goes.”

“We are very much a live band. Above all that’s our main strength, we’ve all been playing since we were children. The live environment is really where we are most at ease and we come alive the most. The more engaged the audience, the better the show.”

And if you can’t make it to the Melbourne Guitar Show to see Hussy Hicks, who are based in Lismore on the Northern New South Wales coast, the band are making the most of their trip down south. They have a show at The Wesley Anne in Northcote on Friday March 3. However, they are spending another week

in Victoria with shows at multiple festivals the weekend that follows the Melbourne Guitar Show.

“We are getting into Melbourne on the second,” says Julz. “We obviously do the Wesley Anne show on the third and then the Melbourne Guitar Show that weekend, but we are hanging around too, because the following weekend we are playing the chillout festival in Daylesford and Arches Creek, down near Phillip Island, so we’ve got about two weekends in that greater Melbourne area.”

With all the shows upcoming, gratitude seems to be the prevailing attitude for Julz, who is by far and large a lover of all things guitar.

“I won’t count my blessings too quick, but so far it’s been great.”

The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on March 4-5, 2023. This article was made in partnership with Melbourne Guitar Show.

“I am a card-carrying guitar geek,” says Julz. “I was that kid who just carried a guitar round at school every day. I had the Guitar Player magazine on first reserve at the local library from when I was 10.”

• 2 DAYS

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SEE, TRY & BUY AT AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST POP-UP GUITAR SHOP!

MARCH 4-5, 2023

CAULFIELD RACECOURSE

Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

In performance or session: Eric Bibb (USA) in Q&A session, Nick Johnston (CAN), and Aussies; Phil Manning & Nick Charles, Blues Roulette, King Canyon, Steph Strings, Hussy Hicks, Simon Hosford plays Yngwie Malmsteen’s Trilogy, Kathleen Halloran, Lloyd Spiegel, Kyran Daniel, Chris Bieniek, Opal Ocean, Joyce Prescher, Marcel Yammouni, Corey Legge, Charlie Bedford, Monica Weightman, James Ryan, Michael Paynter, Ben Kelly, Joshua Batten, Leon Todd and more

LIVE AT THE BOWL Events in March

Live at the Bowl brings seven worldclass events to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this month.

Words by Lucas Radbourne

Sonica Music Festival

Sonica Music Festival will feature K-Pop, hip hop, RnB and much more performed by some of the hottest Asian sensations. The lineup includes Gareth.T, Gentle Bones, Henry and Amber Liu, with more to be announced.

Sonica Music Festival is on March 17.

Piknic Électronik #9

x Untitled

Piknic Électronik has been lighting up the ‘Bowl all summer thanks to brilliant events with Kolsch, Cristoph and Reinier Zonneveld, just to name a few. It returns for a third time this season – its second last dance - with breakout German duo FJAAK and Spanish underground legend Héctor Oaks.

Piknic Électronik #9 x Untitled is on March 19.

Bon Iver

The utterly mesmerising Bon Iver will play on March 4 and 5, showcasing Justin Vernon’s reputation as not only one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, but as a force majeure live. From intimate, confessional indie folk into increasingly expansive and abstract realms, Bon Iver will both soothe and inspire us.

Bon Iver plays on March 4 and 5.

PASIFIX

Gaba Musik is back with PASIFIX, a major contemporary all-ages music event celebrating the strength of the Pacific Islands. HP Boyz, Lisi, Creative Nātives, Sorong Samarai, Justin Wellington and more will headline a lineup that spans from Australia to the USA, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

PASIFIX will combine a powerfully diverse harmony of Polynesian choirs to sweet island reggae, Aotearoa reggae, Ozzie Poly Drill and the tribal sounds of Papua New Guinea and West Papua.

Reminisce House 2023

Live at the Bowl staple Reminisce returns with John Course counting down the top 50 house tracks of all time. The day party will feature sets from highly-celebrated Canadian producer Tiga (playing his first ever classics set) alongside local legends Sneaky Sound System and Late Nite Tuff Guy.

Reminisce is on March 25.

King Stingray

Lorde

With over 14 billion streams worldwide, pop legend Lorde will play huge Friday and Saturday night shows alongside US indie trio MUNA. Both acts are touring critically-acclaimed third albums and to make it extra special, it’s Lorde’s first return to Australia in six years.

Lorde plays on March 10 and 11.

PASIFIX is on March 18.

In 2022, King Stingray took out the ARIA Breakthrough Artist Award and finished things up by playing to over 18,000 people at Falls Festival, one of Live at the Bowl’s first events. They’re kicking 2023 off with a bang, returning for a huge all-ages gig with support from fellow future superstars Gretta Ray and George Alice.

King Stingray play on March 31.

GUIDE Festivals in March

Words by Ben Lamb

Port Fairy Folk Festival

Take a trip down the Great Ocean Road for this iconic Victorian festival. With a handpicked lineup featuring the best in folk, this family-friendly festival has something for everyone.

The Port Fairy Folk Festival will take place from March 10 until March 13.

Dreamland Theme Park

There’s nothing cooler than a festival in an unexpected location. Dreamland Theme Park Music Festival will return to Luna Park and feature artists such as Lockdown, Kaos, and Bread Gang.

Dreamland Theme Park takes over Luna Park on March 12.

Pitch Music and Arts

Wildflower Festival

Women are continuously underrepresented in festival lineups, so it’s good to see a festival like this pop up. Featuring the most talented women in the world of local music, it’ll be headlined by Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers.

Wildflower Festival is bringing the music to the Yarra Valley on March 12.

Tent Pole Festival

A massive rock celebration that’s happening at Mt Duneed Estate, Tent Pole Festival will feature music from Pavement, Black Lips, CLAMM, Magic Dirt, Sirens, Spiderbait, The Schizophonics, The Prize, MOD CON, Floodlights, Charley Crockett, and Jerikye Williams.

Brunswick Music Festival

Brunswick Music Festival will electrify Melbourne’s northern corridor for its 35th iteration in 2023. This year’s festivities will see the Sydney Road Street Party returning after a two-year hiatus.

The Brunswick Music Festival goes down from March 5 until March 13.

Moomba

Everyone’s favourite free Melbourne festival is set to return for a five-day celebration of food, drinks, fun and all the Moomba classics across the long weekend.

Moomba Festival takes place from March 9 until March 13.

Pitch Music and Arts is back with a bang, featuring music from homegrown and global icons including Bradley Zero, BIG WETT, Four Tet, Interplanetary Criminal, Mano Le Tough and heaps more.

Pitch Music and Arts returns to the Grampian Plains from March 10 until March 14

Tent Pole Festival is happening on March 12.

Yackandandah Folk Festival

Take a drive to the north of Victoria and head to the Yackandandah Folk Festival to see music from John Smith, The Burning Hall, and plenty more.

Yackandandah Folk Festival takes place from March 24 until March 26.

Meadow Festival

Returning for its ninth iteration, Meadow Festival is an intimate festival with no overlapping set times, making it the perfect place to catch music from artists like Black Midi and Jen Cloher.

Meadow Festival is happening from March 31 until April 2.

Live at Warrawee

Now one for all the suburbanites, Live at Warrawee is happening in Oakleigh, and will feature amazing live music from artists all taking place in an incredible venue, food trucks, bars, and lots more.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

There’s no question that Melbourne is a hotspot for food and wine. So much so, there’s a festival dedicated entirely to it, showcasing the best of the best in produce on this side of the equator.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival takes over the city from March 24.

Chillout Festival

A celebration of queer country pride, Chillout Festival was one of 2022’s most popular festivals and it’s set to return this year. Taking place in Daylesford, the queer capital of regional Victoria, they have a killer lineup and heaps of events for everyone to enjoy.

Chillout Festival is happening in Daylesford from March 9 until March 13.

Golden Plains

Happening at the ethereal Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Golden Plains returns for the first time since the pandemic for a massive 2023 edition. Catch music from Bikini Kill and Carly Jepsen and many more all on the same stage.

Golden Plains takes place over the Labour Day long weekend, from March 11 until March 13.

Live at Warrawee goes down on March 18.

Knotfest

Having sold out grounds across the world, it’s now Melbourne’s turn. Knotfest will feature music from artists like Slipknot, Megadeth and Trivium.

Knotfest all goes down on March 24.

Stage shows in March

Words by Ben Lamb

Odd Sock: Gabbi Bolt

Gabbi Bolt is a must-see performer this year, one of many shows hitting Melbourne stages for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With her show incorporating musical moments, observational humour, and killer keyboard licks, its already sold out shows in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. After winning the Best Newcomer at the Sydney Comedy Festival, and getting namechecked by comedy icon Wayne Brady, get on Gabbi Bolt before she’s selling out arenas.

The Piano Guys

The Piano Guys are a foursome who are bringing instrumental piano tunes into the mainstream. They will often rework popular tracks from the charts from artists like One Direction and Lewis Capaldi. The group first came into the world back in 2010 when they were trying to promote founding member Paul Anderson’s piano shop.

They’ll be hitting the stage at The Plenary on Friday, March 10.

Rob Brydon

Perhaps best known as the host of the hit panel show Would I Lie To You, Rob Brydon is one of the UK’s most popular comedic minds. He first came to prominence in the radio comedy world of the 1990s, which was the starting point for many British comedy minds we love today. Brydon’s show is set to feature live music performances, stand-up and lots of laughs.

Rob Brydon will be heading to Hamer Hall on March 23 and 24.

When The Rain Stops Falling

An epic piece of magical realism is heading to the Theatre Works stage: When The Rain Starts Falling tells a multigenerational narrative, switching between Alice Springs in 2039 and London in 1959. The play will be directed by Briony Dunn and will star Heather Bolton, Lucie Chaix, Esther van Doornum, Francis Greenslade, Darcy Kent, Margaret Mills, and Chris Connelly.

When The Rain Stops Falling opens on March 4 at Theatre Works.

Gabbi Bolt will be at The Butterfly Club from March 28.

Not Finished With You Yet

Not too often do we get a brand new musical from an Australian that’s premiering on a local stage. Not Finished With You Yet is a hilarious and risqué new musical written and composed by former City of Port Phillip mayor Dick Gross. Taking place in a world where everyone needs to divorce 13 years into their marriage, it stars husband and wife duo Christie Whelan and Rohan Browne in leading roles.

Not Finished With You Yet is taking place at the Alex Theatre from Tuesday, March 7.

Weird Al Yankovic

The parody king has a bit of a love affair with Australia, having hit our shores 5 times since 2003. This March, he’ll be back with The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, which will focus on songs that don’t often pop up in his average setlists. There’ll be many of his lesser-known B-sides, like Melanie and Don’t Download This Song, among much more.

Weird Al Yankovic will be taking over the Palais theatre on March 11.

The Proclaimers

Ready to walk 500 miles? How about 500 more? The Scottish duo have been a staple of the music world since 1962.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) was a well-received track in the UK reaching the top spot. They’ll be hitting the stage in support of their 2022 release, Dentures Out, a record that reached the top 10 in several countries, showing that they’re still a force to be reckoned with.

The Proclaimers hit the Athenaeum Stage on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10

Foil, Arms & Hog

Irish comedy sketch troupe Foil, Arms & Hog are one of the internet’s most popular sketch troupes, dazzling many viewers with their unique brand of humour. Set to feature sketches, improv, audience volunteers, and plenty more it’s the perfect show to see if you’re keen to laugh until your belly hurts.

Foil, Arms & Hog will head to the Atheneum Theatre stage on March 3.

Pentatonix

Popular a capella group Pentatonix just keep getting better and better, bringing the niche genre well and truly into the mainstream over the last few years. The group recently dropped a holiday-themed album, which featured a collaboration with Meghan Trainor. Be prepared to hear some of their old-school covers, their new songs, and everything in between.

Pentatonix will hit the Margaret Court Arena on March 26.

ARTS GUIDE Exhibitions to see in March

Words by Ben Lamb

Gina Kalabishis: Romantica

Local artist Gina Kalabishis has been a staple of the local art scene for a number of years, holding a number of exhibitions within Australia’s most notable galleries. Inspired by her time spent in Gippsland, her work is known for encapsulating the current times. Gina Kalabishis’ Romantica is also accessible in a virtual format.

Romantica takes place at the Flinders Lane Gallery from Tuesday, March 7.

Through Time and Space

This March, The Chinese Museum will be home to a new exhibition called Through Time and Space. Inspired by the effects of COVID-19, its impact on our relationship with time and space and how the border closures affected overseas students. This virtual exhibition can also be accessed through The Chinese Museum’s website.

Head down to Through Time and Space at The Chinese Museum, it’s open throughout March.

A Female Gaze

Showcasing the works of seven Australian female painters with distinct styles, A Female Gaze portrays themes including the body, architecture and objects through the lens of femininity. Reimagining the conventional subjects of men in painting, this impactful exhibition represents the female experience in creative practices.

A Female Gaze opens at the MARS Gallery on March 1.

Lucy Guerin: NEWRETRO

There’s a different type of exhibition heading to Melbourne this MarchNEWRETRO is a huge dance exhibition that will reference a number of dance pieces from the last two decades.

Choreographed by the award-winning Lucy Guerin, With a whopping 21 dancers involved with the performance, this is not one to miss.

Catch NEWRETRO from March 25 at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

Melbourne Now

An amalgamation of many different art pieces - catch everything from fashion to jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, video, performance, printmaking and publishing. There’ll be works from countless artists, such as Matthew Harris, Rel Pham, Kojima Shouten, George Egerton Warburton, and many more. Last happening back in 2013, Melbourne Now is a regular occurrence that celebrates the best in local design.

Melbourne Now takes place at the NGV from March 24.

Ben Crawford: All Was Lost And Found In The Song of The Butcher Bird

Since moving to Australia over a decade ago, Ben Crawford’s life has changed drastically. Focusing on the world of in-betweens and liminal landscapes, this exhibition blends the familiar with the unknown.

Ben Crawford: All Was Lost And Found In The Song of The Butcher Bird is happening at the Boom Gallery from March 25.

Collections of You

Referencing the beauty in the mundane of everyday life, Collections of You is an intriguing new exhibition coming to the Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery this month. Featuring three artists, HuaCun Chen, Liz Johnson, and Susan Lowe, their works aim to reimagine pieces in the Town Hall Gallery, attempting to use their own views to shape the pieces in their own special way.

Collections of You takes place from Wednesday, March 1 at the Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery.

Callum Morton: Inside Out

Known for bringing a distinct feel to any spaces that his paintings hang in, Callum Morton is one of the world’s most exciting artists. Made up of windows looking in and looking out of the Sirius Building in Sydney, this exhibition is heading to the Anna Schwartz Gallery throughout March.

Inside Out takes place at the Anna Schwartz Gallery throughout March.

Who Are You?: Athens, Aotearoa and the Art of Marian Maguire

Exploring the connections between ancient Greece and contemporary Aotearoa, this exhibition features the work of New Zealand-based artist Marian Maguire. Taking place at the Hellenic Museum, Who Are You? explores Maguire’s unique perspective on classical mythology, identity and colonialism through lithographs and etchings.

Who Are You? at the Hellenic Museum throughout March.

KATE

MILLER-HEIDKE

Words by Luke Carlino

Regional Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ home base, Daylesford, offers more music, dancing, and fun than ever before over the Labour Day weekend.

This year marks the 25th edition of the ChillOut Festival in Daylesford, a celebration of the thriving LGBTQIA+ arts community in the gay capital of Victoria!

This year, the festival is back with a bigger line-up than ever before, featuring performances from Art Simone from Drag Race Down Under and the viral TikTok star Rudy Jean Rigg over Labour Day weekend.

However, the biggest name on the bill is the one and only Kate Miller-Heidke, who headlines the festival’s main event, Carnivale, in Rainbow Square on March 12. The classically-trained alt-pop queen is truly in a league of her own. She recently completed the tour cycle for her fifth studio album, Child In Reverse, which hit the ARIA Top 10 and included a range of singles, most notably Simpatico featuring Mallrat.

Being unanimously chosen by jury and public as Australia’s 2019 Eurovision Song Contest certainly made Kate a household name. Her performance of the original piece Zero Gravity won first place in the semi-final, and a top ten spot in the Grand Final, along with the Marcel Bezançon Award for Artistic Achievement. To this date, she’s the only person who has sung at all three: Eurovision, Coachella, and the New York Metropolitan Opera.

She has also dabbled in television – her work has been featured in promos for the classic TV soap Neighbours, and she has made appearances on the Masked Singer and performed her song I am my Own Panther Now on the ABC comedy show Preppers. When you consider her mega-star musicianship fused with her taste for dramatic theatricality, it’s no wonder she’s among the ranks of Australia’s most esteemed gay icons.

All of this, in turn, has led to a much-needed break that Kate is currently taking by the beachside. She was kind enough to steal a moment away to chat with Beat about her performance at ChillOut, what she’s been working on, and what’s yet to come – while we’re never quite sure what to expect when it comes to Kate’s career, we know it’s always going to be dazzling.

We begin by revelling in the fact that live performances and festivals like ChillOut are well and truly back. “It feels like something I’ll never take for granted again,” says Kate, “live performance (from the stage and from the audience) is my version of church – it’s the opposite of feeling lonely.”

This year’s ChillOut theme is Find Your Wings, a fitting match for the soaring pop, folk, musical theatre and opera blend of Miller-Heidke’s sound. The headlining spot is not an honour that the 17-time ARIA Award-nominated artist takes for granted.

“I’m incredibly honoured! It means so much to me to be welcomed by the queer community. I can’t wait. I just know the vibe will be fabulous,” she says. “ChillOut has an amazing reputation, I’d heard about it for years from friends who have been and I’d always wanted to go, so being asked to headline was a real treat. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.”

Started in 1997, the event has grown to be one of the highlights of the Victorian festival season. It’s located just an hour and a half drive out of the Melbourne CBD, in Daylesford: the queer culture epicentre of the countryside, and also the mineral spa capital of Australia.

Visitors can book a ChillOut glamping package (think less rugged mountainside, more luxury yurt with hot showers) or stay at one of the town’s quaint hotels or cottages to make a weekend getaway out of the event. There’s also a shuttle bus to bring guests from their accommodation to the festival hub.

It’s a time for the LGBT+ community to come together for a wet and wild five-day celebration featuring music, comedy, sports, arts events and raging parties. On the schedule this year?

Life drawing, granny drag bingo, speed dating, horseback riding, bushwalks, twilight bathing and so much more. After the party, guests can book into one of the glamorous local spas to relax and rejuvenate. Kate is set to close out the event on Sunday.

Festival appearance aside, Kate most recently collaborated with Marcus Bridge from Northlane for the Last King of the Cross TV series soundtrack, an unlikely pairing that has created something special.

“A TV producer put it to me that my song Last Day on Earth could work as a much harder song in collaboration with a metal singer. I’ve always loved crossing genres and reinventing songs,” she says. “Marcus was my first choice of collaborator, he’s one of the best singers I’ve ever heard and hearing his death growling/screaming up close was an unforgettable experience. So dramatic!”

The collaboration can arguably be considered less strange for a diverse artist with a now 20-plus-year career that has touched and melded various genres seamlessly. Although most of her music could now be loosely defined as pop, she got her start as a classical vocalist.

She earned herself a bachelor’s degree in classical voice on a full-ride scholarship and even went on to get a Master of Music from the Queensland University of Technology. Her voice – bright, dynamic and impeccable – has allowed her to transcend the confines of genre and deliver stunning performances in whatever she tries.

As Miller-Heidke discusses, longevity is rare in the music business, especially for women. “I feel truly grateful about it. Having impeccable management is definitely a big factor. Also, I have a fairly diverse musical background, so have been able to dip my toes into opera, TV and theatre as a performer and a composer. Job security is not a thing in this industry, so my only strategy is just to keep going! So far, it’s worked out pretty well.”

The remainder of the year sees Miller-Heidke working on large theatre productions, including a ballet and an original musical. She is also working on Muriel’s Wedding the Musical overseas and a new solo project – “it’s still early days for new music, but I’m very excited about it!”

For now, your best bet for a dose of Kate Miller-Heidke is at ChillOut Carnivale on March 12. Grab your picnic basket and your friends, and prepare for a day-long rager featuring special guests DJ Eddie, Cerulean (Miss First Nation 2021), Dean Aruci, Elektra Lite, Tuck Shop Ladies, Gabrielle la Bucci, Jude Munroe, Rude Jean Rigg, Karen from Finance, Jude Perl, Diamond and York, Greg Gould and DJ Du Jour.

ChillOut Festival runs from March 9 to 13 in Daylesford, Victoria.

“Marcus was my first choice of collaborator, he’s one of the best singers I’ve ever heard and hearing his death growling/screaming up close was an unforgettable experience. So dramatic!”

Matt Corby

EVERYTHING’S FINE

Album Reviews by Bryget Chrisfield

After his home was engulfed by flood waters in early 2022, Matt Corby watched anxiously as his heavily pregnant partner and young son were rescued by a neighbour in a small inflatable dinghy. This occurred on the same day Corby had intended to start recording this album, but instead the whole family relocated to his Rainbow Valley studios in northern NSW. Recorded a week later, lead single Problems – with its fuzzy opening synths that bring Chet Faker to mind – contains flood-referencing chorus lyrics: “Just take all you can carry/ Take all you can hold.”

case you needed another reason to obsess over this song, For Real is actually Corby’s tribute to friend and bandmate Rohin Jones, who he describes as “a beautiful person” – aw, we do love a bromance.

In 2020, Corby had a benign tumour removed from his bowel and has said that the agonising week spent in hospital –awaiting his results – gave him plenty of time to reflect on his life choices thus far. Following this health scare, Corby penned the understated and classy, piano-driven Better Than That (“I said I wasn’t ready to die/ Nowhere near it”). Largely unadorned, Corby’s airy vocals are showcased to perfection here; soaring like a seagull surfing a slipstream.

Mo’Ju Oro, Plata, Mata

“I want what’s rightfully mine/ I think it’s finally time” – time’s up, alright! And Midas (feat. Ryo & Waari) – with its minimal bass throb, sustained keys and squelchy beat – reclaims Mo’Ju’s true power: “Take your seat at the table/ I don’t want what you’re serving/ I don’t need your appraisal/ Yes I know what my wooooorth is.”

Reelin’ – the brass-enhanced second single – documents a tiff within a committed, long-term relationship. Corby’s third album utilises crisp, R&B-style production and is also psychedelic in parts. Let’s not forget Corby’s been spending a lot of time in the producer’s chair of late (Genesis Owusu’s track Black Dogs!; Budjerah’s award-winning debut EP), which has further sharpened his melodic instinct and harmonic flair.

“Your dad sold his guitar/ To make you understand/ No matter what would happen/ Music holds your hand...” – such beautiful, meaningful lyrics! And just in

Woozy and Tame Impala-esque, Big Smoke takes flight with weightless strings and an uplifting repeated mantra: “There’s not enough time to be so sad.” The hip hop-flavoured Reruns sounds like a roller skating Saturday: looking cute in your hotpants as you cruise along the esplanade on a bright, sunshiny day. Mainies incorporates idyllic field recordings, captured by Corby on his iPhone while sitting on the front porch of his aforementioned family home. An absolute swoonfest, Everything’s Fine is a timely reminder to cherish the gift of life. We thoroughly recommend you listen out for the golden lyrical affirmations scattered throughout as well (eg. “Don’t freak out ‘bout the future, it’s beyond us”).

Label: Island Records Release date: March 24

Following their grandfather’s passing, Mo’Ju has said that writing music helped. Becoming a parent during these tumultuous times also shifted their perspective (“You are only one, please don’t be scared about the future”).

The fourth studio LP by this Naarmbased musician, songwriter, storyteller and third culture kid (Filipino/Wiradjuri) – which shares its title with a 1982 historical war drama that Mo’Ju’s late Tito (uncle) Peque Gallaga directed – is separated into three chapters by brief introductory interludes narrated by Mo’Ju’s Tita (aunt) Madie Gallaga.

During lead single Change Has To Come, which implores listeners to stop doomscrolling and reconnect with community IRL, Mo’Ju’s powerful vocals evoke The Weeknd. “Aaaaaaah/ Ah-ah-ah/ Aaaaaaah” – we’re powerless to this standout track’s insistent siren song. Ngaiire’s guest vocals throughout Something To Believe In make us feel airborne on fluttering butterfly wings. Nuanced percussion, fingersnaps and harp glissando elevate the closing Swan Song (feat. Meklit).

Oro, Plata, Mata – Mo’Ju’s magnum opus – is an important work, laced with hope: “I believe in us, rising above hatred…”

Label: Virgin Music Release date: March 24

Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band Other World

“I loved making this record so much,” Tex Perkins has said of Other World, “because fucking magic happened.” And it sure as hell sounds like it!

Much like Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band’s striking self-titled debut, this follow-up album took shape while Perkins and co-writer/guitarist Matt Walker traded song ideas “like a game of demo tennis”. Perkins’ opening serve became the bluesy, Bill Withers-inspired Pretty Damn Close, which features distant harmonica and casual bongo rhythms. Then Walker’s guitar-bones return volley grew into Brand New Man, with the song’s lyrical inspo striking while Perkins drove over to meet his grandson Ernie for the very first time (“I’m off to meet/ A brand new man…”).

Written by (and featuring) Lucie Thorne, standout track Around The World is elevated by Charlie Barker’s ghostly saw playing – such a forlorn-sounding instrument. Elsewhere: irresistible saloon-piano stomper The Devil Ain’t Buying – with its jangly tamba accents – gives us Stones vibes; Perkins’ 12-yearold son Louie scores a songwriting credit on The Last Drop (it was inspired by a riff he was practising at home); and the matchless unison singing throughout closer Words Fall gives us goosebumps. Each musician brings four decades of experience to this record and every single syllable, note and percussive flourish is essential. With Other World, this self-described “bunch of hairy blokes in their 50s” have created something out of this world.

Label: Source Music

Release date: February 10

Martin Frawley The Wannabe

Martin Frawley’s celebrated solo debut Undone At 31 (2019) chronicled the imploding of both his band (Twerps) and a long-term romance. Throughout follow-up The Wannabe, we find Frawley in love again and feeling hopeful for a better future while gazing fondly in the rearview mirror. He’s also learning how to navigate the world outside the shadow of his late father: legendary musician-songwriter Maurice Frawley. The sweet father-andson cover photograph actually makes our heart hurt: they’re touching noses and looking so adoringly at one another!

“It’s a hard act to follow/ Holding your name/ I want you to be proud/ Of the man I’ve become” – circular, metallic, almost-taunting riffs skip through the poignant Proud. Boppy-paced lead single This Is Gonna Change Your Mind is stacked with shiny, happy melodies. The Wannabe (“a half-arsed musician who nobody wants to see”) brings the LOLs: “There’s no point in paying me/ Apparently your bar’s making very little money…”

Released on Valentine’s Day, second single Heart In Hand explodes with ebullient drumming before prowling bass and winking riffs guide us onto the dancefloor. “Never thought I’d be doin’ this well again, my love “ – the softly strummed Lola marks a turning point; time to let love in.

Frawley’s band of mates is actually a supergroup – Dan Luscombe, Steph Hughes, Nik Imfeld and Dan Kelly. And The Wannabe is an endearing, wistful, incandescent pop gem.

Label: Spunk Records Release date: March 24

Jen Cloher I Am The River, The River Is Me

This album’s cover photograph captures Jen Cloher immersed in their matrilineal ocean, Whangaroa Harbour on the northern coast of Northland, New Zealand. Cloher has previously spoken about not feeling worthy of speaking their mother tongue. Hearing them sing in Te reo Māori throughout album number five – clearly overcoming this fear – we share in the triumph (see: penultimate track He Toka-Tū-Moana – a waiata, sung as a duet with Te Kaahu – in particular).

Wow. Being Human (feat. Te Hononga o ngā Iwi), this record’s second single, is formidable: “I was born on Wurundjeri land/ Everything I know/ Everything I have/ Is because of what they lost/ Our ‘common wealth’ came at their cost” – be sure to check out this song’s empowering music video stat (brace yourselves for the haka).

Kylie Auldist releases her astonishing vocal agility into The Wild, proving, yet again, that she’s the uncontested High Priestess Of Melbourne Soul.

Many of I Am The River, The River Is Me’s songs flow with a sense of curious self-discovery, while others challenge: like initiating difficult convos and welcoming discomfort as an opportunity for personal growth.

“What I achieved was all that defined me,” Cloher reflects during closer I Am Coming Home. We get a sense that, through reclaiming Māori culture, Cloher’s stepping into their power.

Label: Milk! Records

Release date: March 3

FOURA

Words by Lesleigh Luiten

“I’ll be looking for passion whichever way it presents.”

Credit Stefney Vannasith

So far this summer we have seen the Record Store Showcase, a Vocal/MC Battle, an Improv Battle and a Dance Battle. Only one event remains before the series culminates in a celebration of our community and a release party for the exclusive Section 8 vinyl record. The final battle – the Beat Battle, where pre-selected beat makers will flip a sample and go beat-for-beat – is scheduled for Sunday March 12.

The Level Up Beat Battle has an all-star line-up of industry-specific judges including FOURA, Sadiva, Walla C and Spellspellspell.

We spoke with FOURA about why she was chosen to be a judge, what she will be looking for on the day, and insight into her creative process with hopes of inspiring future beat makers.

Steezy and sweet in style, sound, and demeanor, FOURA is a unique selector and producer renowned for writing and sharing a diverse range of energetic yet emotional UKG-inspired electronic, breakbeat, speed garage, house and techno. By coincidence, she also shares her name with a Sydney-based dating app – don’t get it confused.

Working full-time as a DJ in Naarm, she’s often found behind the decks of some of Melbourne’s most famous electric beat venues including Revolver Upstairs, Glamorama and Section 8. If you want to know her Level Up judging credentials, then her artistry speaks for itself. She is known for tearing up dancefloors at festivals across Australia, including Let Them Eat Cake, Falls Festival and Beyond the Valley. Next on her agenda is to branch out into the international festival circuit.

Always one to keep herself busy, FOURA is a celebrated component of The Operatives, a Melbourne-based collective which brings together multi-talented musicians, curators, artists and everything in between. She is also an ambassador for renowned audio brands AIAIAI and Arturia.

Last year, when she released her debut mixtape Taste on NVL Records (the label created by underground idol Nina Las Vegas) she already had a lot of momentum behind her –features on top Spotify playlists, radio play across the world, heavy support from Triple J Unearthed, and a coveted spot on techno imprint clipp.art’s compilation series. The mixtape, a breakbeat-inspired electronic wonder with features from vocalists Nik Navy, r.em.edy, Big Skeez, Fresh Hex and Jordan Astra, just served to elevate her further.

At all of the Level Up events, the judges were chosen from across the music industry. Each judge was selected because of their mastery in their field, which gives them the insight to pick the deserving winners of each category.

“I was chosen to be a judge alongside the other wonderful panel members because of my passion for – and background in – dance music both as a producer and DJ. I’ve been a full-time musician in Naarm for the last 10 years and am passionate about pushing up the next generation of artists, it’s so exciting. I find myself constantly inspired by what people are making, how they are making it and why they are making it,” says FOURA.

If you’re one of the beat makers who make it through to the final round, FOURA will be looking for a noteworthy performance that leaves the audience feeling your dedication to your art. “I will be looking for passion in whichever way it presents!”

The format of the competition will be as follows: Section 8 will choose the shortlisted competitors. Selected beat makers will then go head to head in the ultimate beat battle for the prize.

Knockout rounds will feature artists playing live sets of their own original music until one competitor is left. On the day itself, FOURA and fellow judges will vote on the competitors, choosing their ultimate winner and runner-up, who will walk away with over $2,000 worth of prizes.

FOURA outlines how she would approach the battle if she was competing. “If I was entering, I would write something that came naturally to me, rather than trying to conform to a particular style.”

The beat makers’ job in this competition is to create, share, and get the crowd moving, leaving the rest up to FOURA and the other judges. However, she wants artists to remain true to their unique and creative selves throughout the competition.

“Whilst respecting that there are of course fundamentals when making music to ensure it sounds good, for me expressing yourself genuinely and freely whilst making the music is the most important thing. It translates – something heartfelt or adventurous really captivates me, that’s what makes me put a song on repeat! Being bold, brave and authentic, that’s hot.”

Her advice is to stand out, be yourself, and create what comes naturally. She says lately, she’s been experimenting with new aspects of her creative process that help to keep her in the zone.

“A new tool I’ve been practicing is meditating for 15 to 30 minutes before starting a writing session. In it, I’ll set intentions around being true to myself as an artist, I find it helps things flow and I find myself getting less stuck. Even just checking in with yourself before a writing session and asking ‘what do I REALLY feel like writing today?’ and then writing that – no matter what it is.”

To anyone thinking about submitting a beat, FOURA says just do it! “My biggest advice is if you’re hesitating, just submit it. A song is never finished, you will tinker forever (trust me). Take a leap of confidence and share your art, it’s all part of your journey.”

There are over $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, including $1,000 cash, an Ableton Professional Development package, mixing and mastering services from Plasma Lab, a gift pack from streetwear label Homie, a $200 voucher from Store DJ/Mannys, and more. There will also be a delicious drink menu on the day from Coopers, Jameson, Chivas and Headline Acts.

There will be a rotating cast of DJs spinning before the battle begins, during the intermissions and after the battle, ensuring there’s no lull in the vibes. Guests will get to see the process behind original music of all shapes and forms while supporting up-and-coming local producers and dancing the night away to some of Melbourne’s favourite DJs. And the best part? Entry is always free! No bookings needed.

The big event at Section 8 will run on March 12 from 3pm to late.

Summer is well underway at Section 8 with Level Up – a 6-month series designed to bring together and empower local creative communities with a range of challenges, collaborations and parties.

FOLK BITCH TRIO

Compelling storytellers on and offstage, it was our pleasure to speak to Folk Bitch Trio about where they’ve come from, what lies ahead, and where the band are finding meaning in this chapter of their life.

Words by Lucy Andrews

Folk Bitch Trio’s musical style is not easily classified. The primary way Gracie Sinclair, Jeanie Pilkington and Heide Peverelle work their magic is through timing: the band treat every breath with respect, and every lyrical verse is woven with elasticity stretching back and forth between each musician. Their three-part harmonies are delicately constructed, blended together with a certain expertise that only comes from years of experience and a close personal bond.

After a delightful hour spent chatting to the band at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne’s inner north over a pot of beer, it’s clear their musicianship is built on stems from their friendship.

“We’ve grown up in very supportive communities,” Gracie says. “Our high school was very supportive, and our parents too; it’s given us a sense of, you know, gentle, quiet self-confidence.”

The Folk Bitch Trio members tell an absorbing tale of how ordinary lives can lead to extraordinary experiences. Gracie, Jeanie and Heide are childhood friends turned housemates and bandmates. The supportive environment that nurtured the trio is the same in which they work and play today.

Jeanie’s father, Craig Pilkington, is a producer and sound engineer at Audrey Studios in Coburg, where the band recorded their first two releases. Her mother is a musician as well, so music was always something around her in her childhood.

Gracie used to work behind the bar at the Northcote Social Club, when Courtney Barnett and Julia Jacklin – musicians they now share stages with – were gracing the bandroom. Heide currently works at Milk! Records, an artist-run label founded in 2012 by Barnett and Jen Cloher.

The organic growth and natural chemistry of the band members is something that can be felt when listening to their music. One of their first tracks, Edie, is a delicate, guitar-driven ballad that showcases the vocal prowess of the three singers. After its release, it was featured prominently on the radio and social media, which gave the group a boost in popularity that helped propel them forward.

When the Grammy-nominated singer songwriter Phoebe Bridgers reviewed the song for Triple J Unearthed, she said it reminded her of the sound of her indie folk super-group Boygenius with an added 1940s vibe. “I love that, that’s awesome,” she said.

The past year, they’ve gone on to collaborate with the six-piece country rock and roll bad boys in Bones and Jones for a jangly and heartful two-song release. They also as well as dropped three singles of their own: Summer Love, and most recently, the double-hitter of Lost and Shiver. The band is still in its early days – fans are patiently waiting for a debut album – but they’ve already made great strides from where they first began.

When discussing who they’ve played with and who they’re set to play with this year, Jeanie and Gracie are all tongue in cheek, not attempting to hold back their chuckles at the absurdity of how far they’ve come.

“We’ve been really lucky; we’re gonna be on the same bill as Angel Olsen,” Gracie adds. “A lot of it is quite ridiculous, like us supporting Julia Jacklin last year, which for our 17-year-old selves would have been hilarious,” adds Jeanie. “We never would have put ourselves on the same stage as her.”

When they were growing up, singing together was often more tempting than focusing on their school work. Still, they never imagined where they’d be three years on. “We were teenagers when we started singing together,” Gracie explains. “Our chemistry was really fun. It was in high school, and often we did it to procrastinate studying for our year 12 exams.”

This year the band are investing their time and creative energy into making music and touring, with their sights set on international stages and an attitude of “we’ll see where it

takes us” propelling them forwards. “We’re definitely taking it slowly,” Jeanie says. “We want to make sure that everything we release we’re proud of and feels like a reflection of what our songs sound like live.”

The trio is set to grace the stage of the upcoming Port Fairy Folk Festival, happening from March 10 to Match 13 in the charming seaside town. The Folkie, as it’s been nicknamed, is the perfect place for the band to show off their talents – they’re clearly fans of the event, as this will be their second year back. Founded in 1977, the Labour Day weekender has become a longstanding tradition for folk fans across Australia, beloved for its lighthearted, community-focused spirit.

Aside from a range of musical talent, the festival also hosts a plethora of other activities including themed shows, workshops, instrument makers, food trucks and bars, as well as circus performers and puppet shows for the little ones. Located just under four hours out of Melbourne, visitors can make a weekend trip out of it by booking accommodation at the rent-a-tent site, nearby caravan parks and campgrounds, or one of the hotels, beachside villas, and bed-and-breakfasts in Port Fairy or the neighbouring Warrnambool.

This year, Folk Bitch Trio will perform alongside 48 other local and international folk heroes. The lineup includes Billy Bragg (ENG), Liz Stringer, Niamh Regan (IRE), William Crighton, Josh Pyke and Judy Collins (USA) are only a handful of the artists that are set to play across the four-day fest.

As for where the Folk Bitch Trio are finding meaning in this chapter of their life, each of the band’s members carries the influence of wise old souls within them: Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Jeff Buckley and Bob Dylan are just a handful of names in their musical repertoire.

The influence of Americana folk singer-songwriters with minimal instrumentation and themes of love, loss and hope revealing themselves in what is sung and what is left unsaid is not lost on anyone who has listened to the band perform.

The trio is young and have a lifetime of experiences and work ahead of them to experiment with and develop their sound. However, they believe it will stay the same, as Jeanie explains. “It will always be the three of us singing together. The most important thing is that we want to keep our sound as true to the experience of singing together as we can while exploring the potential.”

Folk Bitch Trio are playing Port Fairy Folk Festival from March 10 to 13.

“We’ve been really lucky; we’re gonna be on the same bill as Angel Olsen,” Gracie adds. “A lot of it is quite ridiculous, like us supporting Julia Jacklin last year, which for our 17-year-old selves would have been hilarious,” adds Jeanie. “We never would have put ourselves on the same stage as her.”

Of that number, 55% are female and the average age is 26. Staff are earning an average of $500 per week and are working in an industry categorised by strong competition, physical demands, and conflicting personalities - all of which is done in the public eye. Industry leaders are change catalysts who set the tone for organisational culture and it’s about time that culture changed.

The hospitality industry was designed to provide an enjoyable experience. Whether that enjoyment comes from food and beverage, accommodation, travel and tourism or entertainment, industry providers ensure that everyone is taken care of. But who takes care of the hospitality staff? Mind and Strength Support (MASS) specialises in mental health training and consultancy for hospitality.

MASS was born from founder David Spargo who combined his love and passion for hospitality with his love and passion for supporting people. We caught up with Spargo to discuss the issues the hospitality industry faces, why MASS was something the industry needed, and his mission to reduce the harmful impacts of stress and increase mental health wellbeing within the hospitality industry.

“There are a lot of psychological risks and hazards within the hospitality workspace and I don’t think we are addressing them as an industry,” Spargo says. “We still have a long way to go.

“It’s got to start somewhere and I am hoping to be part of that change within Melbourne and hopefully wider in Australia, in time, to address some of these issues and help businesses better support their staff.”

Discussing the issues the industry faced, the following critical items stood out; substance use, stress, financial pressures including increased cost of living, and the fact that investment in staff is lacking. However, the most pressing issue in the industry is a lack of education and support around mental health and wellbeing. A survey conducted by MASS shows that 83% of staff in the industry don’t have access to counselling. Spargo says it is a poor result compared to other industries. “We don’t really have a huge or a strong union in the industry. So governing bodies for hospitality workers’ rights are still in development, whereas if you look at other trades and other areas they have a much larger advocacy group which has a lot more funding behind it.”

Whilst he acknowledges that the cost of counselling services might be a barrier for businesses, the costs of not offering these services is a lot higher. “If I was to look at

MIND AND STRENGTH SUPPORT

Almost 950,000 people working in Australia are employed in the hospitality industry.

Words by Lesleigh Luiten

psychological claims in 2005, they varied anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, whereas in 2023 claims can exceed $100,000. These claims increase venue insurance; if staff are making more workplace injury claims from a psychological aspect. I believe a lot of staff are now becoming more aware of their rights as employees. I think previously in hospitality, some venues took advantage of staff.”

Spargo outlined the direct benefits businesses see when they begin to prioritise mental health within the industry: “a reduced risk of workplace psychological claims, a happier workforce, safer work environment, a more supportive work environment, and increased retention with staff.”

MASS provides the following support to venues around Melbourne to combat these issues. “We link them in with appropriate mental health support and services. Where I can I will try to link them in with options which can save them money. That is one of the biggest barriers; the financial aspect of engaging support and services. Link them with services where you don’t have a huge waitlist.

“I know that for example there is some trouble with accessing psychologists within a timely manner. We also educate business owners and managers on how staff can engage in a mental health care plan. And discuss how to reduce the psychological risks within their workplaces and create a safe work environment.”

To learn more about Mind and Strength Support visit their website, and follow them on Facebook or Instagram. And if you’re in Melbourne keep an eye out for MASS “help is on the other side” coasters at a hospitality venue near you.

To book a no-cost, no-obligation discussion of the challenges in your workplace or community email bookings@mindandstrengthsupport.com.au. hese articles were made in partnership with MASS.

Three decades and 10 albums is no small feat for a band. In the case of Jimmy Eat World, 2023 marks their 30th year of consistent touring, releases, and as their many fans across the globe would attest to, quality tunes every step of the way.

During this milestone year, the group returns to Melbourne in March for two massive shows at Rod Laver Arena in support of the recently reunited My Chemical Romance. We spoke about all of this to bassist Rick Burch from his Hobart home, where he and his wife have an apartment.

We begin by trying to pinpoint the 30th birthday precisely, for which there is some debate; “We’re choosing to mark the beginning of the band as our initial gathering to jam together in Zach’s garage, but there was some discussion over that jam or the first gig, which is the beginning of the band? Because before the official gig, you are just some dudes in a garage.”

I explain that smaller bands probably need to think about their official first gig, but when you are Jimmy fucking Eat World, the first moment you shared a jam room together seems significant and worthy of an anniversary, to which Rick laughs and agrees; it has been decided.

JIMMY EAT WORLD

The band returns to Melbourne for their first visit in six years in support of My Chemical Romance.

Words by Luke Carlino

When asked about the secret to this level of success, Rick’s answer is modest and simple, “our longevity stems from our short-term goal approach. We don’t really plan things for a decade down the road, so we’ve always just had the idea of setting our sights on short-term accomplishable goals and then adding more to that. Next thing you know, it’s 30 years down the road.”

As for what a short-term goal is when you are a band that has accomplished nearly every goal possible, Rick again keeps things straightforward, “it’s simple things; what kind of gigging do we want to do? Is it a performance year or a creative year? Once we decided that, it can quickly turn into two or three years of a schedule.

“We’re super excited to be doing these gigs, we were devastated in 2020 when literally four days before we were getting on a plane, Australian borders shut. We were very sad about that tour because we had the support of A. Swayze and the Ghosts, and we were very excited about playing with them.

“These gigs will be super fun, high-energy and a lot of people finally back together celebrating good music and great times.”

The My Chem tour has been tricky to get going, as the new dates are the touring parties’ third attempt to play. The original trip to visit our shores in 2020 was nixed by the pandemic, then the re-announced tour for 2022 had to be pushed back to the current dates in 2023.

The quartet from Mesa, Arizona, rounded out by Jim Adkins on lead guitar and vocals, Tom Linton on rhythm guitar and Zach Lind on drums, found commercial breakthrough success thanks to the now twenty-two-year-old Bleed American, which spawned the legendary single The Middle, a track that hit the top of the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and spent 33 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

From there, it was all systems go, and the band’s consistent output has built large followings worldwide, allowing them to tour seemingly non-stop. If you are new to Jimmy Eat World, the 2008 re-released deluxe edition of Bleed American, which has a huge 32 tracks, including live recordings, demos and B-sides, is the ultimate way to understand the group.

The trade-off? Extra shows were added to the run to allow more people to head along to the very quickly sold-out shows. According to Rick, the weight of a much-anticipated event finally *touch wood* happening is not lost on the band, “We don’t take things for granted; we never had, but now we have an acute awareness of how important it is to be in front of a live audience.”

My Chemical Romance and Jimmy Eat World play Rod Laver Arena on March 16 and March 17.

“These gigs will be super fun, high-energy and a lot of people finally back together celebrating good music and great times.”

Whitehart Bar

LIVE MUSIC happens right in the crowd. Whitehart Bar hosts an electric mixture of genres - including some very funky live bands – right in the thick of the action downstairs. They also host some of Melbourne’s best DJs right below the stairs in a gorgeous jungle atmosphere.

FAMOUS FOR their beautiful environment. Whitehart Bar is overflowing with natural touches, palm trees, vines that weave their way along staircases, plants exploding out of the walls, bathroom fixtures set into concrete – this is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful bars.

INFAMOUS FOR Whitehart Lane itself. If the reputation of Whiteharts weren’t enough, you’ll be entranced by the industrial edge and huge barbed-wire fence (adorned with fairy lights, of course) that greet you when you uncover the container bars, tucked down a heavily graffitied laneway.

One glance at Whitehart Bar and you’ll be hooked. Two levels and a large concrete courtyard scream Melbourne, as do the curated range of live music, pop-up food stalls, delectable cocktails and multi-storey wall murals that make Whitehart one of the city’s favourite haunts.

The importance of aesthetics is hard to overstate - the owners pride themselves on the projections that often transform their narrow space into a spectacular visual feast. But punters still attend for the DJs or jazz-funk bands as much as anything else – if you’re worth your salt in Melbourne’s local scene, you’ll have played here before.

They boast a fantastic range of events as well. In March, they host the I Hart Rum Festival, aimed at introducing rum lovers to our emerging independent rum scene. Expect immersive tasting experiences (meet-the-maker style), Caribbean cocktails, Jamaican food, a Fever Tree Highball zone, a Tiki mug store, and free masterclasses all day that culminate in an expert rum panel championing new styles.

Discover Whitehart Bar at 22 Whitehart Lane, Melbourne. They’re open seven days per week.

The Retreat Hotel

LIVE MUSIC is a staple of the Retreat, taking place every day of the week except for Mondays. Swing by to hear indie, folk, blues, electronic, punk and everything in between. For the bigger acts, the cover fee sits around $15, but there are a ton of free gigs as well.

FAMOUS FOR the massive beer garden out back. Spacious and accommodating, the patio makes for the perfect space for afterwork drinks with a big group. It’s half covered and half open air, with umbrellas and heaters to ensure you’re feeling just right.

INFAMOUS FOR the Sunday roast (and roast sandwich), back and better than ever. While pub roasts are pretty standard, this one is like no other, featuring succulent meat with all the fixings and plated beautifully. Expect to leave stuffed.

In the reviews for The Retreat, someone wrote “if Brunswick was a pub then this is it”. We wholeheartedly agree. It shares the same essence of our favourite suburb – a little rough-and-tumble to look at, but warm and social when you step inside and not at all lacking when it comes to quality.

For musos, the Sydney road joint is a lot more than your average pub – it’s a place to show the community what they’ve got. Over the years, the stage has been graced with many a Melbourne legend. The bandroom is loud and high capacity so it can make for a big night depending on who’s on. Minors are welcome until 10 pm if accompanied by an adult, and for the big kids, DJs keep the party going ‘til 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The old-school vibe is a big part of the charm, with a pool table on site, fairy lights twinkling through the courtyard, and a disco ball hanging overhead. On the menu, find elevated pub fair that is made to please everyone, from the vegans to the carnivores.

From the crafty selection of beers to the ever-changing entertainment, we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather sip away the hours on a lazy afternoon.

Head down to 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick for a good time. They’re open from midday, every day.

The Bergy Bandroom

LIVE MUSIC fills the mid-sized, 200-capacity bandroom niche that’s becoming increasingly important for the local performance and arts circuit. A space that’s small enough to sell out, and big enough to feel like a proper gig for local and touring bands alike.

FAMOUS FOR eclectic gigs, open mic nights, lazy afternoons of beer and DJ sessions and passionate audio-tech pros bringing it all together in a custom-built performance space.

INFAMOUS FOR being the big, gig-focused younger sibling to the beloved little local front bar that is the Bergy Seltzer proper.

It’s a big deal for Bergy, a famously snug little venue tucked away at the park edge of Sydney Road. Bergy made its name by being the friendly hole-in-the-wall and unpretentious local favourite. That dive-style haunt will remain, with more of a focus on cocktails and boutique drinks in the front bar, but the new space next door lets them beef up their renowned regular gig schedule.

For this bandroom, they’ve gutted the old warehouse space next door and built their dream venue basically from scratch. This means audio tech industry pro and Bergy owner David ‘Frankie’ Cudmore and his team have been able to assess and curate a perfect acoustic setup. Sound-treated walls and airlock doors ensure not only an excellent audio experience in the bandroom, but that the new beer garden out back is completely insulated. And that beer garden is spacious, bright and light-filled, with retractable roofing to accommodate the changeable Melbourne weather. Hanging greenery meets post-industrial grunge for a cool, year-round chill zone with a fully stocked bar. There’s another bar in the bandroom - lovingly decked out in reclaimed wood - which will have a simpler, gig-friendly offering tailored to the crowd.

The spirit of the bar you love remains. Really, it’s just like the Bergy, only bigger.

Visit the Bergy Bandroom at 68 Sydney Road in Brunswick.

Bar 61

FAMOUS FOR their unique split-level venue that provides the perfect space for a function of any size. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a quick drink after work or somewhere to spend a leisurely evening with friends old and new, Bar 61 is the perfect spot.

INFAMOUS FOR their wide variety of stand-out drinks that will leave you with choice paralysis - like the El Picante Margarita, which features tequila, topped with cucumber and jalapeños, or even a Coco Dreams cocktail, which has some Mozart Milk Chocolate and Bacardi. How could a poor soul be expected to pick just one? Guess you’ll just have to try them all.

Nestled right in the heart of Northcote, this hidden gem is just a short stroll from Westgarth Station and is the perfect place to start (or end) your evening. Known for slinging a variety of local craft beers and the best in Australian and imported wines, their unique split-level and retractable roof over their all-season beer garden sees Bar 61 stand out amongst its High Street peers. With bartenders who are knowledgeable and passionate about what they’re pouring, this relaxed and intimate venue sports an aforementioned cocktail list like no other - serving up a variety of interesting and unique drinks amongst the positive vibes, great company and chill tunes. Its laidback atmosphere paired with its contemporary elegance makes it a perfect event space for a party of any size.

And if you’re feeling hungry, the bar also serves up a delicious menu of pub-style food. From their classic beer-battered potato chips and selection of pizzas to their divine Sicilian arancini, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. For the vegetarians amongst us - there are plenty of meat-free options available from their wide selection of sharing platters. Located just a stone’s throw from Westgarth Station and with the 86 tram right outside the front door, Bar 61 is waiting for you to discover it.

Check out Bar 61 at 61 High Street, Northcote. They’re open from 5 pm ’til late on Fridays and 4 pm ’til late on Saturdays.

HARRY HOOK IS REAL

Upon initially seeing the title, one cannot ignore it – an approach strategically employed by Harry. But the hippos that were once introduced to South America by Pablo Escobar, and have now become naturalised to their environment, may not be widely known information.

“Escobar, at the height of his powers, wanted to have an African safari on his property in Colombia,” Harry says. “He ordered three hippos from Africa, probably paid for in cash, and he had them on his property. They took to the climate and landscape naturally and now there is about 150 or so naturalized hippos in Colombia throughout the river systems.

So why the unlikely inspiration?

“It all comes down to a conversation I had up on the Gold Coast on a family holiday,” says Harry. “There was this guy that came into the sauna I was in, fully tatted up, really solid in his build, kind of like a professional wrestler looking dude. I asked him what he did, and he was really frank. He was a Comanchero guy who is involved in the cocaine importation business.”

Harry’s influences remain rather unique. Irrespective of whether you love or loathe his new single, Harry Hook Is Real is a devotee to story-telling.

“People will either connect with it or hate it,” says Harry. “Either way I want to make something you can’t ignore, that is my philosophy. I spent a lot of time and effort crafting this song and I get that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I don’t want to make it something that is ignorable.”

Yet despite Harry spending great lengths of energy and time moulding this new single, he’s honest and true to his approach, maintaining an instinctive and intuitive drive to write music, all the while understanding that the meaning of a song may not reveal itself until a significant amount of time has elapsed.

“Sometimes the meaning of songs come to me at certain gigs,” says Harry. “Sometimes there is a gestation period to certain songs. I knew it had to be a certain way at a time - which comes down to intuition - but playing songs again and again, the meaning reveals itself more.”

Harry likens this experience to what may be involved with the processing of a dream, a drawn-out period that requires integration.

“You have a dream,” says Harry. “Then over time and with enough distance, they’re easy enough to decipher, but the morning after they can be a complete enigma.”

Relating to songwriting in an intuitive way has meant that his upcoming album has needed time to develop.

“I’ve always wanted to make a proper acoustic album,” says Harry. “I’ve gigged more acoustically than anything else so I really wanted to capture that in a record, but I wanted to wait until I had the material that was good enough to carry that.”

Allowing time to construct the writing of the songs for the forthcoming album has also allowed Harry to sculpt the album into an LP or record that is traditional rather than simply a collection of songs.

“I know that making an album is a bit of a dying art nowadays,” says Harry. “But I still believe in the form and I think that you can really get to know an artist by listening to a whole album. I want this to be a definite album project as all these songs were recorded in the same place at a similar time, kind of like a record in that traditional sense.”

You can listen to Cocaine Hippos and watch the music video created by Rachel Lucas, who also directed the clip for Jackie by Blue Zone on all major streaming services.

Harry Hook Is Real is playing the Wesley Anne on Friday May 12, the day the album is set to be released. This article was made in partnership with Harry Hook.

Harry Hook Is Real is gearing up to release his third, solo studio album this May and the lead single’s title is Cocaine Hippos.

PALE WAVES

Words by

The beauty in all of these seismic shifts is that Pale Waves have always sounded exactly like Pale Waves. Something that Baron-Gracie claims is front of mind during the band’s creative process.

“Half of our creative process is strategic, but the other half is us embracing the sounds we want to explore more and more. You learn what feels right and good, and that influences the next record.”

Unwanted is Pale Wave’s heaviest record to date, something Heather claims is a lot more fun in a live setting for both the band and the audience.

focus music, but since I was a teenager, I feel like I’ve had a lot of pop-punk influences that have grown into me; it’s just naturally there.”

Heather and her crew are currently preparing for their second Australian visit after their first in 2018, which begins on March 18th at the Super Fun Day festival in Brisbane. From there, they play in Adelaide on the 19th, Perth on the 21st, and then they will make their way down to Melbourne for a show at Max Watts on March 23rd. They will finish their Australain tour with a show on March 24th at Sydney’s Metro Theatre.

“Australia is such a long way away, we’ve only been once, so we really want to put on the best shows we possibly can,” says Heather.

The Australian tour also happens to be the very first live appearance for Pale Waves in 2023, and the band will be bringing locals Teenage Joans and Selfish Sons along for the ride. Post-Australian tour, the group will spend the rest of the year on the festival circuit in Europe before getting back to the studio for album number four.

“We have a very busy summer, but hopefully, we’ll be releasing new music this year. It will probably be singles, maybe even an album; it depends on how fast it goes.”

Despite being born in 1995, Pale Waves frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie has the unique skill of being able to capture the sound of a specific era while giving it a modern sheen. When the band, filled out by guitarist Hugo Silvani, bassist Charlie Wood and drummer Ciara Doran, released their first single, There’s a Honey, in 2017, they quickly gained a legion of fans who loved their modern take on the sound of the ’80s.

This sound continued through the Manchester group’s debut EP All the Things I Never Said and first full-length album, My Mind Makes Noises, before they switched things up and moved forward a decade to the ’90s with their second release, Who Am I?

Now, with the brand-new record Unwanted, the shift has moved another ten years to Y2K pop-punk reminiscent of an early Avril Lavigne.

“We really had fun with the heaviness of the last album, so that will carry over to our next record because we know that it works. We also know that we need to keep some aspects of what Pale Waves have always had; we couldn’t just release an acoustic folk record. It might not go down very well, so we try to keep certain things that have always been prominent in our world.”

Heather discusses the process of capturing the sound of an era so well. For the first two records, the Pale Waves stereo was filled with albums from the 80s and 90s to capture and instil the feel of those periods in the band’s minds. However, the latest record didn’t require as much research.

“I was actually listening to a lot of

It’s too early for the sound of the era of this album to be revealed, and there aren’t too many places left to go if the band are working chronologically. I jokingly suggest they possibly try 50s swing music?

“Haha, let’s really shock them,” laughs Heather, “I’ll start digging out some old records right now.” Based on their track record, Pale Waves would probably nail this ridiculous concept if they did attempt it.

Pale Waves are playing Max Watt’s on Thursday, March 23.

From ’80s synth to Naughties pop-punk, Heather Baron-Gracie and co are bringing it all in March.

Luke Carlino

“I was actually listening to a lot of focus music, but since I was a teenager, I feel like I’ve had a lot of pop-punk influences that have grown into me; it’s just naturally there.”

Gig Guide Mar02 – Mar25.

For thousands more gigs head to beat.com.au/gigguide

Thursday March 2

SHACKMEN. Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $20.

THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $54.80.

ALTOSTRATUS + PETRICHOR

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

MOON PHASE JAM FEAT:

ED MOON, DJ ANGUS, FELIX MEREDITH. Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

THE JAIMZ PROJECT. Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $22.49.

REGGAE NIGHTS FEAT: JAHRUKUS, MORE. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $45.

DARYL MCKENZIE JAZZ

ORCHESTRA 20TH

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL WITH NINA FERRO. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

PETER O’MARA TRIO. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $25 - 30.

JOE MUNGOVAN, JARRY (BAD PONY), NICK KEOGH Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 6.30pm. Free.

DRUM IT UP (FOR ZERO

DISCRIMINATION DAY)

FEAT: KAT GRETA, VIOLENCE CONTROL, COCO JUMBO, THE CLEVER REFERENCES The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $17.35.

WOBBYGONG, TELLER

WOOD, KRAMAS. Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $17.35.

A WILHELM SCREAM, KNIFEHANDS, LONELY GODS, SIDESPLITTER. Northcote Social Club. Northcote.

7.30pm.

SUPERMODELS. Hotel

Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm.

THE SISTINE GUNS, HIBISCUIT, DYNASTY Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $5.

AMONG THE RESTLESS Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $14.30.

AVI MISRA ‘NOSTALGIA’ ALBUM LAUNCH, THE SAFETY WORD, CAMILLA

ROSE SULLIVAN. The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

JOE MUNGOVAN, JARRY (BAD PONY), NICK KEOGH

Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 6.30pm. Free.

CHARLI XCX. Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm.

RAELYN, LOUIS, JED, CHARLES & WILL, JENNIFER The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm.

WENDY MATTHEWS. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $70.

OLLY & SCUZZY. Notting Hill Hotel. Notting Hill. 9.30pm. Free.

OPEN MIC NIGHT. The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 5pm. Free.

Friday March 3

HARRY COOK. Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $25.

TRUMPET. Ragtime Tavern. Preston. 7.30pm. Free.

THE WINFIELD ROAD

EXPERIMENT. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

DRAGO’S AFTERPARTY, GOLDEN TURTLE, MAIZ THE BEAST. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

SPAGHETTI FUNK FEAT: PIETRO, MORE. Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

MUNKUS FUNKUS + G TANO. Open Studio. Northcote. 9.45pm. $17.19.

THE STILETTO SISTERS. Open Studio. Northcote. 6.30pm. $27.78.

ALL I ASK: ELLY POLETTI SINGS ADELE. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

GROOVE DIMENSION. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

VINCE JONES. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $55.

SUMMER’S END. Montsalvat Arts Centre. Eltham. 5pm. $10.

SIPAFROLIC. Melbourne Meat Market. North Melbourne. 4pm. $59.54.

BRITISH INVASION FEAT: ROB CAUDILL, JEFF DUFF Yarraville Club. Yarraville. 8pm. $32 - 52.

MADDY JANE. Hotel Westwood. Footscray. 8pm. $17.19.

POLLY & THE POCKETS, BIG FARMER. Yah Yah’s. Fitzroy. 9pm. $15.

THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION, LEVITATING CHURCHES, GRYTT. Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $15.43.

LONESOME DOVE (2AM SHOW). Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 11pm. $10.

THE SUPERJESUS, DALLAS CRANE. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $49.

PRIVATE FUNCTION

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $38.86.

ROCKABILLY PARTY WITH BOZ BOORER, HANK’S JALOPY DEMONS. Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8.30pm.

BLACK LIPS. Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. $59.70.

KAREN TOOK THE KIDS, RECKLESS COAST, KING’S VENGEANCE. Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8.30pm.

THE SMITH STREET BAND, PRESS CLUB. Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $56.10.

BIFF’S BIFFTAPE #3 LAUNCH FEAT: ZOMBEACHES, KAI CUL, SLIM JEFFRIES. The Bergy Seltzer. Brunswick. 8pm. $15.

ELECTRIC SIX. The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm.

PRIVATE STASH. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

BIG BANG AT THE BENDI FEAT: OUTER WORLDS, JUPITER THE GIANT, RISE FROM ASHES, WHAT WE BECOME. Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15.

BUTCHERED AT THE BENDI 2023 FEAT: VEXATION, NEPHALEM, TONGUE SCUM, NEKROMUDGEON, MORE Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $23.75.

RAW BRIT. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $40.

SHINTO KATANA, VENGEANCE, FEVER SHACK, WINNERZ CIRCLE, EIGHT COUNT. Stay Gold. Brunswick. 6.30pm. $29.13.

ARMOURED EARTH, DIMINISHED REASON, TIGER DRIVER, CHARIOT ARCANA, RAWTISM. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $18.10.

PEAK PARK, KITTY RAE, COCO MICHELLE, JAMIE TK

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $15.

ROCKAPALOOZA. Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $30.60.

FULL FLESHED, BEAT PANIC, SIGNAL CHAIN, HACKITT. Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $15.

YAYA, DANNI B, NOX, MORE OneSixOne. Prahran. 9pm.

DANDELION WINE + THE MOTH BODY. Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

X CLUB, IJORDAN, JUICY

ROMANCE, HOUSE MUM, YOLLKS, RBÌ. The Timber Yard. Port Melbourne. 6.30pm. $44.99 - 74.99.

TILLY O’BRIEN, MADDI

O’BRIEN. Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

PAT TIERNEY, CHRIS CAVILL

Daylesford Hotel. Daylesford. 8pm.

HUSSY HICKS. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

DAVID COSMA. The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 8.30pm.

ADAM FRANKLIN. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm. Free.

ERIC BIBB, LLOYD SPIEGEL The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $86.70.

SIMON PHILLIPS. Notting Hill Hotel. Notting Hill. 7.30pm. Free.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION. The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

NIGHTMARES ON WAX. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm.

Saturday

March 4

FOOD NOT BOMBS PUNK BENEFIT, WORKER & PARASITE, REAKSI, SEPSIS, KATORGA. Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. $15 -30.

LONESOME DOVE, GENUINE

FAKE, BRODIE J BRUMMER, TWINS SPORT. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $17.35.

THE DEVOURS + THE ARROWS OF DESIRE. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 3pm. Free.

RAGDOLL + SERPENTINE

SKY, WITCH. Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $24.

ACROSS THE PUNT FEAT: FULL FLOWER MOON BAND, BANANAGUN, DR SURE’S UNUSUAL PRACTICE, BENCH PRESS, GUT HEALTH, MORE Gem Bar. Collingwood. 1pm. Free.

OLD MERVS. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $25.79.

DANE BLACKLOCK & THE PREACHERS DAUGHTER, SORDID ORDEAL, 8 FOOT FELIX. The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

UNWRITTEN LAW. The Croxton. Thornbury. 8.30pm. $61.90.

THE EYEBALLERS, SIGNAL CHAIN, SORRY JIMI. The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

KRAMAS. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

EARTHRISE FESTIVAL

2023 FEAT: THE PAUL KIDNEY EXPERIENCE, LAMASSU, I AM DUCKEYE, TIM MCMILLAN, FLYNN EFFECT, MORE. Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 4.30pm. $26.02.

BRITISH INVASION FEAT: ROB CAUDILL, JEFF DUFF Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 2pm. $50.

SIMON JULIFF BAND, TRUE

SOUND. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 1.30pm. $15.05.

WANSTOCK 2023 FEAT: THE BABY ANIMALS, DRAGON, STANDING ROOM ONLY, STONETRIP, DAYDREAMERS, NICK BARKER & THE REPTILES. Shoppingtown Hotel. Doncaster. 4.45pm. $55 - 90.

TIM STEWARD (SCREAMFEEDER) + PETER

‘BLACKIE’ BLACK (HARDONS). Desert Highways. Reservoir. 2pm. Free.

BLUESTONE SESSIONS

FEAT: IZY, PHILLY, DJ NAYCAB. Footscray Community Arts. Footscray. 6pm. $25.

MAISIE PETERS. Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 7pm. WE THREE. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $49.90.

XIRITA, SHAHRAE, YNG ONE, STAYGO, VYNES. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $23.20.

THE WOODLAND HUNTERS Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

FOR THE LOVE FESTIVAL 2023 FEAT: CHARLI XCX, DUKE DUMONT, SONNY FODERA, COSMO’S MIDNIGHT, SNAKEHIPS, BUDJERAH, KYE, SUMNER, JADE ZOE. Catani Gardens. St Kilda West. 10am.

NO SCRUBS: 90S + EARLY 00S PARTY. Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11.15pm. $15.30.

DEADNECKS, TIM EASTON Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $23.05.

THE HOODOOMEN. Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm.

FIELD, SEE & MASON. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $40.

PAT TIERNEY, STEPHEN GRADY. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm. $27.

CAM TAPP TRANSPORT Public Bar. Melbourne. 4pm. Free.

BON IVER. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 6pm. $119.90 - 199.90.

PBS FM PRESENTS SOUL-AGO-GO FEAT: EMMA PEEL, DJ LADY LOVE POTION, DJ LADY SOUL, MISS GOLDIE, JOEL HAMLIN. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $25.

WOMBATUQUE: SAMBA

DE RAIZ. Open Studio.

Northcote. 9.30pm. $17.19.

SWEET COCO WITH MARIA

LOZANO AND FABIAN

ARAVALÉS. Open Studio.

Northcote. 5.30pm. Free.

DAN WARNER & THE NIGHT

PARROTS, CLIO RENNER

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda.

7pm. $30 - 40.

TAMARA KULDIN & PAUL

COYLE PRESENT ELLA & LOUIS-CHEEK TO CHEEK

Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Melbourne. 9pm. $45.

VINCE JONES. The Jazzlab.

Brunswick. 8pm. $55.

REBECCA MENDOZA SINGS

THE BEST OF NANCY WILSON

Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

Brighton. 8.30pm. $45.

SIPAFROLIC. Melbourne

Meat Market. North

Melbourne. 4pm. $59.54.

QUEER MESS FEAT: CAT CONSTANCE, MELLYDEE, LGBTCEO, ZOE FOXX. The Bergy Seltzer. Brunswick. 8pm.

SIGNAL FEAT: KETIA, AQUENTA, CAUCASIAN OPPORTUNITIES, DJ

NAYCAB. The Toff In Town.

Melbourne. 10pm. $20 - 25.

Thursday

March 9

GLASSHOUSE JAM SESSION

Bar 303. Northcote. 7.30pm.

JUKEBOX: MINI-FEST WITH MILLAR JUKES & THE MUSCLE, THE UGLY KINGS, THE MAMAS, MORE. Brunswick Ballroom.

Brunswick. 5.30pm. $33.76.

BRIAN JACKSON. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $59.89.

SUBHIRA QUINTET. Open Studio. Northcote. 8pm. $27.78.

LOWTHER HALL: AN EVENING OF JAZZ. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6pm. $40.

BARNEY MCALL: NON COMPLIANCE TRIO. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 25.

JUDY COLLINS

‘WILDFLOWERS’. Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 8pm. $99.90.

DAVID M WESTERN

.Brunswick Artists’ Bar. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

ERIC BIBB & BAND, LLOYD

SPIEGEL. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $80.

BRUNSWICK MUSIC

FESTIVAL 2023: SARAH

MARY CHADWICK, RIN

MCARDLE, HANNAH

MCKITTRICK. Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

EILEN JEWELL & HER BAND, THE RECHORDS

The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $63.45.

THE SCHIZOPHONICS, THE UNKNOWNS. Hotel Westwood. Footscray. 8pm. $42.08.

SAOSIN, ALT. The Croxton. Thornbury. 7pm. $69.90.

RUM JUNGLE. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm. $23.20.

BEN WATERS. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $45.

TIM ROGERS. Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $52.05.

BRUNSWICK MUSIC

FESTIVAL: FIRST DANCE, KALYANI, DJ PGZ, YARRA

The Beast. Brunswick East. 6pm. Free.

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL 2023. Various Locations. Daylesford. 9am.

Friday March 10

BLACK MONEY. Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $25.

THE KEITH SMACKDOWN BAND, DEMO DISK, XIRITA Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $22.45.

THE FOUR SCOOPS. Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. Free.

KOKOROKO. The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm.

VANESSA ESTRADA & BAND Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $17.19.

MARIO KART LIVE. Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $25.

BLUE NOTE: A HISTORY OF JAZZ WITH RICHARD PAVLIDIS. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

DAMON SMITH. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $35.

JO LAWRY, LINDA MAY HAN OH, BEN VANDERWAL. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 10pm. $45.

NAT BARTSCH QUARTET. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $30 - 35.

BERNADETTE NOVEMBRE + ÖZERGUN. Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

INDTIKO. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 11.30pm.

PARALLAX, TALK TO YOU LATER. Wasteman Hotel Westwood. Footscray. 8pm. $15.08.

VICIOUS BLONDE (2AM SHOW). Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 11pm. $10.

BOG MONSTER, KNIFE, CIRCLE OF BLOOD, GRAVEPEELER. Whole Lotta Love. Brunswick East. 7.30pm. $15.

CLASSROOM, BUG HUNT.

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

TEENAGE DADS, NOAH

DILLON. Hallie Prince Bandroom. St Kilda. 8pm. $41.

CLASS TRAITOR, BEGGAR, SQUAMATA, CREEP DIETS

Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $18.50 - 20.

CHAIN: 55TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $30 - 45. MONO, MUSHROOM GIANT, SVNTAX ERROR. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm. $72.45.

ARMAND HAMMER, TEETHER, MAMMOTH. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $49.90.

NIGHTMARES ON WAX. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $49.90.

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL 2023. Various Locations. Daylesford. 9am.

LORDE. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 7pm. $99.90 - 129.90.

HOOCH, DJ CONSIDERATE, M80, BEAT RUSH. Brunswick Artists’ Bar. Brunswick. 5.30pm. Free.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION. The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

JUNE LOW. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 9pm.

HUGH MCGINLAY. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

CRAIG WOODWARD. Open Studio. Northcote. 6.30pm. Free.

THE PIANO GUYS. Plenary Theatre. South Wharf. 7.30pm. $89.

WELCOME DRINKS! WITH DJ DEB WALTERS. Daylesford Hotel. Daylesford. 5pm.

HUNGER DIGITAL LAUNCH

PARTY FEAT: DIRTY VERSACHI, MAX LAWRENCE, MO-LOUIE, ADAM NOVIELLO, MORE. The Curtin. Carlton. 6pm. $17.75.

BODY HIGH FEAT: LAVA BRAIN, CILLA, DJ POSSUM, MEG 4X4, VERY JERRY. Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

Saturday

March 11

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC, EMO PHILLIPS. Palais Theatre. St Kilda. 7:30pm. $79.00

MADELEINE PEYROUX

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $75 - 115.

NADAV RAYMAN TRIO

FEAT: EMMA PEEL, DJ LADY LOVE POTION, DJ LADY SOUL, MISS GOLDIE, JOEL HAMLIN. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $23.05.

MARY! DISCO FEAT: SUGAR PUMP FAIRY, MR WEIR Daylesford Hotel. Daylesford. 8pm.

FUNK RABBIT. Open Studio. Northcote. 9pm. $17.19.

A NORAH JONES TRIBUTE: GEORGIE AUÉ BAND. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

EUGENE HAMILTON & THE MONEY. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $45.

ALMA ZYGIER. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $30 - 35.

THE NATURAL CULTURE, SPEAKEASY, CONTE

MILANO. The Catfish. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

BRAHMS’ VIOLIN CONCERTO Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $69 - 121.

PUNTER, THE UGLIES, VAMPIRE, K-MART. Warriors Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $15.

THE TOTE LEGENDS SERIES: THE BENNIES & GUESTS. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $28.60.

SUPERSUCKERS. Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm.

KANDALINI (2AM SHOW) Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 11pm. $10.

TEENAGE DADS, HALLIE, NOAH DILLON. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm.

THE FELL TYRANT FEAT: VILE APPARITION, IDLE RUIN, VEXATION, AEONS ABYSS. Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm.

PLASTIC SECTION, THE VIBRAJETS, DJ BAMA LAMA Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

STREET SWEEPER + VOLT JOLT. Gem Bar. Collingwood. 4pm.

EVERLYNE, ONCE WERE LOST, FORTNIGHT JUMBO, BRODOWN. Whole Lotta Love. Brunswick East. 7.30pm. $10.

SACRED REICH + VIO-LENCE, MANIAXE. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $59.95.

ALICE PHOEBE LOU.

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm.

CANDICE ALISHA. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

ANNIE’S HILL O’ BEANS. Post Office Hotel. Coburg. 9pm.

THICK AS THIEVES

PRESENTS MICHAEL MAYER.

Night Cat. Fitzroy. 9pm. $34.56.

DJ GAY ROBERTO. The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

TEE’S YARD 2ND BIRTHDAY

FEAT: DJ SMILEZ, FAITH VS FATE, HENNI AKA HANOQ, 3URIE, TEEJAE, MORE. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 11pm. $15.

CHILLOUT FESTIVAL

2023. Various Locations. Daylesford. 9am.

LORDE. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 7pm. $99.90 - 129.90.

Thursday

March 16

MOVEMENTS, BOSTON

MANOR, WAYSIDE. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7pm. $64.90.

THE VELVET CLUB. Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $15.

NIAMH REGAN. Brunswick Artists’ Bar. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

STEVE POLTZ. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $49.06.

MIA PISANO, CAMILLA BURROWS. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $34.56.

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB: 25TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE CELEBRATION. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 55.

NINA FERRO & THE GOLD STANDARD. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

MIKE STERN QUINTET. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $76.

YB. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm. $16.10.

Friday March 17

SONICA MUSIC FESTIVAL

FEAT: 1NONLY, AMBER LIU, GENTLE BONES, GARETH, T, HENRY, ZICO. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 4pm.

MO’JU X MELBOURNE

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $55 - 97.

BOY SODA + TAJ RALPH. Yah Yah’s. Fitzroy. 9pm. $12.37.

THE OPERATIVES PRESENTS

OPS:X FEAT: ROCHELLE JORDAN, MURDER HE WROTE, AYY DEN, HAPPY NINA, KAÏRA CUVÉE, JORDAN DENNIS. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $39.66 - 49.85.

PETER FARNAN, JULIAN SMITH, PALLIATIVE. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $13.

LIPSTEREO, IN TRANSIT, PEACH FUZZ. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 9pm. $20.

MALCURA. Hotel Westwood. Footscray. 7.30pm. Free.

AVALANCHE, VOLT JOLT, KRACKERS & KOOLAID. Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $17.48.

SO THIS IS A DEATH

CAB FOR CUTIE PARTY: TRANSATLANTICISM 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $38.35.

THE INSTITUTE FOR GOOD GIRLS, BITCH EYES, PALA. Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8.30pm. Free.

BEACH BUNNY. The Croxton. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $64.90.

DEFTONES APPRECIATION NIGHT. Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11.15pm. $10 - 17.50.

THE REYTONS. Stay Gold. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $59.90.

RENEGADES OF WRESTLING: THE RETURN OF THE RENEGADES. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7pm. $42.85.

TEMPERAMENTAL (DIVINYLS

TRIBUTE) + SONIC TEMPLE (THE CULT TRIBUTE). Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $30.60.

PADDYS DAY: ROSSA

MCCANN, DAN BOURKE & CYRIL MORAN, MARTY

KELLY. The Drunken Poet. West Melbourne. 3pm.

TILLY O’BRIEN BAND. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

STEVE POLTZ. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $25 - 45.

MELBOURNE UKELELE

FESTIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT

CONCERT - MAGIC NIGHT!

FEAT: DEAD MAN’S UKE, DUPLICITY, CAMERON

MURRAY, MELBOURNE

UKULELE KOLLECTIVE

The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 6.30pm. $55.

SECTION 8 TURNS 17 FEAT:

GUTS, ELLE SHIMADA, POOKIE, MOTHAFUNK, MORE. Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

THE NEW MONOS. Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $17.19.

ANTON DELECCA QUARTET WITH EMMA GILMARTIN

FEAT: CC DEWAR. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $40.

MIKE STERN QUINTET. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $76.

SUGAR BOOT. Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. Free.

MO’JU X MSO. Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne. 7.30pm. $55 - 97.

Saturday March 16

NGAIIRE X MELBOURNE

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Melbourne.

7.30pm. $49 - 109.

JENNIFER SALISBURY SINGS

COLE PORTER. Daylesford Hotel. Daylesford. 8pm. $30.

LIVE AT WARRAWEE FEAT: PIERCE BROTHERS, THNDO, D’ARCY SPILLER, PIRRITU, WOMEN OF SOUL, BUSTED CHOPS. Warrawee Park. Oakleigh. 3pm. Free.

MANDENG GROOVE (2 SETS). The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

SECTION 8 TURNS 17 FEAT: GUTS, ELLE SHIMADA, POOKIE, MOTHAFUNK, MORE. Section 8. Melbourne.

6pm. Free.

SWING GUITAR WITH AARON ENTRESZ, PETER BAYLOR & ROBBIE FINCH. Open Studio. Northcote. 5.30pm. $22.49.

CRAIG SMITH QUINTET

PLAYS BILLY JOEL: IN A JAZZ STATE OF MIND. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne.

8.30pm. $45.

MIKE STERN QUINTET. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne.

7.30pm. $76.

LABCATS. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 35.

PASIFIX: PART OF LIVE AT THE BOWL. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 2pm.

YARRA VALLEY’S HERB & CHILLI FESTIVAL 2023

FEAT: STEVE BOYD’S RUM REVERIE, INKA MARKA, GARRY & JOHN. Romantic Nursery. Wandin North. 10am. $27.

FEVERDREAMS, TOMALIA, GANGRENE DREAM. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 9pm.

EARTHLESS, SEEDY JEEZUS, ZELKOVA. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $59.90.

GUT HEALTH, KOSMETIKA

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $15.43.

THE MONAROS (2AM SHOW) Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 11pm. $10.

THE SCREAMING JETS, PRICEY. Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $45.

THE VELVET CLUB Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $24.

CHIMERS, BLOWERS. Gem Bar. Collingwood. 3.30pm.

CHIMERS, THEE CHA CHA CHA’S, THE NATION TWO Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7.30pm. INTO THE FALL FEAT: OBSCURA, GATECREEPER, UNDEATH, STABBING, CRYPTIC SHIFT, MORE. The Croxton. Thornbury. 1pm. $116.30.

LIVE AT WARRAWEE FEAT: PIERCE BROTHERS, THNDO, D’ARCY SPILLER, PIRRITU, WOMEN OF SOUL, BUSTED CHOPS. Warrawee Park. Oakleigh. 3pm. Free.

ON REPEAT: 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER. Stay Gold. Brunswick. 11.15pm. $18.40 - 20.

ALEX JAMES BOWEN. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $30.

LIZ STRINGER + WILLIAM CRIGHTON. The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7pm. $51.

KIM CHURCHILL. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $34.41.

SIN FRONTERA TRIOMARIACHI PARTY! Open Studio. Northcote. 9.30pm. $17.19.

POP CHOIR AT THE BAR Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $40 - 45.

OVERMONO. Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $64.90.

BLACKSTREET. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $86.70.

PASIFIX: PART OF LIVE AT THE BOWL. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 2pm.

Thursday

March 23

ELOISE. Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm.

THE DAIMON BRUNTON QUINTET + CHAMBER QUARTET. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $30.

BARNEY MCALL: NON COMPLIANCE TRIO. The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 25.

TEX PERKINS & THE FAT RUBBER BAND. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $49.06.

DAVE GRANEY & CLARE MOORE. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $34.56.

THE GROUNDSWELL. Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm.

FITZ RITZ FEAT: BODY TYPE, ROT TV, BAD BANGS, EGGY The Curtin. Carlton. 7pm. $27.95.

PALE WAVES. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $69.90. ANDREW MCSWEENEY & THE WISHING HORSE Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

FOJAM PRESENTS CAROLE KING: HITS & RARITIES. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35 - 70.

SAM + SAM. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30.

BOO SEEKA. Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $40.80.

MONOLAKE + ELECTRIC INDIGO. Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $45.

Friday

March 24

SKOV. Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $25.

REBECCA MENDOZA WITH MARK FITZGIBBON. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $40.

THE THREE SEAS, LINDA MAY HAN OH, BEN VANDERWAL

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 35.

THE FOUR SCOOPS. Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. Free.

WILLIE J & THE BAD BOOKS, BAD BANGS, FLY! The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $22.45.

PEACH FUR, SUNEDEN. Yah

Yah’s. Fitzroy. 10pm. $15.

THE SLINGERS, GEORGIA KNIGHT, THE MIRRORS Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $34.

PROTO MORO, TOO BIRDS. The Curtin. Carlton. 8.30pm. $17.75.

ASH: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS. The Croxton. Thornbury. 8pm. $70.

CRUMBE. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

DOPPLERHAUS, BLOCKCHAIN, BLANCO

TRANCO, THE DOLPHINS. The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $13.

SKAMP VERA. Sooki Lounge. Belgrave. 8pm. $15.

LOS PALMS, RAGING MOBY, THE BAUDELAIRES. Cactus Room. Thornbury. 8pm. $13.30.

NED COLLETTE, LEAH SENIOR, MICHAEL BEACH. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $28.15.

EMILY BARKER. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

HOPE D, ASHA JEFFERIES, THE DANDYS. Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm. $29.60.

THE WHITLAMS BLACK STUMP BAND, FELICITY URQUHART, JOSH CUNNINGHAM. The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $61.20.

WENDY STAPLETON PRESENTS THE DUSTY SPRINGFIELD STORY. Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $35.

FED LIVE WITH MASKED WOLF, KOOTSIE DON, POOKIE, AGUNG MANGO, BIG TWISTY & THE FUNKNASTY Federation Square. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

Saturday March 25

STRADIVARIUS IN VIENNA WITH ALEXANDRE DA COSTA: ZELMAN SYMPHONY 90TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON. Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $25 - 85.

THE CLUNK ORCHESTRA. Bar 303. Northcote. 3.30pm.

KAHLUA BREEZE. Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

BLUE ROOF, MORE. The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

TIME DISTANCE MUSIC FEAT: COLIN OFFORD. Northcote Uniting Church. Northcote. 5pm. $18 - 25.

NOT SO BIG BAND: THE MUSIC OF STING. Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

THE REVOLATION, FIGHT THE SUN, THE FLASH BASTARD EXPERIENCE. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8.30pm. $17.35.

PARADISE KITTY. The Tote Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $55.10.

DEAD BOYS, THE CASANOVAS, THE CREDITS Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $60.

THE TARANTINOS. Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $33.76.

FEVER SHACK, TRENCHKNIFE, CRUSH THE DEMONIAC, HEAT, DIRE NEED. Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $20.

LOS PALMS, THE DOLPHINS, MATURE THEMES. The Catfish. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $10.

DYLAN ALCOTT’S ABILITY

FEST FEAT: HILLTOP HOODS, MEG MAC, SAMPA THE GREAT, BROODS, SHOUSE, DZ DEATHRAYS, TELENOVA, ALEX LAHEY, MORE Birrarung Marr. Melbourne. 12.20pm. $89.

URTHBOY, DALLAS WOODS, LOREN RYAN. Night Cat. Fitzroy. 8pm. $39.51.

MATT GLASS, SADIE MUSTOE.Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

ROMAN XAVIER. The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

THE WHITLAMS BLACK STUMP BAND. Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $60.

SONGS FOR SUZANNE: THE MUSIC & POETRY OF LEONARD COHEN

The Thornbury Theatre. Thornbury. 7.30pm. $69.90 - 89.90.

MARK WILKINSON BIRD’S BASEMENT. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $30.

THE LAST DANCE FEAT: ALL THE QUEENS MEN, WENDY STAPLETON, SARAH WARD, NEFERTITI LANEGRA

NORTHCOTE THEATRE

Northcote. 2pm. Free.

OPEN AIR AT THE YARDS

FEAT: JOHN CARROLL

KIRBY & EDDIE CHACON, SPACE GHOST, KATY J PEARSON, SINJ CLARKE, ELLE SHIMADA, MORE COLLINGWOOD YARDS

Collingwood. 3pm. $75.44.

REMINISCE: PART OF LIVE AT THE BOWL SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL. Melbourne. 3pm. $79.95 - 109.95.