Forte 737

Robbie Williams

Talia Rinaldo

&

Matt Wilkinson

DESIGNER

Nathan Mossop

Alex Callan

Tammy Walters,

Callan, Tyler Jenke,

Editorial Note

Live sweaty bodies moshing together, crowd-surfing with inflatable pool toys, painted faces, dancing, DJs and hundreds of revellers chanting in unison. No, we’re not reminiscing about our favourite festivals… this sums up the absolute scenes in the Geelong CBD following the Cats win in the granny. Scenes made even sweeter following the lockdowns of the past two years. Footy supporter or not, the city has been on an absolute high for the past couple of weeks and we are living for it.

On top of that, this fine city is welcoming the MVP of the day, Robbie Williams. Fresh from delivering a seven-song spectacular at the game while rocking a smokin’ hot pink suit in Melbourne, the international superstar announced his return to Australia in November 2023 to play headline dates across the country, including a special A Day on the Green show in Geelong. We chat to Roundhouse Entertainment’s Michael Newton about this absolute coup for regional Vic!

As you slide through the pages, you’ll also find check-ins with Ella Hooper and Lior, visit a few local hospitality venues that are profoundly changing the game, and meet two emerging female powerhouses making their mark within the music industry.

Like finding a red zooper dooper at the back of the freezer on a summer’s day, you can also rejoice that we have a pretty special announcement from Valhalla Brewing.

Grab a beer from the bar, perch up in the corner and get down to the Forte business. We’re waiting.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

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

COVERSOCIALS

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DISTRIBUTION

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

Our October cover star is Robbie Williams for A Day on the Green. Cover photo by Leo Baron

Oktoberfest Warrnambool returns for The Final Prost

Bringing a touch of Germany to the southwest, the beloved Oktoberfest Warrnambool will return for the very last time to Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park on Saturday, October 29, transforming the site into a little pocket of German culture and celebration. There will be live music, DJs, a silent disco, a free stein on entry and beer directly imported from Germany’s Munich Oktoberfest.

Werribee garden party So Frenchy So Chic returns with a full French lineup

Australia’s favourite celebration of French culture returns to Melbourne’s Werribee Mansion on January 15. For the first time since 2020, SFSC23 returns with a full line-up of native French performers, with headline acts Pi Ja Ma, Rover, Kalika and Suzane performing live, turning Australia’s poshest picnic into an unmissable garden party.

Gluten Free 4 U opens bakehouse in Belmont for all your guilt-free indulgences

With a simple mission to provide the very best quality gluten-free baked products (literally all the local bakery favourites sans the gluten), the beloved business has moved from Pakington Street and opened a new and improved venue in Geelong to meet the high demand for gluten-free treats in the regional city.

The Gordon’s $23.5M

culinary school and worldclass restaurant opens

Inspiring a new generation of chefs and culinary professionals, a brand-new state-of-the-art $23.5 million culinary school and training restaurant has been officially opened at The Gordon Institute of TAFE Geelong City campus.

Paul Kelly’s ‘Making Gravy’ concert returns to Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Now in its fourth incarnation, Kelly’s ‘Making Gravy’ concert returns to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Friday 9 December. Kicking off the festive season with a night celebrating songs from Kelly’s four-decade-long career, the night will feature special guests Amyl and the Sniffers, The Beths (NZ) and Alex The Astronaut.

Falls Festival relocating to Melbourne’s CBD for 2022 Falls Festival is now bringing Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Peggy Gou, CHVRCHES, Jamie xx and more to Sidney Myer Music Bowl for their Victorian iteration on December 29, 30 and 31. The decision arrives after their planned location in Birregurra fell through due to delays involved in a VCAT appeals process.

Ruby Gill announces regional tour dates

South African-Australian songwriter Ruby Gill has announced headline tour dates for October and November, taking her debut album ‘I’m gonna die with this frown on my face’ out across the East Coast. She’ll perform at New Hall, Point Lonsdale on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 and The Bridge, Castlemaine on Friday, November 18.

Vibes & Vino returns to Heathcote

Vibes & Vino is coming to Barrack Reserve in Heathcote on Saturday 29 October, combining our love of food, wine and music into one epic ‘weekend getaway’ event. Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Benny Walker, and Gabriella Cohen head the music lineup, while a selection of Heathcote’s finest wineries and brewer ies will serve up vino and cold brews alongside the region’s local produce.

Northlane announce show at the Wool Exchange in December

Australian heavy trailblazers Northlane are taking their #1 album, Obsidian, on tour through regional Australia, stopping locally in Geelong at the Wool Exchange on Thursday, December 15. Supporting Northlane when they hit the regions will be Melbourne’s very own Windwaker.

Bluesfest announces 2023 lineup

The Byron Bay Bluesfest 2023 lineup will feature Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Mavis Staples, Jackson Browne, Gang of Youths, Buddy Guy, Michael Franti, Tash Sultana, King Giz, Chain, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, Lucinda Williams, Joe Bonamassa and many more. The 34th annual Bluesfest will go down at Byron Events Farm over the Easter long weekend from April 6 – 10 next year.

A massive emo and pop punk Halloween Party is coming to Lambys

To celebrate Halloween this year, Australia’s largest emo and pop punk night Taking Back Saturday is taking over Geelong’s beloved Lambys Tavern with an epic Emo and Pop Punk Halloween Party on Friday, October 28. Expect all the best emo and pop punk tunes and an epic night of MMRS, closing the goddamn door and marching to The Black Parade.

Sting announces Australian tour

Legendary singer-songwriter Sting will return to Australia in February 2023 for the first time in nearly seven years, on his critically acclaimed My Songs tour. He’ll play Rod Laver Arena on February 23, and A Day on the Green at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on February 25.

The $125 dining and entertainment rebate is back

You can now claim 25% back when you spend $40 or more at cinemas, galleries, live performances and dining in Victoria any day of the week. Customers can claim up to $125 cash back each and make multiple claims until they reach the cap. The program runs until 16 December 2022 or when funds are exhausted.

The Indian restaurant dishing up unlimited curries all night, every night

Amrin Bros Restaurant, located on Shannon Avenue in Geelong West, has announced a buffet dedicated to curries. Offered every day (except Tuesdays when the restaurant is closed), from 4pm hungry locals can indulge in unlimited curries, rice and naan – all for just $19.99.

Colin Hay brings solo tour to Bendigo in November

Years after his last run of shows in the land Down Under, Colin Hay, the former frontman and chief songwriter of seminal 80s outfit Men at Work, will hit Australia in November to give fans a taste of his new album, Now and The Evermore. Hay will kick off the solo tour at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo on November 3.

Piano Bar is touring a magical adults-only Disney cabaret experience across Victoria

Back by popular demand, ‘Disney N Dine’ is hitting up Piano Bar venues in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Northcote this November and December. Guests can expect an all-new show, jam-packed with magical moments and memories you cherish with entertainment taken care of by Greg Gould, Shandelle Cooke and Andy Pobjoy who will be performing all your favourite Disney songs.

Chillinit is heading to Torquay for a special Sunday Session this October

Following his blockbuster sold-out ‘One Night Only’ Tour and headlining the Mix Up Tent at Splendour in the Grass, Chillinit is back with ‘The Big Daddy Tour’ – performing his final shows of the year before embarking on fatherhood for the first time. He will take to the Torquay Hotel on Sunday, 30 October at 7:30pm (Melbourne Cup weekend).

The Grass Is Greener festival brings Ty Dolla $ign, Sticky Fingers and PNAU to Geelong

North Queensland music, food and art festival

The Grass Is Greener is heading to Geelong on Sunday, October 30, headed up by a range of global superstars includ ing Ty Dolla Sign, YG, ZHU, PNAU, Sticky Fingers, One Four, Maya Jane Coles and so many more.

Ocean Sounds Festival announces January 2023 lineup

The annual family-friendly, all-day sunset concert will take place once again on the beautiful Churchill Island (just off Phillip Island) on Saturday, January 7 2023 with a lineup headlined by John Butler and The Waifs.

Pavement headline inaugural Tent Pole Festival

Pavement, Spiderbait, Magic Dirt, Floodlights, The Schizophonics, Black Rock Band and Clamm will all play over two stages at Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree. The inaugural event occurs at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on their newly developed Top Paddock site on Saturday, March 4 2023.

Luke Combs returns to Australia with 2023 world tour

Country superstar Luke Combs will embark on a world tour in 2023. He’ll play Rod Laver Arena on August 19 and 20 next year, delivering his live show to Australian fans for the first time since his sold-out 2019 headline tour.

Meg Mac is coming to Geelong in 2023

Following a triumphant return to the stage with her five-stop sold-out national tour back in May, the profoundly talented powerhouse songstress Meg Mac has announced a massive national tour to celebrate her highly anticipated third album, Matter of Time. She’ll perform at the Wool Exchange in Geelong on Friday, April 28.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival announces new 10-day Regional Edition

The inaugural 10-day festival will travel all over regional Victoria from Friday, November 18 to Sunday, November 27, bringing along a tasty program of special dinners in Ballarat, Crawl and Bite tours in Victoria’s High Country and Luxury Escapes presented by Lexus at top-flight venues with top-drawer accommodation around the state.

Bendigo has been named Australia’s second best tourism town

Placing regional Victoria firmly on the map, Bendigo has just won silver at the National Top Tourism Town Awards, confirming what we’ve all known about the destination for some time. With famous, authentic heritage attractions and world-class gastronomic delights, the regional city of Bendigo has carved itself a strong reputation in recent years.

A celebration of Dolly Parton is coming to Geelong in December

Following the incredible success of two sold-out Tapestry tours celebrating the career of Carole King, dual Helpmann Award-winner Esther Hannaford is return ing with Praise Dolly – a journey through the superb music of Dolly Parton. Catch it when it heads to Costa Hall in Geelong on December 3.

Open House Bendigo returns this October

The weekend will showcase more than 20 public projects, buildings, spaces and programs from Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the vibrancy of local contemporary design, the rich history of boom-style architecture and the social history of Greater Bendigo while also getting to wander into beautiful and diverse spaces within the city.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival unveils its glorious 2023 lineup

Returning in 2023, following a three-year hiatus, Melbourne’s Laneway Festival will feature exclusive performances from international favourites HAIM and Joji, alongside festival sets from Phoebe Bridgers, Finneas, Fontaines D.C., Fred Again.., Girl in Red, Slowthai, Turnstile, 100 Gecs, Chaos in the CBD, Knucks, Mallrat, and Ross From Friends.

Ballarat shines at new Melbourne restaurant Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters

Josh Pyke, Kate MillerHeidke lead new two-day Sip and Savour Festival

Sip and Savour is a new two-day festival showcasing the very best of regional food, wine, beer, spirits and culture coming to Albury on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February 2023. Kate Miller-Heidke, Josh Pyke, Lisa Mitchell and Telenova will headline the inaugural “taste of the region” event to be held at QEII Square in Albury CBD.

The Clatworthy chapter at Sawyers Arms Tavern comes to an end

After 64 years leading a Geelong institu tion, the longstanding owners of Sawyers Arms Tavern, Peter Clatworthy and his wife, are handing over the reins. Known to many as the ‘Clats’, the tavern was originally bought by Peter’s grandparents, Eileen and Ken Clatworthy in 1958, with Eileen Clatworthy living upstairs until she was 90.

US sports retailer Lids opens in Geelong

US sports retailer Lids – the official license partner for National Basketball Association merchandise – has finally landed in Australia, opening its first store in Geelong. Opening in Westfield, score exclusive sports caps, jerseys, collector kicks and apparel from major American sports leagues including the NFL and NBL. The stores also feature Lids’ signature Custom Zones.

The Ballarat region is being showcased at a three-month spring residency at the Fed Square venue. The dining experience led by Executive Chef Alejandro Saravia was brought together by exploring the region, and meeting the farmers, growers, artists and chefs who all helped shape the menu at Victoria by Farmers Daughters. Carefully-curated dishes will include ingredients and produce from the likes of The Mushroom Connection, Saltbush Kitchen, Inglenook Dairy and more.

A new 90km hiking trail is coming to the Great Ocean Road

The 90km walking trail will traverse Gadubanud Country along the Otway coast and hinterland, providing world-class eco-tourism experiences and never-before-seen views from suspen sion bridges. The new trail will provide a full seven-day six-night hike, day walks, half-day walks and shorter loop trails.

Strawberry Fields cancels 2022 festival

Beloved Riverina festival Strawberry Fields has announced its 2022 cancel lation due to extreme flooding. The organisers will host a Cup Eve warehouse party on Monday 31 October with Moodymann and friends taking over The Thorn.

Montaigne brings ‘Making It’ to Geelong and Ballarat

Reining in a new era of music, Sydney pop maverick Montaigne is bringing her album ‘making it!’ to life with an exciting and power hitting tour, heading to Barwon Club Hotel on Friday, October 21 and Volta on Saturday, October 22.

Three-day gin festival

Junipalooza returns this October

Australia’s premier gin festival, Junipalooza, will return to Melbourne’s Timber Yard on the 21 – 23 October 2022 bringing together dozens and dozens of gin makers in one room. The event unites over 50 national and international craft distillers by offering ticket holders exciting gin tastings to savour while learning about the gin-producing process by passionate makers.

Meet Stella, Victoria’s newest limited-edition off-grid accommodation experience

Step outside the city and spend a night or two with Stella The Stargazer, a new tiny home that will set up shack in three Victorian regions - Maffra, Great Ocean Road and the Grampians - for eight weeks at a time. The locally designed tiny home was built by Victorian artisans from upcycled and hand-made materials.

The Blues Train announces new shows for 2023 with tickets on sale now

With the majority of this year’s shows already sold out, Australia’s longest-run ning blues music venue will return in 2023 with exciting new lineups in January, February and March, combining four carefully selected Australian Blues acts, a Bellarine Railway heritage train, dinner and drinks for 200 patrons.

Geelong gets new wheels with E-bike share trial across the city

A bunch of zesty electric bicycles have popped up across the Geelong CBD and surrounding areas, as part of a year-long trial, designed to create more transport options across the growing city. Spawned from a partnership between Deakin University and Lime, students and staff at Deakin University’s campuses will have access to the e-bikes, allowing an efficient, affordable and carbon-free mode of transport.

Regional Australia’s first-ever opera festival is coming to Bendigo in 2023 Melbourne Opera’s production of Richard Wagner’s mammoth Der Ring Des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) is heading to Bendigo in an Australian exclusive. The 17-hour epic journey performed over four nights, consisting of four individual operas – Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung - will be staged in full at the acoustically impres sive Ulumbarra Theatre.

Bendigo is getting a permanent First Nations Gallery

The new Gallery, Djaa Djuwima, which means to ‘Show, Share Country’, will open on November 24, 2022. Three curated exhibitions will be presented each year, and the space will be a safe place for creative and cultural expressiono explore identity, heritage, connection and storytelling.

Pete Murray is heading to the Torquay Hotel

Aussie music mainstay Pete Murray has announced his first east coast headline tour in three years to celebrate the release of his new EP Before I Go. The Byron Bay singer-songwriter and national treasure finishes the tour at the Torquay Hotel on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 of October.

Golden Plains Music Festival returns for 2023, Ticket Ballot open

Returning for its 15th iteration and its first event in three years, Golden Plains will go down from March 11th-13th at Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre and the ballot to secure tickets is officially open.

Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows announce Bannockburn show

Australia’s most prolific and enduringly popular bands, renowned for their high-energy live shows, musicianship, and infectious, roots-soaked blues rock, are hitting the road with their triple #1 Aria album, Saint Georges Road. They’ll perform at Bannockburn Railway Hotel on Sunday, October 30.

Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Budburst Festival returns

Raise your glasses, the Budburst Wine Festival returns with a reinvigorated version of the much-loved Macedon Ranges event from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November 2022. More than 20 winemakers across the region will swing open their cellar doors and welcome guests for guided tastings alongside varied menus championing local produce and live music.

Queenscliff Music Festival expands 2022 lineup with homegrown heroes Queenscliff Music Festival 2022 is back guns blazing with more news for the upcoming summer, adding four local legends to the glorious lineup. Georgia Rodgers, The Mojo Corner, Nathan Seeckts and Watty Thompson join QMF alongside festival favourite Vince Peach.

Ballarat artist collaborates with acclaimed brand Maxwell & Williams

Rach Jackson, a contemporary abstract artist based in Ballarat, has collaborated with acclaimed brand Maxwell & Williams to release a vibrant new homewares collection, Rock Garden. Her vibrant artwork aims to capture not only the colours and textures of nature, but also its ability to create a sense of peace. Her new Rock Garden outdoor collection includes a picnic rug, cooler bag, wine tumblers, jug, plates and more.

Dumpling Guys is coming to Little Malop Street

Taking over a tiny shopfront on Little Malop Street, Melbourne’s well-loved, energetic eatery Dumpling Guys will soon be the first dedicated dumpling outpost on the west end of the famed Geelong strip. Expect fresh, authentic and tasty dumplings, pork buns, noodle and rice dishes and more.

Daniel’s Donuts opens two stores in Ballarat

Renowned as some of the best donuts across Australia, the beloved store has just opened another location in regional Victoria, selling their crazy-good donuts, milkshakes and hot pies in Ballarat! You’ll be able to find them at 620 Creswick Road in Soldiers Hill and at Stockland Wendouree (opposite Boost Juice).

Future Folk returns to Port Fairy Folk Festival

Have you ever dreamt about performing on stage at the Port Fairy Folk Festival?

The Future Folk program is back to support young emerging artists and performers from south west Victoria. Future Folk participants will score a paid gig at the festival and work with established artists in one-on-one and group mentoring sessions before, during and after the Festival.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS

Robbie Williams to Rock The Mic (right) at Mt Duneed Estate for A Day On The Green

Words by Talia Rinaldo

Credit Leo Baron

“I’m going to be phenomenal.”

That is how global pop sensation Robbie Williams intro duced himself to the AFL grand final audience last month, and true to his word, he was.

Before taking to the stage for what has been named the best AFL Grand Final entertainment of all time, the British pop star gave Geelong one more reason to celebrate, announcing his return to Australia next November with his XXV World Tour.

Celebrating 25 years of solo hits, Williams will play headline dates in Melbourne and Sydney, alongside three A Day On The Green events across the country, including a special perfor mance at Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday, November 25 2023.

“Australasia is one of my favourite places in the world to tour,” Robbie says.

“I feel so at home there and hugely appreciate the warm, loving welcome I always receive. I can’t wait to do these shows in 2023 and spend some time with my fans.”

Off the back of performing two exclusive nights in Melbourne for his Better Man biopic earlier this year, Williams’ recent performance reminded us what an absolute star he is. Rocking a smokin’ hot pink suit, Williams delivered a seven-song spectacular complete with background dancers dressed in gold and silver, a soaring stage and glowing pyrotechnics.

Proving to be one of the most acclaimed and charismatic live performers of his time, the performance only heightened the desire for fans to witness a large-scale Robbie Williams show. “He was epic, he put on such a good show at the final. It was probably the best tour set-up I've ever been involved with,”

Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment, promoter of A Day On The Green says.

“To have him here in the country, doing that performance at the Grand Final and seen by so many people around the country, you couldn't ask for a better way to set up a tour and get people excited, especially when you've got a performer that's as strong as Robbie.”

Hailed as one of the finest male pop stars of his generation, Williams joined Take That in 1990 at only 16, before kicking off his solo career 25 years ago in 1997 with the release of his debut album, Life Thru A Lens.

Three decades on, he's achieved a total of 18 Brit Awards with his writing, recording and performances making a lasting impact on British culture, recognising the very highest level of British musical achievement.

From his breakthrough global smash hit ‘Angels’, through to pop anthems ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Millennium’, ‘Come Undone’, ‘Kids’, ‘Feel’, ‘Rock DJ’, and more, Robbie Williams' unparalleled catalogue is a career-defining generational soundtrack

Having sold more than 85 million albums, with 14 UK number one albums (the most for any solo artist) and 14 number one singles as a solo artist, Williams's tour comes in celebra tion of XXV, a compilation album featuring his aforementioned biggest hits.

Williams’ 13th album, and first since 2019 The Christmas Present, XXV sees the star reimagine hits and fan favourites, ranging from one of his earliest solo releases ‘Angels’ through to ‘Love My Life’, along with the brand new number ‘Lost’.

As expected with a performer of his calibre, this is no ordinary Greatest Hits album, especially having already released one back in 2004. Gifting his greatest solo hits another life, tracks like ‘Millennium’ (his first-ever solo Number 1) and ‘No Regrets’ have been newly-orchestrated by Jules Buckley, Guy Chambers and Steve Sidwell, and re-recorded with the acclaimed Metropole Orkest in the Netherlands.

Much like the album, Williams's arena tour - which he’ll also be taking to Europe, UK and Ireland - will be a joyous journey through his career-defining catalogue, bringing to life the songs he’s most proud of. As always, you can expect Williams to go heavy on the entertainment, delivering a chaotic show in the best possible way.

“Big, it’s going to be big,” Newton reveals.

“He’s going to be celebrating 25 years of hits, so you're just going to get everything and more. With the Robbie show and with the set-up he's got on stage, a lot is happening with production, lights and screens and a big band, dancers; you're going to get absolutely everything.

“It's going to be just enormous.”

Williams’ big 2023 show at Mt Duneed Estate won’t be the star's first time in the region, having performed at the venue in March 2018 as part of The Heavy Entertainment Show World Tour.

Williams’ performance marked the largest A Day On The Green concert at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong at the time, entertaining 20,000 adoring fans while smashing the previous record of 18,000 fans set by Fleetwood Mac in 2015.

As entertaining as expected, Williams ripped through a glittering hit-laden set, from ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Angels’, ‘Kids’, ‘Come Undone’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and more. Alongside the music, which brought enough joy on its own, Williams tore up the stage with a handful of backup dancers, flashing his jocks with a roaring tiger head at every chance and he even serenaded one seriously lucky fun as he performed ‘Something Stupid’.

Geelong’s had some good luck with music acts at Mt Duneed over the years, hosting some of the biggest names in music including Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac,

Paul Simon, Don Henley, Florence + The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Elton John, all courtesy of A Day On The Green.

Proving their consistency in securing the world’s very best, 2023 marks the 22nd season of A Day On The Green, which started in January 2001. After nearly 500 shows and more than more million happy patrons, the A Day On The Green experience of good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations remains unrivalled, renowned as one of Australia’s most popular and premier outdoor concert events.

On the main drivers of its success, Newton shares: “Well for example, with Robbie choosing to tour with us again, his agent and his manager and he knows that he's going to come and play A Day on the Green and he’s going to get looked after.

“We don't even try and have cheap production or cheap staging; we always have more toilets than we need; We want people to have a really good time at our shows.

“It's a genuine thing with us and we don't skimp on any areas of the show. Sometimes things go wrong, yes, I know that. But really, our main thing is to look after the artist and make sure they have a smooth show, give them what they want and look after people that are coming along, as well as trying to keep the prices reasonable given the cost of running an outdoor show.”

While the past couple of years has presented a raft of challenges for the events brand, Robbie Williams is just the latest in a string of shows announced for Geelong, including Sting, The Killers, Crowded House and Tent Pole, the brand-new festival headlined by US indie heroes Pavement featuring 12 bands over two stages.

There’s a lot for music lovers to be excited about thanks to A Day On The Green, but there’s just something about Robbie Williams that promises to be a life-changing music experience.

“This is going to be very, very special. Robbie Williams is an incredible entertainer and he’s bringing his A-game to Geelong,” he says.

“Come to the show and as Robbie says, ‘Let him entertain you’.”

Don’t miss Robbie Williams as he celebrates 25 years of solo hits at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong on Saturday, November 23 2022. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

“I feel so at home there and hugely appreciate the warm, loving welcome I always receive. I can’t wait to do these shows in 2023 and spend some time with my fans”

Nikki Wishart

‘Spell It Out To U’ reminds us we deserve better

Words by Talia Rinaldo

Eventually, when dealing with people with narcissist traits, you get to the point where you don’t care anymore. That’s where we find Melbourne singer-songwriter Nikki Wishart who shows us how to embrace the discomfort and say goodbye to those self-important, selfish and insensitive people in our lives with her latest release ‘Spell It Out To U’.

The follow-up to her intimate and raw September release ‘Good Intent’, the new single, due for release October 21, sees the soon-to-be pop powerhouse deliver an honest, relatable and playful track that sees a boost to Wishart’s confidence, playing to her strengths and embracing what feels genuine.

Laced with sass, this hypnotic pop power ballad is lush and exuberant, capturing you right from the start with its heady rhythm, vibrant guitars, sweet melodies, golden vocals, and a super catchy chorus that’ll stay in your head for days.

Co-written by Geelong’s own Noah Vernon and produced by SB90, Wishart swaps sad girl tunes for the musical equivalent of putting a middle finger in the air, unleashing a spirited and utterly empowering indie-pop melody that stays true to her distinctive lyricism and authentic energy.

Reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo, inspired by fellow sing er-songwriters including Holly Humberstone and Chelsea Cutler, Wishart channels a melting pot of indie-pop and pop-punk influences, sending a fierce message to all narcissists who think “they are fucking saints.”

Wishart sings, “You laughed when you should have cared / You weren’t there when I needed you most / you’ve told me so much I shouldn’t know / Hate to break it to you, everyone hates you,” reminding us that we deserve better.

A lyrically forward artist, Wishart's latest release blends the raw, acoustic beauty and masterful songwriting displayed across her three previous releases with a bright glittery back drop and sassy, assertive vocals.

While we’ve come to love her achingly intimate tracks, ‘Spell It Out To U’ further cements her place as a promising - and accessible and relatable - indie-pop act in the making.

‘Spell It Out To U’ is available on all digital platforms worldwide on Friday, October 21.

Anna Scionti

Bringing her Junkbox Racket to The Blues Train

Words by Tammy Walters

All aboard! Queenscliff’s legendary venue on wheels, the Blues Train, will be shunting carriages of the best emerging and established contemporary Australian blues and roots musicians this November.

In a first for the venue, the Next Generation Concert Series will expand the music experience both in carriage and on platform. Spanning 5, 12, 19, 25, 26 and 27 November, the series will include pre-travel and half-time entertainment on the platforms in addition to their energetic shake, rattle and roll carriage chaos.

Blues Train alumni and crowd favourite Anna Scionti is among the series’ exciting artists.

The Melbourne singer-songwriter, guitarist and bottleneck slide player who mixes it up on cigar box guitar, resonator, lap steel and six-string guitar is a regular to the railway with multiple headline slots this year alone. It’s both the unique setting and the audience that keeps her coming back.

“It’s quite a different venue really, but it’s a lot of fun and pretty intense too because once we get rolling it’s like go, go, go! It’s like a party on wheels. I’ve done duo, solo and trio shows there but I guess I keep coming back to it because I do love it,” she says.

The Music Victoria Award-nominated artist has had a huge year back on the touring train playing festivals such as Port Fairy Music Festival and Byron Bay Bluesfest. It’s the first time she has been able to show off her 2020 album Junkbox Racket and now she’s keen to bring it to the new series.

“For the Blues Train show I usually bring about three or four cigar box guitars, and mainly just play my slide and my cigar box guitars, which is what Junkbox Racket is about. It’s a mixture of songs played on seven different guitars there, one electric and six different cigar box guitars that I’ve written songs on. It’s a lot of fun!”

Anna Scionti will be playing in Carriage B on Friday 25 November and on the platforms on both 26 and 27 November.

Credit Tony Mott

Greenhouse’s Unfinished Business

It’s been 30 years between drinks, but as Greenhouse release their long-awaited debut album, Centre Of The Universe, Michael Robinson discusses the triumph and tragedy that led to this point.

Words by Tyler Jenke

It was in the late ‘80s that the Greenhouse story began. Forming from the combi nation of the guitar-pop-oriented The Famous Five and the more atmospheric The Scarabs, Greenhouse’s origins weren’t in their home of Geelong, but rather in Collingwood, where they made their live debut as The Living Kind.

Before long, Greenhouse – which comprised guitarist and vocalist Michael Robinson, bassist Dean Linguey, guitar ist Johnny Helmer, and drummer Glen Galloway – were playing every chance they could get. Inspired by the emotional depth of UK post-punk outfits such as The Cure and Cocteau Twins, Greenhouse’s sound found a welcome home in Melbourne’s indie Fitzroy scene, where they would sell out the beloved Punter’s Club for the launch of their ‘See-Saw’ single in 1990.

Supporting the likes of the Clouds, The Killjoys, Falling Joys, and international names like The Wonder Stuff and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, Greenhouse were a band on the rise, with their releases receiving not just local, but national airplay as well.

“We were these little guys from down in Geelong,” recalls Robinson. “I guess we were pretty ambitious, and that was evident in our sound.

“I think there’s one review from way back that Craig Mathieson did, and he was talking about booking a stadium for 1997, ‘cause that’s where it sounded like it was going to go. Which, obviously, it didn’t.”

Indeed, as the grunge explosion took hold, so too did Greenhouse find themselves something of an anachronism of the local scene. Courted by a major UK label and flirting with a different sound on final single ‘What It Is’, internal dissatis factions found the band deciding to split.

With members going on to work in different areas, Robinson became something of a local celebrity thanks to his work as the legendary Reil Diamond. But his dissatisfaction with playing a “piss-take character” slowly grew, with reflections back toward his previous band making it clear there was still more to be done with Greenhouse.

“I think that’s what drove the desire to record this album,” Robinson recalls. “Because it really was unfinished business.”

In early 2020, the members of Greenhouse reconvened with the intent of creating new music. Hiring a converted church in Lyonville for four days, the band laid down the tracks for what would become their long-awaited debut album, motivated to tie up some loose ends from years before.

“Johnny and I thought it was a great idea,” Robinson explained, “and even though Glen was the first person to step

away from the band, he harbored some really strong regrets about not having an album out there.”

Tragically, these sessions would become the last for Galloway, who would pass away just four weeks after recording. Recruiting the likes of Glenn Bennie, Lisa Gibbs, and Ivan Khatchoyan, Robinson completed the track ‘Rising Star’, which would be played at Galloway’s funeral soon after. “We were then resolved to finish that album; to make that record,” he explains. “We had to now.”

Ultimately hampered by the sudden advent of COVID lockdowns, Robinson forged ahead working on the record. With Helmer laying down guitar parts in the studio, Linguey recorded bass remotely from Williamstown, while Bush drummer Nick Hughes was recruited to add percussion to the record from the US.

The result though is an album that doesn’t see a reunited version of Greenhouse resting on their laurels and relying on nostalgia, it sees a contempo rary band delivering a record as strong as any other modern release. “If Greenhouse had kept moving forward, this is the closest thing to the record we would’ve made,” Robinson explains.

“It’s not like we’re a million miles away from what our core sound was, I think that we’ve developed and we have a contemporary sound,” he adds. “We don’t sound like an old band.”

With the album slated to arrive in early 2023, Greenhouse will be returning to The Barwon Club on 22nd October to launch new single ‘God-Like’ (backed with the Grant Smith memorial version of ‘See-Saw’), before supporting a reformed Cordrazine at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on 5th November.

For Robinson though, it’s the start of a new chapter for a band whose story ended far too abruptly. While Linguey might not necessarily join his bandmates as they move forward, the release of their long-awaited album (possibly the longest wait for a debut album in Australian history) marks an important milestone in the story of an equally-important band.

“I think for Dean it’s the closing of the circle, and for the rest of us it’s about taking that leap of faith,” Robinson explains of Greenhouse’s future. “We couldn’t forgive ourselves for not having a go, and I know that’s how Johnny and I feel.

“We’ve got to give this a red hot go because we think we’ve got something to offer and we need to know.”

Catch Greenhouse at The Barwon Club in Geelong on Saturday, October 22.

Ella Hooper

Any Ella Hooper News is Good News

Words By Tammy Walters

I

t’s not a secret that Ella Hooper is dearly loved far and wide.

Whether she’s rocking out with her brother in Killing Heidi, making us laugh during her appearances on Spicks and Specks, joining A-leagues of rock royalty for special events including her recent run of Rock the House, or keeping us guessing as a contestant on The Masked Singer or serenading us over a live stream thanks to Geelong Arts Centre, Ella Hooper kept everyone well entertained during the tedious pandemic period.

“I did a lot of weird stuff during the pandemic like The Masked Singer and things like that - made an album.”

That album, set for release early in 2023, includes her two latest releases, the lulling ‘Old News’ and the raw ‘Achilles Heel’.

‘Old News’ was the first new music from the Australian golden girl since 2018’s disco dazzler ‘To The Bone’, a track positioned to be a phoenix moment for Hooper, reframing herself outside of the rock route. Surprisingly, no disco balls are spinning in the ‘Old News’ picture. This time Hooper digs her heels into the alt-country dirt.

“A lot happens between songs and touring and I change so this new record I made during the lockdown during the pandemic is a lot more chill, a lot more adult and is reflecting the new old me,” Hooper explains.

“It’s funny when you look at my catalogue; it’s a lot and I’m into following the muse. I love so many different kinds of music; I love alt-country, I love rock and roll, I love pop, I love blues, I love anything that’s good and that all comes out in my music. It’s a little schizophrenic but I have to try it all because I love it all. Experimenting with music is my joy in life so I have to let myself, you know. I’ve been in this industry for 25 years now so I’ve just got to let myself play.”

‘Old News’ takes inspiration from the Hooper parent’s record collection of 60’s and 70’s masterpieces, confettied with country colouring and Cooder, Ry Cooder that is. Contemporary muses came in the form of Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen.

Produced by Marcel Borrack and Tim Harvey, ‘Old News’ sees Hooper engage in a songwriting collaboration with Sara Douga. Whilst no stranger to the co-write method from the Heidi days, this co-write was a new experience for Hooper.

“It’s so weird actually because I don’t think about Jesse and I as collab orating because he is just an extension of me and we’ve done it forever so I don’t think I have to bring the best version of myself to the co-write, but with Sara, she was quite an experienced co-writer and from that Nashville world where you get in the room and it’s a really different setting.

“We met when I was in Nashville in 2017, and we didn’t really get to hang out much. We started hanging out online and writing together which was great whilst I was in lockdown and there were the times when I was losing my mind from not tour ing and felt really stark and unproductive, we’d jump on zoom while I was waking up and she was putting the kids to bed and write a song.”

‘Old News’ and the more recent ‘Achilles Heel’ again mark a new beginning for Hooper as she explores maintaining her status as an active musician at this point in her career.

“I’m finding myself again and again and again,” she laughs, “I was feeling a bit apprehensive about putting out a new record and taking up space in the industry when I’ve been here so long and the voice inside my head would say ‘move out of the way, make room for someone else, you’re hogging the mic, you’ve already had all of those opportunities’, but then I started to fight the voices and say ‘why can’t I contribute and keep contributing when I have things to say’ and I think I will always have things to say.

“This is about giving myself a rev up to allow myself to do that again!”

Ella Hooper will be taking the songs on the road for an extensive national tour, freighting into Bannockburn Railway Hotel on Friday, November 4 and The Palais in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, November 5.

Tickets can be found at www. ellahoopermusic.com.au

LIOR

Words by Tammy Walters

Credit Claudio Raschella

It all started with a promise - “we’ll grow old together / and this love will never / this old love will never die”.

We’ve been growing old with multi-ARIA award-winning artist and renowned songwriter, Lior, since 2005. He won our hearts with his debut single ‘This Old Love’ back then and has continued to serenade us in the most spectacular settings since.

Most recently, Lior has been embarking on a national showcase of his stupendous discography accompanied by the excellence of Australia’s best symphony orchestras.

“It’s amazing. Particularly after the last two years, it’s nice to be back in these beautiful grand spaces and beautiful venues. From zero to one hundred,” says Lior.

“Over the years I have done orchestral shows in the past and a lot of my songs have orchestral arrangements so these shows have enabled me to have some new ones drawn up as well and some older ones refreshed and made much better. It’s a real journey going back and choosing songs across the whole catalogue and presenting them with some pretty interesting orchestral arrangements that I’ve managed to build on over the years.”

As part of his touring schedule, Lior, sans orchestra, will be returning to Geelong, playing at the newly renovated and reopened historically significant venue, The Palais Geelong, on Saturday 15 October 2022. Taking on a more intimate arrangement, this show will allow audiences to see Lior in his most natural element.

“Geelong is a solo intimate show. It’s myself and my guitar – well myself and my five guitars. You know, these shows have their own magic because I can go off script. The orchestral shows have got to be planned because everyone has to follow me and I have charts and everything. So the magic of these shows is on the other end of the spectrum. I can goof around and let the show go where it goes, and converse with the crowd, and tell stories about the song, and if someone wants to hear a song they can yell it out and, all going well, I can play it,” he laughs.

“It has that beautiful lounge room feel. I haven’t been to Geelong in so long – I think it was the matter of the right venue to pop up and when the Palais got in touch I was like ‘yeah this

looks like a great venue’. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve been to Geelong since the days of Autumn Flow so that’s like fifteen years which is amazing considering it’s only an hour down the road from Melbourne.

“This whole experience with Geelong, it just goes to show that when good venues pop up, artists want to go there.”

Since the 2005 ARIA-certified gold debut album, Lior has released four studio albums and two EPs. Audiences will be pleased that a lot of this ground will be covered during his live set.

“The advantage of now having several bodies of work out there, and as you and I both know, when there is a familiarity that often translates to a deeper connection. I hope these Geelong shows speak to that.”

His EP collection includes last year’s collaborative effort, Animal In Hiding, with long-time performative collaborator, Domini Forster. Forster will join Lior at the Palais as both a supporting act and a guest to perform tracks from the 2021 body of work.

“Domini will be the support artist and will jump up and do a few songs from Animal in Hiding with me, which has been a really beautiful project. Dom has been my supporting artist for quite a few years and has been my backing vocalist and we have done a lot of singing together.”

“Before Covid, we thought, ‘there’s a real synergy when we sing together, let’s see if that translates to songwriting’, and we started writing together to see how we’d go. The first song we wrote together, ‘Where Will We Be’, ended up on my most recent solo album and then we felt like there was potential for greater collaboration so we embarked on it. It became like a late sixties Simon and Garfunkel thing between us.”

You can see that connection come to life on the Live and Intimate stage at The Palais Geelong at 297 Moorabool Street, Geelong on Saturday, October 15.

For the first time in more than a decade, Lior returns to Geelong for Live and Intimate Performance

ARTS GUIDE Exhibitions to see in October + November

Rone: Time - Flinders St Station

In his most expansive project yet, inter nationally renowned Geelong street artist Tyrone ‘Rone’ Wright will take over one of Melbourne’s most iconic locations with Time. Set in the long-abandoned thirdfloor wing of Flinders Street Station, Time is a nostalgic love letter to mid-century Melbourne and a tribute to one of the city’s great icons. Across 11 installations, each room adorned with Rone’s haunting signature murals, the artist and his team have created an immersive, multisensory installation that audiences will remember for time to come.

Time opens to the public from October 28 until January 29 at Flinders Street Station, Level 3.

Collection Leads: Rose Nolan—Word Work

Working in her signature palette of red and white, Rose Nolan is a multi-disci plinary artist whose work investigates the formal and linguistic qualities of words. Nolan uses language to trans form archi tectural spaces—interior and exterior—to shift the meaning and interpretation of select words and phrases. This ‘Collection Leads’ exhibition contextualises the Gallery’s recent acquisition of Nolan’s Big Words— Trying to get it right or righter, 2018, with the institutional premiere of the major work Big Words (Not Mine)—Transcend the poverty of partial vision (floor version), 2021.

The Collection Leads exhibition runs until November 6 at the Geelong Gallery.

Geelong Illustrators: Hocus Pocus

Geelong Illustrators Studio Gallery is hosting a Halloween-themed group exhibition this month, with all new magical and original mystical artworks. The gallery is hosting an opening cele bration on Friday, October 14 with market stalls selling witchy wares like jewellery, candles, patches, mini oracles and tarot readings. There’s even a Halloween dress-up competition.

Hocus Pocus takes place at Geelong Illustrators Studio Gallery until November 12.

Michael Lawrey: Aireys –Through My Lens

Aireys – Through My Lens is an exhibition of unedited photography from Michael Lawrey that pays testimony to the early mornings across all seasons and weather patterns. From the Sandy Gully Cliffs at dawn to the sunrise at Aireys Inlet, the exhibition reflects a point in time that celebrates not only community but the beauty, energy and changing landscape of Aireys Inlet.

Aireys – Through My Lens is on show at Eagle Nest Fine Art Gallery in Aireys Inlet.

Treasures of Dai Gum San: Chinese artistry from the Golden Dragon Museum

Treasures of Dai Gum San showcases exquisite artistry across the renowned collection of Bendigo's Golden Dragon Museum, in metalwork, cloisonné, silk embroidery, paper craft, and ornamen tal wood and stone carving. Focused on the refined craftsmanship of the late Qing dynasty (1644 -1911), a curated selection of treasured items highlight the technical rigour, rich symbolism and cultural significance of traditional Chinese art and design and its ground ing in longstanding traditions of artistic expression, making and embellishment.

Treasures of Dai Gum San is on at the Bendigo Art Gallery until February 19.

Murray Walker: Time Traveller

Time traveller provides a glimpse into Murray Walker’s vast output of collage and assemblage sculpture over the past 40 years. His use of found objects, from driftwood to tin cans, discarded house hold items to welding slag, may appear deceptively primitive, if not outright ‘punk’, but these works embody layers of reference to literature, art history and popular culture.

Time Traveller runs until February 5 at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Melanie Sky: Coast to Coast

Arriving at The Space - Gallery + Workshops as part of a group exhibition, Melanie Sky presents her new collection of original artworks Coast to Coast Inspired by the vast coastline of Australia, from East to West, this collection sees Melanie explore the colours and textures that vary across our expansive continent. Coast to Coast runs until October 29 at The Space - Gallery + Workshops in Newtown.

Beth Gibbeson:

A Thread of Light Melbourne artist Beth Gibbeson brings her solo exhibition A Thread of Light to Newtown this month. Using bold, rich and warm colours, Beth’s paintings combine memories and experiences of the present life. Mixing her current surroundings, landscape and world with past experiences of journey and place, the interlocking and separation of shape, line, light and colour represent a fresh interpretation of memories that travel with her and become a dialogue of her life.

A Thread of Light runs from October 13November 6 at Boom Gallery in Newtown.

Chrissy Amphlett, Magic Dirt, King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard are all major claims to the Geelong talent resume but there is another reptile species on that list that should be perched atop the solid rock.

Born northwest of Warrnambool in the coastal town of Dennington, Shane Howard landed in Geelong to undertake a Bachelor of Education at Deakin University where he would become the first Student Council president.

This is where the uniquely Geelong story of Goanna begins.

After enrolling at Geelong Teachers College, Howard recruited members for a new folk-rock band under the title Ectoplasmic Manifestation. It was through this process that he met Mike Biscan, Richard Griffiths and Rod Hoe, and with a name change in 1977, Ectoplasmic Manifestation was shed and Goanna thrived.

They cut their teeth on the sharp edges of the Great Ocean Road including being part of the Otway Benefit and playing fine Geelong estab lishments including Eureka Hotel.

“Geelong had an incredible live music scene back in those days. There was so much talent and many bands; great bands like The Trouts and Mike Thomas were just starting up back then. There were bands five or six times a week and we would see Richard Clapton, Midnight Oil, and Cold Chisel all at the Eureka Hotel - Joe Camilleri! It was all happening and it was amazing.

“Melbourne had a great music scene that everyone flocked to but Geelong had its own unique character. You can’t subtract Geelong and the rock scene of the surf coast and the Otway ranges from the Goanna sound. It was informed by what was happening here,” Howard reminisces.

“I have a funny story about Eureka Hotel,” Howard explains.

“We were warming up for a gig there one night and had been working on the initial form of ‘Solid Rock’ and it was the

first time we were playing it. There were these two Aboriginal guys at the bar and you could tell they weren’t local. I had been to Uluru at the time and had written the song and Rose [Bygrave] was trying to create a drone to sound like a didgeridoo.

“This guy came up and said “what are you doing”, and Rose explained, and he said “I play didg. I’ll go home and get it”. He went home, got the didg and we ran

Goanna

Coming home to Geelong to celebrate 40 Years of Spirit Of Place

Words by Tammy Walters

protest and protection, it made its mark globally within First Nations communities.

It was also recently celebrated at the 2022 AFL Grand Final with contributions from a supergroup of artists Christine Anu, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith and William Barton.

As the album that birthed the anthem, Spirit of Place, reaches its 40-year celebration, the Goanna story which has resonated beyond the Geelong confines, makes its way home. The final show of their celebratory tour echoes both their final tour of 1986 at Geelong Arts Centre and their Deakin history.

On Friday 18 November, Howard and the current Goanna family will close the curtain at Geelong Arts Centre and Deakin University hybrid venue, Costa Hall. It’s further a full circle moment with support coming from local legends, Mick Ryan, and Luke Biscan. Biscan is the son of the Goanna founding guitarist, the late Mike Biscan.

“We’ll finish back in Geelong because it’s our heartland; it’s where we got our break and it’s where we cut our teeth. Geelong is really central to our story and our identity! We did finish our tour in Geelong in 86 and we got back together to do a benefit for the Bali bombings at Costa Hall so Geelong really is our roots.

“We’ll come back every time.”

through it together and that was the first time we played it live with a didg. He came on stage that night at the Eureka Hotel in Geelong, and the crowd erupted - it was electric. The didg through a PA, the first time this song had been heard and it really felt in that moment that our generation was ready for change.”

Whilst their most significant song, a song that almost didn’t make the cut as a single thanks to label pushback, was writ ten in the dusty red centre about Uluru, the song came to life in Geelong and has since garnered a lasting legacy not only within Australia as a social song of

With such a rich history in the Geelong epicentre, it’s time we start the petition to get a Goanna statue or name a laneway after the iconic, trailblazing band.

Goanna brings the Spirit of Place 40th Anniversary Tour to Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool on October 27 and 28, Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo on November 5, Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts in Ballarat on November 6, and Costa Hall in Geelong on November 18.

Tickets at thegoannaband.com.

Credit Jay Town

Surprise Chef EDUCATION & RECREATION

Album Reviews by Alex Callan

At this point, Surprise Chef are primed to become one of Australia’s most revered acts. Starting in an esoteric market, the last few years have seen the alt-jazz outfit cut their teeth amongst Australia’s boutique festival scene, transcending the niche aspects of the emerging nü jazz scene to win over a wide array of adorning fans.

In recent months, the Melbourne/ Naarm-based group have taken it to the next step, tackling their first ever European tour and impressively earning themselves a string of notable festival

rhythms; staccato picking and mesmer izingly meandering key arrangements; incorporating the free-flowing nature of jazz whilst maintaining clear-cut song structures.

Whilst these are aspects prominent throughout the entirety of the release, ‘Grinners Circle’ stands out due to its impressive tempo changes and dissonant key patterns. The angular nature of the rhythms in ‘Suburban Breeze’ does the same, perfectly encapsulating the irreg ular time signatures and erratic reprises that the group have honed as their own.

Flynn Gurry Weather & Dogs?

slots and an appearance on the esteemed BBC Radio show “Live at Maida Vale” as a result. It makes for the perfect time for the group to drop their highly sought-af ter third release.

Maintaining the jazz and funk vibes that helped the group initially garner attention, Education & Recreation finds its sound somewhere in between the realm of jazz elements, providing an immersive combination of contemporary, traditional and avant-garde soundscapes that only further carve out the group’s distinctive sound.

Pushing the boundaries of instru mental soul and funk, Education & Recreation see Surprise Chef dazzle through their signature use of syncopated

With modern jazz/neo-soul contem poraries such as BADBADNOTGOOD being an obvious point of reference to the band’s sound, Surprise Chef’s output has an accessibility that differentiates itself by leaning more into the realm of 90’s hip-hop. Many of the group’s instrumentals feel reminiscent of the work of jazz-inspired produc ers like J Dilla, Q-Tip or Prince Paul (De La Soul). This makes aspects like the jangly keys and melodic inclusion of flute in ‘Conversation Piece’, or the attention-grabbing bassline of ‘Money Music’ prime to be cut, sampled and reused by producers for years to come.

With a sound that blends elements of jazz, funk and hip-hop and an evocative sensibility that pulls influences from the work of film scorers such as Jean Michel-Jarre and Amon Düül II, Education & Recreation stands up as Surprise Chef’s most ambitious and delicately curated piece of work to date.

Catch them at Torquay Hotel on November 4 and Theatre Royale in Castlemaine on November 18.

Label: Big Crown Records

You don’t often come across a local unsigned artist with a sound that is not only comparable to but on par with some of the world’s biggest pop stars. Flynn Gurry is that anomaly. With a voice that matches up to Ed Sheeran and the songwriting to back it, Warrnamboolborn, Melbourne-based Gurry may well be one of Australia’s biggest undiscov ered talents.

Marking his first release, the Weather & Dogs? EP highlights an acces sible style that’ll undoubtedly and very quickly find a home on commercial radio stations around the country.

‘Sunrise To Sunset’, Gurry’s debut single already sitting on a cool 21,000 Spotify streams, is dominated by punchy beats and melodic guitar leads, whilst ‘Don’t Know Love’ displays subtle trip-hop picks and a raspy vocal cadence reminiscent of James Bay. ‘Running’ presents an exciting contrast due to its combination of vibrant surf folk rhythms and profoundly darker lyrics than its predecessors, with the inclusion of female backing vocals only further adding to the song’s vulnerability.

In a style changeup that lends from Harry Styles’ ‘Kiwi’, the closing track ‘TopDog’ comes as quite a surprise. Gurry ups the ante significantly through the inclusion of heavy electric guitars and catchy rock ‘n roll hooks; a welcomed changeup that only further highlights the immediacy for Gurry to be seen in massive stadiums.

If Weather & Dogs? is anything to go by, that’s only a matter of time.

Label:

Ivy Black BROKEN EP

Considering their short tenure as a group, Ivy Black have quickly been making a name for themselves - and with a sound rooted in the modern resurgence of pop-punk and an energetic presence that’ll resonate in a live setting, it’s easy to see why.

Varying between vibrant pop-punk numbers and emotionally charged emo power ballads, their debut EP, BROKEN, acts as the perfect introduction to why the Swan Hill-based newcomers are a local act to keep an eye on.

With a sound reminiscent of Yours Truly and Stand Atlantic, ‘Lonely’ feels destined to become an anthem for the crowds at UNIFY Gathering. With the opener impressively contrasting drawnout intervals with rapidly spouted vocals and shoegaze-inspired metal riffs, it’s a blistering introduction that adopts the aggression of The Donnas with the playful wit of Olivia Rodrigo.

In one of the EP’s most telling moments, ‘misery’, vocalist Shannon Bishop introspectively unpacks her own issues with mental health in a strippedback ballad that’s reminiscent of Tonight Alive’s ‘Amelia’. ‘TROUBLE’, on the other hand, is ruled by groove-laden basslines and powerful crescendos.

Upon listening to BROKEN, it’s pretty evident why Ivy Black are in line for a rapid rise to success, with the Swan Hill locals proving that from the get-go, they have something refreshing to offer the Australian pop-punk community.

Label: Independent Release date: September 10

Jade Imagine Cold Memory

Feeling like a mindmap of genres, Melbourne-based Jade Imagine’s soph omore release, Cold Memory, fuses elements of the modern day indie rock revival with early 2000’s electronic synths in a holistic and cohesive style that hones in on diverse new sounds. It does so all whilst feeling like a natural extension of the group’s previous work.

Opener ‘I Guess We’ll Just Wait’ channels harmonious guitar licks akin to Bowie’s revered rendition of ‘All The Young Dudes’, whilst ‘Instinct That I Wanna Know’ adds in a delicious art pop flair through its linear key arrangements and vibrant vocal harmonies.

The title track ‘Cold Memory’ shines with its menacing whispered vocals and grimey subdued basslines; at times evoking a similar dissonance to hearing music playing through the walls of a club.

In a similar fashion to Weyes Blood or Adrianne Lenker, Jade McInally’s vocals are delivered with a dry convic tion, making many of her lyrics resonate more as assertions than observations. Although, considering ‘Get Light’ sees McInally humorously state, “I don’t even know if I believe what I’m saying, I feel like I’m spinning shit”, that may be a statement in which the band laments.

Rounding out the 10-track album is the mystifying ‘Lines’. This acous tic epic sees the band deliver their most hauntingly powerful piece of work to date, a memorable closer to an incredibly delicate and well-rounded sophomore release.

Label: Milk! Records Release date: October 21

Cool Sounds Like That

Dainis Lacey has really been forging a name for himself as one of Victoria’s most hardworking songwriters.

With his newest project Partner Look turning heads amongst Melbourne crowds with their impressive synth-pop stylings, Lacey is now returning to his roots to deliver the newest instalment under the moniker Cool Sounds. Stepping out from behind a band facade, Like That proves, yet again, why Lacey’s insur mountable style and bohemian output are a cut above his contemporaries.

With hand-selected aspects of the European alternative disco sound of the ’70s and ’80s incorporated into his arsenal, Like That finds itself somewhere in between the funk-laden basslines of Idris Muhammad and the deep herkyjerky vocals of new-wave pioneers such as Brian Eno and David Byrne. The result, as expected, is quite an eclectic release.

‘6 Or 7 More’ drips with funk swagger; ‘Dance!’ adds in Italo disco soundscapes of the ’80s; whilst the aptly named ‘Part Time Punk’ sees electronica beats propelled through the impres sive combination of percussion, MPC and bongos.

Ramping it up for the end of the release is the punchy standout ‘Foreign Feelings’, an art-punk number that further stretches Lacey’s all-encapsu lating sound.

With Cool Sounds 2021 record Bystander rooting itself in coastal rock riffs and soft folk-rock-based vocals, Like That will come bearing a few welcomed surprises, acting as proof that regardless of the style, Lacey’s output remains equally as striking.

Label: Chapter Music

Frankie

Escape from day-to-day hustle and bustle at one of Geelong’s most beautiful venues, where a moody setting and pan-Asian fare make for a great weekly meeting place.

For years now, this elegant restaurant has been all about sleek lines and a trendy vibe. With wooden floors, intricate high ceilings, large windows, all polished leather, beige leather couches, and soft rose-gold accents, matched with comfy plush chairs, a neutral bar, and stunning art, Frankie boasts an ambient setting for lingering over Saturday night drinks or romantic evening dining.

Emanating a rich and welcoming ambience suited to smart casual dining, Frankie is elevated further by the exceptional menu on offer. Spanning all parts of Asia, the result is a stunning feast that will transport your tastebuds to cloud nine, welcoming the summer season in the very best way.

The ever-evolving menu features fresh local and seasonal produce, such as housemade dim sims, Korean fried cauliflower, crispy pulled pork spring rolls, Japanese-style crispy popcorn chicken and flash-fried local squid to keep the hunger levels at bay. We recommend ordering the steamed prawn dumplings and the pan-fried pork and chive gyoza, both served with delicious accompanying dipping sauces.

For something more hearty, try the slow-cooked beef cheek curry, Bang Bang chicken fried rice and vegetable yellow curry. Add rice, Asian greens and a selection of bao buns and you’ll be reminiscing about this place for years to come.

Best of all, Frankie’s drinks menu brings the heat all year round, featuring wines from local and national wineries, and gorgeously garnished exotic cocktails, courtesy of the award-winning staff. Crafted on-site and featuring a mix of traditional cocktail classics and Frankie’s own concoctions, there are 30 delicious cocktails to choose from. Opt for the Espresso Martini, or try the Clover Club if you’re into gin.

The perfect pastel diner, if you’ve got a classy black dress hanging in your closet or a suave suit looking for a night out, this is the place to show it off.

Frankie. is located at 9-11 Malop Street, Geelong. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday.

Manhattan Bar

Nestled in Geelong’s James Street sits Manhattan Bar, your go-to for a weekend drink.

Next time you need to impress, suggest a drink at this funky New York-style bar. Manhattan Bar, The 18th Amendment‘s younger and more laid-back sister will have you sipping on craft beers, cocktails, quality spirits and fine wines all weekend long.

Opening back in 2019, Manhattan Bar provides all the vibes of a New York bar in the centre of Geelong – cheap drinks, an unpretentious atmosphere, and a unique experience with equally unique individuals.

With the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll coursing through its veins, inside you’ll be met with an insta-worthy neon sign as the backdrop for your weekend drinks, with the added touch of vintage tour posters, sexy lighting, framed portraits of rock gods and goddesses, retro vinyl stickers lining the furniture and some of the best records lining the walls.

A haven for those who love real music, the bar offers all the best bits of going out for drinks with a chilled vibe to match. Their killer playlist is filled to the brim with classic rock and fan favourites, while the bar boasts an extensive drinks menu along with talented bartenders, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.

Whether it’s a craft beer on tap, a glass of red or a cheeky Pornstar Martini you’re after, Manhattan Bar caters for everyone. You’ll also find a delicious collection of shots - including a jelly shot served in a syringe - for when you’re craving that 10pm sugar kick. As part of the house-curated cocktail offering, Manhattan Bar also offers cocktails on tap which have been handmade to ensure drinks are served fast, cold and as consistent as possible.

With no bookings required, wander into Manhattan Bar this weekend to suss all the drinks and good vibes they have on offer.

Manhattan Bar sits at 9 James Street, Geelong and is open Thursday until Sunday until 1am.

Mr Matteo

Look for the well-known facade of The Clarendon on Latrobe Terrace and that’s where you’ll find Mr Matteo, the new venue dedicated to pizza, pasta and all the classics.

The historic landmark is welcomed into the 21st century with a new name, a fresh fit-out, a flashy new bar with espresso martini on tap, a welcoming outdoor area and other beautiful upgrades (as well as live music and bottomless brunch). What remains though is the heart of a classic pub; retaining its place for meeting and socialising with family and friends.

Inspired by Italian cuisine, seasonal flavours and its commitment to using only high-quality ingredients, the menu leans heavily into fresh and colourful pasta and pizza dishes.

Pizza lovers are taken care of with a mouthwatering selection of classic toppings spanning Americana, Margherita, Hawaiian, BBQ chicken and vegetarian, alongside gourmet options like lamb shoulder, chipotle chicken, prawn and pancetta, and the Salty Pig.

If pasta has your heart, there are 20 Nonna-worthy dishes on offer. With the choice of spaghetti, fettuccine, pappardelle, penne, GF penne, potato gnocchi, cauliflower tortellini and pumpkin ravioli, pasta lovers can select one of the mouthwatering sauces to accompany their carb of choice.

Garlic bread, warm olives, lemon salted calamari, parmis, Italian salad and Poke Bowl also feature, as well as chocolate mousse and sticky date pudding for dessert.

There’s also the drive-thru component on the business, offering locals the opportunity to pick up restaurant-quality food through a convenient takeaway window. Pizza and pasta to go? Say no more. The whole restaurant menu will be available through the drive-thru from Wednesday through to Sunday.

Combining an Italian-leaning menu and a sleek, contemporary space, Mr Matteo is the buzzy spot you’ll keep coming back to. Buon appetito!

Sweet Adeline

Far from your regular cafe, Sweet Adeline cafe is nestled behind the giant trees on the bank of the Barwon River, boasting some of the best views in Geelong.

This stylishly renovated 1950's caravan is permanently positioned on what was once a barren car park, which has since been transformed into a lush and welcoming garden space.

Sweet Adeline owners Bart & JT are dedicated to provid ing a safe, affable and happy environment to all who venture through their gates. Guests are met with relaxing jazz tunes and sometimes live musical entertainment, while children will marvel at the play area which includes a sandpit, basketball court and juggling equipment. There’s even pavement chalk for the kids to express themselves creatively while parents enjoy their favourite beverages and snacks.

While never failing to hit the cravings, your furry friends get to indulge too with a dedicated filtered drinking fountain for parched doggies as well as treats and lovingly crafted puppacinos. Bike riders can park within the property for ease of mind and there is a heated glamping tent complete with board games and book swap for when the weather turns inclement.

Becoming the city’s most wholesome purveyors of damn fine cups of coffee, permaculture and sustainability are a staple at the cafe. The coffee cups and lids are fully compostable and are processed on the property along with coffee grounds and other appropriate compostables. Water is redirected from the neighbouring business's ice machine run off to passively water the edible garden.

Worth visiting for the experience alone, Sweet Adeline's food and beverages only add to the appeal, being both delicious and affordable. Indulge in 100% organic blend coffee, premium hot chocolate and Chai, or cool down with smoothies, milkshakes and fresh pressed juice.

A hidden gem, the serene Sweet Adeline is found just a stroll across the river from Highton and Belmont. You won’t regret spending a moment here by the beautiful Barwon river for the best coffee in Geelong (and quite possibly, the world).

Sweet Adeline is located at 1/560 LaTrobe Boulevard, Newtown. The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Find them on Instagram @sweetadelinecafe

Mr Matteo is located at 378 Latrobe Terrace, Newtown.

Roughly Twelve

Celebrating emerging artists worthy of your attention

The opportunity to create a portfolio of works and exhibit in a gallery space is an exciting prospect for growing artists. None more so than The Gordon’s Visual Arts students whose Roughly Twelve exhibition is an impressive representation of their developing artistic direction and talent.

“The Gordon’s Visual Art students have created a stunning gallery of works produced from a collection of drawings, prints, 2D design, sculpture and paintings. The works reflect their jour ney in the last year, researching and developing creative works in their own unique style,” says Deirdre Keenaghan, Visual Arts teacher at The Gordon

For many of the students, it is their first group exhibition and emergence into the local art community. Danielle Murphy is one such student.

“I love painting forests. My first assignment in painting was a nature theme. I could only use black and white with the addition of one colour. I had never done this before and was pushed to the edge of my comfort zone,” shares Murphy.

“It’s a bit daunting to show my work for the first time, that’s why it’s a dark forest, a scary place to be.”

Students also record and analyse all that is involved in staging an exhibition, including curation, design and marketing.

“Real industry experience is very important to gain knowl edge and to become confident about displaying and talking about their art,” explains Keenaghan.

For Certificate IV in Visual Arts student Eva LaSpada, the experience has helped her to explore different mediums and build her artistic practice.

“As an artist, my inspiration is the intrinsic beauty and interconnectedness of nature, womanhood and everyday life. Previously, I focused on drawing. Now, I am loving painting using acrylics and creating expressionist landscapes with a strong colour palette of yellow, pink and green,” LaSpada shares.

The Roughly Twelve exhibition is at The Gordon Gallery, 2 Fenwick Street, Geelong. The exhibition can be viewed from 1pm - 4pm until October 14.

The people’s brewery of Geelong

Valhalla Brewing opens to local investors for the first time

Geelong-based brew legends Valhalla Brewing is continuing to honour the Viking philosophy that life is to be lived to the fullest, offering dedicated locals the opportunity to own a piece of the brewery.

In a first for the region, Valhalla will allow local investors of all sizes to become a part of its history as it launches a crowd sourced funding (CSF) campaign.

Founded in 2016, Valhalla Brewing has found a home at the historic Geelong Federal Woollen Mills site in North Geelong to erect a state-of-the-art automated brewery and now seeks to help fund its planned brewery by inviting small investors to become part owners in the company.

Valhalla’s founding director Scott Hunt believes this is an opportunity for local people to become a part of something truly unique in the region.

“We believe that this is the beginning of what will become known as the people’s brewery of Geelong,” says Scott.

“By offering locals the opportunity to own a part of Valhalla, we are building a business that is truly locally owned and run. Investors will be contributing to local jobs, profits will go back into the local community, and locals will be able to come and have a drink in a brewery they own a part of.”

Crowd sourced funding has become a popular way for craft breweries to fund growth in recent times, with well-known brands such as Dainton, 3 Ravens, Bridge Road Brewers and Black Hops among those completing successful CSF campaigns in the past 12 months. These campaigns have allowed small-time investors to own a part of participating companies for less than $500.

“Crowd funding has been an important part of Valhalla’s history with our first two beer releases being funded through successful crowd funded campaigns.

“This is next-level crowd funding though, as participants will actually own a part of our company. This will give us the opportunity to build a passionate and loyal Valhalla family who will be proud to bring their friends and family to a brewery that they are part owners of.”

To

head to valhalla_brewing on Instagram.

Sphinx by Debra Salter

Gigs + Events

Oct13

Nov13.

Thursday October 13th

ROLLING BLACKOUTS

COASTAL FEVER ‘ENDLESS ROOMS’ TOUR WITH FLOODLIGHTS AND MAPLE GLIDER. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7:30pm. $59.90

TILMAN ROBINSON

AND OUTLIER. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $30.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: JOHN CRUCKSHANK, CHOOF MERIDIAN. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 9pm Adult $30. Concession $27.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: ASH GREBLO. THE ENGINE ROOM. Bendigo. 6:30pm. Adult $20. Concession $17.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: WOMEN OF WITNEXT GEN. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 7:45pm. Adult $25. Concession $22.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: JUDE PEARL. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 9pm. Adult $30. Concession $27.

CHRISTAN COLLEGE GEELONG ANNUAL MUSIC EVENING. Costa Hall - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 7pm. Full Price $26. Concession and Children $16.50.

LIVE MUSIC. BOMBORA’S BEACH BAR, TORQUAY. 4pm. Free.

Friday October 14th

PARAQUAY EP LAUNCH, HMS

ASH, LEFT AT THE AVENUE.

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

COUSIN TONY’S BRAND NEW FIREBIRD, SUPPORT (TBC). The Eastern, Ballarat. 7pm. $23.50.

TEENAGE DADS. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 9pm. $19.80.

NIGEL WEARNE. Major Tom’s. Kyneton. 12pm. $15.

ART OF FIGHTING - ‘WIRES’

21ST ANNIVERSARY

TOUR, SALLY SELTMANN. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8:30pm $45.

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

LIVE MUSIC. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 6pm.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: MIKE ELLIOTT.

The Engine Room. Bendigo. 6:30pm Adult $20. Concession $17.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: PRIDE COMEDY SHOW. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 7:45pm. Adult $25. Concession $20.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

GREAT GABLE- ‘ON THE WALL IN THE MORNING LIGHT TOUR’, (SUPPORT TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $34.95. FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

JOSH PYKE, HAYLEY MARY: PALAIS THEATRE. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $40.

MIND MENG WANG & TIM SHIEL. Bar Captain. Geelong. 6pm. $11.64.

JACK MEREDITH. Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 8pm. Free.

Saturday October 15th

GREAT GABLE, DICE, VELVET BLOOM. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8:00pm. $34.70.

LAURA JEAN, GRAND SALVO. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $40.80.

SAM BUCKLEY. Aireys Pub, Aireys Inlet. 7:30pm. Free.

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

DREAMS: THE RUMORS OF FLEETWOOD MAC. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 9:30pm. Free before 8pm, $10 after.

PETE MURRAY ‘BEFORE I GO’ TOUR. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8pm. $56.10.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE JUKE. The Juke. The Grovedale Hotel. Geelong. 8:30. Free.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: POPPA’S SHOWCASE. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 6:30pm. Adult $20. Concession $17.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: NICK CAPPER AND BRETT BLAKE. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 9pm. Adult $30. Concession $27.

BENDIGO COMEDY

FESTIVAL: ANDY MATTHEWS AND ALASDAIR TREMBLAY. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 7:45pm. Adult $25. Concession $22.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Barwon Heads Hotel. Barwon Heads. 5pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

TEENAGE DADS- ‘TEDDY’ TOUR, (SUPPORT TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $21.45.

GEORGE KAMIKAWA, ANNA SCIONTI, EDDY & THE EXCITERS, JIMI HOCKING. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

SATURDAY NIGHTS

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

JOSH PYKE, HAYLEY MARY.

Queenscliff Town Hall. Queenscliff. 7pm. $40.

BILL BAILEY - EN ROUTE

TO NORMAL. Costa HallDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. Full Price $99.90.

THE SOUNDS OF SILENT: BUSTER KEATON: Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $25.

BOBBY VALENTINE, GRIM FAWKNER, ALANA JAGT. Macedon Railway Hotel. Macedon. 6pm. $25.

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

BOB ‘BONGO’ STARKIES SKYHOOKS SHOW. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 8pm. $44.90

Sunday October 16th-

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs. Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

PETE MURRAY ‘BEFORE I GO’ TOUR. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7pm. $56.10.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 3pm. Free.

JOSH PYKE - ‘TO FIND HAPPINESS’ TOUR, (SUPPORT TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $45.15.

ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.

TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS. Queenscliff Town Hall. Queenscliff. 2:30. Free (All Ages).

MACCAPELLA & FRIENDS. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 2pm. Adult $33.70. Concession $22.50.

RENOVATORS DELIGHT, PRETTY IN PINK. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

Thursday October 20th

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

GUTS TOURING FEATURING: EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS, RAT!HAMMOCK, THE PRETTY LITTLES. Macedon Railway Hotel. Macedon. 7pm. $40.

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

ANDREW MCCLELLAND & MARTINE WENGROW - THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR MUSICAL. Westend Geelong. Geelong. 6pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

LOU WALL - ‘BLEEP BLOOP’. Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 7:30pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

NICOLETTE MINSTER - ‘NET WORTH’. Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 9pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

Friday October 21st

EMMA DONOVAN & THE PUTBACKS, RAT!HAMMOCK,

THE SLINGERS. Bannockburn Railway Hotel. Bannockburn. 7pm. $40.

BIG SCARY, BECKAH AMANI, GABRIELLA COHEN. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $42.85.

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

MONTAIGNE- ‘THE MAKING IT!’ TOUR. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $44.90.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

IVAN OOZE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $28.85.

JUNGLE JIM SMITH. Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 8pm. Free.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

SCOUT BOXALL - ‘BUCK

WILD’. Westend GeelongDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 7:30pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

AJ LAMARQUE‘ENGLISH BREAKFAST’. Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 6pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

MISS CAIRO - ‘BREASTS

BECOME HER’. Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 9pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAYS

PRESENTS: DJANGOLOGYGYPSY JAZZ. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $15.

REKINDLED SYSTEMS. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 6:30pm. $25.

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

Saturday October 22nd

GREENHOUSE ‘GOD-LIKE’ SINGLE LAUNCH, THE MAGGIE PILLS. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $23.50.

BETH CALDOW. AIREYS PUB, AIREYS INLET. 7pm. Free. MARCEL BORRACK, BEN MASON. Major Tom’s. Kyneton. 12pm. $15.

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

THE GLITTER GANG. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 9:30pm. Free before 9pm

SPACEGOAT. GOLDEN VINE HOTEL. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $15.

THE AUSTRALIAN WHITNEY HOUSTON SHOW. The Capital. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Adult $65.00. Concession $60.00.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

MONTAIGNE - ‘THE MAKING

IT!’ TOUR. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $45.15.

JOHN WATERS PRESENTS THE JOHN LENNON SONGBOOK WITH STEWART

D’ARRIETTA. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $40.

KELLY AUTY & BORIS CONLEY, JARROD SHAW, NARDIA, LAUREL AND THE PAINKILLERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

SATURDAY NIGHTS

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

SCOUT BOXALL - ‘BUCK WILD’. Westend GeelongDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 7:30pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

AJ LAMARQUE‘ENGLISH BREAKFAST’.

Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 6pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

MISS CAIRO‘BREASTS BECOME HER’.

Westend Geelong - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 9pm. Full Price $30. Concession $27.

GEELONG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - ‘BOHEMIA AND BEYOND’. Costa HallDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 5pm. Full Price $55. Concession $50. Student Under 20 Years $20.

FREYA JOSEPHINE HOLLICK, LUKE SINCLAIR. Macedon Railway Hotel. Macedon. 6pm. $35.

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

HOT AS HELL PRESENTS: QUEENS VS ABBA. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 7pm. $12.25

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE, ENDLESS BORE. Trashcult. Eaglehawk. 8pm. $15

Sunday October 23rd

COUCH WIZARD, NEON GOBLIN, CEILING BODIES.

The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 5:00pm. $18.40.

LIOR & DOMINI: ANIMAL IN HIDING. The Capital. Bendigo. 4pm. Adult $40.00. Concession $35.00. Child $20.00.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs. Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 3pm. Free.

ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.

MYF WARHURST. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 72pm. Adult $20. Concession $17.50.

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

SHAKY STILLS. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

Thursday October 27th

CONSEDINE WITH STAGE DOOR, THE KING’S POET & LUCY LORENNE.. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7:00pm. $18.40.

GOANNA. LIGHTHOUSE THEATRE. Warrnambool. 7:30pm. $77.

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

ELVIS: AN AMERICAN TRILOGY. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $65.00. Concession $59.50. Child $40.00.

GRACE KNIGHT. Piano Bar. Geelong. 6pm. VIP Seating $60. General Admission Seating $45.

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

Friday October 28th

EMERGENCY RULE, ELEPHANT GUN, STRANGE UNIT, SLIMY AND

THE FISHSTIX. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7:00pm. $18.40.

GOANNA. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 7:30pm. $77.

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

YOU AM I. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8:30pm. $61.20.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

ALEX LEAHY -

‘CONGRATULATIONS TOUR. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $50.75.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

HARRY MANX. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $50.

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

MICHAEL BEACH, DELIVERY. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 9pm. $15.

SONS OF THE BLUES. Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 8pm. Free.

Saturday October 29th

MELTED 2022 (ONE GOOD SCARE) FEATURING: ENVENOMED, THE ASCENDED, FALL & RESIST, DETACH ME, MISERYGUTS, LAYLOW, VIPERTHRONE AND NEURITIS. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 4:00pm. $23.50.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

A NIGHTMARE ON FIELD

STREET - HALLOWEEN

PARTY (LINEUP TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $18.40.

FESTIVAL OF WINE, WOMEN AND SONG FEATURING: SOUL SISTER SWING, KATE DALEY, IRIS. Piano Bar Laneway. Geelong. 1:30pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHTS

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

THE CHANTOOZIES. PALAIS THEATRE. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $35.

LIVE MUSIC. BOMBORA’S BEACH BAR, TORQUAY. 12pm. Free.

TEMPERAMENTAL- THE AUSTRALIAN DIVINYLS EXPERIENCE . Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 9pm. $12.50-$22.50.

ULTIMATE INXS. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 8pm. $39.

Sunday October 30th

RILEY CATHERALL ‘BARK AT THE MOON’ SINGLE LAUNCH, NATHAN SEECKTS, RIORDAN. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 4:00pm. $18.40.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs. Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

CHILLINIT, SUPPORT TBC. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7:30pm. $65.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 3pm. Free.

REKINDLED SYSTEMS. The Capital. Bendigo. 6pm. Adult $25. Concession $20.

FESTIVAL OF WINE, WOMEN AND SONG FEATURING: KATE DALEY, KARA CIEZKI, TIANA. Piano Bar Laneway. Geelong. 1:30pm. Free.

INVINCIBLE UNPLUGGED: THE HELEN REDDY STORY. Piano Bar. Geelong. 1:30pm. $30.

ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.

BEAT BOUTIQUE -

HALLOQUEEN SPECIAL. Bar Captain. Geelong. 3pm. Free. JOE CAMILLERI, THE BLACK SORROWS. Bannockburn Railway Hotel. Bannockburn. 8pm. $50

YOU AM I, THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $61.20.

ELVIS: AN AMERICAN TRILOGY. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. Adult $65. Concession $59.50.

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

Thursday

November 3rd

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

SEAFORTH WITH SPECIAL GUESTS (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7:30pm. $45.80.

COLIN HAY SOLO TOUR. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. $87.

BELLA DEER, NICK HARRIS, LUCY LORENNE & THE EARLY BIRDS. Volta. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $15.

ADAM THOMPSON:

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. Bannockburn Railway Hotel. Bannockburn. 8pm. $55.

DAVID STRASSMAN. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 7pm. Tickets starting from $59.

METAL NIGHT WITH DJ GOODTIME. Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Friday November 4th

ELLA HOOPER. Bannockburn Railway Hotel. Bannockburn. 8pm. $45.

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

SURPRISE CHEF, SUPPORT (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8:30pm. $30.10.

TEX PERKINS & MATT WALKER. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $69.

FLINDERS QUARTET: ‘BEETHOVEN AND THE VIGNETTES’. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $35.00. Concession $32.00. Child $16.00

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

CONFETTI WESTERN, FLOC, GBOMM. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $18.40.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

ERIC BOGLE. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 7pm. $55.

ROB SNARSKI & LIND MORRSION WITH GRAEHAM LEE & SHANE O’MARA, FELICITY CRIPPS. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $35.70.

RYLEY MCGRATH. Valhalla Taproom, Geelong. 8pm. Free.

Saturday November 5th

KERRYN FIELDS, ARCHER, HANNAH ACFIELD. The Old Church On The Hill, Bendigo. 6:30pm. $20.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

DAMON SMITH, DEAN HAITANI, DEVIL’S BREW, THE VON ROBERTSON’S. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT. SATURDAY NIGHTS

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

THE BEST OF THE BEE GEES WITH COLIN “SMILEY” PETERSON. Costa HallDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. Full Price $79. Concession $69.

ELLA HOOPER, DAVID WESTERN. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $42.

DEAD, MARK'S PARANORMAL DISNEYLAND. Trashcult, Eaglehawk. 8pm. $15

Sunday November 6th

KATCHAFIRE (NZ), MASAYA.

The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 6:30pm. $44.90. ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs. Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 3pm. Free. ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.

CAPTAIN SUNDAYS: RELAUNCH. Bar Captain. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

GOSPEL CHOIR SINGALONG

WITH STELLA SAVY. The Old Church On The Hill, Bendigo. 6:10am. Free.

THE SOCKETTES, DAN FLYNN. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

Friday November 11th

VERA BLUE. Costa HallDeakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. Full Price $79.90.

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

CASEY DONOVAN: THE BLUESDAY TOUR. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. Reserved Seating $69.00. Reserved Seating + VIP $120.00.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SHARDS! A ONE ACT PLAY SERIES. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 7:30pm. $22.50.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

BJORN AGAIN - ‘MAMMA MIA! WE ARE BACK AGAIN!. Costa Hall - Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront. 8pm. Full Price $79. Concession $69.

MATT GLASS. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $15. DANIKA, ELLA THOMPSON. Macedon Railway Hotel. Macedon. 7pm. $15.

THESE IMMORTAL SOULS TRIBUTE FEATURING GENEVIEVE MCGUCKING & HARRY HOWARD WITH JP SHILO, BRETT POLINESS AND SPECIAL GUESTS ADALITA, KIM SALMON & EDWINA PRESTON. Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Castlemaine. 8pm $45.90.

KINGS OF THE BLUES. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $79.

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

MIA DYSON. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 9pm. $35.

Saturday November 12th

RIVER ROCKS, B. BOOKINGS, MOON DOG BREWERY AND POPCULTCHA PRESENT: RIVER ROCKS 2022. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 12:00pm. $86.70.

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

GOLD CHISEL & THE AUSTRALIAN MIDNIGHT

OIL TRIBUTE SHOW. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 7pm. $25.00.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

SHARDS! A ONE ACT PLAY SERIES. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 7:30pm. $22.50.

EZRA LEE, JARROD SHAW, NARDIA, THE VON ROBERTSON’S. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE

GH. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

‘O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU’ SOUNDTRACK LIVE

WITH TRACEY ANN MILLER, FREYA JOSPHINE HOLLICK AND LORRETTA MILLER. Palais Theatre. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $35.

1927, TAYLOR SHERIDAN. The Gateway Hotel, Corio. 8:30pm. $45.

DAVID STRASSMAN.

Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 7pm. Tickets starting from $59.

KISS THISS. Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $16.50.

HYMMNN, DOG. Trashcult, Eaglehawk. 8pm. $15

Sunday November 13th

RIVER ROCKS REHAB. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 12:00pm. $76.50.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs. Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

PUB CHOIR. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 3pm. Free.

ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.