Forte 740

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ISSUE #740

Frente! front Castlemaine State Festival Australia’s flagship regional arts event returns with impressive 2023 season lineup

THE VOICE OF REGIONAL VICTORIA SINCE 1991

FEBRUARY
2023
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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Geelong Arts Centre stands, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, to Elders present and to emerging leaders, recognising their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. Please note: all information within this ad is correct at time of print. ARTS CENTRE SCAN TO BOOK NOW
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Editorial Note

2023, hey? We’re already rolling into the second week of February

new releases left, right and centre.

We’ve already had the Festival of Sails, Australian Open, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Great Australian Beer Festival, SummerSalt, Ballarat Summer Sundays and Midsumma… and it’s not looking to slow down any time soon.

Speaking of, Australia’s flagship regional arts event The Castlemaine State Festival has just announced its impressive 2023 season lineup. Returning to the creative capital of central Victoria from 24 March to 9 April, the diverse curation of the very best local and international art talent and events will bring focus to Castlemaine, spotlighting the wealth of the region while bringing visitors from across Australia and overseas to experience this renowned family-friendly, fun, and accessible seventeen-day event.

So who’s playing you ask? Well, the likes of Frente, Vika and Linda Bull, The Southern River Band, Jaguar Jonze and Kurt Vile and The Violators fill the headline slots, with additional performances from Kian, Ella Hooper, Jem Cassar-Daley, The Gesualdo Six, Electric Fields and Dallas Woods, theatre shows, exhibitions and more. Ahead of the festival, we caught up with Melbourne’s Frente who will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of their era-defining record Marvin the Album this year. From the beer-soaked carpet of the Punters Club in Fitzroy to massive stages the world over, Frente have won hearts and taken no prisoners over the years, proving a worthy addition to the Castlemaine State Fest!

Down to the nitty gritty and in Forte #740, we feature Australian rock musician Adalita Srsen, Melbourne’s admired and versatile songwriter and instrumentalist Liz Stringer, our Festival of Sails x Forte emerging artist stage winner Jacqui Lumsden, Geelong’s Luke Beavis, we check out new releases from the likes of Civic, Tim Rogers & The Twin Set and Bumpy, and we take a look at some of the emerging regional artists to watch for 2023 –it’s truly jam-packed.

Bring a towel, it’s time to dive in.

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.

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 February cover is Frente for Castlemaine State Festival.

Cover photo by Sarah Walker.

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with our first edition of the year and it honestly feels as though this year is going to be the best one yet, with events, gigs, festivals, new venues and
COVER SOCIALS  ForteMagazine  forte_mag  forte_mag
FORTE MAG 07 CONTENTS News 8, Castlemaine State Festival 14 , Adalita 16, Roo Fest + Americana On The Bellarine 17, Jacqui Lumsden 18 , Luke Beavis + Darcy Fox 19, Liz Stringer 20 , Regional Acts To Watch in 2023 21 , Sam + Sam + The Old River Knows 22 , Arts Guide 24, Album Reviews 26 , Bahjong + Brother Lawrence 28 , LoukouMADNESS + Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet 29, Stage Guide 30, Gig Guide 31 fortemag.com.au

Grey Goose pop-up bar opens on Geelong Waterfront

Courtesy of Novotel Geelong, the new Grey Goose Summer Pop-up bar is giving locals and tourists alike a picture-perfect drinking destination every weekend of summer. Taking over level 2 of the central hotel, the new bar space has a beautiful large terrace with a gorgeous view of the bay, offering classy coastal vibes, with all day drinks and delightful local produce featured on its tapas-style menu.

Portarlington Food Park is the new open-air foodie destination worth visiting

The Portarlington Food Park offers the region a unique space to explore all the things we love. With a permanent bar and ice cream, the dog-friendly beach-themed park features a rotating roster of food trucks, a coffee van and both indoor and outdoor seating with large grassy areas alongside a beautiful converted industrial shed buzzing with live music, lawn games and pool. Find it at 9 Brown St, Portarlington.

Geelong mainstays The Go Set are touring Australia for the first time in three years

The Geelong-based band has always squeezed out the sparks from the place where rock’n’roll collides with the spirit of Celtic folk. Now they bring all those forces together in the studio for an album that celebrates those years together, their 8th studio set, ‘The Warriors Beneath Us’, which will be released on 17 March. To mark the release of the album, the band will hit the road for the first time in three years in March and April.

Awaken Festival is heading to the Peninsula Hot Springs

Running for the very first time on Sunday, 26 March, the Awaken Festival will transform Peninsula Hot Springs, one of Victoria’s most beloved vacay spots, into an immersive hub of live music, visual artists, yoga teachers, wellness experts and much more.

Steph Strings announces Australian Summer Tour

Steph Strings is an Australian-based singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Victoria who tells a story through her music. With influences from the John Butler Trio, Kim Churchill and Ziggy Alberts, Steph’s musical style entails bursts of percussion alongside Celtic, blues and coastal fingerstyle indie-rock. She’ll play at Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on 31 March and Volta, Ballarat on 1 April.

Peking Duk announce shows in Torquay and Warrnambool

Australia’s favourite party starters Peking Duk, the electronic music duo featuring members Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, have just announced their first national tour since 2019. Locally, the duo will perform at the Torquay Hotel on 12 March and at Rafferty’s in Warrnambool on 13 March.

Gang Of Youths, Tash Sultana announced for new Lazy Mountain Music & Arts Festival

Courtesy of the legendary squad behind your favourite Steel City festival Yours and Owls, Lazy Mountain Music & Arts Festival is the new, all-ages event rolling out Easter Saturday in the lush surrounds of the Berry Showgrounds on the NSW South Coast. Taking place 8 April, Gang of Youths, Tash Sultana, Middle Kids and Slowly Slowly headline.

California punks

Unwritten Law are heading to the Torquay Hotel

Be transported to balmy nights under California skies as the ’90’s punk outfit perform their brand new album The Hum –17 dates, 5 states and a night overflowing with new music and nostalgia. Catch them at Torquay Hotel on 5 March.

Sorbaes: Sundae returns to Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Sorbaes: Sundae is back for a third season and more delicious than ever as it returns to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday 26 February as part of Live at the Bowl. This season, DJ and designer Soju Gang’s club concept is serving up the goods with an afternoon session, paired with a lineup of 1300, AKOSIA, Brown Suga Princess, DJ Nay Nay, Kaylah Truth, OJ KUSH, Stev Zar and Voldy.

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Japanese restaurant Kosaten opens in Ballarat

Kosaten Japanese Restaurant has officially opened in Ballarat, taking over a space at 30 Sturt Street. Instead of selecting from a stream of dishes as they travel past, you order from an a la carte menu via an iPad and the dishes and drinks are delivered directly from the kitchen to you via a train. Shinkansen-style.

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival returns

Paradise Kitty are heading to

tribute

Geelong Comprising five badass babes, born and bred on “Appetite for Destruction”, Paradise Kitty – one of the world’s leading tributes to the mighty Guns N’ Roses – is heading to Australia in 2023 with a headline tour. Catch them at the Barwon Club Hotel in Geelong on 24 March.

Experience Victoria’s finest local catch at Apollo Bay Seafood Festival ‘23 February 17-19. Friday night will feature a series of dinners presented at the best restaurants Apollo Bay and the Otways. On Saturday, the Apollo Bay Harbour will be filled with pop-up restaurants, cooking demonstrations, live music from Fenn Wilson, Hobson Bay Coast Guard, Go Dog Go, The Beachniks and Matt Orchard, and a seafood market offering a myriad of pescatarian treats.

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Class Clowns comedy competition comes to Geelong

Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s annual search for Australia’s funniest teen, Class Clowns, returns to Geelong Arts Centre, shining a light on young, comedic talent on Tuesday 21 February in Limelight Studio 4. Open to those aged 14-18, the free, one–of–a–kind, national comedy competition is here to encourage teenagers of the G21 region to unleash their comedic voice through stand- up, sketch, musical or physical comedy.

Geelong Jazz Soirees Summer Series returns

Victoria’s summer festival season is truly looking bright with Geelong Jazz Soirees Summer Series bringing live music back to the iconic Geelong Botanic Gardens once again this 18 and 25 February. Musicians so far include Wayne Jury Band, Soul Sister Swing and Des Camm Band.

The Bennies are heading to Geelong with first Australian tour since 2019

They’ve recently announced festival appearances in New Zealand & Europe, and now the Melbourne band are announcing their first Australian Tour since 2019. This time though they have few new members, a bunch of new songs and have never been more ready to party with you at the Barwon Club Hotel on 12 March.

Nominations are open for the 2023 Geelong Youth Awards

Do you know a young person aged 12 – 25 who is making a big difference in our community? If so and you think they deserve to be recognised for their contributions, you can nominate them for a Geelong Youth Award which could give your young person the spark they need to reach their potential. Nominations close Sunday 19 February 2023.

Groovin The Moo returns to Bendigo in 2023

After returning for the first time in two years last year, hitting up Maitland, Canberra and Bendigo, Groovin The Moo (GTM) returns for 2023, taking to six regions across the country, visiting Wayville, Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo, Warana and Bunbury. The festival will be heading to beautiful Bendigo on Saturday 29 April.

Geelong’s Longest Lunch returns for the first time since 2019

Guaranteed to sell out, the popular annual event features four award-worthy courses prepared by the region’s top chefs, utilising fresh regional produce and coupled with local wines, all in support of our local health service. Taking place on 17 March, tickets include canapés and drinks on arrival, a three course lunch with matching wines, entertainment and a donation to the Barwon Health Foundation.

Ziggy Alberts leads Coastal Jam’s huge Labour Day long weekender

UNO Presents flagship festival, Coastal Jam, has just announced their Labour Day Long Weekender season with a return to the iconic Geelong (Wadawurrung) Cunningham Pier on 12 March, and an expansion into Mornington Peninsula (Boonwurrung) on 11 March with Ziggy Alberts leading the charge.

Outdoor movie pop-up Sunset Cinema arrives in St Kilda

Screening weekly, Wednesday to Saturday until 4 March, movie lovers can bask in the warm evenings enjoying some of their favourite films in St Kilda. From well-loved classics like Crazy Stupid Love to hot new releases Don’t Worry Darling and Top Gun: Maverick, Sunset Cinema is delivering a season of unmissable cinematic experiences.

Peninsula Picnic brings The Temper Trap, Josh Pyke and more to Mornington Racecourse

Victoria’s most loved coastal celebration of the region’s top drops, produce and talent ascends on Mornington once more for the seventh edition of The Peninsula Picnic on Saturday 25 March 2023, offering social explorers the perfect opportunity to indulge in a stacked lineup of the Peninsula’s best. Music includes The Temper Trap, Josh Pyke, Tia Gostelow and Tahls.

Aireys Inlet Music Festival

Previously the Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival, the Aireys Inlet Music Festival will take over the coastal town 17-19 March 2023 as a fully curated festival experience for the second year in a row. Set to feature some of the region’s hottest talent, 100% of ticket sales will go directly towards the artists performing.

Geelong’s famed pub-based festival Jerkfest returns

Taking place on March 25, Jerkfest VIII is ironically the festival’s ninth lineup – after having lost the 2020 fest a week from its scheduled date due to lockdown. Bands include Essendon Airport, EXEK, Terry, R.M.F.C. (SYD), Optic Nerve (SYD), YL Hooi and Gee Tee (SYD).

Burger institution Boss Burger opens new store in Warrnambool

Taking over the old Gloria Jean’s Coffee site at Gateway Plaza in Warrnambool, the new venue encompasses everything we know and love about Boss Burger. From their sensational menu and their incredibly friendly, buoyant staff, to the bright neon sign, moody booths and a wall lined with some of the biggest bosses from pop culture over the years.

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2023 Bendigo Craft Beer & Cider Festival

Spend the day with your best crew sampling over 100 beers and ciders and eating until your heart's content on 18 March at Bendigo Racecourse. Kick back on a hay stack and enjoy the smooth sounds of hand-picked live performances or reserve a seat with your group in the VIP tent, offering many surprises and luxuries on the day.

Budget regional airline Bonza has launched with flights from Avalon

With an aim to open up routes to more of the country’s regional destinations, flying 27 routes to 17 locations, and offering lowcost fares in the process, Australia’s new low-cost airline Bonza has kicked off its initial rollout of flights with travellers able to book flights to 12 destinations on 15 routes with one-way fares starting at $49.

Port Fairy Folk Festival announce Future Folk Artists for 2023

Port Fairy Folk Festival’s Future Folk program is back to support young emerging artists aged between 12-25 hailing from Southwest Victoria. Andrei O’Connor, Angela Kenna, Atomic Entourage, Etta Lane, Evie Dalton, Lucy Lorenne, My Giddy Aunt, Out of Hand, Ruby McKenna and Zoe Borthwick are 2023’s Future Folk stars.

Clunes Booktown Festival returns

Clunes, the bibliophile capital of regional Victoria, comes alive from 25-26 March in a celebration of books, words, writers and renowned authors. The annual festival is a calendar marker for book lovers and regional adventures with the quaint township offering local food, wine and produce alongside the pleasant series of talks and conversations provided by the country's favourite wordsmiths.

Go behind the scenes of RONE | TIME with Geelong Contemporary’s after-hours event

Experience an exclusive evening at Rone’s epic takeover of Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station with Geelong Contemporary’s Talking Art: RONE | TIME on Saturday 22 April 2023. Art lovers will meet and hear from the creative team behind this exceptional installation and enjoy afterhours access with drinks and canapes on the final weekend of the exhibition.

Peninsula Piers and Pinots returns March Labour Day weekend

Showcasing maritime cool climate pinot noirs and pinot gris, Peninsula Piers & Pinot gather by the sea annually on the March Labour Day weekend, where more than 50 wines are on taste with a selection of local food to purchase and live music adds to the festive vibe. Tickets include a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, tasting notes and all wine tastings between 12-3pm.

Polaris announce 10 Year Anniversary Australian Tour

To celebrate 10 years as a band, Polaris are heading out on a 10 Year Anniversary Australian tour with their friends Void of Vision and Pridelands in tow. Kicking off in Sydney and making their way across the country to Perth, the 10 Year Anniversary venues are paying homage to the debut album cycle where they sold these venues out across The Mortal Coil and Spring tours in 2017. See them 10 Friday March at 170 Russell, Melbourne.

Oktoberfest Warrnambool returns for Summer Event

Bringing a touch of Germany to the southwest, the beloved Oktoberfest Warrnambool will return to Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park on Saturday, 18 February transforming the site into a little pocket of German culture and celebration. Rescheduled from October last year, there will be live music, DJs, a silent disco, a free stein on entry and beer directly imported from Germany’s Munich Oktoberfest.

Melbourne Guitar Show has just add more acts to their 2023 lineup

The Melbourne Guitar Show has today added another haul of artists to the already impressive lineup, with the iconic show set to rock Caulfield Racecourse on March 4 and 5. Artists include Phil Manning & Nick Charles, Blues Roulette, King Canyon, Chris Bieniek, Opal Ocean, Joyce Prescher, Marcel Yammouni, Corey Legge, Charlie Bedford, Monica Weightman, James Ryan and Leon Todd.

Flex your brain with Containaphobia Escape Room’s new puzzle box in Geelong

The venue’s newest game (which will also help fund the forthcoming horror escape room Carnivorous), Treasure Island is the new puzzle box game encouraging attendees to put their heads together to solve the box’s clues. Packed full of puzzles that will have your brain working overtime, the aim of this game is to open the puzzle box before time runs out, with 60 minutes allocated.

Allysha Joy, Sunfruits, Chef Chung and more added to Meadow Festival

The 2023 Meadow lineup additions feature 30/70 vocalist Allysha Joy, dance music master Our Carlson, psychedelic popsters Sunfruits, DJ Setwun and his band The Solstranauts, alternative rapper and beatmaker Chef Chung, and Melbourne garage rockers The Bloody Norah’s. Taking out Forte’s annual opening band competition, Tamara & The Dreams will take their catchy dream pop born to the festival stage on Friday afternoon.

Sunset Safari returns to Werribee Zoo

With many African animals being most active at dusk, the return of the Werribee Zoo Sunset Safari is the perfect time to see some of the world’s most iconic animals, sparking awe and wonder among visitors for a fifth exciting year with a new route for the 2023 season. It takes place on Saturday evenings until 25 February.

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Ballarat restaurants recognised in the Australian Good Food Guide's 2023 Chef Hat Awards

Underbar, Ragazzone and Mr Jones Dining have all made the cut in this year's national line-up. Described as "Australia's most anticipated culinary awards", AGFG Chef Hats are awarded for food alone. The six attributes for success are ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency.

Strawberry Fields launch new festival Good Times

With a lineup featuring the likes of Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, CW Stoneking and Floodlights – with more acts to be announced in the leadup – Good Times is set to live up to its namesake on 25 March in Tocumwal, on the banks of the Murray River.

Hilltop Hoods, Sampa the Great lead Dylan Alcott’s all-inclusive Ability Fest lineup

Ability Fest have just revealed their 2023 lineup featuring Hilltop Hoods, Sampa the Great, Meg Mac, BROODS, SHOUSE, DZ Deathrays, Telenova, Alex Lahey and more. Taking place on 25 March at Birrarung Marr, Ability Fest is proudly Australia’s first all-accessible music festival and one of the leading inclusive events in the country.

Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray lead Play on the Plains 2023

For the third time, the iconic Deni Ute Muster site in NSW will turn into a dancefloor / party house when Play on the Plains returns on Saturday, 11 March 2023 with Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Northeast Party House, Alex Lahey and The Carp Factory confirmed to set the stage alight.

Internationally renowned chef brings famed Indian restaurant to Lara

Curry at Corio Lara, known as C@C Lara, is located at 4/9-25 McClelland Ave in Lara housed in a larger space than the restaurant at Corio Village, enabling Chef Singh to showcase his impeccable service. Takeaway will still be available for customers to enjoy his innovative recipes at home.

The Murlocs announce Rapscallion tour

Returning from their headline tour in the United States and sold-out performances at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre supporting King Gizzard, The Murlocs are bringing their highly anticipated and energetic live show back home to Australia with their Rapscallion tour. Catch them when they head to Naarm/Melbourne for a show at the Northcote Theatre on 22 April.

RocKwiz’s Really Really Good Friday returns to Hamer Hall

After 14 seasons, 117 episodes and countless tours around the nation, the television show turned stage show extravaganza RocKwiz is considered by many to be an Australian music institution. The gang are back with hometown favourite RocKwiz’s Really Really Good Friday at Hamer Hall on 7 April.

Portarlington’s National Celtic Folk Festival returns in 2023

Attracting thousands of visitors every year, presenting concerts across 14 stages over four days, with showcases, dance, theatre, literature readings, masterclasses and more celebrating all things Celtic and Craic, this year’s festival will take place from June 9 to June 14 2023.

VID Bar is the new Mediterranean dessert bar in Highton

From its bright, contemporary pink intimate home right in the heart of Highton Village, the just-launched dessert destination, which stands for Village Ice Cream Dessert Bar, is all about delivering the sweet, sweet overseas culinary classics, headlined by a range of authentic tasty bite-sized Greek doughnuts (aka loukoumades aka pieces of heaven).

A multi-million dollar chocolate factory could be heading to Portarlington

Bellarine Chocolate Co are planning to build a new chocolaterie with a restaurant, animal stables, berry farm and accommodation (12 farm stay cabins), along with 100 carparks, on a property zoned for farmland just outside the Portarlington boundary, on Point Richards Rd.

Yakiniku Hachibeh is a fiery new Japanese Barbeque restaurant for the Surf Coast

Located at Shop 7, 4-6, Yakiniku Hachibeh is all about authentic Japanese BBQ, drawing on the atmosphere established at the two previous restaurants but levelling up the offering, gifting Torquay and the region a premium Japanese dining and traditional Yakiniku (barbecue) experience, unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Julia Jacklin announced for OK Charlton festival

OK Charlton have just announced their secret headliner – the indie-pop darling Julia Jacklin. Joining the likes of CIVIC, Party Dozen, Frente, Eaten By Dogs, Ali, ENOLA and more, she will be appearing at the festival in Charlton from February 17 – 19.

Hoodoo Gurus, Confidence Man, Christine Anu lead St Kilda Festival 2023

The festival will take place over two days on both 18 and 19 February across its beloved traditional location on the St Kilda Foreshore and its surrounds. First Peoples First day will feature Christine Anu headlining a lineup of feature artists programmed by the Archie Roach Foundation, while Hoodoo Gurus and Confidence Man headline Big Festival Sunday.

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FRENTE! Front Castlemaine State Festival

As we close out the year of music that was with the triple j Hottest 100 of 2022, we’re reminded of countdowns past and the songs that shaped each year.

One such year is the Hottest 100 of 1991. Nirvana dominated the countdown taking out number one and number three slots with ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and ‘Lithium’ respectively. Melancholy riddled the ladder with Nick Cave making four appearances across his The Bad Seeds and The Boys Next Door outfits, Pink Floyd’s ‘Comfortably Numb’ popped up at 73, while New Order, Joy Division, The Smiths, and The Cure covered significant countdown ground.

Largely influenced by the aforementioned English doldrums of rock were Melbourne band Frente!, who released their debut extended play Whirled the same year with lead single ‘Labour of Love’ eligible for voting. It would take out 69th place, one behind The Cure’s now-classic ‘Pictures of You’.

“I really remember it because we heard from triple j that we were gonna be on it that year and I was listening and listening, listening. It was a really exciting wait and then the person who introduced us was Robert Smith from The Cure - a complete idol of mine,” recalls guitarist Simon Austin.

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“It was pretty amazing and memorable. My two favourite bands probably of all time are New Order and The Cure. New Order said a couple of things about the cover of ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’ and I was like “Oh my God, the Gods of music have spoken and then Robert Smith introducing ‘Labour of Love’ was like “oh, is this even possible?” Yeah, I'm a fanboy, I love it.”

Frente! became a staple of the 90’s Australian sound, emerging from the underground scenes of Melbourne with the following year's debut album Marvin The Album heralded as one of the decade's finest collections of songs. Sat beside ‘Labour of Love’ was ARIA Award-winning ‘Ordinary Angels’ and the iconically misspelled ‘Accidently Kelly Street’. Though the influences of New Order and The Cure exist, bubblegum vocals from Angie Hart and quirky pop build set it apart from the era.

Continuing the live love, Frente! have just been announced for headline duties at Australia’s flagship regional arts event, The Castlemaine State Festival.

Running 24 March until 9 April, the festival (which aims to bring focus to Castlemaine, spotlighting the wealth of the region while bringing visitors from across Australia and overseas) will see Frente! joined by Vika and Linda Bull, The Southern River Band, Jaguar Jonze, Kurt Vile and The Violators, Kian, Ella Hooper, Jem Cassar-Daley, The Gesualdo Six, Electric Fields and Dallas Woods, Alter Boy, and more.

In addition to their headline set, frontwoman Angie Hart will also be getting up close and personal with audiences, appearing in the intimate salon series alongside Jem Cassar-Daley, Sophie Rowell, Rose Riebl and Katherine Philp.

These shows will be more advanced for Frente! from their early career work, with Simon implementing his 15 years of production skills for Art Centre Melbourne and Geelong Arts Centre into their show.

“I'm production and tour managing the band. I really enjoyed being sort of, you know, the uncle fella who was just there to make sure the show went on great and everybody had a great time,” Austin explains.

“We went away from what everybody else was doing. We sort of went into the living room and didn't really listen to what was going on around us. So what came out, came out and that's what it's always been. I think we've always just wanted to do our own thing. Not because we look at other people's music and say well we wouldn't do that. It's just that that's what comes out. We’re just suckers for pop songs.”

The album - which peaked at No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart at the time - was remastered for the 30-year anniversary last year, seeing the official reformation of the lineup for the first time since 2014. It featured additional demos and hidden gems including 1991 demos of both standout single ‘Ordinary Angels’ and ‘Accidently Kelly Street’, along with Melbourne PBS Studio versions of ‘Cuscatalan’, ‘Dangerous’ and Fairground Attraction cover ‘Clare’, and a 2010 triple j Live At The Wireless version of ‘Labour of Love’.

The album re-release was partnered with an anniversary show at Brunswick Ballroom. Unfortunately due to a positive covid result within the band, the show has been rescheduled to 16 February 2023.

The live reformation has also seen the band support Icehouse at the National Museum of Australia, with an upcoming guest spot alongside Eskimo Joe and Motor Ace at the Icehouse Great Southern Land Concert Series heading to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday 11 February.

“We're really focused on video and lighting at the moment. I spent a lot of years supporting all those departments and I got to see some amazing creators creating AV stuff, creating projection and lighting and audio. And so apart from making the music and singing and playing the music, making the rest of the show has been a real thrill.”

Speaking of music making, following the festival and their upcoming live shows, Frente! will be heading back into the studio to record their first body of work since 2005’s mini EP, Try To Think Less “We've got a backlog of unrecorded and sort of semi-finished songs that we're starting to work on pretty avidly now. And so we're planning on doing a bunch of live stuff and then probably having a tiny spill and starting to record and see how that goes.”

He continues, “Angie was living in Los Angeles and I was living in New York when we last recorded for Try To Think Less so we did it mostly long distances. That's seventeen years ago so I have actually invested in a bunch of new studio gear and that's my task for the next month - to set that up and start actually recording new Frente! material. We have skeletons for probably around 40 tracks. That'll get whittled down to about 15 or so. But they're very recognisably Frente! but they're also fairly different too.”

After thirty years of hard slogs on the road and in the studio, it's chemistry that keeps reuniting the Frente! family.

Austin explains, “It’s just that; chemistry. I'm so lucky because Angie is honestly, she's an unbelievable singer and writer and when we get together there's just something that she and I do and have which is pretty - it's hard to explain, it's just a real feeling of it's absolutely right that we should do it.

“Whenever we come together we always feel really happy in each other's presence and ideas come out and she's an unbelievable person to play music with. Like sometimes I hear a thing and I just pinch myself because she's just amazing. And so, we have a really good thing going. And it's not always a happy thing. We wear our hearts on own sleeves a little bit when we're together.”

A welcomed return for Frente! Make sure to see their set at Castlemaine State Festival.

Tickets and full program can be found at www.castlemainfestival.com.au

FORTE MAG 15
“It’s just that; chemistry. I'm so lucky because Angie is... an unbelievable singer and writer and when we get together there's... just a real feeling of it's absolutely right that we should do it”.

ADALITA

The Australian rock icon takes Magic Dirt to Tent Pole Festival

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more prolific artist than Adalita Srsen. When she’s not fronting the seminal alternative rock band Magic Dirt, the Australian icon can be found hitting the stage solo and supporting some of the nation’s biggest artists.

Adalita’s in store for a busy 2023, with the recent release of her delicate and introspective third studio album Inland and Magic Dirt being announced as part of the inaugural Tent Pole Festival in March alongside Pavement, Clamm and many more.

We caught up with the revered musician to chat about it all.

Now in 2023, the idea of a cancelled gig seems like a far sight, but many musos are still excited to be added to festival lineups and be back out there and playing gigs for adoring fans.

“It’s unreal to be back on the road,” Adalita says. “That's what we do, we live for playing live.

“Things are really busy, which is great. People are loving being back at shows, the crowds, the punters; they’ve all got big smiles on their faces.”

Long blazing a trail for female musos, Adalita fronts cult 90s Geelong band Magic Dirt, one of Australia’s most popular and well-regarded rock groups. Cutting their teeth on the grunge sound of the 90s, with down-tuned riffs and droney distortions at the forefront of their sound, their records have been hitting the charts over the past two decades, as well as being recognised with multiple nominations from the ARIA and AIR awards.

Now the group are heading to Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree alongside The Black Lips, Black Rock Band, Charlie Crockett, Clamm, Floodlights, Mod Con, Pavement, The Prize, The Schizophonics, Sirens and Spiderbait.

“I wouldn't mind checking out Clamm, they’re pretty popular.

“Pavement will be great of course, we want to catch up with them. We're mates with them from quite a while back.”

Magic Dirt have been a staple of many festival lineups over the years, finding new fans in all corners of the country. When it comes to playing these types of festivals, Adalita believes something a little different must be brought to the table.

“I think with festivals, you usually do your hits, you do the songs that people know the most.

“You want people to connect and dance and have fun. But we'll throw in ones that we really want to play, but maybe they're not so well known, but to some of our fans, you know, it's their favourite song.”

Playing at festivals also allows for a bit of experimentation, but at the end of the day, festivals are a party, and the sets will be accordingly formulated.

“We do kind of mix it up sometimes. But, we usually just do the big ones that everyone knows, and they're really fun to play, and it's sort of a no-brainer; you just come on, play your big numbers, and everyone's just partying, it’s a great atmosphere.

“So, you know, when you're at a party, you sort of want to hear the songs and play the songs that you know, so you can just sort of, you know, just dance around and, and not think too much.”

The festival will be taking place at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate, a key venue for music festivals of all types and a space that has featured some of the world’s biggest names. It’s here that Adalita has supported some of music's coolest stars at Mt Duneed Estate in the past.

“I'm pretty sure I played this solo when The Pretenders and Blondie were doing A Day On the Green.

“And I was supporting in solo mode many, many years ago when I first started my solo shows and I was still pretty new to it, I was quite nervous.

“It’s nice out there. It's got great, great, great vibes.”

If this still isn’t enough Adalita for 2023, the artist just dropped a brand new record titled Inland, a release full of that style we’ve come to know and love from the rocker over the years and one that sits solidly as the next step in Adalita’s impressive body of work.

“Once the album was out, I knew that I'd feel kind of reborn, like all the stress would just melt off, after all those years waiting and working.

“Finally, I can let it go out there, and I can't tell you how happy I am about it [the album release]. I'm just on Cloud Nine. I'm stoked, it's just unreal. It's seriously one of the best times in my life right now.”

Magic Dirt and many more will be hitting the Tent Pole Festival at Geelong’s Mt Duneed Estate on Saturday 4 March 2023. For tickets and more, www.adotg.co/tentpole

FORTEMAG.COM.AU 16
CREDIT: LISA BUSINOVSKI

Roo Fest

A new monthly folk and roots event in Maldon

Goldfields Folk and Roots: Roo Fest is the new monthly music event taking over the Kangaroo Hotel in Maldon this year.

The gold rush town is 15 minutes from Castlemaine and it’s the perfect spot to showcase local and touring artists. Presented by Mandy Connell and Graeme Fletcher, the mini-fest has fostered an audience under the bunting and grapevines of the lovely Kangaroo Hotel.

The lineup for the upcoming April 22 event includes Kerryn Fields (2022 Music Victoria Best Folk Work and finalist for Best Solo Artist), Corn Nut Creek, Kimberley Wheeler, Liz Frencham and Kelsey Jean. Frencham, Fields & Tanya Bradley (Corn Nut Creek) recently stole the show at Newstead Live Music Festival and floored audiences at Port Fairy.

First up though on Saturday, March 18, Australian legend Mick Coates with the Tibooburra Three, Featherhead, the Badcock Brothers, and Phil and Trudy Edgeley will take to the Roo Fest stage.

A local legend, Coates is something of a catalyst among players in Victoria. Famous for his rich baritone voice (think Johnny Cash) his songs about the Aussie landscape go with him on the Mutawintji trail to Broken Hill. Rising star Charlotte LeLievre utterly entranced a full house in January when she joined Roo Fest after premiering ‘Barrier Line’ on Double J with Henry Wagons. Roo Fest favourites Mick Coates’ Shallow Gravediggers included Le Lievre and ‘Barrier Line’ at their 2022 Roo Fest album launch.

Phil’s British Delta blues and Trudy’s Islander stories from Far North Queensland inspired Mark Lucas to say “…from dust-blown work songs to gospel-tinged country blues… universal experience at the same time deeply rooted in their own cultural understanding…” Their anglo and First Nations stories offset the comedic post-punk shenanigans of the Badcock Brothers (Aaron Allen and Leif Helland) and blues-country veterans Featherhead.

Roo Fest tickets are limited so head over to Eventbrite to book. The Kangaroo offers excellent meals; bookings are recommended for dining inside. There will be a Roo Fest menu for patrons in the beer garden.

Tickets for Roo Fest are on sale now. Head to the Facebook events (Goldfields Folk & Roots April, and March) for all the latest information.

Americana On The Bellarine

The new boutique festival coming to Ocean Grove

Celebrating the vibrant fusion of genres of blues, roots, folk, country, bluegrass, rock and even gospel; or Americana music, Americana On The Bellarine is the brand-new boutique festival heading to the Bellarine this February.

Taking over Ocean Grove’s Craft Brewery BrewiColo on February 12 2023, Americana On The Bellarine will feature an impressive lineup of some of the region’s finest songwriters and storytellers: Sarah Carroll, Alister Turrill, Annie-Rose Maloney, Nathan Seeckts and Andrea Robertson, all artists with strong connections to the Bellarine region.

Originally conceived more than three years ago, Ocean Grove singer/songwriter Andrea Robertson had grand plans for this event to take place in mid-2020. But then COVID hit, effectively wiping out the live music scene. Like many other musicians, Robertson decided to go ahead and run the event as a live stream in July 2020, creating a link for people to donate to rather than charging a fee and splitting the proceeds between the five artists involved.

“It gave me a focus, a purpose for my music, and the opportunity to reach out to other artists and audiences at the same time,” Robertson said.

A couple more attempts to run the event were impacted by further outbreaks and snap lockdowns. Fast-forward to 2022, an opportunity came along to apply for funding through Creative Victoria, Robertson’s pitch was successful, and with it, her vision to run Americana On The Bellarine as a live, face-to-face, ticketed event will finally become a reality this February – and what a glorious, long-awaited achievement this will be.

The five talented local artists in Sarah Carroll, Alister Turrill, Annie-Rose Maloney, Nathan Seeckts and Andrea Robertson will perform live at boutique Brewing Company BrewiColo in Ocean Grove. The BrewiBites food truck will be open to satisfy punter's hunger on the day alongside BrewiColo’s extensive range of award-winning beverages.

Americana On The Bellarine takes place on Sunday 12 February 2023.

FORTE MAG 17

Jacqui Lumsden

Your new favourite Queen of Pop

2023 Festival of Sails Forte Emerging Artist Stage winner, Jacqui Lumsden, is a beacon of light; her music guides listeners through the tumult of everyday life. The brightness of her vocals paired with the sheer beauty of her authentic pop-inspired tunes creates a soothing balm for all, momentarily ridding us of worldly stressors as Lumsden’s intoxicating melodies wash over our senses.

Formerly the lead singer of pop-punk outfit Creature Fear, Lumsden has recently unleashed her solo venture into the world in the style of Carly Rae Jepsen and Marina and the Diamonds.

Feeling like a natural evolution, Lumsden has opened up a new chapter in an already impressive career, officially ushering in her arrival as a pop phenomenon. With a string of singles already released, including her most recent poignant yet upbeat track ‘Closer’, Lumsden takes risks while keeping true to her roots, launching a sound that is entirely her own.

While no stranger to the local music scene, she captured our attention instantly, intoxicating us with the dulcet tones that are carried ever so sweetly throughout each track she shared on that Emerging Artist Stage in January. Couple that with engaging pop melodies and what is left is a showcase of songs one can let loose all inhibitions – embracing self-love and dancing as if a spell were cast. Lumsden’s music just seems to tick all the boxes.

Having toured with the likes of Ball Park Music and Killing Heidi, treating audiences to her impassioned vocals and synth-heavy instrumentals, Lumsden’s live show is colourful and theatrical all at once. She is a new force on the live scene that should be enjoyed, partly influenced by her love of theatre in her younger years.

“I did a lot of musical theatre as a child and thought that was going to be my destiny. You can imagine my devastation when I realised I was a terrible actor and dancer! But when one door closes, another opens and after high school, I found my passion for writing songs and performing my own music.”

Now Lumsden wears confidence like a badge of honour, particularly evident in her captivating, interactive and optimistic stage presence, fuelled by her bubbly yet enormous energy.

“I love seeing my songs connect with people. Some people will remember certain lyrics of mine, others will say my melodies get stuck in their heads - it's just amazing. There are those special gigs that happen every now and again where your mind just switches off and every part of the performance is just automatic but somehow still unpredictable,” she says.

“I find it's in those moments where I feel the most confident to push a little harder, be a bit crazier and bring all the energy I can. I live for those moments. I'm high off a good gig for a week afterwards.”

Channeling a melting pot of powerhouse female influencers in Hayley Williams, Kate Bush, Carly Rae Jepsen, Rina Sawayama, St Vincent and Vera Blue, Lumsden has found a new maturity in recent years, reintroducing the artist as one with substance, style and soul-stirring finesse.

With a commitment to her craft, Lumsden’s charming, urgent pop single ‘System Overload’ carried her to the semifinals of Listen Up Music’s 2022 Songwriting Prize. In 2021, she was awarded the Fuse Darebin Songwriters Award for her atmospheric single ‘Don’t Go Loving The Same’.

“Winning the Darebin Songwriters Award in 2021 was huge for me. It's just a small council award but it really validated for me that I was on the right path. It's the proudest of myself I've ever been. I'd written something that had connected with people and I was being awarded for it. Unreal.”

Captivating listeners with her authenticity and individuality, It’s undeniable that Lumsden is a powerhouse. Her music is magnetic and gripping, odd enough to make you stay, fantastic enough to leave you in awe. Being entirely independent, it’s no surprise that her style perfectly encapsulates who she is as an artist: driven, bold and dynamic, giving her an edge that makes her wonderfully unique.

“As a completely independent artist, I have lots of challenges. The biggest one is definitely finding that balance between working enough so that I can survive but not too much that I don't have time to create music and content,” she shares.

“I've completely self-funded every music video, studio recording, photoshoot, PR campaign, you name it. It's not easy but I believe I'm a good investment.”

If her successes so far are any indication of where this artist is headed, then we’re unapologetically all in on Jacqui Lumsden, especially with a highly anticipated debut EP on the way.

“I'm currently recording my debut EP which I hope to release sometime this year. I'll be playing at Moomba festival in March where I'll be debuting a lot of the new material so definitely a show worth checking out.”

You can listen to Jacqui Lumsden on all good streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.

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Luke Beavis

Delivers a resounding rock triumph with his explosive self-titled album

A record of raw energy and intimate emotion, the new self-titled album from Geelong singer-songwriter Luke Beavis roars with a fiery, feverish passion. Released December 23, Luke Beavis is a resounding triumph of an alt-rock record filled with ups, downs, and everything in between.

Written and recorded within the confines of his home, Beavis’ latest 11-track album packs a punch, blending rock with alternative styles into a cinematic, cathartic and endlessly alluring soundtrack that builds upon the path blazed by bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters over the past few decades.

Struggling with mental health and using music as a means of healing (evident from the sheer abundance of music attached to his name), Beavis’ new record embraces everything that makes Luke Beavis, Luke Beavis. It’s intense yet subtle, soaring yet subdued: A tastefully balanced mix of chaos and control, showcasing Beavis’ voice that’s perfectly suited to classic rock, raspy and full of emotion.

From the roaring, fervent opener ‘Freeze’, the gritty, impassioned ‘No More Victim From A Gun’ and the soft ballad ‘I’m Gunna Be A Mega Star’, to the pop-driven ‘Whale of a Time’ and the epic spicy finale ‘Sex Vibes’, the record keeps listeners engaged throughout. Beavis even goes above and beyond with experimentation in ‘Spiritual Bride’, featuring a range of vocal intonations alongside metal-style drums – it’s a dark, eccentric song with spirit. As a whole, the project reveals a musician truly willing to exceed boundaries musically.

With this latest output epitomising Beavis as both an expert songwriter and proficient musician, the album was taken to greater heights with an expert collaboration with powerhouse producers Zac Barter and David Wilson.

Ultimately, Luke Beavis’ self-titled album is a pure thrill, delivering an expansive and smouldering collection of rock anthems emanating raw feelings from the core. Poised to be a prominent voice in the local rock scene, Luke Beavis has already proved to be a powerhouse – and one we’ll be paying extra special attention to in 2023.

Stream Luke Beavis’ latest album on Spotify.

Darcy Fox

Melbourne’s Darcy Fox delivers achingly intimate folk-pop masterpiece in ‘Your Best’

Hailing from Gippsland and now residing in Melbourne’s inner north, Darcy Fox has been carving out a reputation as a songwriter and evocative storyteller in recent years, pouring her heart out over ear-worm melodies ready to soundtrack our days and night. It’s heartfelt, irresistible and unassailably visceral music that connects on a deeper level.

Following the release of her original, queer Christmas song, ‘She Loves Christmas Time’ back in November, Fox returns with ‘Your Best’, a four-minute outpouring of the bittersweet acceptance of letting go.

Two cups of warm folk, one cup of dazzling pop, and a dash of heart-wrenching poetry, the queer singer-songwriter oscillate between sorrow and spite throughout the track, much like authentic heartbreak. Here Fox mourns what once was while feeling cheated for not getting to meet the better version of the one who wronged her.

“I went back and forth about whether I’d release this one, it’s so personal and vulnerable to open the door on a private moment of grief. But when I play the song at my shows, people always call it their favourite - so I knew I had to,” Fox explains.

“I just hope people who have experienced the same things I have feel seen and heard.”

Equal parts Gretta Ray, Phoebe Bridgers and girl in red, Fox flexes her ability to make you tap your feet while she rips your heart out. Through stunningly sweet vocals and melancholic electric guitars pouring into a buildup, the chorus eventually bursts into a heartrending folk-pop explosion, like a thundering heartbeat behind a vulnerable confession.

“If you’re in love again / I hope you’re giving them / Everything I know that you can be / Because I know you didn’t give your best to me.”

A rare talent that is fearless and unapologetically herself, Fox has once again left a lasting impression in our ears and hearts.

‘Your Best’ is the third single from Darcy Fox’s highly anticipated sophomore album, set to be released this year. Stream it on Spotify or Apple Music.

CREDIT : JAYDEN BYRNE

LIZ STRINGER

String of shows across February and March for Melbourne’s Liz Stringer

40 years after their Sydney inception racking up 20 million album sales worldwide, Australian music groundbreakers and political shakers Midnight Oil embarked on their last globe stage trek, RESIST. THE FINAL TOUR 2022. Following multiple reunions across their colourful career, this one promised to not pull a John Farnham or Elton John, closing the door after 18 months of touring. Along for the ride was Melbourne songwriter and one-third of Dyson Stringer Cloher, Liz Stringer.

Wrapping on a Monday, 3 October 2022, Stringer returned to Australia as a changed performer and songwriter.

“The great thing about the Oils experience is that I really felt like I was supported by my music community through the connections and friendships I made. The fact that they showed so much belief in me and what I do has helped my growth as an artist, which is huge,” Stringer explains.

“I learned so much from all four of them in different ways but what was really striking to me about being so close to them for so many shows was how committed they were every single show. There was never one where they didn’t give 100% and that dedication and belief was quite inspiring and made me feel more comfortable to lean into the more intense presentation of my work. They are such an incredible musical group/band and they compose songs as opposed to writing them and that’s been massive for me as a songwriter and the mechanics of how they build them has struck a chord with me.”

Some of those intense moments came from Stringer’s 2021 album First Time Really Feeling, an album that is deeply personal to the songwriter. The album received the Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP at the 2022 AIR Awards, with ‘Dangerous’ shortlisted for best song of the year at the APRA Awards. Stringer was further nominated for the Music Victoria awards for Best Solo Artist off the back of the album.

“First Time Really Feeling is so personal and was a new phase of writing for me and took leaps and faiths for me to do personally. It was a positive metamorphosis for me but it was also really painful. I am really proud that I got through it and did it, and I think people responded differently to the album which is great but I think most importantly I have a stronger connection with myself.”

Within that album and touring cycle, Stringer was billed for the 2022 Port Fairy Folk Festival alongside the likes of Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, and Kee’ahn but a bout of Covid led to the performer's cancellation. In the ultimate redo, Stringer will be stepping up for 2023 joining The Waifs, Kim Churchill, Josh Pyke and a plethora of both international and local talent across 10 - 13 March.

“I was due to play last year and unfortunately the coronavirus got me days out. I’m glad to be returning this year, I’ve played many

times across my career,” Stringer explains. “Obviously it’s one of Australia's biggest festivals and as a songwriter, it's a very magical place to play. I love that part of the world. I was living in Europe and decided I wanted to play the festival, came back to Australia and played it the next year. It's a great atmosphere.”

Also stopping into the Port Fairy Folk Festival stage is William Crighton. Crighton and Stringer will have just started their co-headline 10-show tour across Australia. The duo were reunited during Crighton’s support stints across Europe with Midnight Oil.

“Deciding to tour together was very organic. I don’t even know if there was a proper conversation about it. We have a very similar ethos about community and politics. There were a lot of kindred values there and we just knew that it would happen eventually.”

She continues, “One of the things he and I have in common is we both are strong solo artists so the tour will be a lot of fun to explore playing shows with both our bands and some solo sets.”

Following these shows, Stringer will be stepping away from the stage and walking back into the studio for solo album number seven.

“I won’t be doing a lot of live touring after April. Last year was awesome but there are stresses there that didn’t exist before the pandemic so it will be nice to have a break and get back in the studio,” Stringer comments.

“I think I’ve covered and closed the book on those personal experiences in First Time Really Feeling and I am in a good place so this album will be different but not far removed from my previous material.”

Catch Stringer on the Port Fairy Folk Festival stage in March before she goes into studio hermit mode. Tickets are at www.portfairyfolkfestival.com

FORTEMAG.COM.AU 20
CREDIT:KRISTOFFER PAULSEN

8 Regional Victorian Acts Worth Keeping An Eye On In 2023

Almost every music fan has rocked up to a gig before, bumped into a bloke they haven't seen in a decade, and being told by that bloke that “the gig scene just isn’t what it used to be.” Maybe it’s not, or maybe that guy is just out of touch.

This is why we thought it might be handy to provide a guide to some of the locals who have been killing it at the moment. If you’re one of the few who tuned into triple j’s most recent Hottest 100 Countdown and questioned whether you still know what ‘hip’ music is, this one is for you.

Here's our take on the eight local acts that we think would be worth your while checking out this year.

Good Sniff

Having made the difficult decision to continue as a two-piece following the death of the group’s frontman and best mate Louie Shearman in 2020, the Bellarinebased garage-rockers have hustled over the last two years, earning themselves a slew of impressive support slots that have seen the group sharing stages with everyone from WAVVES to Skegss. Channelling a dynamic sound that now sees both Lachie Brown and Elias Hodson double up on vocal duties, as well as plans for their debut album, first-ever national tour and their inaugural festival ‘Sniff Fest’ all to be unveiled over the coming months, it seems 2023 is going to be the year for Good Sniff.

Watty Thompson

There are few acts that you could put on while you’re drinking beers with your Dad and Grandad and have all three of you enjoy it: Watty Thompson is that exception. Marking a significant change up from his work with Sheriff and The Neptune Power Federation, Thompson’s newly released solo material is an absolute masterclass in poetic songwriting. Possessing a masterful ability in songwriting, poignantly curated instrumentals and a matured country-tinged style that rivals Tex Perkins, Thompson is one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets.

Operation Karma

As a group only freshly out of high school, Operation Karma have been turning heads over the last few months. Comprised of the Hobbs sisters and Ivy Brand, the all-female outfit have been winning over crowds left, right and centre with their original take on psychedelic alt-rock. Having mastered their craft during their tenure in The Sweethearts, Operation Karma’s output finds itself more expansive than their contemporaries, with Laura Brand’s jazz-influenced percussion and Rachel Brand’s dual abilities as both a keyboardist and a sax player adding layers of complexity to the group’s rawer, psychrock tones.

Rory Jame$

Juiceboxx

When people speak about local acts that are excelling, Juiceboxx isn’t mentioned enough. As one of the artists at the forefront of The Bay Collective (a group of local creatives pushing the niche sides of our local scene to the masses), the Geelongbased rapper has spent the past few years earning his stripes supporting some of the biggest hip-hop acts in the country. With ‘Geelong Shit’ currently sitting on over 150 thousand streams, as well as earning endorsements from the likes of Chillinit and Nerve, Juiceboxx isn't just on the way up, he’s about to blow up.

Similarly to Juiceboxx, Rory Jame$ marks himself as a frontrunner in the local rap scene. With a nonchalant flow, jazzy J Dillainspired instrumentals and a collaborative nature that has seen the Torquay-based artist work alongside local legends from Vanilla Neptune to Juiceboxx and Kaviitá, it’s only a matter of time until jame$ finds himself played on radio stations around the country.

The Prize

When Forte Mag first covered The Prize, their debut single ‘Wrong Side Of Town’ had just been released and was sitting on less than 1,000 streams. It’s now four months later and it is sitting comfortably on 20,000 plays. This is a pretty fair indication that The Prize are an act worth checking out. Channelling a 70’s punk-rock style that will appeal to fans of any age, The Prize have quickly earned a name for themselves through support slots for CIVIC and Sunnyboys, and with appearances locked in for both Boogie and Tent Pole festival, it doesn’t seem like the group’s looking to slow down anytime soon.

Paraquay

Part of my role at Forte is compiling the regional Victorian gig guide every month, and the one name popping up more than any other is Paraquay. Having only released their debut EP in the latter half of 2022, Paraquay are still in their infancy as a band, but considering how hard they’ve hit the ground running, it’s almost a guarantee that they are a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in future.

Kaviitá

Having first popped up on the gig scene through her work in Bonsoi and The White Flower Society, Kaviitá is finally gearing up to release her debut solo album and if the first two singles are anything to go by, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Tying together nü jazz/neo-soul with elements of hip-hop and RNB, the once Geelong-based songstress is one of our local scene’s best-undiscovered talents.

FORTE MAG 21

Sam + Sam

The beloved Aussie duo bring ‘Evolve’ album tour to regional Victoria

Performing together as a duo for more than 20 years now, Melbourne-based Sam + Sam – better known as Sam Sam But Different – live and breathe music and performance.

When the global pandemic rocked the world back in 2020, Sam + Sam (Sam Ludeman and Sam Russell) responded the only way they knew how, pivoting from the stage to bring high-quality live-streamed entertainment into lounge rooms around the world. Striking a chord with viewers around the world, their live stream attracted hundreds of thousands of people tuning in each week, eventually drawing an audience of more than five million, with each new episode being viewed by between 20,000 and 50,000 people.

Now, two years and millions of new fans later, the duo have released their debut album Evolve.

Showcasing a blend of pop-rock with contemporary country, the album delivers a sound that is both familiar and fresh, thanks in large part to the dynamic vocal interplay between Ludeman and Russell.

Since its December release, the album has received critical acclaim, reaching #1 on the iTunes alternative album chart, #3 on the ARIA Country Album chart, and #9 on the AIR Indie Album chart. This success is not new for the duo, as their first three song releases prior to the album release each reached the #1 spot in their respective iTunes genres, with their second release, My Friend, reaching #1 overall in the iTunes Charts in Australia.

Having shared the stage with the likes of Birds of Tokyo, Jon Stevens, The Veronicas, Vanessa Amorosi, Thirsty Merc and Olivia Newton-John, Sam + Sam are now bringing their vibrant, body-moving show to stages across regional Victoria, playing shows in Panton Hill, Ballarat, Geelong, Echuca and Bendigo.

Catch Sam + Sam at Panton Hill Hotel on 12 February, Ballarat Turf Club on 18 February, Sphinx Hotel in Geelong on 4 March, Shamrock Hotel in Echuca on 9 March and Bendigo Racecourse on 25 March. Tickets via www.samsam.live

The Old River Knows

A collaboration between Warwick Hadfield and champions of Australian music

If you happen to be plugged into the Australian music scene of the 70s, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Sam See‘s music even if you haven’t heard of Sam See. A successful musician since the 60s, See was a member of legendary Australian bands such as Sherbet, Bon Scott’s Fraternity, country rock pioneers Flying Circus, the ubiquitous Stockley See & Mason and who could ever forget The Zarsoff Brothers.

He’s lent his talents to plenty of other projects too, writing John Farnham’s ‘Reasons’ and producing for Olivia Newton-John, but now he’s extending his gaze to Geelong, teaming up with songwriter and Australia sports broadcaster Warwick Hadfield once again.

Previously working together on an EP, Platonic Ironic , for Hadfield’s former band Dancing With Socrates, Hadfield decided to reconnect with See to help bring his poetic reflections and authentic storytelling to life.

“I was both stunned and thrilled when a musician of Sam’s standing agreed to work with me, and so far we have done an EP, Platonic Ironic, and three other songs, and most recently have begun writing together, my contribution the lyrics,” Hadfield says.

‘The Old River Knows’ pairs Hadfield’s warm and sentimental songwriting with See’s meticulous musicianship, blending rock roots with vibrant country and bluegrass elements that help the spaces resonate with someplace deep down inside.

The song bounces along gently, with See’s rich and warm vocals carrying you through various scenarios; the whole-hearted arrangement perfectly mimics what compassion would sound like if it was put to music.

“This song began with an idea to pay tribute to the people who farm along the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales, one in particular, an old school friend of mine,” Hadfield explains.

Celebrated musicians Lindsay Field and Glyn Mason, who perform together as Field, See & Mason, join See for both the recorded and live version of the song, featuring their unique blend of vocals and inventive guitar work.

‘The Old River Knows’ is out now. Field, See & Mason will perform the song live at Bird’s Basement in Melbourne on Saturday, 4 March.

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23 FORTE MAG

ARTS GUIDE

Exhibitions to see in February + March

Nature: Her Fury and Beauty

Expect floods, droughts, fire, fog, rainbows, sunrises and sunsets featured across landscapes, sport, portraits and news photos. Naturally, there are plenty of sunrises and sunsets, but also a good number of photos a bit out of the box, like Elizabeth St, Melbourne, as a raging torrent during the 1972 floods, kids playing football in the rain, a cloud-seeding aircraft in an attempt to end a drought and a farmer silhouetted by a stormy sky, hoping for rain.

The exhibition will run until 2 April at Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery, North Geelong.

Pink Ember Studio presents Thas Mento Illness Luv

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 58 is on show now until 7 May at National Wool Museum, Geelong.

Rachel Turner: Walk This Way

Rachel Turner’s art practice is about seeing the good in the world. Infusing local scenes with unexpected colour and vibrancy, Walk This Way focuses on Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country and the stunning scenes you pass by each day in your busy lives. Turner’s landscapes are about appreciation of the country she is blessed to live on. Being content in her place in the world and making the most of where she’s at in her life are key themes that appear in all of Turner’s work.

See Rachel Turner: Walk This Way at Unicorn Lane, Ballarat Central until 28 February.

Thas Mento Illness Luv is a group show exploring their relationship to memes, meme culture and what memes mean to them. Showcasing a body of work in various mediums that reflects on their experiences working in a non-for-profit, queer focused studio and the community it has built, the artists in this show express their unique relationship to memes: finding yourself in other people’s messed up jokes, making light of suffering through shared culture, being in on the joke, being seen and witnessed.

See Thas Mento Illness Luv at Platform Arts, Geelong until 24 February.

2023 Future Creatives

In this inaugural exhibition, Geelong Gallery celebrates the achievements and creative practices of young emerging artists living in Geelong and the surrounding region who completed their Victorian Certificate of Education in 2022. The Future Creatives exhibition showcases young peoples’ creative talents in art and design and provides a valuable opportunity to support the professional development of career pathways and future tertiary studies in art and design.

See it for free at the Geelong Gallery until 13 March.

Kir Larwill: Missing You Already

Missing You Already is Boom Gallery’s new exhibition featuring works by Castlemainebased printmaker and painter Kir Larwill. “The work I make is grounded in the beauty and meaning that can be found in the everyday, in the mundane and the utilitarian, and in the unremarkable corners of home. It is an exploration of household objects and familiar surrounds, and of the humour, weight and significance of ordinary things.”

Kir Larwill’s exhibition runs until 19 February at Boom Gallery in Newtown.

Eliza-Jane Gilchrist: Strange Garden

In Strange Garden , Castlemaine-based artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist investigates the natural world inspired by shapes and patterns found in seedpods, bones, and shells. Her cardboard sculptures show the strangeness and wonder of the microscopic or the minute, drawing attention to the repetitive patterns that build life and complexity in the natural world.

Strange Garden is on show at ArtHouse at RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick until 26 February.

Find Your Wings: Chillout Festival 2023

Presented as part of ChillOut Festival, Find Your Wings is a journey into Queer art from across regional Victoria celebrating the creative spirit through diverse visual language at Radius Art. An exhibition launch party will be held Friday 10 March at 5pm with entry by donation and a drink on arrival.

The exhibition will be on display for free from 3 March - 26 March at Radius Art Gallery Hepburn.

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KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS

BLACK MIDI - JEN CLOHER - KUCKA

CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS

BIG SCARY - LOODS - DAINE - RONA.

AGUNG MANGO - ALLYSHA JOY

OUR CARLSON - AYEBATONYE

MIRASIA - RUBY GILL - SUNFRUITS

GENA ROSE BRUCE - KOMANG

SETWUN - DELIVERY - CHEF CHUNG

DR SURE ’S UNUSUAL PRACTICE

WORKHORSE - WAY DYNAMIC

WILDFIRE MANWURRK

TAMARA & THE DREAMS

THE BLOODY NORAHS + MORE

FORTE MAG 25
MEADOWMF.COM.AU

Tim Rogers & The Twin Set TINES

OF STARS UNFURLED

Album Reviews by Alex Callan

At a point in time, if you were to hear the word ‘line’ and Tim Rogers in the same sentence, your mind would immediately race to the revered Aussie artist getting loaded in dingy backrooms of inner-city Melbourne venues. Now, many years later, it evokes the imagery of a slew of people ‘line-dancing’ at the Kentucky State Fair.

and ‘girls’) offering up addendums to some of the songs on the now iconic ‘99 debut. Having stated that some of the pre-existing songs “no longer [rang] true”, Rogers decided to deliver new and reimagined takes on the old classics, offering up home truths (and at times rebuttals) from the perspective of the same songwriter 20 years on. This isn’t always pretty, but what journey of self-discovery is?

CIVIC Taken By Force

Yes, that’s right, Tim Rogers has gone country. And when I say that, I don’t mean he’s gone out West to pursue the ‘new sound’, I mean he’s gone full-on, boot-scootin’ country. Sure, it’s a move that will naturally upset You Am I purists who were hoping Rogers’ newest offering would be a rehash of the group’s iconic 90’s punk rock sound, but for the loyalists who have kept tabs on every nuance of the artists’ career, it’s a reinvention that’s been a long time coming.

This is not to say that Rogers hasn’t successfully reinvented his sound previously. If anything, it's been quite the opposite, with fan’s still regarding his debut release with The Twin Set

1999’s ‘I Left My Heart All Over The Place’, in which Rogers famously pens to a lover about trying to make himself better but still being a “sorry sack of shit”, evolves into the incredibly evocative ‘Left My Heart’, in which a now sober Rogers reflects on his years of partying only to resolve that “the money saved on powder, piss and pills” was only “doubled down on meds for his ills.” In another stark moment, the painstakingly honest ‘A Quiet Anniversary’, sees Rogers singing with candour about the happy relationship depicted in ‘Happy Anniversary’ gradually diminishing, leaving the songwriter with aching grief as he deals with solitude on their anniversary.

Presented with the wisdom of a hardened barfly; the wit of John Prine and the vulnerability of an AA meeting, Rogers' newest release conveys more than just a stylistic reinvention, instead feeling like the debut of a whole new Rogers entirely. The big difference is this time around he’s dropped the cool guy schtick… and the results have never been cooler.

Label: Virgin Music Release date: 24/02/2023

CIVIC are without a doubt one of Australia’s most exciting acts at the moment. If that’s a statement that you disagree with, I’ll refine it even further by stating that CIVIC are easily Australia’s most genuine punk outfit. If you still disagree, you’re just lying to yourself.

Everything about the group is drenched in authenticity, so much so that if you stumbled across their newest release Taken By Force at an op-shop, you’d assume you’d just found a hidden Aussie gem from the 70s.

From the vintage Aussie surf poster style of the cover to the raw, rock and roll charged punk output the band are becoming known for, it’s quite evident that CIVIC have started to really lean into their influences, namely that of Sydney punk stalwarts Radio Birdman. This is a move that has seemingly been embraced by Birdman themselves, with the group’s esteemed lead vocalist Rob Younger serving as a producer on Taken By Force, alongside CIVIC’s newest recruit Matt Blach.

While songs like ‘End Of The Line’ and ‘Fly Song’ channel the aggressive punk nature that the group cut their teeth on, tracks like ‘Taken By Force’ and ‘Trick Of The Light’ change it up a bit, tying together old and new punk elements with moments of psychedelia in a powerful display that proves that punk doesn’t need to be overly fast or aggressive as long as it maintains its cause and integrity.

Label: Cooking Vinyl Records Release date: 10/02/2023

What

Rhymes With Cars and Girls? as one of Roger’s most powerful collections of work to date. This is a sentiment felt by many, Rogers not being one of them, with his newest album Tines of Stars Unfurled (yes, that rhymes with ‘cars’

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Huntly Sentimental Still

With an eclectic sound that’s as equally suited for commercial radio as it is for nightclubs, genre-melders Huntly continues to explore their honed-in combination of off-kilter beats merged with infectious electro-pop hooks on their sophomore release Sentimental Still

Presented through a myriad of electronic soundscapes that rapidly change in genre and tempo, Sentimental Still ushers in quite a change-up for the Melbournebased up-and-comers, leaving behind their indie-pop sound for the darker realms of UK garage and alternative techno. It’s a welcomed change-up, albeit a surprising one, considering the group have gone less commercial on their follow-up, although, in doing so they have transformed their sound to far greater heights.

As an almost pre-certified dancefloor romper, ‘It’s You I’m Here For’ dazzles, with Andrew Huhtanen McEwan’s rapid Mall Grab-esque breakbeats and atmospheric trip-hop transitions providing the perfect backing to leave you transfixed on Elspeth Scrine’s enigmatic vocal range.

‘Shame’ maintains a 2-step garage quality akin to the likes of PinkPantheress, whilst ‘Make You Proud’ leans more into the likes of Jamie XX and Four Tet with its intricate percussive arrangements. Adding a level of sensibility, ‘Still Be Someone’ replaces percussion for dissonant keys in a stripped-back moment that sees Scrine’s vocals soar.

Straight up, in terms of the alternative electronic scene, Huntly have all of the components needed to become massive. At this point, it’s just a matter of time.

Label: Dot Dash Recordings

Release date: 03/02/2023

Bumpy Morning Sun

Over the last few years neo-jazz, nu-soul has gradually been creeping into the Melbourne scene, establishing a rather rapid following as one of the most prominent up-and-coming genres around.

Merging elements of R’n’B, alternative electronica, jazz and hip-hop, the genre quickly earned its stripes, with trailblazers such as Hiatus Kaiyote and 30/70 migrating from tiny backyard shows and the Victorian ‘bush-doof’ scene to become revered on the stages all around the world.

This means that Bumpy’s debut EP Morning Sun is being delivered to the masses at the perfect time. With her backing being comprised of electronically charged jazz elements and a vocal range that resembles the raw huskiness of Macy Gray, Bumpy’s debut perfectly encapsulates the breathtaking vocal capabilities of the ludicrously gifted Naarm-based artist.

From the sweeping percussive breaks of ‘Leave It All Behind’ to the mesmerising shuffled percussion and funky Morcheebaesque grooves of ‘Return Home’, Morning Sun will undoubtedly offer up enough to keep you grooving through the day. The title track ‘Morning Sun’ highlights more of a folk sensibility to the artists, whilst ‘Hide & Seek’ maintains soulful grooves and powerful vocal harmonies alongside its slowed-down metronomic beats. But that’s possibly Morning Sun’s most impressive feature; that almost every song takes on a completely new style for the vocalist, but never in a gimmicky way. Instead, Bumpy’s vocals are equally suited to any style she tackles.

Label: Astral People Recordings Release date: 27/01/2023

Tropical Fuck Storm Submersive Behaviour

Anytime an artist decides to tackle a cover of Hendrix, it’s risky business, let alone when that cover is released as a direct response to another artist’s cover. And yet, it’s an ambitious (and quite egotistical) move that TFS were always guaranteed to pull off.

Their newest release, the Submersive Behaviour 12", kicks off with a blistering take on ‘1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)’, which as you may have figured, is directly in combat to Zayn Malik’s recent rendition of Jimi Hendrix's ‘Angel’. Presented with swagger and bravado, TFS’s cover isn’t just one that highlights the complexities of the original track, but one that has fully been adopted as their own, with the vast majority of listeners unlikely to realise that it is a cover of a Hendrix deep cut.

Considering the drawn-out ‘jamlike’ nature and some of the off-kilter, ambient interludes, ‘1983…’ may find itself too left of centre for the everyday listener. Still, for psych-rock enthusiasts who cut their teeth on Captain Beefheart and King Crimson, there will undoubtedly be a lot for you to sink your teeth into.

With the remainder having previously been released on 2022’s Moonburn EP, fans were already stoked about finally getting a hard-copy version of the hard-hitting dance grooves of ‘The Golden Ratio’ and the powerful folk-rooted ‘Aspirin’, and now with a new Hendrix cover thrown into the mix, they have even more to celebrate.

Label: Joyful Noise Recordings

Release date: 03/02/2023

FORTE MAG 27

Bahjong

Geelong’s new retro-inspired dumpling diner and bar from the team at Baah Lah

Since opening in 2019, locals and visitors alike have fallen in love with the elegance, Singaporean flavours and techniques, and delicious fare offered at Brian Anderson and Amy Evans’ Pakington Street restaurant Baah Lah.

Now the talented pair have set out to challenge your palates with their new venture Bahjong, a retro-inspired modern-Asian hangout that’s a step up from street eats, a step down from fine dining, and a welcome addition to the bustling Little Malop Street.

Taking inspiration from the classic Chinese game ‘Mahjong’, Asian hawkers/ street food, and mixing it with retro diners of the west, the new dumpling diner and bar is where you can park up with a plate of food and a cocktail, or grab a bite to take back to the office.

As expected from the team at Baah Lah, plenty of thought has gone into the eating experience here with a menu that’s all about inspired combinations.

You’ll find 12 different types of homemade dumplings with a traditionally untraditional twist, paying homage to late-night classics like lamb kebab; potato, chive and sour cream; and curry beef with hot sauce. Here, it’s not just lonely dumplings served on a plate. Instead, each type of dumpling comes with a more lavish touch. The lamb and cumin dumplings, for example, are topped with bread crisps, yoghurt, tomato and cucumber, while pork and cabbage dumplings are served with sweet soy and onion rings, genuinely changing the game of dumplings in Geelong.

Of course, gluten-free and vegan options are available, and side dishes come in the form of Bao Bread and Pickled Salad. You’ll also find a sweet option with coconut custard dumplings to finish (or start), complete with shredded coconut, condensed milk, puffed rice, ice cream and strawberries.

Cocktails are Asian-inspired, using as many Australian-made spirits as possible, carrying that same bright-eyed idea into their beer and wine list.

Bahjong is located at 82 Little Malop Street, Geelong and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm until late, and for lunch Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm.

Brother Lawrence

The dedicated bagel, bread and coffee bar in Newtown

Inside Newtown’s historic wool mill, host to Geelong’s dedicated art space Boom Gallery, Anglesea’s Michael Lobbe has transformed the space into something special with Brother Lawrence - a neighbourhood-friendly, laidback everyday bagelry and coffee shop.

A concept years in the making, originating from Michael’s baking business, Loaves by Lobbe, Brother Lawrence has become a homage to Michael’s passion. Here, it’s all about simple ingredients and allowing the sourdough bagels to do the talking.

Handmade, rolled, boiled and baked the traditional way, these dense, chewy hoops are the hero at Brother Lawrence. And while Michael’s poppy seed, plain and sesame bagels may lean traditional, the fillings sure don’t.

There are several topping options on offer at the cafe, from the very simple (bacon & egg, or ham & cheese), to the more elaborate. You might order the classic NYC-inspired citrus-cured salmon bagel with lemon and dill schmear, crispy capers, red onion and roquette; or a very Melbourne smashed avo bagel with goats cheese, hash brown and sliced tomato.

Inspired by creation, Brother Lawrence also offers not-so-classic bagels, like the blueberry or cinnamon and raisin bagel with you can get topped with cream cheese and Bellarine Jam.

Of course, there’s more to Brother Lawrence than bagels with a quaint but vibrant all-day breakfast menu inspired by fresh and local produce. With a focus on simple, wholesome meals, you’ll find eggs ‘any way’ (served on Loaves by Lobbe sourdough of course); Karaage mushrooms; coffee granola with a coffee and chocolate pannacotta AND a orange, ginger and rosemary pannacotta; a burrito plate; or a Brother Lawrence cheeseburger. Feeling healthy? Try the ‘Pesto Greens’ dish with charred broccolini, asparagus and kale, avocado, pesto, seed mix and a poached egg.

You’ll also find freshly squeezed juice, sparkling drinks, hot drinks, assorted tea from Love Tea and coffee by Ona, brewed and served to perfection. And if that wasn’t enough, you can even get your hands on fresh bread here to take away, seven days a week.

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Brother Lawrence is located at 11 Rutland Street, Newtown. Open everyday 8:30am - 3pm. CREDIT: JANE FITZ

LoukouMADNESS

Geelong’s new Greek dessert bar

For the ultimate sweet treat in Geelong, head to LoukouMADNESS Greek Dessert Bar - the new little sister venue of multi-awarded Mavs Greek restaurant (The Best Greek restaurant of VIC and TAS 2022 and The Bronze National Award 2022 by Restaurant and Catering Association) and Souva Bar Greek takeaway.

With Loukoumades (bite-sized Greek doughnuts, traditionally served with honey, walnuts and cinnamon) being one of the most popular desserts at Mavs since it opened 5.5 years ago, Mavs owners Milton and Julia decided to venture into the sweet side of life, bringing a wholesome dessert offering into the Geelong CBD community.

Located just metres from their hero restaurant Mavs on Little Malop Street, the holy grail at the bright and colourful dessert destination is, of course, the deliciously fried Greek doughnuts - Loukoumades.

Served fresh, made to order and designed to be eaten hot, you’ll find the traditional honey and walnut loukoumades alongside 10 other flavours with a twist. There’s dark rich chocolate, Nutella, coffee, bitter almond, cherry and strawberry sauces, and classic and salted caramel. If you don’t like the menu flavours, you can create your own, adding a range of sauces, toppings and ice cream.

Serves come in six pieces ranging from $7-$8, or a 10-pack will set you back only $14 at a maximum.

Don’t feel like loukoumades? You’ll also find a range of traditional Greek desserts available, including Baklava, Galaktoboureko, Ekmek, Greek rice pudding, orange and walnut cakes, yo-yos and profiterol – you name it, they serve it!

The cherry on top is that they also make seriously indulgent shakes and thick shakes in a range of oh-so-sweet flavours inspired by the Loukoumades, plus coffees, frappe, freddo espresso, freddo cappuccino, and Greek coffee all day long!

It started with Mavs, continued with Souva Bar and now with LoukouMADNESS, the Mavs team just keeps on bringing Greek cuisine and culture to Geelong in new, exciting and delicious ways.

LoukouMADNESS Greek Desserts is located at 65 Little Malop Street, Geelong and is open Monday to Friday 9am – 10pm, and Saturday 5pm – 10pm.

Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Geelong

Grab your gang, because Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet, nestled in the heart of Geelong on Moorabool St, is the funky, modern new Korean BBQ house we’ve all been waiting for. From the themed Korean posters lining the wall and the minimalist layout, to the bustling atmosphere, everything about Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet is eccentric, fun and something Geelong hasn't seen before.

Cheap yet delicious, Gogi is bringing joy to the region with an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ buffet experience, made to be washed down with a few soju’s and crisp, cold Asian beers and spirits any night of the week.

Opening in January, Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet is a fun, buffet-style Korean restaurant with a gas BBQ grill built into each table, ready for you to fire up and sear a mouth-watering range of meats, including premium Black Angus Beef and Australian Wagyu in a range of cuts and delicious seafood options like prawns and octopus.

With a buffet room labelled ‘Heaven’, it’s here you’ll find all the meats (and vegetables) that you’ll expertly grill at your table, alongside a range of traditional hot Korean treats, premium sushi, handmade YumCha, plus an array of drool-worthy bites. The team here pulls no punches with their traditional flavours, making everything as bold and fresh as possible. Of course, sweet tooths are taken care of with dessert, including a chocolate fountain and soft serve.

There are two sessions each day: 5pm to 7pm; and 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The buffet experience will cost $52.80 on weekdays (Friday included!), and $59.80 over the weekend. Better still, if you bring the kids you can take advantage of free dinner for kids aged 0 to 3 years old, or half-price for kids aged 4 to 12. Best to note, a minimum of two adults are required per table.

We hope you’re hungry.

Gogi Korean BBQ Buffet is located at 52 Moorabool St, Geelong. To book, text or call 0491822222 or visit reservation.abacus.co/store/4805487/reservation

FORTE MAG 29

STAGE GUIDE

Shows to catch in February + March

SupperClub Friday Presents: Comedy Republic

The Bleeding Tree

Shining a light on domestic violence, Angus Cerini’s award-winning play The Bleeding Tree is theatre at its most powerful. In a dirtdry town in rural Australia, a shot shatters the still night. A mother and her daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house - with a crack in the shins and a bullet in the neck. The only issue now is disposing of the body. Triggered into thrilling motion by an act of revenge, The Bleeding Tree is rude, rhythmical and irreverently funny.

The Bleeding Tree runs at Platform Arts with multiple performances from 22 February to 25 February.

Frolic Cabaret

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny

Playing more than 75 epic shows in these venues around the country, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ legend Jimmy Carr’s all-new stand-up show Terribly Funny contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Jokes are little lies. Nothing more than wonderful, funny, joyful tricks, constructed from language. Catering to “an adult paying audience who’ve got a good idea what’s in store”, audiences can expect that nothing will be off the table here.

See Carr at Civic Hall, Ballarat on 15 + 22 February, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on 16 + 23 February, and Costa Hall, Geelong on 5 March.

The Naked Magicians

Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, Australia’s own The Naked Magicians, arrive home from their Las Vegas residency at MGM Grand with their smash hit show that sees the duo forego top hats and capes for full frontal illusions complete with magic, muscles and endless laughs. Contains nudity, sexual references, and adult themes.

Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballarat on 2 March, Costa Hall, Geelong on 4 March and Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on March 16. Strictly 18+

Adored independent comedy theatre Comedy Republic is hitting the road with a stacked lineup of their funniest favourites, including comedians Claire Hooper, Alex Ward, Dane Simpson and Luka Muller. Making up part of the Palais Hepburn’s SupperClub Friday program, the one-off performance is combining fantastic entertainment with exquisite dining options in the theatre’s salon. The series gives audiences the chance to bookend their evening with a delicious meal before the show and a worldclass cocktail to conclude a splendid night.

See it at Palais Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on 24 February.

A downright dirty assortment of drag, comedy and cabaret hosted by the fabulous drag disruptor Ruby Slippers, Frolic Cabaret features local drag performer, singer and celebrity Gabriella Labucci, sequinned satirist and downright ridiculous Miss Fribby, operatic cabaret sweetheart Issie Hart and the ‘quirky but earnest’ comedian back by request Daisy Webb.

Piano Bar Ballarat on Thursday, February 9 at 7pm.

Victorian State Ballet presents The Snow Queen

The Victorian State Ballet proudly presents The Snow Queen in a beautiful ballet story performance! Based on the well-known classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, the Snow Queen is a beautiful ballet that portrays the heart-warming story of the young Gerda and her struggle against an evil and icy foe. With stunning sets, costumes, music and icy magic lighting, outstanding skill, artistry and technique will be on show in this visually inspiring and highly entertaining performance.

Lano & Woodley: Moby Dick

Hailed as ‘two of our greatest virtuosos of comedy’, the duo are heading our way with their brand new show ‘Moby Dick’ – their most ambitious show yet. Moby Dick is one of the greatest stories ever told, with adventure, revenge, madness, religion and the fury and majesty of nature, all served with a side of whaling. Will Captain Ahab’s hatred of his nemesis Moby Dick send them headlong into total destruction? Will Colin’s long-held hatred of Frank, ends in the destruction of his dickhead nemesis?

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on 10 February, Melbourne Comedy Festival on 11-16 April and Town Hall, Kyneton on 27 May.

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on 19 February, Frankston Arts Centre on 5 March, West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul on March 19, and Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on May 5 + 6.

Hard Quiz Live

‘Hard Quiz’ Master, Overlord and Gold Logie Award-winner Tom Gleeson is adding a third dimension to Australia’s hardest TV quiz, swapping the studio for a theatre and hitting the road. This will be Hard Quiz like you have never seen it, with audience members pulled on stage for a live roasting from the most brutal quizmaster since the inquisition. This may be peak Gleeson, the most perfect expression of his powers – Hard Quiz, a huge live crowd and no rules.

See it at Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool on 10 February, Costa Hall, Geelong on 17 March and Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on 13 May.

FORTEMAG.COM.AU 30

Gigs + Events Feb 09 — Mar 05

For more gigs head to fortemag.com.au/gigguide

Thursday February 9th

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

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

LOWERCASE POETRY. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Friday February 10th

COOLDAD, VIOLET, THE KING’S POET AND SUSPENDED. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7pm. $13.30.

OSEES, THE BLINDS. The Croxton Bandroom. Thornbury. 7pm. $69.40.

GROVE PERFORMS SONGS WITH FRIENDS. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7pm. $10.

THE BEST OF THE BEE GEES WITH COLIN ‘SMILEY’ PETERSON. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $74. Concession $64.

LANO & WOODLEY ‘MOBY DICK’. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $64.90. Concession $59.90.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAY PRESENTS: MAGGIE JACKSON NYJAZZ

QUARTER. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $15.

HARD QUIZ LIVE HOSTED BY TOM GLEESON. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 6:30 & 8:30pm. Adult $64.90. Concession $59.90.

BUSH GOTHIC, HONEYMOON BRIDGE. Wesley Anne. Northcote. 7pm. Free.

ROBBIE - THE AUSTRALIAN ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE SHOW. Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 9pm. Tickets from $20.

HOLY SERPENT, PIZZA DEATH, MAMMONS THRONE, GIANT. The Bendigo Hotel. Melbourne. 8pm. $23.75.

JOJO RAINWATER. Valhalla Taproom. 8pm. Free.

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

FRIDAYS AT THE ELEPHANT. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Barwon Heads Hotel. Barwon Heads. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR

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

FLORENCE BAR

FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

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

DJ COSMIC MICROWAVE. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Saturday

February 11th

‘ELIFEST’ - A FUNDRAISER FOR ELIJAH & FAMILY FT: THE GRIMWOODS, THE ASTROTURFS, SOMETHING SOMETHING EXPLOSION, MONSTERS OF THE DIRTY SOUTH AND MORE. The Barwon Club Hotel. South Geelong. 1pm. $23.50

LANEWAY FESTIVAL FT: HAIM (EXCLUSIVE), JOJI (EXCLUSIVE), PHOEBE BRIDGERS, FINNEAS, FONTAINES D.C, FRED AGAIN, SLOWTHAI, TURNSTILE, JULIA JACKLIN, THE JUNGLE GIANTS, LOGIC1000 AND MORE. The Park. Flemington. 11:30am. $198.70.

‘TOWN FOLK FESTIVAL’ FT: BIG SCARY, DANIKA, EMMA RUSSACK & LACHLAN

DENTON, FELICITY CRIPPS

BAND, FOLK BITCH TRIO, JADE IMAGINE, MAPLE GLIDER AND MORE. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 2:30pm. $85.20.

OSEES, MODAL MELODIES. The Croxton Bandroom. Thornbury. 7pm. $69.40.

DAMON SMITH TRIO. Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues. Geelong. 9pm. $15.

‘LIVE IN THE VINES’ FT: HOODOO GURUS, THE LIVING END, WOLFMOTHER, NOISEWORKS, BABY ANIMALS AND THIRSTY MERC. Rochford Wines. Coldstream, Yarra Valley. 1pm. $142.49.

ECHO BEACH 2023 FT

ADRIANA, ANDRAS B2B

BELL TOWERS, CASTRO & NEMO, JEX OPLIS, KALYANI, MAYURASHKA, PET$, TORNADO WALLACE AND MORE. Collingwood Childrens Farms. Collingwood. 4pm. $47.85.

THUNDAMENTALS, HORRORSHOW, GUEST (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8:30pm. $44.90.

CHOCOLATE STARFISH PRESENT ‘BAT OUT OF HELL’. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 8pm. $69.

LOOKS THAT KILL - MOTLEY CRUE TRIBUTE SHOW. Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 9pm. $15.

TAKING BACK SATURDAY: EMO & POP PUNK NIGHT. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $18.40.

THE MCNAMARR

PROJECT, SAM BUCKLEY, VIC POLYIK’S RETRO RADICALS, LAUREL AND THE PAINKILLERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

THE SCIENTISTS ‘NEGATIVITY’ TOUR. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $56.10.

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

31 FORTE MAG

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

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

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

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

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJ SAM ASHBY. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

DJS AT BLOOM NIGHTCLUB. Bloom. Geelong. 10pm. Free.

Sunday February 12th

THE SCIENTISTS‘NEGATIVITY’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR.

THE BARWON CLUB. South Geelong. 6:30pm. $56.10.

ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES, GUEST (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7pm. SOLD OUT.

SKYSCRAPER STAN & THE COMMISSION

FLATS. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. $25.

NOISEWORKS: TAKE ME

BACK TOUR. Ulumbarra

Theatre. Bendigo. 5pm. Tickets from $79.

KINGSWOOD, GUEST (TBC). Theatre Royal.

Castlemaine. 7pm. $48.45.

ORIGINAL SUNDAYS. Beavs.

Geelong. 5:00pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY

SESSIONS. The Barking Dog.

Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

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

WAX SUNDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

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

Thursday February 16th

DRUID FLUID ‘INTO ME I SEE’ TOUR WITH MORNIING, EXPO. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7pm. $10.

SONS OF THE EAST ‘PALOMAR PARADE’ ALBUM TOUR WITH AMISTAT. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8pm. $35.70.

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY

FUNNY. Ulumbarra

Theatre. Bendigo. 7pm. Tickets from $89.90.

ANTHONY PATERAS

‘A DREAD OF VOIDS’. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 7pm. $35.70.

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

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

PUNK NIGHT WITH DJ DREAD. Valhalla Taproom. 8pm. Free.

Friday February 17th

RIVERBOATS MUSIC

FESTIVAL FT: MARLON

WILLIAMS, SPIDERBAIT, FELIX RIEBL, THE WHITLAMS, ALICE SKYE, BONES AND JONES, ANDY GOLLEDGE

BAND, WATTY THOMPSON AND MORE. Echuca/ Moama. Victorian Border.

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th.

Weekend Ticket $211.90.

THE MAGIKC MEADOW EXPERIMENT FT BIRDMAN AND THE BREEDERS, BROWN

SUGAR, CINTA, COCO BROWN, DYL NYL, DOPPEL, FR3AKY, SAI GALAXY LIVE SET (DIGITAL AFRIKA), ENDLESS VALLEY, FERNDANCE, HONEY FINGERS AND MORE. The Budawang Ranges. Yuin Country, NSW.

Feb 17-20. $198.70.

MARDI GRAS 2023

FEATURING N,O, FONK. Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues. Geelong. 9pm. $30.

FREAK CITY FREQUENCIES

VOL 3: BARBIE GAULT, SEMPS & KEL, EMMYK & TILLY, RHYEEM, PRODGAZ, JUICEBOXX. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. $11.90. BONES AND JONES. Malthouse Outdoor Stage. Melbourne. 8pm. $25.

THE STRIPP, BLOWERS, SWEDISH MAGAZINES. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8:00pm. $15.

THE WHITLAMS - ‘ETERNAL NIGHTCAP’ 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW WITH RILEY CATHERALL. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 7:30pm. $66.30.

KILAT, DEAD, WRATHIAN. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7pm. $15.

VOLTA’S 3RD BIRTHDAY FT NICOLAS CAGE FIGHTER, DIMINISHED REASON, FALL & RESIST. Volta. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $18.40.

LEADING LADIES STARRING LUCY DURACK, CAROLINE O’CONNOR AND SILVIE PALDINO. Costa Hall. Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 7:30pm. Full Price $75 Concession $68 Child $49.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAY PRESENTS: ZAC ANTHONY. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $15.

AUNTIE LEO & THE BACKSTABBERS - ‘DONE NO GOOD’ SINGLE LAUNCH. Old Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $17.35.

MICK CRUMP. Valhalla Taproom. 8pm. Free.

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

FRIDAYS AT THE ELEPHANT.

The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 6pm. Free

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. The Barwon Heads Hotel. Barwon Heads. 7pm. Free.

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

FLORENCE BAR

FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

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

DJ DAN ROCK. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Saturday

February 18th

MOUNTAIN GOAT PRESENTS: BDK FEST II FEATURING: DR SURE’S UNUSUAL PRACTICE, DESTRENDS, EVENING NEWS, GOOD SNIFF, KOSMETIKA, WHITE FLOWER SOCIETY AND MORE. The Gasometer Hotel. Melbourne. 1:30pm. $39.80.

KINGSWOOD. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8:00pm. $34.70.

TONI CHILDS ‘RETROSPECTIVE TOUR’. The Capital. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Adult $70, Concession $65.

MARDI GRAS 2023

FEATURING JULES BOULT & THE REDEEMERS. Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues. Geelong. 9pm. $30.

MANISH PINGLE ‘AN EVENING OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC’. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $25.

VOLTA’S 3RD BIRTHDAY FT AUNTIE LEO & THE BACKSTABBERS, GANGZ LASHES. Volta. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $18.40.

FORTEMAG.COM.AU 32

STEVE KILBEY PLAYS THE CHURCH SINGLES (19801992). The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 8pm. $50.

GEORGE KAMIKAWA, ANNA SCIONTI, THE WINDSAVERS, KALIOPLI & THE BLUE MESSENGERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

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

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

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

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

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

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJ T WHISTLE. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

DJS AT BLOOM NIGHTCLUB. Bloom. Geelong. 10pm. Free.

Sunday February 19th

AUSECUMA BEATS AND ZEITGEIST FREEDOM ENERGY EXCHANGE (ZFEX). Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 12:30pm. $30.

CARLA GENEVE + LUKE MORRIS & THE HEAVY HITTERS, QUALITY USED

CARS. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 5pm. $31.65.

EVERCLEAR 30TH

ANNIVERSARY TOUR, GUEST (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8pm. Meet and Greet Package $213.70.

General Admission $60.70.

FULTON STREET. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

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

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY

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

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

WAX SUNDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

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

Thursday February 23rd

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 7pm & 9:30pm. Tickets from $89.90.

STORER ‘SHOW ME’ WITH SARA AND GREG STORER. The Potato Shed. Drysdale. 8pm. $42.

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

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

Friday February 24th

HELENA HAUFF, REPTANT, IN2STELLAR, NAK, DJ PGZ AND ANDY GARVEY. The Industrique. Melbourne. 7pm. $40-50.

KINGSWOOD. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $34.95.

FOREVER 80’S. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $56.60.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAY PRESENTS: COMEDY REPUBLIC. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $29.

STORER ‘SHOW ME’ WITH SARA AND GREG STORER. Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 9pm. Tickets from $33.

ANGEL OLSEN, GUEST (TBC). Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $66.85.

JUSTIN KEENAN (THE

GO SET).

Valhalla Taproom. 8pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC. Beavs.

Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

FRIDAYS AT THE ELEPHANT.

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

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

The Barwon Heads Hotel. Barwon Heads. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR BAR.

THE BARKING DOG. Geelong West. 5pm. Free.

FLORENCE BAR FRIDAYS.

GEELONG HOTEL. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

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

DJ MILLERS CHILL. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Saturday

February 25th

STELLA DONNELLY ‘FLOOD’ TOUR WITH MIA JUNE. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $40.80.

SACRAMENTO SWEATERS, THE MONAROS, DOPAMINDS, DJ CHUNKY LOVE, DJ ROKDOG. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7pm. $18.40.

KELLY AUTY, BRET MOSLEY, JULES BOULT, OSCAR

LADELL. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

SWEET WATER BLUES.

Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues. Geelong. 9pm. $15.

SONS OF SUN. The Potato Shed. Drysdale. 8pm. $42.

JORDIE LANE, BRANDON

WALSH. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 8:30pm. $30.

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

FATE & DESTINY - GEELONG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Costa Hall. Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 5pm. Full Price $60. Concession $55.

B SHARP BURLESK.

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

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR

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

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

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

DJ SPACEDOCK. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

DJS AT BLOOM NIGHTCLUB. Bloom. Geelong. 10pm. Free.

Sunday

February 26th

STELLA DONNELLY - ‘FLOOD’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR, MIA JUNE. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8pm. $40.80.

HANA + JESSIE LEE'S BAD HABITS. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

MICK HARVEY & J.P SHILO, GUESTS (TBC). Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 7pm. $35.70.

SUN RISING: THE HITS THAT MADE MEMPHIS. Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 2pm. Adult $35. Concession $30.

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

FORTE MAG 33

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY

SESSIONS. The Barking Dog.

Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

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

WAX SUNDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

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

CHEESE EXCURSION, OPERATION KARMA, DJ

DREAD. Medusa Bar.

Geelong. 3pm. $10.

Thursday March 2nd

ELANA STONE (ALL OUR EXES LIVE IN TEXAS). The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 8:30pm. $20.

METAL NIGHT. Valhalla Taproom. 8pm. Free.

Friday March 3rd

OLD MERVS ‘GET BETTER’

TOUR. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $26.05.

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE.

Bendigo Bank Theatre. Bendigo. 8pm. $34.10.

NURSE GEORGIE CARROLL:

SISTA FLO 2.0. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. Adult $49, Concession $44.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAY PRESENTS: BIRDPOP. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $15.

SHINTO KATANA, VENGEANCE, FEVER SHACK, WINNERZ CIRCLE, EIGHT COUNT. Stay Gold. Melbourne. 8pm. $29.13.

LIVE MUSIC. Beavs.

Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

WILD GLORIOSA. Valhalla

Taproom. 8pm. Free.

FRIDAYS AT THE ELEPHANT.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT THE JUKE.

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

The Barwon Heads Hotel. Barwon Heads. 7pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR

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

FLORENCE BAR

FRIDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 9pm. Free.

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

MEDUSA 1ST BIRTHDAY

BASH. Medusa Bar.

Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN FRIDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Saturday March 4th

THE SMITH STREET BAND, PRESS CLUB. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8:30pm. $55.

BON IVER. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5:30pm. $119.90.

RENEE GEYER. Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 9pm. Tickets From $33.

1927. Bannockburn Railway Hotel. Bannockburn. 8pm. $45.

AUSTRALIAN OUTLAW WRESTLING PRESENTS:

‘AOW BARS, BANDS AND BRAWLS’ WITH THE FCKUPS, BASTARD NORTH, MORTUARY SICKNESS, NEPHALEM. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7pm. $23.50.

ROYALE WITH CHEESE - THE ULTIMATE 90S ROCK SHOW. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 8pm. $28.60.

GEORGE KAMIKAWA, GREENHATCH BLUES, ANNA SCIONTI, DAMON SMITH BAND. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

HEATH ROBERTSON BAND.

Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues. Geelong. 9pm. $15.

EILEN JEWELL & HER BAND. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $63.95.

THE DOLLY PARTON EXPERIENCE WITH VANESSA AND THE JEALOUS GUYS. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $30.

THE NAKED MAGICIANS. Costa Hall. Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 7:30pm. $69.90.

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE.

Queenscliff Town Hall. Queenscliff. 7:30pm. $32.74.

RUSSELL MORRIS. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. $69.90.

‘DREAMS’ - THE RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC.

The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 9:30pm. Free before 8pm, $10 after.

PETER ‘BLACKIE’ BLACK (HARD ONS) AND TIM STEWARD (SCREAMFEEDER).

Valhalla Taproom. 7pm. $15.

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT GUITAR

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

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

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

MEDUSA SATURDAYS.

Medusa Bar. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS. Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

DJS AT BLOOM NIGHTCLUB. Bloom. Geelong. 10pm. Free.

Sunday March 5th

GEELONG RECORD FAIR. Geelong West Town Hall. Geelong West. 12pm. Free.

UNWRITTEN LAW, GUEST (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 7:30pm. $60.70.

BON IVER. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 5:30pm. $119.90.

JIMMY CARR ‘TERRIBLY

FUNNY’. Costa Hall. Deakin University Geelong Waterfront. 7:30 & 9:30 pm. SOLD OUT.

VINCE JONES. Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 12:30pm. $36.

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

OLD MERVS ‘GET BETTER TOUR’. Volta. Ballarat. 7pm. $26.30.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 2pm. Free.

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

WAX SUNDAYS. Waxyard Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

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

34 FORTEMAG.COM.AU
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