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.

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.

U.S. All Girls Guns

N’ Roses

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.

SUN,

THURS,

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.

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.

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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