Forte 741

ISSUE #741

Geelong Arts Centre launches brand new program REWIRE A celebration of experimental art, contemporary Australian voice and immersive experiences with a modern edge

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Editorial Note

Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison… Reluctant members of the infamous ‘27 Club’, these famed rock artists all died tragically young, at the age of 27, leaving behind the ‘what if? of unfulfilled potential.

It’s one of the most elusive and remarkably tragic coincidences in rock and roll history and spans a century of music-making, reminding us of the much-loved artists we’ve lost, and the sheer talent it takes to create lasting, world-changing music.

Celebrating the legends who will forever be 27, and shining a light on the legacy they left behind, 27 Club is the electrifying live rockumentary currently touring the nation, featuring treasured music and stories from the famed rock artists gone too soon.

With Australian rock icons Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus) and Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah, Bob Evans) with Carla Lippis (Mondo Psycho), Dusty Lee Stephenson, Cam Blokland and Wanderers, 27 Club will arrive in Geelong this month as part of Geelong Art Centre’s brand new bold program REWIRE. To celebrate the arrival, we chat with Australia’s Queen of rock ‘n roll Sarah McLeod, and take a deep dive into the other creative performance experiences that REWIRE features.

Aside from our REWIRE coverage, we’ve chatted to the likes of Arizona quartet Jimmy Eat World, award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, Festival of Sails Emerging Artist stage runners-up Demi Violet and Wild Gloriosa, Aireys Inlet Music Festival’s newly appointed festival director Patrick Donovan and we sit down with Geelong chef and blues lover Pete Raimondo about Pistol Pete’s nine-year milestone. We also take a closer look at the annual Tastes of Central Geelong festival and Clunes Booktown Festival, our usual round-up of albums, exhibitions and stage show to check out, and we spotlight the new festival raising money and awareness for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. That’s Forte #741 folks, have at it.

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.

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 March cover is 27 Club, as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s REWIRE program.

Photo by Saige Prime.

Geelong’s beloved film developing lab, gallery and cafe

Analogue Academy is closing

Devastating local art lovers and musicians alike, Analogue Academy has announced its closure. The business indicated it was time to move on to new projects and ventures, saying, “after a wonderful decade of art, film processing, coffee, music, poetry and conversation, plus so much more, with a heavy but grateful heart we announce the closure of Analogue.” The final date of trade will be Saturday, March 18.

A massive night market is heading to the Geelong Racecourse

Picture this: a (hopefully) balmy March night spent filling your belly and quenching your thirst from a selection of food stalls and bars and scoring a bunch of awesome goodies from amazing local makers. If that sounds right up your alley, then mark Friday, March 10 in your calendar, because that’s when the Piccadilly Market makes its way to Geelong for an epic night event. It goes down from 5pm at the Geelong Racing Club, with part of the proceeds donated to Beyond Blue in memory of Jonah Lear.

Australia’s only Acoustic Music Festival returns to Ocean Grove this March

The Pavilion at Ocean Grove Park will host Australia’s second and only Acoustic Festival from 4pm on Sunday 12 March and it’s completely free. The lineup includes The Kite Machine, Famous Will Band, Hassall, Peter Paul and Marion, The King’s Poet and The Von Robertsons.

Escape Smash Play brings axe throwing, smash rooms, escape rooms and an arcade to Ballarat

Whether you’re looking for a new way to de-stress or you’re keen to level up date night activities, Escape Smash Play in Ballarat is now a very good option, bringing axe throwing, escape rooms, smash rooms and an arcade to the regional city. Opening late last year, Escape Smash Play is a game-changer for the region, providing a swathe of entertainment from Thursday to Sunday each week.

18th Amendment Bar have created their very own gin

Raising the bar on cocktail offerings and creating epic experiences like we have never had before, Geelong’s famed 1920s Prohibition-style cocktail bar, The 18th Amendment, are continuing to impress, now launching its very own gin. Developed by the award-winning bartenders at the venue, founded by Australian hospitality veteran, Gorge Camorra, there are two styles on offer from 18th, including Australian Dry Gin and an Old Tom Gin. You can purchase the products online or direct from the venue.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach returns to Torquay this April

The World Surf League is returning to Bells Beach, for the 60th Anniversary of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy, the longest-running event on the World Surf League’s elite Championship Tour. Bells Beach means history and heritage for both world surfing and Australian sport. This is the first stop of the Australian leg of the WSL Championship Tour, the event will continue its tradition of falling on Easter weekend from 4-14 April.

The world’s poshest picnic

Le Dîner en Blanc is coming to Ballarat this year

Ballarat will become the first regional Victorian city to host a worldwide dining phenomenon that is sweeping the globe. Le Dîner en Blanc will come to Ballarat on Saturday 1 April where thousands of people, dressed all in white and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space.

Katie Noonan expands tour of Joni Mitchell’s landmark album ‘Blue’

Due to popular demand, and off the back of 10 sold-out shows already this year, Katie Noonan has announced 20 more shows to her tour of Joni Mitchell’s masterpiece ‘Blue’. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this landmark album, Noonan will be accompanied by a guitarist, and perform in the intimate mode for this special run of shows. See it at Pig & Whistle in Main Ridge on 11 May and the Palais Hepburn on 13 May.

The Church announces Australian tour to celebrate the release of 26th album

The ARIA Hall of Fame inductees have dropped their 26th studio album The Hypnogogue and are celebrating 43 years since formation, embarking on an extensive world tour performing new music and songs from their 26-album career. They’ll play Palais Theatre in Melbourne on 15 June.

The Grogans, Kee’ahn lead Gippsland’s new The Far East Music Festival

The Far East Music Festival is bringing The Grogans, Kee’ahn, Kutcha Edwards, Charlie Needs Braces Blue Moon Marquee (Canada), Bones & Jones, The Figmentz and more to Mallacoota in Victoria on the Easter weekend, 7-9 April 2023. The festival is all about bringing life and funds back into the regional area following the 2019/2020 Black Summer Fires and the Pandemic.

Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows announce special show in

Queenscliff

Australian blues rock band The Black Sorrows with Joe Camilleri are heading to the beautiful Bellarine this April with an intimate show at Queenscliff Town Hall. Taking place on 29 April from 7pm, the legendary outfit will take to the stage at Queenscliff Town Hall – a music venue created by the team at QMF – the music jewel of the Bellarine.

Bendigo Writers Festival

returns to the heart of central Victoria this May

Such is Life. And such is Bendigo Writers Festival ’23, which returns to Central Victoria May 4-7 this year with a packed program of excellent writers presenting memorable discussions from every possible angle – just like life.

Lose yourself inside Bendigo’s euphoric humansized Kaleidoscope

From leading installation artist Keith Courtney, Kaleidoscope is a mesmerising symphony of sound and light, staged in a breathtaking mirror maze taking over Bendigo’s Rosalind Park for the month of April. By day, Kaleidoscope is a sparkling crystal palace as the open-air structure transports visitors to another world. As the sun sets, the installation basks in a colour field of ever-changing light.

The Baby Boomers are bringing a night of nostalgia to Queenscliff’s 360Q this March

If you’re looking for great music, good times and epic views, then you’ll want to get to The Baby Boomers Duo’s upcoming performance in Queenscliff. Taking to 360Q Queenscliff on March 25, The Baby Boomers will revisit musical history with classic tunes and tales from the ’50s, ’60s, ‘70s and ’80s.

Mulita BBQ to close its North Geelong venue, announce plans for Mount Duneed

A favourite for American BBQ with fresh and vibrant Mexican influences out in North Geelong, the Mulita BBQ team have announced they will be closing the North Geelong restaurant. While sad for the North side of town, the BBQ masters have also revealed they’ll be opening a new venue in Mount Duneed in June/July this year. Mulita will be hosting a final goodbye to North Geelong with a Farewell Feast on 24 March.

Karen’s Diner is opening a pop-up experience in Geelong this May

A Karen’s Diner pop-up experience will land at Geelong’s famed Piano Bar on Little Malop Street. The diner which is the home of ‘great burgers and rude service’ will take over Piano bar on May 5th, 7th, 12th and 14th, and if y’all show up in force Karen’s has claimed they’ll either come as a longer-term pop-up or simply just stay put for a while until they’ve insulted EVERYONE in Geelong.

Damien Rice announces Australian headline tour for May

Legendary Irish troubadour Damien Rice returns to Australia to play theatre dates around the country this May. The beloved singer-songwriter, whose emotionally wrought songs defined a generation of 21st-century heartache, is riding high on a sold-out international tour and will take his sublime solo performance to Geelong’s Costa Hall on 18 May.

Matt Corby announces ‘Everything’s Fine’ Australian album tour

Revered artist, Matt Corby, has just announced his first national tour in four years presented by triple j, in support of his upcoming album Everything’s Fine out 24 March. Corby will kick off the tour at the Forum in Melbourne on May 22 and take to Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, Enmore Theatre in Sydney and finish up at Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide on June 3.

A major exhibition of experimental textiles is coming to the Art Gallery of Ballarat

Pliable Planes: Expanded Textiles & Fibre Practices is the new major exhibition of work by twelve leading Australian artists who reimagine textiles and fibre art is coming to the Art Gallery of Ballarat from 4 March 2023 – 30 April 2023, becoming the first venue of a national tour of this exhibition from UNSW Galleries in Sydney.

Experience music from Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs live concert in Melbourne

This May some of the country’s finest vocalists will join forces to take on the soundtracks of Quentin Tarantino, bringing Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction to life, reliving some of the wickedest music on celluloid. Liberty Stage is bringing both albums to life for one night only in Sydney at the State Theatre on Thursday, 4 May and at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre on Friday, 5 May.

Kate Ceberano announces national orchestral tour and a new album to celebrate her 40-year career

Australian music royalty Kate Ceberano will celebrate her illustrious 40-year career with the release of her 30th album, My Life is A Symphony, and a national concert tour that debuts with recording partner the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall on 27 May. Ceberano will take audiences through her incredible catalogue from pop anthems to the iconic songs she has interpreted along the way.

Gandel Gondwana Garden is Melbourne’s breathtaking new natural history experience

If you’ve ever wanted to walk among prehistoric plants and megafauna, Gandel Gondwana Garden is the place to go. A new outdoor gallery at Melbourne Museum, the exhibition expands the existing Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery to create a huge 900 square metre garden of immersive learning covering hundreds of millions of years of Australian natural history.

US psychedelic rockers Earthless are heading to Geelong in March

San Diego heavy psych trio EARTHLESS are heading down under in March 2023 with a headline Australian Tour. Formed in 2001 in San Diego and citing Japanese psych bands like Blues Creation, and Krautrock bands like Amon Düül II as early inspiration, Earthless have risen to the top of the hard rock/heavy psych scenes in recent years. See them at the Barwon Club on 17 March with support from Dr Colossus and Neon Goblin.

Victorians can get $250 again this March just for comparing energy prices

In great news for Victorians, the $250 Power Saving Bonus will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24 March, including those that received payments under previous rounds, when they visit the Labor Government’s bill-busting Victorian Energy Compare website.

Geelong’s Splatters is running daily all-you-caneat cheese sessions

Australia’s first and only Cheese Train, Splatters has brought back its famed ‘All You Can Cheese’ sessions. The bottomless sessions will run daily (from 11am Friday, Saturday and Sunday) until the end of March, where you can indulge in as many train plates as you can for just $39.

P!NK is bringing her huge Summer Carnival Tour to Australia in 2024

Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, performer, and international pop icon P!NK has announced her highly anticipated return to Australia with a massive tour in February and March, 2024. P!NK’s Summer Carnival 2024 will head to Melbourne for two dates on February 23 and February 24 at Marvel Stadium.

The Herb and Chilli Festival is bringing the heat to the Yarra Valley

Richard Clapton announces 50th anniversary shows

Richard Clapton, or Ralph as he’s affectionately known, is celebrating 50 years as one of Australia’s foremost singer/songwriters with anniversary shows at the State Theatre in Sydney on Saturday, 15 April and the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Friday, 19 May.

Portarlington’s National Celtic Folk Festival unveils the first look at its 2023 lineup

Ocean Grove announce massive East Coast Tour for April with shows in Bendigo and Geelong

The lights are equally bright away from the city, and Melbourne Oddworld heroes Ocean Grove are set to bring their luminous live show on an 11-date regional East Coast tour this April. With support from Melbourne punk lords Deez Nuts and Sydney emo rockers Bloom, Ocean Grove will take to Tonic Bar in Bendigo on 19 April and Barwon Club in Geelong on 20 April.

From June 9 to 12, the National Celtic Folk Festival will celebrate its 19th year bringing the best in Celtic culture to the shores of Portarlington. Some of the first artists announced include Daoirí Farrell (Ireland), Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly and Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill (Ireland), Colin Lillie (Alice Springs) and Charm of Finches

(Melbourne)

This March 18 & 19, for the eleventh year running, spice lovers will have the chance to celebrate these flavours in all of their zesty glory at the Herb and Chilli Festival. With spicy eats, thirst-quenching beverages, cooking demos, eating competitions, a chilli cook-off, a market and a kid zone, there’s something for all.

Regional music festival CresFest expands 2023 lineup with more glorious acts

Building on its already brilliant lineup, Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet) with a local orchestra, Martha Spencer (USA), Catriona McKay & Chris Stout (Scotland), Pirritu, Skyscraper Stan, and The Lost Clog have now been announced for CresFest, 31 March - 2 April 2023. In addition to the new acts, CresFest have also announced a new partnership with The Boîte, bringing young graduates of the Portfolio Project with roots in Chinese and Indian music to CresFest.

The official Elvis musical is coming to Australia in 2023

Authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is set to tour Australia in 2023. Penned by acclaimed international writers, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of the award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n roll superstar, Elvis Presley. The Australian premiere will open at Sydney’s State Theatre from July 2023, before rocking into Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from September 2023.

Legendary punk Henry Rollins announces Good To See You Australian Tour

Tocumwal’s new music festival Good Times expands lineup for 2023

Surprise Chef, Bumpy, Wax O Paradiso and Glass Beams are among the many incredible acts joining Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, C.W. Stoneking & his Primitive Horn Orchestra and FLOODLIGHTS at the inaugural Good Times festival this Saturday 25 March 2023 in Tocumwal NSW.

Jen Cloher announces Australian tour for May with intimate show in Anglesea

Pete Murray announces Greatest Hits Australian Tour

Aussie music mainstay Pete Murray is hitting the road this July and August on the Greatest Hits Tour to celebrate his first ever ‘Best Of’ album spanning the past 20 years. The Byron Bay singer-songwriter and national treasure will kick off the tour at the Forum Melbourne on July 8, and take to stages Wollongong, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, and Perth before finishing up in Adelaide in early August.

Port Fairy Folk Festival announces Archie Roach Foundation Stage lineup

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

Mount Duneed favourite The Hop Inn has closed its doors

In an absolutely devastating blow to the local dining and music scene, The Hop Inn Mt Duneed & Brew Crew Coffee has permanently closed its doors. In a lengthy statement to social media, the owners revealed the closure comes from various financial stresses and uncertainties.

Boardwalk Country Music Festival brings Jimmie Allen, Gavin DeGraw and Kasey Chambers to Ballarat

The Boardwalk Country Music Festival is a mammoth undertaking, rolling from city to city throughout our fair country this April and bringing in some of the most celebrated names in the Australian and International country music scene. It will take place at Kryal Castle in Ballarat on 22 April.

Punk rock icon. Author. Radio host. Actor. Grammy winner… 34 years since his first visit down under, Henry Rollins will bring his Good To See You tour to Australia in June/ July 2023 – his first spoken word tour in AU since 2016. Armed with a microphone, Rollins will perform in intimate theatres nationwide, including Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on 21 June and Civic Hall, Ballarat on 22 June.

The Smashing Pumpkins are bringing The World Is A Vampire Festival to Ballarat

The Smashing Pumpkins will bring The World Is A Vampire Festival to ten cities across the nation this April, including a stop at Kryal Castle in Ballarat on 23 April. The festival will feature Jane’s Addiction, Amyl & The Sniffers, RedHook, Battlesnake and local acts opening each show. Plus, each show will feature professional wrestling matches between Billy Corgan’s NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) and the WAOA (Wrestling Alliance of Australia).

The multi-award-winning Jen Cloher has announced an Australian tour taking in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Anglesea, Melbourne and Sydney this May to celebrate the release of the singer-songwriter’s fifth album I Am The River, The River Is Me. As part of the tour, Cloher will take to The Sound Doctor Presents on Friday, May 26.

Ella Hooper leads stacked Aireys Inlet Music Festival lineup for March

The three-day re-imagined Aireys Inlet Music Festival spectacular has unveiled its star-studded, strong local lineup for its return, going ahead once again as a specially curated music festival from 17-19 March. Headlining is Ella Hooper, alongside Rocket Science, Andy Golledge Band, Bones and Jones, Belaire Lip Bombs, Foggy Notion, Immy Owusu, Forever Son and more.

LIT: The free 10-day luminous after-dark wonderland returns to Werribee

Taking over the park at the heart of Werribee City Centre, Wyndham Park from 17-26 March, attendees can expect wondrous landscapes transformed by brilliant lighting experiences including a breathtaking laser show and rainbow sky canopy, interactive projections, a pulsing light lawn, a magical glowing nature trail, plus much more.

Apollo Bay has just been crowned the fourth best beach in Australia

Deservingly known as paradise by the sea, Apollo Bay and its tranquil beaches have been recognised as one of the best beaches in the whole of Australia. In no shock to us, Tourism Australia’s annual Best Australian Beaches list for 2023 has been revealed and Apollo Bay in Victoria has come in at number four! Not only that, the ‘Bay’ is the only Victorian beach in the top 10!

Castlemaine Idyll 2023: Castlemaine’s annual talent contest returns

Castlemaine Idyll is Castlemaine’s ultimate annual talent contest returns for 2023 on Saturday, March 18 from 2pm –8pm. A competition like no other, one that’s been running for over 12 years, this talent quest features all the hottest local talent, a hugely talented professional band, celebrity judges and a community uniting joyously in support.

CENTRE EXCITES WITH BRAND NEW PROGRAM REWIRE

REWIRE is Geelong Arts Centre’s home of bold, curious, and creative performance experiences. If you’re after something a little different or just to have fun, you’ve come to the right place.

With their 2023 season underway, Geelong Arts Centre is introducing a new program of new theatre, vibrant comedy and emerging cabaret.

This year, Geelong Arts Centre is starting to test the boundaries with unique live arts experiences, from amped rock spectaculars to interactive pub performances, digital exposés and raw storytelling, REWIRE has got you covered.

WHAT IS REWIRE?

REWIRE is here to enable arts lovers to take steps towards their wilder side with different and daring creative opportunities. From live music and immersive theatre experiences to explorative escapades at the local pub.

Championing voices that rise from outside the norm and sometimes within, REWIRE seeks to capture the excitement and innovation of modern theatre ethos with relevant and exciting new works.

Utilising digital technology, contemporary spaces and unique cross-cultural voices, REWIRE opens the door to a new breadth of opportunities to become immersed within Geelong’s creative community.

“REWIRE is a fresh new pillar of Geelong Arts Centre’s programming, highlighting our desire to blur artform boundaries, explore new perspectives and be part of a community that embraces new diversity in all forms,” says Joel McGuinness, Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director.

“We are proud to deliver an exciting new program stream that responds to our loyal and growing audiences.”

The new program will be held across multiple venues including the iconic Costa Hall, local beer haven Little Creatures, and, later in 2023, new performance spaces due to open as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s Little Malop Street Redevelopment.

Credit Saige Prime

THE LINE UP

27 Club | March 23

On 23 March, the first cab off the proverbial REWIRE rank is 27 Club, the electrifying live rockumentary featuring treasured music and stories from the likes of Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, and Jimi Hendrix, the legends who will forever be 27, and celebrating the legacy they left behind. Now in its third year, Australian rock icons Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus) and Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah, Bob Evans) with Carla Lippis (Mondo Psycho), Dusty Lee Stephenson, Cam Blokland and Wanderers have reunited to once again salute the fated members of the 27 Club

“We did the first season at Adelaide Fringe and it just really came alive,” explains Australia’s Queen of rock ‘n roll Sarah McLeod.

“There was the script and then there was us, and we as a group we’re not really accustomed to following rules or scripts, so the script became like rough guidelines and then everybody just started putting themselves into it and this thing just sort of developed into its own moving beast and it just got really unpredictable and dangerous and fun.”

As the lead singer/guitarist and primary songwriter for 3x ARIA Award-winning rock band The Superjesus, 27 Club sees McLeod, the completely down-to-earth and passionate rockstar, explore her musicianship in new and exciting ways as she takes on the likes of Joplin and Winehouse in a theatre-like setting.

“It’s great because you’ve got great performers with you, so everybody’s doing harmonies together and I’m really not used to collaborating like that,” McLeod says.

“I either play by myself or I’m in the Superjesus where I’m doing all the lead singing, but now I’m in a position where a lot of time I’m not playing the guitar and I’m standing there and I’ve got three really strong singers around me doing three-part harmonies. It’s really cool and I really enjoy it, like from a vocal point of view, it’s challenging but it’s also really rewarding.”

Off the back of receiving Adelaide Fringe Festival’s ‘Best Music Award’ in 2021 and following another run at Fringe this year, the infamous club is hitting the road to bring their tribute to the prestigious but tragic club of music legends to Geelong.

“It’s pretty amazing that it’s touring, it’s just working really well,” McLeod says.

“I think it’s got legs because we change it up every year because there are so many songs we can choose from. Each year we go into the rehearsal room for a week prior and it gets switched up and we change all sorts of things.

“This year we added a few songs and then cut some songs down and made four songs into one song, so everybody gets up and sings a bit and then jumps on harmonies. With Janis Joplin’s Mercedes Benz’, I used to start that on piano and then do the rest of the song with the band. But now we’re doing it all a cappella with everyone just banging things and the crowd clapping to the beat, and on the last chorus, all the singers come in and do the whole thing in four part harmonies, it’s really cool.”

Breathing life back into the music of the fated superstars with re-imaginings of classics, true to the originals and creative medleys, the show not only delivers music’s greatest setlist but also delivers a masterclass in rock ’n’ roll, keeping alive the music, mythos and enduring cultural impact of this infamous collective of the gone-too-soon.

“It’s just all about having a good time but it’s also a really good little history lesson in good old-fashioned rock and roll. So, you know, people our age and older love it because it rekindles their youth, but also people are bringing their kids and giving them a hard and fast music lesson, which is great.”

With couches and a coffee table on stage and a group of musicians who are all masters in their own right, the show - which has received a plethora of five-and-four-and-a-half-star reviews - is more than a concert, it’s a celebration of some of the greatest artists of all time.

I Liked It, BUT... | May 11-13

Want to take your typical pub trivia night to the next level? From 11-13 May, I Liked It, BUT… heads to Little Creatures for pub trivia with a twist in this silly, irreverent and interactive experience to be remembered, birthed from the mind of creator, choreographer and performer, Joel Bray. I Liked It, BUT... goes where few “experimental contemporary immersive performance” works dare to tread… out of the theatre and into the bar to see what passes the “pub test”. Expect very silly stories about very serious people, served with tongue firmly in cheek as everyone tries to work out how dance even gets made, and why we should care.

RECKŌNING | July 28-29

A powerful celebration of Indigenous culture through storytelling, original songs, and dance hitting the stage 28-29 July. This powerful piece is a recognition of past injustices, a journey through understanding, and a celebration of Indigenous cultures’ survival, creativity and strength is a performance that will both educate and challenge your perceptions.

Rich Kids: A History Of Shopping Malls In Tehran | August 3-5

Dive into an otherworldly interactive, digital experience with Rich Kids: A History Of Shopping Malls In Tehran from 3-5 August. It explores entitlement, consumption and the global gap between rich and poor – partly onscreen, and partly in your hand on your mobile, it’s an immersive experience you will be talking about for days.

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE NOW

Staging works that challenge, thrill and delight all at once; REWIRE offers the perfect opportunity to try something new. There’s still plenty of time to make the most of Geelong Art Centre’s flexible subscription packages. Select your favourites, mix and match across multiple programs and save up to 10% via the website, by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

NEVER MISS A SHOW

With many exciting announcements just around the corner for 2023, sign up to the Geelong Arts Centre fortnightly e-newsletter to ensure you never miss a beat.

Tickets and subscription packages can be found at geelongartscentre.org.au

Credit Michelle Grace Hunder

For so many of us, there is no better feeling than getting together with a bunch of mates to go and check out some live music. And with our region consistently boasting incredibly healthy crops of up-and-comers, Victorian fans arguably have it the best out of all music fans nationwide. Not only do we have access to local gigs, events and boutique festivals almost every weekend of the year, but we also have events that provide a clear focus on fostering aspiring artists, making it easy for Victorian punters to show support for bands still in their infancy.

This is just one of the reasons why Aireys Inlet Music Festival has become such a staple for local music lovers around the region.

Having previously established a reputation for showcasing the best local acts around, as well as for booking large-scale surprise acts to close the weekend, this year’s event is being run a little bit differently. Having dropped both the ‘open mic’ aspect and the secret headliner schtick, Aireys 2023 leans more into the design of Queenscliff Music Festival, providing punters with an absolutely stacked three-day lineup presented across one main stage and many other pop-up stages around the township.

Discussing changes to the festival’s layout and overall design, newly appointed festival director Patrick Donovan stated, “I love the idea of an open mic event, but as an open mic festival it means that artists were playing for free, which is a very outdated model.

“Musicians were hit harder than anyone during COVID, so we’re not letting anyone play for free. Instead, we will be paying for acts which obviously means this year there is a very modest door charge of $60 dollars that will cover you for the three days.”

Donovan, the former CEO of the state music peak body Music Victoria, who took over from the beloved Marty Maher as the festival’s director, also commented that when putting together this year’s event, “We didn’t have to look too far to source a great lineup.’

“We really wanted to showcase that by focusing on the amazing local acts coming out of the south coast of Geelong, and the Great Ocean Road area.

“There aren’t many festivals that really focus on the local scene so we wanted to really hone in on that. But obviously, there are great acts from all around the state so we do have a few guests, but if they were being invited and they were from somewhere else, they had to be bloody amazing,” he laughs, “which we’ve done.”

And he’s not wrong, with 2020’s lineup showcasing the talents of Geelong rock icons Rocket Science, as well as the cream of the crop when it comes to up-and-coming acts. I’m talking, Bones and Jones, Belaire Lip Bombs, Foggy Notion, Zoe Fox and The Rocket Clocks; Watty Thompson and his band… and that’s just to name a few.

AIREYS INLET MUSIC FESTIVAL

The three-day re-imagined festival returns with a starstudded homegrown lineup.

Words by Alex Callan

Outside of the locals, the weekend will be headlined by revered Australian songstress Ella Hooper, previously of Killing Heidi fame; as well as alt-country sensation Andy Golledge, who will be performing alongside his full band arrangement.

“Andy’s going to really blow everyone away,” states Donovan, “he is pretty much the rising star in the country world at the moment. He plays beautiful songs, but then will also get down to his undies and crowd surf,” he laughs. “I think it’ll be a closing act that people will really enjoy.

“But all in all, I think the lineup delivers something for everyone.”

This sentiment is backed by Jasper Jolley, the lead singer of Music Victoria’s nominee for ‘Best Regional Act’ Bones and Jones, who will be wrapping up their regional tour with a set at Aireys before heading over to Austin to take part in the revered SXSW (South By Southwest Festival).

“I’m hanging out for it,” remarks Jolley, “I feel like most of us on the lineup are already mates so it’ll be a really fun weekend.

“We all cut our teeth playing at the Aireys Open Mic Festival when we were little kids so it’s pretty sick to be playing there again now that it’s a more scheduled event. It’s a really great lineup, close to home and the Aireys pub is a great place to have a beer, I can’t wait.”

And neither can Donovan, who’s already eagerly planning how the Aireys Inlet Music Festival can continue to grow over the coming years.

“There’s no reason that the Aireys pub couldn’t be like the Archies Creek pub. 20 people live on the main street of Archies Creek but yet bands constantly sell out shows there. That’s what I’d love to see for Aireys. And I think the festival is helping to keep music front and centre and keep locals interested in live music, so hopefully it can continue to grow from here.”

The Aireys Inlet Music Festival is set to take over the coastal town from Friday 17 March – Sunday 19 March 2023.

Demi Violet

Geelong-based singer-songwriter Demi Violet, real name Demi Valitutti, has firmly established herself as an up-and-coming indie star with her achingly beautiful ballads; whose raw emotions, intimate reflections, and radiant sounds capture life’s fragile, breathtaking wonder, drawn from a lifetime of experience.

“I started singing at around seven years old. I’d come home from school and sing for hours on end,” Demi says. “I was obsessed with music and would choreograph entire shows with costume changes, and song transitions and get all of my family involved. It was a healthy escape for me and helped me connect to myself from a young age.”

Citing Tom Waits, Annie Lennox and Kate Bush as overarching influences, Demi has found individuality as an artist, with the ability to dwell in incredibly intimate depths; exploring the human shadow and bringing light to the darker aspects of herself, while soaring to incredible heights with her hauntingly beautiful vocal ability.

“Performing live is my favourite feeling in the world. I love that I get to share things that are so unfiltered and raw but are so universal. Music can make those shameful things beautiful.”

Lulling us into a trance with every word, the past few years saw Demi step away from the stage while building upon the soul-stirring sonics and heartrending lyricism we’ve come to know and love about this singular singer/songwriter.

“I actually took a 3-4 year break from performing publicly but was still chipping away at my music behind the scenes, which was quite an isolated process. Lately, I’ve been sharing more of myself and regaining the freedom of expression I had as a kid. I’m learning to embrace that I can’t control how people respond to that. It feels really freeing and I intend to keep doing that.”

With a radiant and authentic return to the stage, the musician’s time away clearly paid off, placing her as one of 2023’s most deserving artists to watch.

Keep up with the latest news and new music from Demi on Instagram and Facebook @demivioletmusic.

Wild Gloriosa

The new soul-bearing solo project from the beautifully mesmeric local artist Gloria Ragesh

Expansive and expressive, immersive and wondrous, Geelongbased soulful singer/songwriter Gloria Ragesh’s new solo venture revels in radiant sounds, intimate rediscovery and important messages of love.

Dedicating the last few years to melding feminine power, tight grooves and dreamy soundscapes with a fronting role in soul-pop four-piece JOTHI, Wild Gloriosa sees Ragesh formally introduce herself as a neo-soul goddess; pouring her heart and soul out with love letters to herself and her audience in the form of soothing, gentle melodies that fill your ears with relaxation.

“I write neo-soul music that tells stories and aims to speak to your heart,” Ragesh explains. “Gloriosa is the flower of Tamil Nadu in South India where my ancestors are from. I like to think that I am a wildflower, just growing everywhere. My name is also Gloria, so the name was born, Wild Gloriosa.”

Stunningly soulful and achingly raw, the music from Wild Gloriosa stings in all the right ways: smooth, spine-tingling melodies, tender piano playing and Ragesh’s own rich and powerful vocals turn her lyrics into hypnotising and seductive upheavals.

With just the right blend of refreshing strength and inspired authenticity, Wild Gloriosa has proven an easy act to fall for. With a lifetime passion for music, her songwriting is immediate and it’s clear she’s a songwriter dedicated to self-discovery, delivering music ripe with radiant melody as it is with substance and depth.

“I’ve been musical from a young age, being classically trained in piano since I was five and also being around two very musical parents growing up who were also actively performing themselves,” she explains.

“I’ve always known that this was what I am meant to be doing. I feel settled in myself when I think about what I do and what I create. That’s how I know it was meant to be.

“Performing live gives me a moment to share my creative work and see how people vibe with it. I love everything about being a musician, watching, consuming, and performing it. Music is truly one of the best inventions and developments of humanity.”

Without a doubt, Wild Gloriosa is one of Geelong’s finest emerging singers/songwriters and an obvious artist to watch in 2023.

With new music imminent, keep up with the latest on Instagram @wildgloriosa

With songs that consume, entrance, enchant, and inspire, Geelong’s Demi Violet is a beacon of light

JIMMY EAT WORLD

Share Clarity on Their Future and Past.

Words by Tammy Walters

Credit Jimi Giannatti

A gut-wrenching line delivered by THE Hilary Duff to Chad Michael Murray in the iconic 00’s movie A Cinderella Story. Cut to the final play of the homecoming game, as Duff’s Sam is chased down by Murray’s Austin to share a kiss. A droplet falls on Sam’s cheek and the skies open up signalling the end of the drought. It is a pop culture moment that changed history itself, all underscored by the steady, emotionally-charged build of Jimmy Eat World’s ‘Hear You Me’.

This is just one moment of the 90s and early 2000s soundtracked and made superior by the presence of Jim Adkins, Zach Lind, Tom Linton and Rick Burch. They made an appearance on Murray-led drama One Tree Hill at the infamous TRIC, and wanna-be rockstars lived out their best Jimmy Eat World stage experience playing ‘The Middle’ on plastic-coloured buttons on Guitar Hero World Tour. It all came after the commercial success of Bleed American, but at this point, Jimmy was an adventurous and clever eight-year-old kid who had just entered his emo phase.

Formed in 1993, the four-piece from Mesa, Arizona cut their teeth on the punk rock sounds of the southwest, releasing their debut EP One, Two, Three, Four the following year. It was their debut album Static Prevails and sophomore giant Clarity that built the Jimmy Eat World depth and diversified sound, drawing from the Sunny Day Real Estate framework. But the grunge waves of the 90s were bubbling at the shore of the new millennium as the indie rock resurgence and emo evolution appeared on the music horizon. Jimmy Eat World were in the swells, about to unknowingly hang ten on the shifting tides.

“At the time when we were making Clarity and Bleed American, we were a really young band and we didn’t really know how far we would go. We felt very fortunate that we were in a position to record professionally in a studio with quality gear and we wanted to honour that opportunity as best as possible with the music we continue to make,” explains bassist, Rich Burch.

“It’s interesting because from inside the band, we were making music that made us happy and that we were proud of and that we felt was real and honest. All of those things lead to emotions which connect us to the term that encapsulates our genre but I’d like to point out that all music is emotional.

“So when we first started the term emo that’s what we first felt that’s unfair to other music because it all enlists emotion, so we didn’t initially embrace it. Where we are now and looking back we see it as a term of identity for a specific type of attitude and music. We’re not put off by the term, we actually embrace it for what we and our colleagues made.”

Following the sweetness of Bleed American, their following body of work further cemented the band's ongoing future in the emotive space. Futures produced sublime songs ‘23’, ‘Work', and 'Pain', with the band sinking into the same blended genre family as Paramore, American Football, The Get Up Kids and My Chemical Romance. Almost 15 years later, as emo kids of yesteryear whiteknuckle with black eyeliner and tiger-striped hair youth, When We Were Young Festival in Vegas answered their call with a family reunion.

“It was a friends and family reunion and pure celebration. Seeing a lot of friends that we had toured with over the yearsAFI, Paramore, the list goes on, but beyond the bands that we got to catch up with, being able to see the fans who were with us way back in the day when this all was beginning.

“And then beyond that, the unexpected part was being able to talk to young fans who are just now getting into our music and live gigs and it’s kind of full circle with old friends and new friends celebrating music. It couldn’t have been more fun,” Burch recalls. Whilst Australia is far removed from the bright lights of the Vegas desert, Live Nation answered our ‘rawrs’ doubling the dose of goodness with Jimmy Eat World joining My Chemical Romance for their rescheduled tour.

“We’re very excited to be performing in Australia again. It was devastating when the world shut down. We were about to depart and do a tour in Australia when it all happened so we’re excited to be heading that way again to play some gigs with My Chem. Back with old friends, it couldn’t be better and we couldn’t be happier,” Burch says.

But old friends don't discount the new. Jimmy Eat World existed long before the emo era and have continued long after its curtain call, now 10 albums to their name and three decades of songs and shows under their belt. At the 30-year mark, there is no sign of slowing.

“This is what we do, and one thing that was highlighted over the years was the time over the last couple of years being prevented from performing to live audiences in person. When something you cherish is taken away from you, you might not realise that it was such an integral part of you until it’s gone,” he says.

“We have a sense of urgency. We’re ready to deliver and we’re here for the long run.”

My Chemical Romance and Jimmy Eat World play Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, 16 March and Friday 17 March, with very limited tickets still available.

“Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought; useless and disappointing.”

“So when we first started the term emo that’s what we first felt that’s unfair to other music because it all enlists emotion, so we didn’t initially embrace it.”

KATE MILLERHEIDKE

Goes from strength to strength at ChillOut Festival

Words by Luke Carlino

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

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

The festival is back with a more extensive lineup than ever before, featuring performances from Art Simone from Drag Race Down Under and the viral TikTok star Rudy Jean Rigg over Labour Day weekend. However, the biggest name on the bill is the one and only Kate Miller-Heidke, who headlines the festival’s closing day event, Carnivale, in Rainbow Square on Sunday, 12th March 2023.

Kate has recently completed the tour cycle for her fifth studio album, Child In Reverse, which hit the ARIA Top 10 and included a range of singles, most notably, Simpatico featuring Mallrat.

Being unanimously chosen by jury and public as Australia’s 2019 Eurovision Song Contest certainly made Kate a household name. Her performance of the original piece Zero Gravity won first place in the semi-final, and a top ten spot in the Grand Final, along with the Marcel Bezançon Award for Artistic Achievement.

All of this, in turn, led to a much-needed break that Kate was taking beachside, but she was kind enough to interrupt for a chat ahead of her ChillOut appearance.

We begin by revelling in the fact that live performances and festivals like ChillOut are well and truly back. “It feels like something I’ll never take for granted again,” says Kate, “live performance

(from the stage and the audience) is my version of church – it’s the opposite of feeling lonely.”

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

“I’m incredibly honoured! It means so much to me to be welcomed by the queer community. I can’t wait. I just know the vibe will be fabulous.

“ChillOut has an amazing reputation, I’d heard about it for years from friends who have been and I’d always wanted to go, so being asked to headline was a real treat. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.”

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

“A TV producer put it to me that my song ‘Last Day on Earth’ could work as a much harder song in collaboration with a metal singer. I’ve always loved crossing genres and reinventing songs.

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

The collaboration can be considered less strange for a diverse artist with a 20-plus-year career that has seamlessly touched and melded various genres.

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

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

For now, your best bet for a dose of Kate Miller-Heidke is at ChillOut Festival, which runs from the 9th to the 13th of March 2023 in Daylesford, Victoria. The line-up boasts a huge range of shows, events and more and tickets are now on sale, including various glamping options to help you enjoy the weekend in style.

Check out the full program and purchase last-minute tickets at chilloutfestival.com.au

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

Freak City Frequencies

Celebrating up-and-coming local artists in the community

Words by Alex Callan

As one of the premier open-air venues that our city has to offer, Captain has established itself as a staple amongst local clubgoers who like things a little bit more on the alternative side. And it’s easy to see why.

With a beautiful venue that spans from inside out to a massive outdoor beer garden, a long list of locals on display every weekend and an increase in notable bookings, it’s become a haven for Geelong clubgoers looking to discover something new.

That’s where Freak City Frequencies comes into the mix.

Offering a changeup from the typical Geelong scene, Freak City Frequencies delivers a specific focus on up-and-coming and under-represented artists within our wider community, with the venue showcasing live music inside and DJs in the outdoor beer garden, all while raising money for local organisations like the Indigenous Literacy Fund, Orange Sky Australia and more.

Having previously showcased the likes of Jim English, Kaviitá, rory jame$ and Manny Lado, Freak City just delivered a stacked lineup for its third edition last month, with local legend Barbie Gault headlining the outdoor event alongside Semps & Kel, Ryheem and Emmyk & Tilly and Prodgaz, The Grimwoods and emerging rap talent Juiceboxx performing inside.

“The initial idea was to create a space for upcoming DJs and live artists who are really pushing to make it in the music industry,” says Matt Ellison, the brains behind the event. “I wasn’t too bothered about genre or anything like that because I had seen how many different people would come in whenever Captain had a live band on or anything different from the regular bookings.

“So I thought, well if we can get all these groups of music fans together in the same venue, it could be something special and it really has been so far.

“It’s definitely been the thing that I have been putting the most time into. I’m just constantly thinking about who I want to bring in each volume and how that will work with the other acts booked for that night. It’s been hard having to pick and choose acts at times but it’s been fun keeping it as diverse as possible.”

Freak City Frequencies take place at Captain, 8 Malop Street, Geelong. Stay tuned for the next event from Freak City Frequencies on Facebook.

Rock The Black Dog Music Festival

A festival for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness

Proudly supporting the Black Dog Institute, the not-for-profit mental health medical research organisation, Rock The Black Dog Festival is Geelong’s newest music event giving back to the community, to raise awareness to combat the growing rate of suicide through the power of music!

Happening on Saturday, 1 April at the Barwon Club, the festival will see Melbourne and Geelong’s music community come together to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, featuring a lineup of the best up-and-coming talent and seasoned local rockers and punk legends.

Kicking off at noon, the festival will be headlined by one of Australia’s leading blues musicians, the amazing Ash Grunwald. After nine studio albums, five ARIA nominations, and hot off the back of the Bluesfest tour, this is sure to be a performance that will go down in history.

Alongside Grunwald, the festival will also feature sets from more than 20 amazing acts, including Nick Barker, Poppin’ Mommas, Kopious, Famous Will, John Flanagan, Bella Deer, Grim Fawkner, Rick Hart, Katie Brianna, Alister Turrill, Kate Lucetta, The Swells, Fistful of Steel, The Louds, Isabella Khalife, Dawwn, Damien Edwards, Bella Lear, Sarah McQueen, Geelong Music Community Collective and more.

The brainchild of festival director Jon Gilchrist, with support from Ultragauge Australia, Roaring Respite Disability Services, Ohana Disability Services, Surdex Steel, Lions Club of Leopold, McHenry Partners Business Accountants, Piccadilly Market, Calibre Steel, and the Barwon Club, Rock The Black Dog festival aims to raise much-needed funds for mental health research and support for those in need with proceeds going to The Black Dog Insitute.

According to the institute, 1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia, that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help. As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, Black Dog Institute aims to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

Tickets are on sale now via Oztix. If you or someone you know needs help or information regarding mental health, please contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

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.

9 Years of Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues

On a quiet Little Malop Street, Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues made waves when it first opened in 2014, and its standing as a cult music venue and giant of Geelong’s dining scene hasn’t changed in the years since.

Transforming a quaint 70 sq m premises into a vibrant temple of live music and the cuisine of the Southern States, this March marks nine years for the venue, affectionately known as Pistol Pete’s.

“It feels great, it doesn’t feel that long. It’s been a massive journey, which is full of some great moments,” says owner, chef and blues lover Pete Raimondo.

“A lot has happened in those nine years. When we first opened in 2014 the street was fairly empty so it took a while for people to know there was something new happening here. As time went on, we expanded on what we offered both culinary and entertainment-wise. Our profile has grown, as has the Little Malop St Westend precinct with more unique businesses opening up in the strip.”

The moment you enter the down-toearth hangout, the Southern-style vibe is clear with a dark blue interior, old-fashioned glass windows and wooden floors with blues memorabilia splashed across the walls and photos from Pete’s very own trips to the states.

Drawing from passions of both blues music and the cuisine of the Southern States, Pete has fostered a true American experience over the years: There’s a hearty selection of Authentic Southern and Louisiana Cuisine (think heart-warming gumbo, jambalaya, towering burgers, chicken and waffles, Southern-fried chicken and Cajun fries), delicious cocktails and a diverse offering of electric live blues, soul, country, Americana and jazz music.

A true giant within the music and dining scene, Pete credits the enduring success to consistency.

“We pride ourselves in always doing our utmost to deliver quality food and service. Whether patrons are dining in or taking it home, we want them to have a great experience. The live music we offer is also another reason people enjoy coming to Pistol Pete’s. It’s an intimate venue that adds to the atmosphere.”

Resonating with locals and tourists alike, Pete has taken a dream and turned it into a reality, cementing his adored venue as the only place in the Geelong region where you can taste, smell, hear and feel like you are right in the middle of the Southern States, while simultaneously injecting a generous dose of vibrancy and flavour into Little Malop Street

“It’s a unique venue, it’s not a “themed” or a “cliche” type of venue, it’s real and alive,” Pete says.

“You can feel it when you walk in and that comes from the belief and passion that we have for what we do. Our food is authentic Southern goodness and we have

had some amazing international, national and local musicians perform here. We sure have our Mojo working!”

To celebrate the near-decade milestone, the beloved venue is hosting a great lineup of live music for the month with a grand celebration on its birthday weekend on 10 March, featuring international guest Ben Walters, the British piano king of boogie-woogie.

“We are excited to have Ben Waters from the UK, back at Pistol Pete’s for our Birthday weekend and people can expect nothing but a great night of the best boogie woogie piano from the King of UK Boogie Woogie and his band!”

With the hospitality industry being one of the hardest hit by the lockdown measures and Covid pandemic, Pistol Pete’s continues to adapt its business to the best of its abilities, finding creative ways to survive and reach its nine-year milestone.

“There have been a few along the way, but Covid and post-Covid have really made us keep reviewing what and how we do things,” Pete explains.

“The resilience, dedication and hard work from the whole team at Pistol Pete’s and the support from our loyal customers have gotten us through the worse of it. We’re looking forward to sharing more good times with everyone in the future.

“We are always looking at introducing something new to Pistol Pete’s, whether it’s some new Southern food, drinks or musical acts,” he continues.

“We want to keep evolving and growing so we can keep offering our customers a real taste of the South, right here in Geelong.”

Pistol Pete’s Food N Blues is located at 93A Little Malop Street, Geelong. Tickets to gigs are available at pistolpetesfoodnblues.com.au

Keeping the good times rolling since 2014.

TASTES OF CENTRAL GEELONG

With so much to treat yourself to, the annual Tastes of Central Geelong Festival returns for 11 days this March and April, with a mouthwatering and monumental-sized program celebrating all things local and delicious in the region.

Gifting locals and tourists alike an excuse to taste everything under the sun from Thursday, March 23 through to Sunday, April 2, this year’s festival is all about enticing food lovers to make their way into Central Geelong and head into participating restaurants and bars, old and new, who will be hosting a range of brilliant events and experiences. It’s all about staying local, eating local and drinking local by exploring new places and discovering the very best of what the city has to offer.

This year, like all its previous years, there are plenty of plates full of activity at the Tastes of Central Geelong festival, so to help you navigate your way through this culinary celebration we’ve listed a few unmissable events and a few of our own personal favourites that we think are an absolute must through the multi-day feast.

Afternoon Tea with Adrian Richardson

One event that we are excited about (and is sure to be one of the biggest treats of the entire festival) is the annual Afternoon Tea event, this year featuring award-winning Australian chef and television presenter Adrian Richardson. Known for being the Bad Chef in Good Chef Bad Chef and appearing with chefs Manu Feildel, Gary Mehigan and Miguel Maestre in Boys Weekend, alongside many other TV appearances, Adrian is behind the successful and bustling La Luna in North Carlton and Bouvier in Brunswick and dedicated to serving up clean, fresh and innovative food.

As part of the event, sweet treats and bubbles will be available and attendees are encouraged to indulge while host and GT Editor, Sarah Bieske interviews Adrian about his life in the culinary spotlight, alongside a live cooking demonstration of three dishes from the chef himself.

When: Sat 25 Mar | 1pm – 3.30pm

Where: The Pier Geelong, Cunningham Pier Cost: $55-65

Central Geelong Bake Off

Alright, mixing bowls and wooden spoons at the ready! Are you ready to be crowned Central Geelong’s Best Amateur Baker?

Tastes of Central Geelong are on a quest to find Geelong’s best home baker. Simply enter your signature sweet treat for the chance to be crowned Central Geelong’s Bake Off Champion, take home great prizes and earn bragging rights for life.

With exciting categories including two ‘kid’s categories’, cupcakes and biscuits, and ‘delicious slices’ (including raw and vegan), keen bakers are encouraged to dive into a world of culinary creativity and present treats to get the judges’ taste buds tingling. For the more creative bakers, take things to the next level with Barwon Water’s ‘water’ category where you can showcase the versatility of water as either the hero ingredient or method in creating your sweet treats. The more creative the better.

Registrations are now open, and all you need to do to enter is submit your name, number, email and which category you’ll be applying to. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

When: Sat 25th Mar | 10am

Where: Westfield Geelong

It’s our favourite time of the year: the beloved festival dedicated to showing off the best food and drink in Geelong is back and we’ve never been more ready to indulge.

Celebrate and indulge in all things delicious across the region

Hop-A-Long Geelong

Presented by Valhalla Taproom, Medusa and Bell Beach Brewery, Hop-A-Long Geelong is a beer festival with a difference.

Spread across six Central Geelong venues and including 12 breweries, you’ll enjoy two beers per brewery, including one special release ‘festival’ beer. Showcasing local and independent craft beer within the beating heart of the City of Geelong, beer lovers will stroll from venue to venue and complete their Hop-A-Long Geelong passport.

Get ready to raise a glass and cheers to a fun-filled day! Don’t miss out – tickets go live Friday 24 February!

When: Saturday 1 April | 12pm – 6pm

Where: Various

Cost: $60

Masterclasses with Union Cellars

Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market - Tastes Edition

Everyone loves a market! Celebrate local makers and growers, pick up handmade goodies and indulge at the Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market!

You’ll find an array of handcrafted items, artisan products, freshly baked treats, and live music. Support your local community and keep your eyes peeled for our roving Junkyard Beats entertainment around the waterfront.

When: Sunday, 2 April | 9.30am–2pm

Where: Steampacket Gardens

Urban Cocktail Trail

To celebrate the art, the craftsmanship and most importantly the fun a beautifully made cocktail has to offer, the Urban Cocktail Trail has partnered with the best bars in Central Geelong for guests to enjoy on a self-guided Cocktail Trail!

How does it work you ask? Rally your friends together and start the afternoon with a bite to eat and an arrival cocktail at your starting location before making your way around the trail to redeem your cocktail vouchers, choosing your favourites from the Signature Cocktail List.

As a self-guided experience where you decide to stop and sip is completely up to you, with participating venues including 18th Amendment Bar (Ft. Pina Clear-Ada), Black Sheep (Ft. Teddy Bear’s Picnic), Edge (Ft. Edge of Paradise), Justin Lane (Ft. Salted Watermelon + Elderflower Spritz), Manhattan Bar (Ft. Strawberry and Bush Honey Collins), Non – Disclosure (Ft. The Long Way Home), Sailor’s Rest (Ft. Mango Mai Tai), The Inn Hotel (Ft. The Inn Sour), There There (Ft. Tokyo Vice) and Westend (Ft. Westend’s Autumn Spritz).

When: Sat 1 Apr | 1pm – 5pm

Where: Various locations

Cost: From $44

In Conversation with Matthew Evans & Anther Gin

Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon

GT magazine food writer, Cam Ward, joins renowned Australian chef, food critic and television personality, Matthew Evans, in conversation with Anther Gin, the award-winning distillery known for their unique blend of botanicals and exceptional gin.

Matthew will share his insights and philosophy on sustainability and the importance of supporting local producers. Anther Gin will discuss the art of distilling and their passion for crafting exceptional gin using native Australian botanicals.

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet Matthews Evans and sample delicious Anther Gin.

When: Sun 2 Apr | 12pm – 2.45pm

Where: Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Cost: $40

A beloved part of the annual celebration is the vast selection of masterclasses on offer, where attendees can learn the tricks of the trade and discover some handy tips from the best local experts.

There are some brilliant masterclasses on offer this year, especially from good humans at Union Street Wine. They’ll be running an Ultimate Guide To Wine Pairing: The good, the bad and the brilliant on 26 March; Cheese & Wine: A match made in heaven on 29 March; Wine 101: Beginners Guide to Wine on 30 March and Geelong Wine: Past, present and the future on 2 April all from their Euopean-inspired wine bar on Union Street.

When: 26, 29, 30 March and 2 April |

Various Times

Where: Union Cellars

Cost: $60

And all that is barely half of it. There’s also a Cannoli Piping Workshop with Cakes and Vases, live painting sites Pinot and Picasso, genuWINE – Geelong’s first natural wine festival, Gelato tasting sessions, goody bags to be filled and Westend Geelong and La Cachette are delivering a sit down with a Master of Wine who will guide attendees through a premium paired wine and food meal, plus heaps more.

With so many activities on offer, it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned foodie or a newfound food lover, we can guarantee that there will be something new and enticing for your to devour.

See the full program on the Love Central Geelong website.

Coastal Glamp

The boujee outdoor accommodation with prime proximity to the cellar door

For those keen to experience the thrill of the great outdoors while still enjoying creature comforts on the Bellarine, you’re in luck because a brand new glamping venture has launched – and it’s at a beautiful winery.

Allowing guests to explore the wonders of the peninsula while providing a unique and fun experience, Coastal Glamp resides on the property of Bellarine Estate behind the Cellar Door, surrounded by vines.

Located across the 100-acre property on the northern slopes of the hills between Drysdale and Portarlington overlooking Corio Bay, the beautiful space - a glamping village if you will - can accommodate several tents in different formations, allowing for couples, families or small groups to enjoy their own space. There are special zones for guests who want more privacy, and communal spaces for guests who wish to mingle and meet like-minded holidaymakers.

As for the tent itself, there are two on offer. The Standard Bell Tent is 4×4 metres and perfect for a romantic getaway or a weekend away with the kids, while the Extra Large Bell Tent is 5×5 metres and is ideal for a small group of 4-5 people. Both tents are waterproof and come fully furnished with mattresses, bedding, rugs, smoke alarm, fan, coffee table and esky.

There’s also an option to add a special mystery hamper filled with sparkling wine, local produce and goodies that will be ready in your tent on arrival.

While you’re there, the options for relaxation and exploration are endless. You can kick back with a glass of wine in the beautiful surroundings, or in the beer garden, lunch at the winery’s Cellar Door, or if you’re with the kids there are outdoor games for all and a big screen for movies and games.

After you’ve slept beneath the stars, you’ll wake up refreshed, grab some brekky on site, and be ready for a new day.

Glamping at Bellarine Estate is available now until April 2023. The season will then reopen for the warmer months again in November 2023.

Coastal Glamp is located at Bellarine Estate winery, 2270 Portarlington Rd, Bellarine. Find out more at www.coastalglamp.com.au

We The Makers: Sustainable Fashion Prize 2023

Calling all emerging fashion designers with a commitment to authentic design and sustainable practice

If you’re a creative person passionate about sustainable and ethical practices, listen up: Geelong’s National Wool Museum is back with We The Makers, challenging designers to create one original outfit that represents their personal design aesthetic, showcasing their commitment to sustainable fashion.

Centred around the Sustainable Fashion Prize, We The Makers sees the National Wool Museum championing the past, present, and future of fashion with recognition of Geelong’s ongoing role in the wool, fibre and textile industries. Defining sustainable fashion holistically, and championing ethical practice, design ingenuity, material consciousness and business innovation, the beloved local institution showcases emerging themes from the world of sustainable fibre and textiles through the next generation of fashion designers every two years.

“This year the Sustainable Fashion Prize is focusing on attracting emerging designers, and designers that have had a delayed start to their careers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We the Makers is a significant competition with a prize that will help establish the career of a talented designer,” says Senior Curator Josephine Rout.

“It is the only sustainable fashion prize for emerging designers being offered in Australia and we expect the field to be very competitive.”

The competition is open to designers in Australia and abroad with less than ten years of industry experience. Outfits are judged by a panel of industry professionals against their ability to design and redefine sustainable and ethical textiles with entries responding to the following categories: Material innovation, Circular process innovation, Design innovation or Business innovation.

All entries go into the running to win the National Wool Museum Designer of the Year Award (meaning a cash prize of $10,000) and the UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award (an ace $2,000 prize). All shortlisted outfits will be exhibited at the We the Makers Designer Showcase.

Entries are open now and close 16 April 2023. Head to the We the Makers website for more info.

CLUNES BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL

Celebrating every aspect of storytelling with its biggest program yet

Words by Maxwell Bennett

North of Ballarat, the town of Clunes is opening its doors to the world again for its annual Booktown Festival, just a little earlier in the season than usual.

From Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, March 26, the historic main street will come alive as a spectacular book bazaar right outside in the autumn air, with visits from a wide array of renowned authors, poets, speakers and even musicians, as well as plenty of outdoor fun for kids and grown-ups alike.

Clunes Booktown hopes to celebrate everything that goes into a literary work, from the writing and illustration to the binding, selling, and, of course, sharing, and thus offers books and conversation on almost every topic one can think of. If it can be written about, it will be there.

The 2023 program looks at the many and various ways we tell stories – through books, film, music, theatre, songwriting, photography and other visual arts, even the houses we make. There will be first-hand stories – this year arising out of ageing, small-town crime, imagining other worlds, land management, women’s business, and more.

Guests this year include authors Tony Birch, Candice Fox, CS Pacat, JP Pomare, Eliza Hull, Chris Flynn, Emily Bitto, Emma Viskic, Jacinta Parsons, visual artists and photographers Ponch Hawkes, Hollie Johnson, and Simon Perry, and playwrights Bill Garner and Hannie Rayson, and many more.

These guests will join visitors in a variety of workshops, author talks, and panels to delve into countless fascinating themes, be it romance, small-town crime, speculative fiction, or First Nations perspectives on the environment.

And in the meantime, there’s also live music from the Tin Shed and kids will enjoy the massive maze and many roving street performers.

CLUNES BOOKTOWN HIGHLIGHTS 2023

Tin Shed Show

For the first time this year, the festival will feature a diverse and vibrant evening of live music from the old Central Garage— a setting some may remember from the film Mad Max. Taking place on Saturday, March 25, visitors will witness a night of live music from Sally Ford and the Idiomatics, The McNaMarr Project, Kee’ahn, David Bridie, and The Footscray Gypsy Orchestra, who all combine music and storytelling to transport listeners to other worlds.

Dark mirrors: visions of tomorrow in Australian speculative fiction

Inspired by climate chaos, dystopian technologies, drone warfare and pandemics, this special pane will see authors Grace Chan, Chris Flynn, Angela Meyer and Else Fitzgerald explore their varied visions of near-future speculative fiction. Ranging from the deeply human to the tragic, dark and downright hilarious, this will be a ride.

There’s just so much crime in small towns

For those whose guilty pleasure is a true crime podcast or Netflix crime documentary, this is a panel discussion for you. Everyone dreams of escaping to the

safety and peace of a small country town. But things are not always what they seem. What makes small towns so attractive for crime writers and readers? Jacqui Horwood will quiz Candice Fox, Emma Viskic, Sean Wilson and Vikki Petraitis about big crimes in small towns.

The Books

Well of course this had to be on our highlights: the books! Over the weekend the stunning historic main street of Clunes will be lined with booksellers and collectors. Over seventy specialist book traders will offer an extraordinary range – new and second-hand, antiquarian and contemporary, rare and popular – covering every imaginable topic and theme.

Home grown – fresh local produce

Shining a light on local storytellers, Home Grown – Fresh Local Produce is a panel featuring Leslie Scott, Adrian Elksnis, Julie Kloppenberg and Nadine Crabtree, who will unite to talk about their recently published work on Sunday, March 26. This one is guaranteed to inspire writers, emerging or established!

Workshop: kickstart your novel

If you’re looking to elevate your skills over the weekend, this short course is for those who may not have any writing underway and are seeking a way ‘in’. It touches on the key building blocks of a novel: character, dialogue, setting and plot, and contains many fun exercises designed to inspire new writers to get started with a project.

Festival Weekend Pass

Make the most of the weekend with a festival pass, which gets you Saturday and Sunday entry to the Clunes Booktown Festival precinct, as well as access to all stalls, booksellers, cafes, food trucks, the kid’s village and roving live entertainment. Also, kids under 12 are free!

Clunes

If the author talks, live entertainment and the main street being the biggest bookstore in the country weren’t enough, Clunes also features stunning architecture from the gold rush era, specialty museums and cute cafes to see, truly providing the relaxing literary escape of your dreams.

Clunes Booktown Festival will take place from Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, March 26 2023.

Credit Chloe Smith Photography

ARTS GUIDE

Exhibitions to see this month

Words by Wylie Caird

Between the Details

Humour is a healing art, as George Carlin said. A celebration of ACMI’s commissioning program, Between the Details is a showcase of six moving images by Australian artists Kaylene Whiskey, Jason Phu, Deborah Kelly, Zanny Begg, David Rosetzky and Christian Thompson. By working in video, the artists are able to use editing as their primary technique, allowing them to build their own rhythm as they explore deep themes with the gentle touch of humour.

Back to Back Theatre – Portrait

Facilitated by Tamara Searle and photographer Gemma-Rose Turnbull, along with students from Geelong’s Nelson Park and Barwon Valley schools, Back to Back Theatre – Portrait is a participatory exhibition allowing for freely expressed diverse personalities. Seventeen portraits will be on display for this long-term project in which photographic representations of disability, age, gender and sexuality were challenged to create a powerful representation of teenage women living with a disability.

Back to Back Theatre – Portrait will be hosted by Geelong Gallery from March 18 - July 16

Between the Details will be hosted by The Wag, Warrnambool from March 11 - June 11

The Karaaf

Award-winner Róża Marciniak has called the Surf Coast home for more than two decades. She lives on the edge of the Karaaf Wetlands, an area historically dismissed as “swampland” that is under threat from the effects of development – an area the Surf Coast Shire has launched a project to redress. The intention of Róża’s lens-based exhibition is to raise community awareness by showcasing it from two perspectives: the land, and the air.

The Karaaf is on display now at Hoop Gallery, Torquay until March 26

Castlemaine Festival Group Show: Connections

There has always been a need for connection, a point driven home with brutality in recent times. For this Castlemaine State Festival exhibition, 21 local and regional artists explore the idea of connection – connections with family and friends, through to relationships with the environment, or reflection on the past or an eye on the future. Mediums include painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Artists include Greg Somerville, Lee Shelden, Helen Fraser and Margaret Cromb.

Castlemaine Festival Group Show: Connections will be hosted by Fawkner Gallery, Castlemaine from March 24

If It Falls, It Falls

Phoebe Thompson graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT. A recent finalist in the My Brother Jack Awards, Phoebe is concerned with ecology and sustainability, personal identity and the built and existing environment. Interestingly, they create art that is almost entirely foraged, scavenged from discarded materials that catch the eye. In doing this, they ask you to pay attention to the destruction that we have created, while also paying attention to the beautiful world we inhabit.

If It Falls, It Falls will be hosted by Platform Arts, Geelong from March 18 - April 11

Peter Swaddle: Always Blue

Blue is the colour of trust, responsibility and relaxation. It’s a popular colour for use in movie and song titles and band names. We can feel blue, or there can be blue skies ahead. It is also the colour chosen by abstract artist Peter Swaddle. Always Blue is an exhibition of original paintings and prints, from bold abstracts to figurative to a sprinkle of still life – all in beautiful shades of blue.

Always Blue is on display now at Webster’s Market and Café, Ballarat until March 28

Australiana: Designing a Nation

From expressions of culture and connections to Country of First Nations artists, to the exploration of national identity, Australiana: Designing a Nation is a celebration of who we are. Curated and presented exclusively at the Bendigo Art Gallery, the exhibition showcases more than 200 artists and designers, including photography, illustration, furniture, jewellery, moving images and fashion. It includes works from The Australiana Fund and the Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive.

Australiana: Designing a Nation will be hosted by Bendigo Art Gallery from March 18 - June 25

Chris Tuttle – Digital Works on Paper

Imagination does not have to die with our childhood. It is a great gift for all ages. The place between what might have been and what is to be is a space for imagination. And it is this wondrous space that Chris Tuttle’s art lives. Working principally with digital image-making techniques, Chris presents a collection of digital collages that represent moments of time plucked from the cinema of his imagination.

Chris Tuttle – Digital Works on Paper takes place at Arts Inc Gallery, Apollo Bay from March 11-13

FROM ATTORNEYS TO ARTISTS; HOW PLATFORM ARTS HAS CHANGED THE FACE OF GEELONG’S OLD COURTHOUSE.

All born and bred Geelongians know the Old Courthouse Building on the corner of Little Malop and Gheringhap Streets. Located in the heart of the Geelong CBD, the iconic white cement building has a rich history in our town.

The building is a living example of ‘if these walls could talk’.

Operating as a police station and courthouse from 1882, in 1996 the building was repurposed as Courthouse Youth Arts. Many relics of its former life remain - a dressing room harbours an ironclad cell, and heritage doors label the old court and jury rooms.

As a youth arts space, many local musicians played their first Battle of the Bands here during the early 2000s, where they saw the likes of Silhouette hang a giant spider from the theatre ceiling and watched Revolver & Sun’s metamorphosis into industry giants King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Budding artists lined the old magistrate court-turned-gallery with vibrant artworks and creations.

Now, a new chapter in its rich cultural history is emerging under the banner of Platform Arts, offering a strong, contemporary arts program in our cultural precinct.

Platform Arts are leading the region’s foray into experimental and contemporary art. Under the leadership of Executive Director Ilana Russell, the team has expanded the realm of art practice developed and presented within their venue and in the wider arts community.

“We’re working with many talented, genre-defying artists to present exceptional works and arts experiences for local audiences. It’s been really rewarding to open up our organisation these past two years and to work with new generations of artists,” says Ilana Russell.

Their diverse program has something for everyone across exhibitions, performances, music, workshops and talks. In 2022 alone, Platform Arts premiered the new work Anything & Everything at RISING Festival, and announced the launch of the First Nations artist program, YOOKAPA. Their exhibition program turned the entire building into an open gallery, with over 200 artists installing works on walls, ceilings and floors for the durational and chaotic exhibition, After Walter Hopps

Given Platform Arts’ rapid rise, it’s no surprise that 2023 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet, with eleven curated exhibitions from artists around the country, and a stacked performance program featuring internationally renowned performance company Aphids, presenting The Director, in March.

Geelong audiences finally have the chance to experience this sell-out show, which premiered at Arts House Melbourne in 2018. The bold performance stars charismatic ex-funeral director, Scott Turnbull, and artist, Lara Thoms who balance macabre reality, playfulness and the tragic elements of death. The result is a spiky, funny and invigorating performance at the accessible price of $30. A review from Theatre People marvelled, “I was shaken as I left the theatre. A masterfully human performance”.

Ilana Russell explains, “Our diverse program sees us filming burnouts at Avalon Raceway one week and presenting shows at Eastern Beach the next. We’re really committed to exploring works that challenge audience experiences, and frame performance in a new light - often outside of the theatre space itself. This year, expect to laugh, cry, eat Cheezels and dance wildly as part of our season of works.”

For artists wanting to engage with the space, their flagship arts development program, Platform LAB, supports artists with studios, mentorship, funding and professional development opportunities over a 12-month period.

So far the program has supported 26 artists and collectives to develop, devise and present works. In 2023, LAB will work with seven renowned artists across the country to experiment with new methodologies, undertake research, grow their professional practice, and contribute to contemporary dialogues.

Additionally, their YOOKAPA First Nations program is taking flight. Led by Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong artist and curator Tarryn Love, YOOKAPA was established to respond to the critical need for more accessible and culturally safe spaces in the community to ensure First Nations futurity in the arts. Their current project is a public art commission for Labuan Square in collaboration with Wurri-Ki Culture artists Nikki McKenzie and Norm Stanley, set to be unveiled in February.

“It has been amazing to see the explosion of creative spaces and offerings in Geelong - it’s such an exciting city to work in and bring artists to. This year we’re focusing on growing our program and audience, and we’re championing artists to present more works in untapped public spaces around our city,” says Ilana Russell.

“We’ve been trying for years now to get access to the former Ford Factory - hopefully, 2023 will be our year.”

To purchase tickets to The Director or other events within the Platform Arts season, head to platformarts.org.au.

De Porsal SOFT COWBOY

Album Reviews by Alex Callan

For the last issue of Forte, I compiled a list of Victorian up-and-comers worth keeping an eye on. After hearing De Porsal’s newest release Soft Cowboy, I wish I had written that article a week later. Not only are the Torquay-based four-piece well and truly deserving of being included in the list, but they also are one of the few acts hailing from around the region to be bringing a genuinely different feel to the local scene. In many’s eyes, this is the most important characteristic for an up-and-coming band to possess.

Pulling elements from country, rock, psychedelia and indie, De Porsal mark themselves as a truly unique act. Having played together since they were children, the Torquay-based outfit comprised of the Willingham brothers (Cooper, Chay, Rory and Xander) boasts an array of stylistic changeups, often bouncing between genres to create ambient, cinematic-inspired arrangements.

From the slow drawl of Cooper’s baritone vocals on ‘Spur Of The Moment’, to the creeping rock n roll swagger of ‘The Soft Cowboy Pt 1’, it’s evident that the group have dabbled heavily into a country/ western rock sound for this release, however, in its entirety Soft Cowboy stands out as much more than your standard country rock record.

Instead, its output leans more into the spacious arrangements; effortless, meandering guitar licks and left-of-centre instrumentation that you’d expect from modern psych-rock outfits such as Khruangbin or Kikagaku Moyo. From the use of a jaw harp on ‘Pickersgill’, to the shoegaze-inspired distortion of ‘An Offer’, there are many moments that borrow from the free-flowing, experimental nature of psych-rock, helping Soft Cowboy to feel like a professionally curated cinematic score. The inclusion of violin; jaw harp and synths, utilised alongside the group’s assemblage of folk rock instrumentation further enhance the evocative, cinematic landscape of their sound. This seems to be a very intentional characteristic with the up-and-comers employing both Eve Wickson and their parents Kylie and Dale Willingham, to provide the foley needed to create such visceral and immersive tones.

This is quite an uncommon credit to see on an album’s liner notes. But at the same time, it’s also quite uncommon to come across a local act with such a fully-fledged vision, executed so flawlessly, so early on in their career. But yet, De Porsal seems to pull it off with ease.

Possessing an all-encapsulating sound that’s as equally suited for radio play as it is for film soundtracks, De Porsal mark themselves as all but a guarantee to be the next newcomers spearheading Australia’s alt-country scene.

Label: Independent Release date: 08/01/23

The Go Set

The Warriors Beneath Us

The Go Set are the first ever local act that I encountered. I was 11; they played in Point Lonsdale and the 2006 track ‘Davey’ live blew my mind. So naturally, I was pretty stoked to find out that the Geelong-based Celtic punks are still making music.

Although upon clicking on the album stream to The Warriors Beneath Us, my mind immediately raced to more negative thoughts. Everything about the album cover resembles the work of a Year 8 viscom student, immediately giving the assumption that the group’s eighth studio album will be quite elementary.

But I guess it’s true what they say, never judge a book (or album) by its cover, because The Warriors Beneath Us stands up as an incredibly solid punk rock album. It may not be the most innovative punk release we’ve seen in recent years, but it does display a significant change-up for the band, who have largely abandoned their Celtic roots for a more accessible pub-rock approach.

Tracks ‘Take Me Home’ and ‘Opportunities’ deliver boisterous pubrock chants reminiscent of Dune Rats, whilst the solos and rapid drum beats in ‘Broken Bones’ and ‘Hearts’ help to maintain a healthy dose of rock ‘n roll bravado. ‘Drink To The Night’ on the other hand, adds stripped-back guitars and a slower tempo allowing for Justin Keenan’s slower vocal cadence and heavy Australian accentuation to shine through.

Overall it’s a fun release and one that’ll undoubtedly resonate with fans of The Living End and Luca Brasi.

Label: ABC Music

Release date: 17/03/23

Across The Vine +1

Danika Down Love

It’s incredibly important for unsigned acts to come out with a sound that doesn’t put them into a box, and in that regard, it is quite hard to dispute Across The Vine for the admirable effort displayed on +1

Showcasing a diverse vision; and a variety of genres and technical production abilities, the Ocean Grove-based duo mark themselves as somewhat of an anomaly in our local scene, being one of the few acts attempting to revive the late 90’s electro-metal sound.

But whilst the duo have done a commendable job in differentiating themselves from the crowd, +1 lacks cohesion as an album. Although, beyond the muddled and sometimes jarring array of sounds present in ‘Breaking The Skin’ or ‘Dreams of Horror’, some moments truly shine.

‘Let It Rain’ showcases droney Goa-trance synths and raspy, Trent Reznor-inspired vocals; ‘Sanctuary’ offers up art punk rhythms contrasted with guttural screams reminiscent of The Mavis’s ‘Naughty Boy’, whilst ‘Your Hands’ surprisingly sees the duo dabble into pop-rock.

There’s certainly a lot going on, which considering the variety of contrasting layers present, makes it astonishing to think that Across The Vine are only a two-piece. Although in making up for the lack of members, +1 does showcase a tendency to overcompensate, often leading to an output that can at times feel too busy.

Label: Independent Release date: 11/03/23

Having spent the latter half of 2010’s performing backing vocals for prominent Australian artists 30/70; Sampa The Great and Harmony Byrne, Danika established herself as an absolute force to be reckoned with the release of the experimental folk EP, When Love Comes. On her follow-up, the Down Love EP, the emerging pop sensation further expands on her infectious alt-folk sound, showcasing her incredible vocal range between a myriad of atmospheric dream-pop pop sensibilities and haunting gothic-western arrangements.

Opener ‘Coolshit Bullshit’ takes its time, leaning into folk influences by remaining subdued in its approach and allowing for the natural build of vocal harmonizations to act as its driving force. ‘Better Weather’ on the other hand, lends from the 90’s trip-hop sound through jagged rhythms; shuffled snare patterns and a combination of dissonant layers, providing a gradually compounding head-numbing effect akin to Massive Attack’s ‘Angel.’ The stripped-back ‘For My Baby,’ adds a further stylistic changeup by maintaining an ominous; creeping feeling through perfectly paired with the song’s powerful use of vocal effects.

The most memorable moment of Down Love comes in the form of the closer, ‘Fya’, which sees Danika turn trauma into song, in a triumphant yet heart-wrenching display of songsmith candidly unpacking the traumas of her previous abuse. Unafraid to shy away from the truths, ‘Fya’ bears itself as emphatic and profound, cementing Danika as an absolute tour de force as a songwriter.

Label: Endless Recordings

Release date: 10/03/23

Jen Cloher

I Am The River, The River Is Me

Known for her perceptive, self-referential lyrics and dogged rock’n’roll attitude, Jen Cloher has never been afraid to look inwards and bare all. Across four outstanding albums, the Naarm-based songwriter has led listeners along a stark journey of self-discovery, seemingly never ceasing in their unwavering pursuit of both artistic and personal growth. Their fifth record is no exception, with I Am The River, The River Is Me showcasing a whole new landscape for Cloher’s sound. Inspired by their matrilineal line of wāhine Māori, I Am The River, The River Is Me boasts an array of unexpected styles, seeing Cloher branching into uncharted territory as the songwriter experiments with spacious steel guitar licks, robust horn arrangements and bilingual lyricism. Although it’s never sounded so comfortable, Cloher sounds right at home while experimenting with their Maori roots.

Conveyed with wit and charm, the lyrics present contrasting characteristics between tone and subject matter, often requiring listeners to delve deeper as Cloher masks fierce, politically charged messages behind facades of vibrant, coastal soundscapes. This doesn’t come as a surprise considering Cloher is a songwriter known to wear their heart on their sleeve, whether blatantly or subversively.

But that’s what makes Cloher such a masterful songwriter. When vulnerable, their listeners hurt with them; when jealous, they seethe with them. And now that Cloher has seemingly reached a place of content within them, fans will undeniably find solace in Jen Cloher’s emboldened new approach.

Label: Milk! Records

/ Remote Control Records (AUNZ) Release date: 03/03/23

Anchors Rest Cafe

A cosy and welcoming space for pre-travel nourishment

Renowned local hospitality veteran Lucky Thapliyal has been caffeinating and spoiling Geelong residents and visitors with spot-on housemade eats from Rippleside cafe Bean & Base for almost a decade.

Now the pioneering owner, who also brought us Double Espresso Cafe (previously Queens Bar And Kitchen) has opened another outpost at The Spirit of Tasmania’s terminal in North Geelong, bringing with it golden-crunchy toasties, cheerful staff and round-the-clock caffeination.

The new spot - Anchors Rest Cafe - is located just within the entrance of our new terminal at Spirit of Tasmania Quay providing a pit stop serving much-needed speciality brews and brunch fare to travellers jetting to and from Geelong, or locals just wanting a delicious pick-me-up.

Inspired by the menu at Bean & Base, Anchors Rest is tailored to what the team can produce in a terminal setting, where you will find a welcoming selection of freshly prepared items including light breakfast options, pastries, salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, pies and sausage rolls, and refreshing beverages. A highlight is certainly the almond croissants supplied by La Madre Bakery.

Whether it’s a light snack or something more substantial you’re after before your journey, it’s always fun and seasonal and focused on new and exciting flavour combinations that customers will love.

Coffee is by Coburg roaster Genovese, a free public carpark, and a warm and friendly team rounds out the experience.

Relaxing with a coffee at Anchors Rest Cafe is a perfect idea when you have a little extra time before check-in, drop-off or just browsing and checking out the new terminal at Spirit of Tasmania Quay. Open at various times seven days a week, depending on the sailing schedule, the cafe is warm and inviting and you’ll probably end up ordering a second coffee, just so you can hang around.

Anchors Rest Cafe is located at 136 Corio Quay Road, North Geelong (inside the new terminal at Spirit of Tasmania Quay).

Drunken Dumpling

Bringing plump, juicy dumplings to Little Malop Street

Dedicated to dumplings, this new little restaurant comes from the expert team at Sober Ramen.

Located at 83 Little Malop Street, right in the heart of Geelong, the anticipation of plump, juicy dumplings takes hold quickly as you walk through the door of the venue, signposted by a red neon sign and an intimate interior that mirrors that of Sober Ramen – the heavyweight champion of delicious and authentic ramen since its opening back in 2017 by Alex Pan of Sumi, and Nathan Johnston, who also operate Cartel Coffee Roasters on the same street.

With bar seating, window seating and a line of compact restaurant seating down the wall of the venue, Drunken Dumpling keep it simple offering a signature menu, designed for sharing or indulging in on your own. Here you’ll find a selection of Jiao Zi (Chinese dumplings), including steamed veggie dumplings, steamed wagyu dumplings, Hargow Prawn Dumplings, pan-fried pork boa and Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (small dumplings filled with meat and soup), as well as Pork Pot Stickers and steamed chicken and prawn dumplings.

The chefs make these hearty packets of flavour by hand every day and then take them to tables with the option of three signature sauces to dress them in – spicy soy, Szechuan chilli oil and/ or spicy sesame.

Alongside the hero dish of dumplings, there’s also a truly mouthwatering selection of Xiao Chi (aka Tapas) on offer, which can be credited to Pan who has long been an innovator when it comes to Asian-Australian flavours.

A welcome addition to the Little Malop Street hub, the food is stylish, vibrant and balanced – it’s this harmony that’s vital in Asian cooking and something that Pan and Johnston have nailed with their restaurants, every time. With warmth and excitement added to all their dishes and a variety of textures and contrast, plus beer, wine and cocktails, the passion here is infectious, truly making this the new spot that deserves devotion.

Drunken Dumpling is located at 83 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

Piglet Bar

Belmont’s late-night neighbourhood bar from the lovable Paddington Cafe team

Belmont’s favourite coffee spot Paddington Cafe continue to bring some quality inner-city cafe culture to their local community in new and exciting ways, now with the arrival of a pink-tinged late-night hangout, Piglet Bar.

Previously running Piglet out of the cafe, Piglet Bar (Paddington 2) is now right next door. With a luxurious interior that riffs off its sister cafe, with tonal, warm and rich in earthy colours and mixed textures with concrete, tiles and a mirrored bar, Piglet is a blessing to more than just the residents of Belmont. Bathing in warm light and a calm pleasant atmosphere, you’ll quickly feel like a local with owners and hospitality pros Molly Shalders and Tom Beattie welcoming you in with open arms.

During the day, Piglet’s space is used to provide extra seating for Paddington customers, utlising the brand-new commercial kitchen to dish out all the ground-breaking brunch favourites.

Then, at night, Thursday to Sunday it’s all about fine booze, after-work cocktails, delicious eats and neighbourly hospitality, with comfortable and cozy timber booth seating and the ability to cater to larger groups.

Whether you’re spending the night with best pals or the work crew, treat yourself to Piglet’s modern European style menu, with friendly entrees like frites with truffle aioli and romesco sauce and tomato medley bruschetta with goats cheese and white anchovies, among other delicious snacky options.

If you’re feeling something more hearty, there’s also a tidy burger menu featuring a French style Bisou burger, a Piglet Smash, and a One Step Beyond burger.

There are no surprises that an espresso martini features on the menu, but you can also indulge in the likes of the classics like French martini, Negroni and a Tommy’s Margarita. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can get the margarita with red chilli, otherwise try the Isle Of Dogs, made with Japanese gin, yuzu liqueur, yellow chartreause and lime, or the I’ve Been To Italy with limoncello, white vermouth and prosecco topped with soda. Cocktails range from $18-$20.

A place of community, creativity and old-fashioned customer service, as always they’re supporting local with Geelong-based beers and a small but impressive rotating wine list.

Piglet Bar is located at 134A High Street, Belmont, right next to Paddington Café.

genuWINE

The natural wine festival coming to The Geelong Club, bringing along more than 100 wines to taste

In some exciting news for this wine-loving readers, here’s another sign that our thriving regional city is moving up in the wine world with the announcement of a new signature event.

A main feature of the annual Tastes of Central Geelong Festival, genuWINE is the brand-new Natural Wine Festival.

Taking over the lovely sunny gardens of heritage listed The Geelong Club (built 1859) on Sunday, March 25, this inaugural event is a labour of love by one of Little Malop Street’s foodie and event-space powerhouses, Westend Geelong. The forward-thinking team with big ambitions have put together Geelong’s first natural wine festival, celebrating the diversity and education of what natural really is about.

Promising to be the most perfect of all Sunday afternoons, the event will run from 1pm to 5pm and will shine a light on all things low-invention, natural and vineyard-focused, featuring only producers and importers that organisers truly believe are the real, ‘genuine’ deal.

At genuWINE, you’ll spend the (hopefully) sunny afternoon sampling endless wines from over 100 international and domestic wines from some of the very best importers, distributors and wineries. To satisfy any hunger cravings, you’ll also be snacking on delicious eats from hatted local restaurant Tulip, as well as Geelong’s best Chinese restaurant, Man Bo, preferably dressed in your natural best.

For the sober and sober curious, NON will be on site as the festival’s zero/non-alcoholic producer showcasing their range of well-crafted, small batch (and utterly delicious) ‘wines’ on the day. The brand is the brainchild of an ex-Noma chef, and the result is unreal!

The best part is you’ll be able to purchase anything you taste on the day in the coming days after the event, so take photos of what you like – we guarantee there’s a lot to love.

Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, this wine festival promises to satisfy all tastes.

genuWINE goes down at The Geelong Club on Sunday, March 26 from 1pm-5pm. Tickets are $35 via Eventbrite (just Google ‘genuWINE Geelong’) and include entry and a take-home tasting glass.

STAGE GUIDE

Shows to catch this month

Words by Wylie Caird

Newk: The John Newcombe Story

Prima Facie

Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie is a warts and all exploration of a broken justice system where the pathways to justice for women in rape, sexual assault or harassment cases can feel impossible to find. Sheridan Harbridge is Tessa, a criminal lawyer who leaves all emotion at the door when it comes to defending her client. When she finds herself on the other side, it forces her to confront those she has previously stood against.

Prima Facie will take in performances at Limelight Studio, Geelong Arts Centre from March 28 to April 1.

The Aussie tennis great and man with the mighty moustache is getting due recognition in Newk: The John Newcombe Story. Written by Kieran Carroll and starring Damian Callinan, the show is set in 2014 at Newcombe’s 70th birthday. Take a trip back to the 1970s when wooden racquets ruled, shorts left little to the imagination and terrycloth was king.

Newk: The John Newcombe Story will take in performances at The Engine Room, Bendigo on March 10 & 11, COPACC on March 14 and Potato Shed, Drysdale on March 17

Between Sleeps

‘In space, no one can hear you scream’ is one of the most familiar movie taglines in history. Something New Theatre Company’s first production for the year, Between Sleeps, is a science-fiction story to unsettle the nerves. In deep space, between long stretches of cryo-sleep, comes a ‘knock-knock-knock’. But when the only thing beyond the ship is an unending void, who wants to come in? Or who has already entered?

Between Sleeps will take in performances at Eastern Hub, Geelong from March 23-26 and Shoestring Theatre, Torquay from March 30 to April 2

Steve-O – The Bucket List Tour (18+)

It has been a wild ride for Stephen Gilchrist Glover, the man affectionately known as Steve-O. There will be few readers who haven’t spent time with Jackass, the stuntbased reality show that made every parent nervous. So what does a man who stapled his ball sack to his leg have on his bucket list? Strap in for an XXX-rated, multi-media comedy ride where everything that shouldn’t be done is done – and then some.

Steve-O – the Bucket List tour will take in Ballarat Civic Hall on March 10 and Costa Hall in Geelong on April 29

Memoirs and Mullets

The Director

There is good money in death. Dying can cost an average of $10,000 and funerals can happen within one week. But what goes on in the background? What’s behind death’s curtain? Nominated for a Green Room Award, The Director is a performance by ex-funeral director of 21 years, Scott Turnbull, and artist Lara Thoms. No topic is off limits as the duo performs a comedic dissection of death – from the smell of a crematorium, to the tools of the mortuary. The Director will take in performances at Platform Arts, Geelong from March 22-25

Multicultural Comedy Gala

Sides will be split and thighs will be slapped. You will giggle, you will guffaw – you may even snort. A celebration of Australia’s rich cultural diversity, the Multicultural Comedy Gala presents a big, hearty night of laughs featuring Dilruk Jayasinha, Ivan Aristeguieta, Tahir, Jeff Green, Ben Lomas, Ting Lim and Dora Smith.

Multicultural Comedy Gala will take in performances at Riverlinks, Shepparton on March 18, Ararat Town Hall on March 21, Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on March 24; Kyneton Town Hall on March 25; and The Capital, Bendigo on March 26

It’s a greater love story than Titanic. It’s a greater love story than The Notebook. It’s a greater love story than the Kylie Minogue classic, The Delinquents. This is Memoirs and Mullets, the love story of Frankie and Shazza through the 1950s to 1980s – a love built tougher than a Holden Monaro. Fall in love all over again with this fastpaced show full of music, roller-skating, circus, comedy and dance. An ’80s disco party follows.

Memoirs and Mullets will take in the Potato Shed, Drysdale on March 25

Live from Ukraine

Artists must make art. In 2022, when the bombs began to fall on Ukraine, actors huddled in their local theatre and as the days passed performed and filmed The Book of Sirens. At this special event, producer and director Alex Borovenskiy, along with actress Anabell Ramirez, will join the audience live from Ukraine as they screen their production. A Q&A on arts, culture and their vision for Ukraine Fringe 2023 will follow.

Live from Ukraine will take in a performance at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on March 29

Gigs + Events Mar 09 —

Apr 02

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

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE. Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne. 7:30pm. Sold Out.

VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ

(MALI). Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $56.65.

DRUGDEALER, TEX CRICK, MILO EASTWOOD (DJ SET). The Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7:30pm. $64.90.

GRANNY BINGO! (Chill Out Festival, World Pride 2023 event). The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $49.

‘HOUSE OF THE RISING SONG: BRIDGE FOLK NIGHT’: HAVEN CITY & MON COEUR. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 8pm. Free.

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

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

LOWERCASE POETRY. Medusa. Geelong. 7pm. Gold Coin Donation.

Fri 10 Mar

PITCH MUSIC AND ARTS

2023 FEATURING: BSOLUTE, AK SPORTS, ME, BEN UFO, BIG WETT, FATIMA YAMAHA, FJAAK, FOUR TET, MIDLIFE, NIGHTMARES ON WAX AND MORE. Moyston. Victoria. March 10-14th. Tickets starting from $412.

ESOTERIC FESTIVAL

FEATURING: ALCHEMY CIRCLE, FIDDLE FADDLE, GONZI, SAMRA, GOOSEBUMPZ, LUNAR, ISH K AND MORE. Donald. Victoria. March 10th14. $450 + $15 booking fee.

BRIGHTER DAYS FESTIVAL

FEATURING: BOB ‘BONGO’ STARKIE’S SKYHOOKS SHOW, INXSIVE, ELLA HOOPER, RICHARD CLAPTON, THE SCREAMING JETS, REECE MASTIN, JAMES REYNE AND MORE. Bright. Victoria. March 10-12th. $158 - $314.08.

MDOU MOCTAR (NIGER), COOL SOUNDS. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 8pm. $56.65. PORT FAIRY FOLK FEST

FEATURING: 19-TWENTY, BILLY BRAGG, ERIC BIBB, JOHN SMITH, THE WAIFS AND MORE. Port Fairy. Victoria. March 10-13th. Adult $365. Child $155.

AMONG THE RESTLESS, GREEN BLANKET, GRIMWOODS & INSTYNKT. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 6pm. $23.50.

HIDDEN INTENT, DISTORTA, DIMINISHED REASON, YEAH SICK. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $15.

POLARIS ‘10 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY’ TOUR WITH VOID OF VISION, PRIDELANDS. 170 Russell. Melbourne. 7:30pm. SOLD OUT.

HONCHO DISKO - CRYSTAL METHYD WORLD PRIDE

AUSTRALIAN TOUR. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 8:30pm. $69.

JASMIN ADRIA. Valhalla

Taproom. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

ERIC BIBB. Queenscliff Town Hall. Queenscliff. 7pm. SOLD OUT.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

JIM LAUDERDALE AND ELLA

HOOPER. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 9pm. $30.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

NIGHTMARES ON WAX. The Night Cat. Melbourne. 9pm. Sold Out.

BEN WATERS (UK). Pistol

Pete’s Food & Blues. Geelong. 9:30pm. $45.

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

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

LIVE MUSIC AT THE JUKE.

The Juke. The Grovedale

Hotel. Geelong. 8:30. Free.

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

FLORENCE BAR

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

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

MEDUSA FRIDAYS. Medusa

Bar. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

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

Sat

11 Mar

GOLDEN PLAINS FEATURING: FOUR TET, ANGEL OLSEN, BIKINI KILL, ROLLING BLACKOUT COASTAL FEVER, STIFF RICHARDS, OVERMONO, 1300, DELIVERY, KOKOROKO AND MORE. Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre. Meredith. 11-13 March. SOLD OUT.

ELIZA & THE DELUSIONALS X THE BUOYS - CO-HEADLINER

TOUR. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $39.80.

RUM JUNGLE ‘BACK HOME’ TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS (TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $18.40.

COASTAL JAM MORNINGTON PENINSULA PRESENTS: ZIGGY ALBERTS, HOCKEY DAD, BAG RAIDERS, ROCHELLE JORDAN (USA), LATIFA TEE AND MORE. Rosebud Village Green. Rosebud. 3pm. $93.89.

MR MEANER. The Elephant & Castle. Geelong. 9:30pm. Free.

SLEEPING GIANTS AND FRIENDS. The Golden Vine. Bendigo. 9pm. Free.

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

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog.

Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

BENDIGO SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: UNFINISHED. The Capital. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Adult $50. Concession $40.

TIM ROGERS AND THE TWIN

SET. Bendigo Bank Theatre. Bendigo. 8pm. $55.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

CABARIS’GAY PRESENTS:

FLY HIGH WITH CLUB

BRIEFS - WORLD PRIDE

EVENT. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 8:30pm. $75.

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.

SATURDAY NIGHTS AT THE GH. Geelong Hotel.

Geelong. 9pm. Free.

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT VINYL DJS

FT SAM ASHBY. Medusa. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

CAPTAIN SATURDAYS.

Captain. Geelong. 7pm. Free.

Sun 12 Mar

COASTAL JAM GEELONG

PRESENTS: ZIGGY ALBERTS, HOCKEY DAD, BAG RAIDERS, ROCHELLE JORDAN

(USA), LATIFA TEE AND MORE. Cunningham Pier. Geelong. 3pm. $93.89.

LABOUR DAY EVE FT

ALDONNA. Captain.

Geelong. 8pm. $11.90

THE BENNIES. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7pm. $28.60.

THICK ‘N’ JUICY DANCE

PARTY. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 8pm. $44-77.

PEKING DUCK. Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8:30pm. SOLD OUT.

LABOUR DAY EVE FT: LOODS. Geelong Bandroom (Geelong Hotel). Geelong. 9pm. $28.48.

LABOR DAY EVE FT STACE

CADET & FANTASTIC

MAN. The Inn Hotel. Geelong. 3pm. $15.

BENDIGO SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA: UNFINISHED. The Capital. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Adult $50. Concession $40. MY FLIGHT. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY

SESSIONS. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 2pm. Free. ROOFTOP SUNDAYS. Geelong Hotel. Geelong. 2pm. Free.

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

Thu 16 Mar

VETO (FRANCE), WRAITHIAN. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $15.

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE WITH SPECIAL GUEST JIMMY EAT WORLD . Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne. 7:30pm. $179.90.

BLUES ARCADIA. The Golden Vine. Bendigo. 9pm. $15.

CARLY JORJA & FRIENDS WITH ADRIA LANE, SUN KINGS AND TAKODA MEADOW. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 7pm. $15.30.

THE NAKED MAGICIANS. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 7:30pm. $69.90.

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

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

ISOBEL CALDWAL: ‘DUTY OF CARE’ ALBUM TOUR. Medusa. Geelong. 6:30pm. $11.90.

Fri 17 Mar

AIREYS INLET MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURING: ELLA HOOPER, ANDY GOLLEDGE, BONES AND JONES, ZOE FOX AND THE ROCKET CLOCKS, FOREVER SON, DE PORSAL AND MORE. Aireys Inlet. Victoria. 17-19 March. 3 Day Pass $60.

EARTHLESS (USA). The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $59.90.

BONDI CIGARS. The Golden Vine. Bendigo. 9pm. $25. THESE NEW SOUTH WHALES. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $28.85.

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE WITH SPECIAL GUEST JIMMY EAT WORLD . Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne. 7:30pm. $179.90.

KATE CEBRANO. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $69.90.

LIZ STRINGER & WILLIAM CRIGHTON. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 7pm. $51.55.

ERIC BIBB. The Capital. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $84.10.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

HARD QUIZ LIVE - HOSTED BY TOM GLEESON. Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront. Geelong. 6pm SOLD OUT. 8:30pm showing starting from $59.90.

SAOIRISE - ST PATRICK’S DAY. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $25.

MO’JU X MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Hamer Hall. Melbourne. 7pm. SOLD OUT.

ADAM ECKERSLEY & BROOKE MCCLYMONT. The Gateway Hotel. Corio. 7:30pm. $40.

BEN SALTER ‘STATS’ TOUR. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $20.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

MATILDA HASSALL. Valhalla Taproom. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

SHAMROCK DA HOUSE - ST

PATRICK’S DAY. The Wool Exchange. Geelong. 8pm. $15.

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

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

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

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

FLORENCE BAR

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

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

MEDUSA FRIDAYS. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

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

Sat 18 Mar

MAJAK DOOR, GUESTS (TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $19.90.

KELLY AUTY, JARRAD

SHAW, DAMON SMITH, THE WINDSAVERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

CHOCOLATE STARFISH

PRESENTS: BAT OUT OF HELL WITH TAYLOR

SHERIDAN. Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront. Geelong. 7:30pm. $69.90.

GUTLESS, HORMAGUANT VISCERAL, MISERABLE CREATURE, CLASS

TRAITOR. The Eastern. Ballarat. 7:30pm. $15.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

THE WAYNE JURY 4. Pistol

Pete’s Food & Blues. Geelong. 9:30pm. $45.

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

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

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

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

WAX SATURDAYS. Waxyard

Geelong. Geelong. 3pm. Free.

SATURDAY NIGHT VINYL

DJS FT MATURE AGE WAGES, DEGS IN SPACE & CHUNKY ATHLETE. Medusa. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

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

NGAIIRE X MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Hamer Hall. Melbourne. 7pm. SOLD OUT.

Sun 19 Mar

‘NTS IN NAARM’ FEATURING: BAYU, DARCY JUSTICE, DJ

PGZ, LADY SHAKA, LIL MOFO, SUI ZHEN, YAWUNG AND MORE. Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 12pm. $49.

CHARLES JENKINS, LITTLE FAITHS. The Bridge Hotel. Castlemaine. 3pm. Free.

THE AUSTRALIAN TENORS. The Capital. Bendigo. 2pm. Adult $85. Concession $81.

HARD QUIZ LIVE - HOSTED BY TOM GLEESON. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 6 & 8:30pm. $64.90.

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

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

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

BOO SEEKA. The Deck. Ballarat. 7pm. $39.80.

Thu 23 Mar

ICE CUBE, CYPRESS HILL, THE GAME. Rod Laver Arena. Melbourne. 7pm. SOLD OUT.

ALIVAN BLU ‘EMBERS’ TOUR, TOM HARRINGTON. Volta. Ballarat. 7pm. $23.75.

APOLLO CHORUS: MARCH 2023 RECITAL. St Paul’s Anglican Church. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $35.

27 CLUB. Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront. Geelong. 7:30pm. $55.

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

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

Fri 24 Mar

KNOTFEST AUSTRALIA

(15+) FEATURING: SLIPKNOT, PARKWAY DRIVE, MEGADEATH, ALPHA WOLF, KNOCKED LOOSE, SPIRITBOX, VOID OF VISION AND MORE. Flemington Racecourse. Melbourne. 12pm. SOLD OUT.

ROSE TATTOO. The Gateway Hotel. Corio. 8:30pm. $45.

RHYLEY MCGRATH. Valhalla Taproom. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

URTHBOY, DALLAS WOODS AND LOREN RYAN. Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $40.05.

PARADISE KITTY (USA). The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $55.10.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

APOLLO CHORUS: MARCH 2023 RECITAL. St Paul’s Anglican Church. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $35.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAYS PRESENTS: CAROLE KING HITS AND RARITIES. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:15pm. $35.

RICHARD WAGNER’S DER RING DES NIBELUNGEN

- CYCLE 1. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Tickets starting from $205 for a single show. Tickets starting from $750 for the ‘full cycle’ of shows.

DAS RHEINGOLD FIRST OPERA OF THE RING CYCLE. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 7:30pm. Tickets starting from $205.

27 CLUB. The Capital. Bendigo. 8:30pm. $59.

EUGENE ‘HIDEAWAY’ BRIDGES. The Golden Vine. Bendigo. 9pm. $35.

MISS LOU’S BLUES, OSCAR

LADELL, JULES BOULT, EDDY & THE EXCITERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT.

MOZART & BEETHOVEN BLISS - MELBOURNE SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA. Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront. Geelong. 7:30pm. $49-99.

MULTICULTURAL COMEDY

GALA FEATURING

DILRUK JAYASINHA, IVAN ARISTEGUIETA, TAHIR, JEFF GREEN, DORA SMITH AND MORE. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $59.90.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

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

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

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

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

FLORENCE BAR

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

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

MEDUSA FRIDAYS. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

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

Sat 25 Mar

ANTI FADE RECORDS AND B BOOKINGS PRESENTJERKFEST VIII FT: ESSENDON AIRPORT, EXEK, TERRY, R.M.F.C, OPTIC NERVE, GELD, MODAL MELODIES, VINTAGE CROP AND MORE. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 12pm. $76.50.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

WAGNER PRESENTS: LORD OF THE RING. The Capital. Bendigo. 3pm. $40.

DIE WALKÜRE SECOND OPERA OF THE RING CYCLE. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 2pm. Tickets starting from $205.

INVENTI ENSEMBLE - ‘THE ENCHANTED FOREST’. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 8pm. $35.

THE PENINSULA PICNIC FEATURING: THE TEMPER TRAP, JOSH PYKE, TIA GOSTESLOW, QUEEN OF HEARTS MARIACHI, TAHLS AND MORE.

Mornington Racecourse. Mornington.11:30am. Adult $99. Child (5-17) $20. Child (0-4) Free.

MATT CHAPMAN (OF MY LEFT BOOT AND NUADA). Valhalla Taproom. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

CONQUEROR ROOT. Pistol

Pete’s Food & Blues. Geelong. 9:30pm. $45.

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY NIGHT VINYL

DJS FT THERMOSTAT DADS. Medusa. Geelong. 8pm. Free.

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

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

Sun 26 Mar

RICHARD WAGNER’S DER

RING DES NIBELUNGENCYCLE 1. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 2pm. Tickets starting from $205.

SIONACCH RUA’S GREAT IRISH SONG BOOK. Bendigo Bank Theatre. Bendigo. 2pm. Adult $60. Concession $54.

MULTICULTURAL COMEDY

GALA FEATURING

DILRUK JAYASINHA, IVAN

ARISTEGUIETA, TAHIR, JEFF GREEN, DORA SMITH AND MORE. The Capital. Bendigo. 8pm. $59.90.

SONGS FOR SUZANNE: THE MUSIC AND POETRY OF LEONARD COHEN. Theatre Royal. Castlemaine. 7pm. $59.90.

GUITAR BAR SUNDAY

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

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

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

Thu 30 Mar

THE WANDERER - DARREN

JEFFERY. Langley Estate. Bendigo. 6pm. $40.

NEARLY NEIL STARRING

BOBBY BRUCE. The Capital. Bendigo. 7:30pm. $49.

KAREN FROM FINANCE

IS DOING TIME. Piano Bar Bendigo. Bendigo. 6pm. $40.

PRIMA FACIE. Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront. Geelong. Showing from 28th March-1st of April. All showings SOLD OUT.

TRAVELLIN’ STILL: THE MUSIC OF SLIM DUSTY. The Potato Shed. Drysdale. 8pm. $40.

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

Fri 31 Mar

MEADOW ‘23 FEATURING: KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS, BLACK MIDI, JEN CLOHER, CASH SAVAGE & THE LAST DRINKS, LOODS, ALYSHA JOY, OUR CARLSON, DR SURE’S UNUSUAL PRACTICE AND MORE. Bambra. Victoria. 31 March- 2nd April. SOLD OUT.

FENN WILSON. Major Tom’s. Kyneton. 8:30pm. $15.

CRESFEST: CRESWICK’S FOLK FESTIVAL FEATURING

EMMA DONOVAN AND THE PUTBACKS, ERIC BOGLE, THE MAES, DARCY SPILLER, FREYA JOSEPHINE HOLLICK, KEE’AHN AND MORE. Hepburn. Daylesford. 31st March- 2nd April. $170.

STEPH STRINGS ‘AUSTRALIAN SUMMER TOUR’. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 8pm. $23.50.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

RICHARD WAGNER’S DER RING DES NIBELUNGENCYCLE 1. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 4pm. Tickets starting from $205.

SIEGFRIED THIRD OPERA OF THE RING CYCLE. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 4pm. Tickets starting from $205.

MACBETH: MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 6:30pm. $25.

SUPPERCLUB FRIDAYS

PRESENTS: MATT JOE

GOE. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $20.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. Free.

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

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

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

FLORENCE BAR

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

MEDUSA FRIDAYS. Medusa Bar. Geelong. 6pm. Free.

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

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

Sat 01 Apr

LIVE & LOUD AT MEDUSA: RIVER OF SNAKES, NO CAKE, AFFORDABLE REPAYMENTS. Medusa. Geelong. 7pm. $15.

‘ROCK THE BLACK DOG’ FESTIVAL FT: ASH GRUNWALD. The Barwon Club. South Geelong. 12pm. $56.10.

STEPH STRINGS, GUEST (TBC). Volta. Ballarat. 8pm. $23.75.

BRITISH INDIA, GUEST (TBC). Torquay Hotel. Torquay. 8pm. $45.90.

KARAOKE AT THE BARKING

DOG. The Barking Dog. Geelong West. 7:30pm. Free.

MACBETH: MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 6:30pm. $25.

DAMON SMITH, WILLIE J, PHIL COYNE + THE WAYWARD ACES, LAUREL AND THE PAINKILLERS. Bluestrain. Queenscliff. SOLD OUT. UKULELE DEATH SQUAD. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 6:30pm. $30.

LIVE MUSIC. Saints and Sailors. Portarlington. 6pm. 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.

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

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

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

Sun 02 Apr

THE BLACK SORROWS. The Lighthouse Theatre. Warrnambool. 7:30pm. $60.

MACBETH: MURDER ON THE DANCEFLOOR. The Engine Room. Bendigo. 6:30pm. $25.

GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG-

FOURTH OPERA OF THE RING CYCLE. Ulumbarra Theatre. Bendigo. 2pm. Tickets starting from $205.

FANNY TALES: SONGS, STORIES & TELL-ALL-TALLTALES WITH FANNY LUMSDEN. The Palais Hepburn. Hepburn. 12:30pm. $45.

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

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