As winter draws to a close, the region’s music calendar starts filling up for the spring weather.
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DICE - Altitude Tour
Perth surf rock band DICE are stopping at Torquay Hotel to perform their second album I Thought The Altitude Would Make It Worth The View.
Where: Torquay Hotel
When: September 4, 8pm
Cost: $49.90
The Shore
Surf rock trio The Shore headline an evening of performances spanning harmonica-led blues from Jack Meredith to punk rock from Velora.
Where: Volta Ballarat
When: September 6, 5:30pm
Cost: $18.40
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Warrnambool-based all-abilities arts group Find Your Voice Collective leads members of Colac’s Find Your Light Choir and students from Lake Colac School in a medley of rock classics.
Where: Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre
When: September 6, 6pm
Cost: Adult: $40; Concession: $25; Child (8-17): $25; Child (under 8): Free
Live & Local - The Ascended/Convict Class/Life of Tragedy
A triple-header in Warrnambool with local acts playing a mix of heavy metal. Life of Tragedy kick off the night before The Ascended and Convict Class play their latest EP and album.
Where: Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
When: September 18, 7pm
Cost: General Admission 18+: $17.50; Double pass 18+: $30
Nathan Cavaleri - Growing Pains
Nathan Cavaleri became famous at age nine as a talented blues guitarist. More than three decades later, he is still performing. This solo show retells his life story through song.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: September 30,
Cost: $25-$50
Live music at the Brewhouse
Part of a regular live music roster at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, local trio Carl, Matty O and Adam Giles perform campfire-style folk music.
Where: Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Apollo Bay
When: September 25, 8pm
Cost: Free
Reading this in August? Keep scrolling for our recommendations!
The Dandy Buzzkills
Image: The Dandy Buzzkills
Adelaide’s The Dandy Buzzkills are bringing their tunes, including I Can Feed the Fish Earthworms, to the ‘Rat.
When: Friday, August 21
Where: Volta Ballarat
Cost: $12.50
The Living End
Image: The Living End
With their blend of rockabilly and punk, The Living End have been playing electrifying gigs for 30 years.
When: Saturday, August 8
Where: Civic Hall Ballarat
Cost: $79.90
Boy & Bear + Merpire
Image: Boy & Bear (left) and Merpire (right)
Indie folk group Boy & Bear are coming to the south-west coast, supported by emerging Melbourne act Merpire.
When: Sunday, August 9
Where: The Whalers Hotel
Cost: $79.90
Kingswood
Image: Kingswood
Alternative group Kingswood are visiting spa country this August, playing songs from their latest album Midnight Mavericks.
When: Saturday, August 15
Where: Hepburn Palais
Cost: $49
Felipe Baldomir
Image: Felipe Baldomir
Felipe Baldomir has moved from Uruguay to Byron Bay, and he’ll be visiting West Vic on his Sunset Highway tour.
When: Thursday August 6
Where: Torquay Hotel
Cost: $39.90
GAYC/DC
Image: GAYC/DC
From the US, GAYC/DC take traditionally masculine tunes and turn them into a queer celebration.
When: Saturday, August 22
Where: Volta Ballarat
Cost: $54.90
Woody Samson
Image: Woody Samson
Woody Samson, who dubs his music experimental and multi-instrumental, is playing a free show in Apollo Bay.
When: Saturday, August 15
Where: Apollo Bay Hotel
Cost: Free
Reading this in July? Keep scrolling for the July gig guide.
Clotheslined
Image: Clotheslined
Melbourne band Clotheslined are heading to the ‘Rat, fresh off a national tour and a debut album. Their music is an energetic blend of metallic hardcore and thrash metal.
Where: Volta Ballarat, 15 Field Street, Ballarat Central
When: Friday, July 10th
Cost: $23.75
Willie J’s 6V6s
Image: Willie J’s 6V6s
A 6V6 is a beam-powered vacuum tube used in vintage guitar amps, and it’s been brought back to life by Willie J’s 6V6s. Formed in Melbourne in 2023, the group uses the 1930s technique to boost tunes to the max.
Where: Whaler’s Hotel, Liebig Street, Warrnambool
When: Saturday, July 4th
Cost: $17.35
Thelma Plum: Don’t Play That Song Anymore Tour
Image: Thelma Plum
Thelma Plum is a staple on Australian airwaves, and she’s bringing her latest tour to West Vic. If you’re in Horsham or Warrnambool, this is your chance for an intimate gig with a gifted singer and storyteller.
Where: Horsham Town Hall and The Lighthouse Theatre
When: July 10 in Horsham and July 12 in Warrnambool
Cost: $70
Piano by Request
Image: Piano Bar
If you’re looking for a back-to-basics music experience, Piano Bar offers an evening featuring a pianist and vocalist belting out your favourite ballads and bangers on request. The show may even feature a surprise drag performance.
Where: Piano Bar, 31 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central
When: Every Friday & Saturday night through July
Cost: $10 at the door
Nektar Records featuring JAKKOB + Benjamin
Image: Nektar Records
UK house by the sea with JAKKOB + Benjamin, returning after a sold out appearance in Torquay earlier this year.
Where: Torquay Hotel, 36 Bell Street, Torquay
When: Monday, July 27th
Cost: $24.50 - $29.60
Rush Rave
Image: Freight Bar
Freight Bar has just renovated its old brewhouse, and to celebrate it’s hosting a techno, house and hardgroove rave.
Where: Freight Bar & Rooftop, 49 Mair Street East, Ballarat Central
When: July 4-5
Cost: $21
Header Image: Thelma Plum