Beat #1717

MELBOURNE

INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

Catherine Bohart on why no one wants to watch a comedian win.

REUBEN KAYE

EDITOR

Lucas Radbourne

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Talia Rinaldo

STAFF WRITER

Kaya Martin

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Riley McDonald

GIG GUIDE

Jacob Colliver

CONTRIBUTORS

Bryget Chrisfield, Tyler Jenke, Tammy Walters, Sam Beros, Kosa Monteith, Andrew Handley, Priya Francis, Juliette Salom, Joanne Brookfield, Joshua Jennings

FOR ADVERTISING OR

SPONSORED CONTENT ENQUIRIES advertise@furstmedia.com.au

ACCOUNTS

accounts@furstmedia.com.au

DISTRIBUTION

distribution@furstmedia.com.au

PUBLISHER

Furst Media Pty Ltd

FOUNDER

Rob Furst

SOCIALS BeatMag BeatMagazine beatmagazine BeatTV beat.com.au beatmagazine

EDITORIAL NOTE

Welcome to our bumper April edition, celebrating the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Æ Irish comedy sensation Catherine Bohart graces our front cover, while inside you’ll find interviews with the acclaimed likes of Adam Kay, Lara Ricote, Annie Boyle, Alexandra Hudson, Danielle Walker and far too many other brilliant comedians to mention in this brief introduction. We also have a seven-page rundown of some of the best shows to see this year, in addition to a specific guide for the Comedy Festival’s beloved annual special events. We also make room for our usual album reviews and festival, stage, venue and gig guides. Plus we have excellent interviews with Saints’ legend Ed Kuepper, breakout Melbourne punks Screensaver and rock trailblazers Hoodoo Gurus before they play around the city this month. Finally, we preview Record Store Day with Discrepancy Records, and Behind The Lines, the exhibition of Australia’s best political cartoons coming to the Old Treasury Building.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS

Our magazine is published on the lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

DISTRIBUTION

COVER

Beat Mag will be distributed free every month to hundreds of locations around metro Melbourne, to enquire about having it at your venue email distribution@furstmedia.com.au

Our April cover star is Catherine Bohart, photographed by Raphael Neal.

Ç MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL DROPS HUGE LINEUP

Australia’s biggest cultural festival returns with superstar internationals like Larry Dean, Nina Conti, Urzila Carlson, Fern Brady, Lara Ricote, Catherine Bohart and Kanan Gill, while local favourites like Aaron Chen, Sam Campbell, Anne Edmonds, Celia Pacquola and Claire Hooper return in droves.

Ç KYLIE MINOGUE LEADS SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS LINEUP

Future, Arcade Fire, Yeat, G Flip, Turnstile, Tones and I, Hayden James, Girl In Red, Baby Gravy (Yung Gravy x BBNO$), Tash Sultana and many more will play the North Byron Parklands from July 19-21.

Ç RISING REVEALS MAMMOTH FULL PROGRAM

RISING Festival is igniting Melbourne from June 1-16, with 105 events ranging from Yasiin Bey and Onefour to sprawling CBD parties, mammoth art installations and iconic venue takeovers.

Ç KATIE NOONAN ANNOUNCES SHOW WITH MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

On May 30 at Hamer Hall, she’s set to take on works by Britten, Bernstein and Joni Mitchell as well as adapted versions of her own material.

RECITAL CENTRE ANNOUNCES LIFECHANGING ACCELERANDO COHORT

A select group of eight school students from across the state are being given a rare opportunity to take their music career to the next level with a prestigious music acceleration program run by Melbourne Recital Centre.

Ç SUNBURY POP FESTIVAL IS REBORN

Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows and many more legends are reuniting to play Sunbury ‘24, the festival’s 50th anniversary show, on April 13.

METALCORE SENSATIONS BANKS ARCADE DROP TOUR DATES

Banks Arcade is ready to unleash their powerhouse energy in Melbourne with their upcoming Death 2 A Muse Tour this May. They’ll be playing Max Watt’s on May 24.

Ç MISSY HIGGINS ANNOUNCES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ENCORE SHOWS

Due to overwhelming demand (32 dates have already sold out), she has just announced encore shows set to take place at the end of her huge run of performances, including a show at The Palais on June 22.

Ç ANGIE MCMAHON ADDS NEW DATES TO HER BIGGEST TOUR YET

Due to frenzied ticket sales on her original dates, McMahon has added a show at Melbourne’s Forum on May 13, where she’ll be supported by Ruby Gill.

Ç ARTS CENTRE ANNOUNCES CIRCUS SPECTACULARS

The hits keep coming with Guru Dudu Silent Disco and 360 ALLSTARS offering incredible family fun from April to May at Arts Centre Melbourne.

05/04

06/04

06/04

13/04

18/04

19/04

21/04

26/04

03/05 -

04/05

10/05

31/05

01/06

08/06

23/06

28/06

05/07 -

21/07

22/07

GIG GUIDE

04/04 - MESS ESQUE

05/04 - SEX ON TOAST

06/04 - STUMPS

07/04 - JOSH OWEN

12/04 - AMARU TRIBE

13/04 - CODEINE (USA)

13/04 - CODEINE (USA)

17/04 - ZOOLANDER FILM SCREENING

18/04 - MERPIRE

19/04 - THE BLOODY NORAHS

20/04 - NOAH DILLON

24/04 - SETH SENTRY SELLING FAST

25/04 - CHARM OF FINCHES

26/04 - SETH SENTRY SOLD OUT

27/04 - CORDRAZINE

28/04 - SUPER TERRIFIC HAPPY HOUR FESTIVAL MATINEE

02/05 - THE DREGGS SOLD OUT

03/05 - BABY BLUE

04/05 - OUR CARLSON

05/05 - LOIN GROIN

18/05 - KYLE LIONHART

07/06 - ALEKSIAH

08/06 - VAULTBOY (USA)

ALL AGES ALCOHOL FREE MATINEE

14/06 - ANDY GOLLEDGE BAND

15/06 - DONOVAN WOODS

22/06 - ALAIN JOHANNES (USA/CHL)

07/09 - NEW BUFFALO

STICKING AROUND FOR A BEV AFTER THE GIG?

FLASH YOUR STAMP OR TICKET FOR 10% OFF POST-SHOW DRINKS. PLUS, FREE GIGS EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT SOCIAL SANCTUARY.

Friday

Sunday

Thursday

Friday

Sunday

Thursday

Saturday

Thursday

Sunday

Thursday

Friday

Thursday 18 April

Sunday 21 April

Alice

Friday

Sunday

VICTORIA HAS A NEW ELECTRONIC CAMPING FESTIVAL: SONDER

Sonder Festival is an independent three-day electronic music and arts festival over the Easter long weekend at Our Friend’s Farm in Tallarook, featuring left-field dance, electronic, and percussive musicians and DJs from both around the world and locally.

Ç MARIA BAMFORD IS COMING TO MELBOURNE IN JULY

Best-selling author, actor and multi-award winning comedian Maria Bamford will be bringing her beloved brand of stand up to The Palais on July 13.

BUZZCOCKS ANNOUNCE NORTHCOTE THEATRE SHOW

Pioneers of the punk movement with their energetic and fast-paced sound, Buzzcocks are coming to Melbourne for a show on November 2.

Ç ROOFTOP BREWERY BREWMANITY HAS OPENED IN SOUTH MELBOURNE

Brewmanity has officially opened its brand new brewery, beer hall and rooftop bar in South Melbourne, with three different levels and two rooftop bars with breathtaking views of the Melbourne skyline.

Ç HOODOO GURUS HEADLINE MELBOURNE MUSTER THIS MAY

Hoodoo Gurus, Lee Kernaghan, monster trucks, rodeo riders, mechanical bulls and much more are coming are coming to Caribbean Park from May 3-4.

Ç CANADIAN ROCKERS THE TEA PARTY ARE TOURING IN JUNE

The Tea Party are bringing the [TRIPtych] 25 tour down under, marking the band’s first visit to Australia since 2019, including a show at The Palais on June 20.

THE HOLD STEADY RETURNS TO MELBOURNE FOR THREE SHOWS

Brooklyn’s very own The Hold Steady is gearing up for an electrifying return to Melbourne, marking two decades of incredible music with a series of shows at The Croxton and Stay Gold in May.

KARNIVOOL ANNOUNCE THE TRI-CONTINENTAL DRIFT TOUR

The beast that is Karnivool has awoken. They’re hitting the road this year for their first Aussie tour in ages, playing Northcote Theatre on May 30.

AN EVENING WITH REBEL WILSON IS COMING TO OUR STAGES

The comedic powerhouse behind hits like Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids is set to take the stage for a series of candid and hilarious conversations, including a show at Hamer Hall on May 14.

COUNTING AND CRACKING TO DEBUT AT RISING

An epic journey across eras and oceans, the multi-award winning Counting and Cracking makes a highly anticipated Melbourne debut for RISING from May 31 to June 23, at the Union Theatre.

Ç ALT-ROCK PIONEERS SLEATER-KINNEY ARE INCOMING

Celebrating 30 years since they first emerged from the Riot Grrrl movement, Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein are set to ignite the Forum on May 19 with their distinctive blend of punk, alternative, and indie rock.

THE SOUL MOVERS ARE COMING TO MELBOURNE

The funky band of OG Red Wiggle Murray Cook is playing a special show at Lulie Tavern on April 7, sure to delight fans with their unique blend of rockin’ soul and funkfused pop.

DAN SULTAN, TROPICAL FUCK STORM LEAD THE GUM BALL

The Gum Ball returns to the Hunter Valley for its 20th anniversary featuring a superb lineup also boasting the likes of Kid Congo and RVG, from April 26-28 this year.

FOR FAME’ TOUR - THE L A ST M ART YR + HEADWRECK + LIVE LIKE ANIM AL S

AARDVARK - ALBUM L AUNCH - WITH THE STRIPP + STREET SWEEPER

SUB SOL AR - WITH ORPHIX + KIDS BREAK GL A SS + DYL AN AND THE OMENS

FRAGILE ANIMALS (QLD) ‘ SLOW MOTION BURIAL’ TOUR - WITH ADORED + SORRY,DAVE + COUNCIL GROUNDS

SHANNEN JAMES - ‘PATCHWORK’ ALBUM TOUR

EYE OF THE ENEMY + ARMOURED EARTH - CO SINGLE L AUNCH - WITH VERONA LIGHTS + PRIORITIES

KARINA LEHMAN QUARTET & FRIENDS - SINGLE L AUNCH - WITH DJ COTERRA

THE EMPT Y THREATS (SA) - WITH GUESTS

THE KIT T YHAWKS - WITH WESTALL 66 + DEAR M ATILDA + AFTER SCHOOL CARE

SIENNA SKIES (SYD) ‘ONLY CHANGE IS PERMANENT ’ EP L AUNCH - WITH NO HOME + HARROWAY + VATIC + SILVERFANG

ELLE MURPHY + HAT TIE OATES CO HEADLINE TOUR - WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

Ç MELBOURNE TO HOST WORLD-CLASS E-SPORTS FESTIVAL

DreamHack, a Swedish-born festival celebrat ing everything gaming, arrives in Melbourne Park and will take place from April 26-28.

Ç NEW LIVE MUSIC VENUE OPENS IN FOOTSCRAY

Formerly Baby Snakes, Misfits will serve as a dynamic music and arts space in the heart of Melbourne’s inner west, piloted by hospo heavyweights and longtime friends Jacob Bell (Ferdydurke, Whitehart), Amber Hahipene (Section 8, Comet Beverages) and Jerry Poon (The Operatives).

FREE EXHIBITION OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST POLITICAL CARTOONS OPENS

Behind The Lines, Australia’s premier national political cartooning exhibition, returned to the Old Treasury Building in mid-March and will run until May 24.

5SOS’S LUKE HEMMINGS IS COMING TO THE PALAIS

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR $5,000 LIGHTHOUSE AWARD

Submissions are now open for women-identifying or non-binary artist managers to apply for the $5,000 APRA AMCOS grant.

Ç UK INDIE POWERHOUSES THE REYTONS ARE RETURNING

Fresh from conquering fields and arenas in the UK, the self-made ‘kids off the estate’ are set to deliver their signature high-octane performance at The Croxton Bandroom this October.

Ç POST-HARDCORE SENSATIONS CASKETS DROP TOUR DATES

Leeds-based post-hardcore sensations, Caskets, are set to embark on their first-ever headline tour in the country, coming to 170 Russell in May.

SOUND TRACKS, THE

Ç RECORD STORE DAY DROPS STACKED LOCAL RELEASE LIST

Put April 20 in your calendar, because Record Store Day’s epic local lineup includes The Wiggles, Montaigne, Ian Moss, Tasman Keith, The Terrys and plenty more.

HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS IS COMING TO ROD LAVER ARENA

Fans of all ages, prepare to be dazzled as your beloved Hot Wheels Monster Trucks take the stage in a spectacle like no other – in the dark! They’ve announced two Rod Laver shows this August.

Ç SRI LANKAN FESTIVAL COMES TO QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

From delicious kottu roti to deviled chicken and hoppers, the festival will also feature arts and crafts, spices, tea, tourism and live music and performance on April 28.

Multi-platinum artist Luke Hemmings, renowned as the lead vocalist of 5 Seconds of Summer, has unveiled plans for his debut Melbourne headline show in St Kilda this June.

Sound Tracks is back this month, taking visitors on a curated road-trip-slash-mu sic-festival taking place on a fully restored

26th-28th APRIL 2024

26th-28th APRIL 2024

GEOFFREY ROBERTSON KC ANNOUNCES LIVE

Renowned legal luminary Geoffrey Robertson is set to tackle the tumultuous state of the world in his latest stage show, coming to Melbourne and Geelong in May.

DAN SULTAN | TROPICAL F*CK STORM

DAN SULTAN | TROPICAL F*CK STORM

KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS | EMILY WURRAMARA

KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS | EMILY WURRAMARA

RVG | COTERIE | THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP | HARD-ONS

RVG | COTERIE | THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP | HARD-ONS

GARETH LIDDIARD | DALLAS CRANE | BATTLESNAKE

GARETH LIDDIARD | DALLAS CRANE | BATTLESNAKE

BULLHORN | TEENY TINY STEVIES | VAUDEVILLE SMASH

BULLHORN | TEENY TINY STEVIES | VAUDEVILLE SMASH

CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR | THE BURES BAND | BURGER JOINT

CLAIRE ANNE TAYLOR | THE BURES BAND | BURGER JOINT

THE MAIN GUY & THE OTHER GUYS | CHIMERS | MARVELL

THE MAIN GUY & THE OTHER GUYS | CHIMERS | MARVELL

MELODY POOL | KARL S WILLIAMS | JOE MUNGOVAN | QUEENIE

MELODY POOL | KARL S WILLIAMS | JOE MUNGOVAN | QUEENIE

RADIUM DOLLS | CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE | MAGPIE DIARIES

RADIUM DOLLS | CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE | MAGPIE DIARIES

DAVE WELLS | SALARYMEN | JET CITY SPORTS CLUB

DAVE WELLS | SALARYMEN | JET CITY SPORTS CLUB

DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME | GEORGIE WINCHESTER SPECIAL

DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME | GEORGIE WINCHESTER SPECIAL

JOEY LEIGH WAGTAIL | JUNIOR BURGER | BUTTERKNIFE plus a few more...

JOEY LEIGH WAGTAIL | JUNIOR BURGER | BUTTERKNIFE plus a few more...

WONNARUA COUNTRY, NSW | THEGUMBALL.COM.AU

Ç EXQUISITE T-REX FOSSIL COMING TO MELBOURNE MUSEUM

One of the world’s largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons is coming to Melbourne Museum on June 28, for a limited time only.

WINTER BLUES FESTIVAL UNVEILS FIRST ROUND OF ARTISTS

The free Winter Blues Festival is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, with the likes of 19 Twenty and Geoff Achison performing in Echuca-Moama.

Ç THE ROLLING STONES REVUE ANNOUNCES TOUR

Adalita, Phil Jamieson, Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers are bringing The Rolling Stones classics to The Palais Theatre in June.

BEINGS COMES TO ACMI IN MAY

The world premiere exhibition Beings comes alive from May 22-September 29, featuring an assortment of curious characters born from code, created by famous design studio Universal Everything.

Ç REGURGITATOR ARE COMING TO THE FORUM IN MAY

“This ain’t no pop show… this here is an epic all-out crashing the rocks show. From a year past of Units, Kiss, Weezer, and a feast of festivals we head into this coming year with a sense of escalation and elevation,” the band shared.

Ç JOY IS THE NEW IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION AT IMMIGRATION MUSEUM

In a jubilant fusion of culture, nostalgia, and happiness, Joy is their most extensive exhibition since 2020, featuring seven esteemed Victorian-based artists expressing the essence of joy through vibrant, room-sized installations.

THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT ANNOUNCES MELBOURNE SHOW

Manchester’s legendary rave organisers are bringing Bonobo, HAAI, Kelly Lee Owens and more to PICA in Port Melbourne on May 25.

MOULD CHEESE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN JUNE

In gouda news for cheese enthusiasts across Australia, Mould, the nation’s largest cheese festival, is making a triumphant return this year to Royal Exhibition Building from June 28-29.

Ç DREAM POP ICONS CIGARETTES AFTER SEX ARE INCOMING

The Texans will bring their charmingly liminal sound to our shores, poised to dazzle Rod Laver Arena on March 12.

THE GRINNING MAN IS COMING TO MELBOURNE

In what will be the musical’s first production worldwide since achieving cult status on the West End, the Australian premiere of The Grinning Man is coming to Alex Theatre in St Kilda from May 2.

ROCK’N’ROLL MUSIC FESTIVAL DO THE POP RETURNS

Over 30 bands, spread across two stages, creating a rock ‘n’ roll spectacle under the open sky in Port Campbell from April 20-21, featuring The Meanies, Bob Log III, Orb and more.

Ç THE CLOCKTOWER’S NEW PROGRAM HAS IT ALL

From the Wharf Revue to Vika and Linda Bull, The Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds has unveiled the first instalment of its much-anticipated lineup for Season 2024.

Ç HOCKEY DAD ARE TAKING THEIR BRAND NEW ALBUM ON TOUR

Hitting the road later this year, Hockey Dad will be joined by special guests Militarie Gun and The Belair Lip Bombs at Margaret Court Arena on July 5.

Ç HOLLOW COVES DROP THEIR BIGGEST TOUR DATES YET

Hollow Coves, the captivating duo known for their ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics, will be coming to The Forum on November 16.

CATHERINE BOHART

Credit all images: Raphael Neal

For Irish comedian Catherine Bohart, the fact that she’s been in the game for ten years now might be enough to make her feel “physically sick”, but it also inspires a heartfelt sense of gratitude.

WORDS BY TYLER JENKE

Æ “I didn’t expect anything [when my career began] in all honesty,” she admits. “Fair play to the manifestation girlies and vision boarders but I have very much been ‘seeing how it goes’ since I started and I’m shocked and thrilled to find I’m still here and it’s a job apparently.”

It’s this go-with-the flow attitude that now sees her coming to Australia for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. As she looks back on herself first venturing into comedy, she admits a sense of “compassion” and pride for who she was and how far she’s come. “That girl was trying her best. She wasn’t good but she was trying,” she remembers. “Plus, I’d failed so much at so many things by the time I started stand-up that I’m actually so proud of myself for trying something new.

“I think I’m much more certain of what I think about things on stage now. Initially, I was checking with the audience on everything, asking if they also felt the way I do. Now, I think I’m telling them how I feel and hoping they come with me but if they don’t, I’m happy to be the weirdo.”

Bohart’s new show, Again, With Feelings, sees her taking on a number of personal topics; death-obsessed parents, queer reproduction, and a disenchantment with adulthood. But with such an introspective look at herself, Bohart admits that being vulnerable isn’t difficult, it’s a necessity.

“I don’t know how to do it any other way,” she admits. “The reason I’m funny is because it’s a tool of resilience, a coping mechanism. I’m funny because bad things happen.

“Plus, who the hell wants to watch a comedian win? I find that so boring. I only want to watch a comic who seems like they’re telling the truth about their lives and if that doesn’t involve hardship or failure then I’m just not buying it.

“I do think I do it with a very light touch and I think Australian and Irish people have very similar senses of humour,” she adds. “We are comfortable laughing at ourselves and talking about dark things.”

“I’m a claustrophobic woman with OCD. When I tell you I love it in Melbourne, I mean it.”

Those dark things have been enough to see her visit Australia previously for the MCIF, and resulted in her falling in love with the city. Frankly, the fact she’s coming back should be proof that she’s telling the truth.

“It’s a testament to how much I loved the last visit that I’m willing to do a direct flight from London to Perth and then fly to Melbourne,” she says. “I know you’re all chill with long haul flights but I’m a claustrophobic woman with OCD. When I tell you I love it in Melbourne, I mean it.

“The audiences are so up for it, open minded and funny themselves. Plus, they get behind the festival and are willing to see people they don’t know, that’s so rare and special.”

Alongside her upcoming solo show, she’ll also be presenting a live recording of her podcast, Trusty Hogs, with Helen Bauer. Instead of the planned nature of her regular show, the podcast takes on a far more informal tone – something she’s looking forward to.

“The main difference is that I don’t prep or worry about it,” she says. “We would be hanging out and screaming at each other even if no-one listened so it’s much more relaxed and we have such a natural dynamic because we’re actually friends.

“Plus, on the podcast we have so much interaction with our listeners because they write in with their problems and update us on their lives. Stand up is more of a one-way street.”

With so much on offer at the Comedy Festival this year, Bohart also admits that any potential recommendations of other artists to check out are clouded by her fondness to experience Melbourne’s café culture.

“I promise every pic on my Instagram will be me stuffing my face for the month so I’ll recommend things as I go but man, I get hungry just from hearing the word Melbourne,” she says. “The thought of eggs and coffee will get me through my hellish ride in the sky tube!”

CATHERINE BOHART

WHERE: THE WESTIN THREE

WHEN: MARCH 28 – APRIL 21

COMEDY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Some of the best shows to see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 21.

WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN

ONE WOMB PLEASE!

Sarah Maree Cameron knows sometimes all you can do is laugh. In her latest show, the radio host and TV presenter tells the tale of her diagnosis of endometriosis and cervical cancer which lead her down a path of IVF and surrogacy. Equal parts shocking, vulnerable and hilarious, One Womb Please! runs from March 28 to 31 at QT Melbourne.

NO TIME FOR GAMES

Jeremy Dooley isn’t coming to play. Known for his signature chaotic storytelling and no-fuss attitude, the comedian will be bringing his latest show, No Time For Games, where he’ll be joined each night by some of the most exciting comedy new up-and-comers, including Tyson Chappel, Hamish Deo, and Jacinta Jaye. Catch the show at the Collections Bar from March 29 to April 21.

PARIAH CAREY

It’s been a bad year for Dan Rath. After being bitten by a tick in the CBD, he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, long Covid and fatigue syndrome. Now, in an effort to feel good again, he’s taking to the MICF stage to share his woes and elicit a few laughs along the way. Pariah Carey will show at Melbourne Town Hall’s Portico Room from March 28 to April 21.

THE LADY UPSTAIRS

Raised in the rainforests of far north Queensland, thrown into city life without a helmet, Danielle Walker had to figure out a way to make it work. Now, the comedian, writer, actor and Taskmaster champion will be presenting her show, The Lady Upstairs, paying tribute to the little lady in her head that runs the show. See it at the Victoria Hotel’s Banquet Room from March 28 to April 21.

MAKING LEMONADE

Byron Bay-based comedian Alexandra Hudson feels like she has more in common with her 94-year-old grandma than she does with the rest of her peers. In her latest show, she muses on society’s assumptions on her as a disabled woman and what her experience is like navigating the mostly ableist world. Making Lemonade will show at the Westin Four from March 28 to April 21.

SH*T BLOKE

Following his smash-hit comedy debut Jokes About The Time I Went To Prison, Andrew Hamilton returns with his new show Sh*t Bloke. Freshly out of jail after selling psychedelic drugs for over a decade, Hamilton is trying to be a better person. The Sydneybased comedian, viral YouTuber and MICF 2023 Best Newcomer nominee is coming in hot with a brand new show, set to run at Spleen Bar from March 27 to April 21.

PUTTING ON A SHOW

Award-winner Alex Hines is not above giving us the old razzle dazzle. As a “middle child from a broken home”, she learned you have to work hard for your place under the spotlight. Her camp, chaotic and over-the-top style of comedy has helped her scoop up a handful of awards, and she’ll be bringing the same energy to the Malthouse’s Bagging Room stage from March 9 to April 21.

I WILL REFUND YOUR TICKET IN 10 YEARS I PROMISE

This debut, brought to you by comedian Ben Hunter, is an investment into the career of a hilarious young man. Covering going to the aquarium and hypnotism, it’s unlike anything else you’ll see at MICF. Plus, he means what he says – in one decade, if you follow up with your receipt, you’ll get your money back. The show will run at the Trades Hall Archive Room from March 28 to April 7.

ANNIE ARE YOU OK?

Deadpan darling Annie Boyle is here to deliver her latest work, Annie Are You OK? to Melbourne crowds. Known for her impeccable delivery and perfect timing, she’s played to sold-out audiences at festivals from Edinburgh to Adelaide. She performed her debut solo show, You’re Joking, as part of Sydney Comedy Festival’s FRESH program. Annie Are You OK? will show from March 28 to April 7.

HERE COMES

MR. FOREHEAD

Here comes Mr. Forehead, and here comes comedian, photographer, collage artist and writer Emma Holland. The multi-talented force will bring her quirky sense of humour (and maybe a few handmade props) to the stage, offering audiences a little peek into her “sick and twisted mind”. Catch the show from March 28 to April 21 at the ACMI Gandel Lab.

THE BOOK

Attention bookworms: Jordan Sharp’s got something for you. After losing the Class Clowns National Final 2012, the Lithgow, NSW comedian and writer has been plotting out a devious plan to regain his dignity. With his latest show, he says he’s “ready to show the world what [his] mind and mouth can do.” See his latest work from April 8 to 21 at the Trade’s Hall Archive Room.

THE SURAJ JOKE BARRAGE

Prepare yourselves for an hour of all-out stand-up success. You may recognise actor and comedian Suraj Kolarkar from his appearances in the films God’s Favourite Idiot and Shantaram, or you may have even had the privilege of seeing him on stage. Blending astute observation with storytelling hilarity, The Suraj Joke Barrage will run from April 9 to 14 at QT Melbourne.

FUNNY GARDEN

After snatching the Best Newcomer awards at both the Sydney and Melbourne comedy festivals in 2017, Aussie favourite Aaron Chen exploded onto the scene. You may have seen him on comedy series like Thank God You’re Here, Patriot Brains and Have You Been Paying Attention?. Renowned for his dry delivery and quick punch lines, his show will run from April 5 to 14 at the Palais Theatre.

SCALLOP-TOUCHER

From the mind of goofball comedy writer, actor and standup Samuel Campbell, Scalloptoucher will show for two delicious weeks. The UK Taskmaster alumni and Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2022 champion will bring his absurdist humour, keen observation and frantic energy to the Athenaeum Theatre stage. Catch the show from April 9 to 21.

HOT DEPARTMENT

Sexually liberated and spiritually advanced, Honor Wolff and Patrick Surnan Silva of Hot Department are guaranteed to bring the heat. On the heels of their award-winning 2023 show, the duo is back with a new hour of surreal and deranged sketch comedy. Known for their popular web series Dark Web, Hot Department’s latest show is expected to be a gem of the festival. It’ll run from March 28 to April 21 at The Malthouse’s Beckett Theatre.

NOT SO FUNNY NOW IS IT?

If you’re at all into the Melbourne comedy scene, you’re probably heard of Damien Power. He’s been delighting audiences for over a decade now, all the way from the Sydney Opera House to Montreal, Canada. Riding the high of his stand up special Alone in the Crown, shot last year at Melbourne’s own Corner Hotel, Damien’s back with a brand-new show. See Not So Funny Now Is It? from March 28 to April 21 at Comedy Republic.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LESBIAN BANK ROBBER

If that title doesn’t spark your interest, we don’t know what will. Dressed in all black (balaclavas unconfirmed) the comedy-musical duo Tuck Shop Ladies are tackling the big questions in their latest show. Ukuleles in hand, Sam Lohs and Rosie Burgess will present a night of quick-witted and relatable musical masterpieces. Catch the show from April 5 to 14 downstairs at the Butterfly Club.

BEST OF THE EDINBURGH FEST

Scotland may be a bit more than a hop, skip and a jump away from Melbourne, but we won’t let distance come between us! This crowd-favourite lineup, curated by talent scout Mary Tobin, delivers three international headliners for the price of one. See UK favourites Mark Simmons and Adam Flood with guest appearances by Canada’s John Hastings or Singapore’s Ting Lim (depending on the night) at the Athenaeum Theatre Two from March 28 to April 21.

AGAIN, WITH FEELINGS

The hit Irish stand-up comedian and host of the podcast Trusty Hogs Catherine Bohart is set to bare it all on stage with her second coming-of-age show, as she delves into her death-obsessed parents, queer reproduction and the qualms she’s having about adulthood in general. Again, With Feelings will show from March 28 to April 21 at The Westin Three.

THE ROB AUTON SHOW

UK-based poet, writer and comedian Rob Auton is set to bring his most personal show yet to the MICF stage. Best known for his unpredictable and absurdist style of comedy, the award-winning performer is shining the spotlight inward with his latest show, examining his memories, feelings and experiences. Catch the show from March 28 to April 21 at The Melbourne Town Hall Flag Room.

OH NO!

One of India’s most exciting comics is making her way to Melbourne. After winning Best Newcomer, Urooj Ashfaq is ready to unpack her hilarious takes about herself, her family, and the day to day irritations and joys of life. A crowd work master and an effortless charmer, she’s set to win over audiences with her rapid-fire speed and impeccable timing. See her perform in the Melbourne Town Hall’s Cloakroom from March 28 to April 7.

APPEARING IN NEW ORDER

Hailing from Paris, Celya AB brings her captivating stage presence and dynamic comedy to Melbourne. After starting comedy at the encouragement of UK comic Karen Bayley, Celya AB has captivated audiences from Edinburgh to Montreal. This show will see her joined by Josh Jones and Dan Tiernan. See Appearing in New Order in the Melbourne Town Hall’s Powder Room from March 28 to April 21.

FRANKIE ROWSTHORN FROM COMEDY ZONE

Celebrating its 24th year, Comedy Zone is all about the next generation of comedy stars. Among others, this year’s edition features 21-year-old newcomer Frankie Rowsthorn, daughter of national treasure Peter Rowsthorn. Her work touches on topics including living at home, figuring out her 20s and dealing with porn addiction. See her perform from March 28 at April 21 at Trades Hall Common Rooms Bar.

FULL GROWN

Atsuko Okatsuka has figured it all out. Last year, the LA-based, Japanese stand-up released her stand-up special The Intruder on HBO. Now, she will be heading down under for the first time ever with her show Full Grown, where she’ll teach the rest of us how being an adult is done. Known for her signature offbeat, quirky style, she’s not to be missed. See her perform for one night only on April 10 at The Palms at Crown Casino.

AND I CAN’T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE

Last year, comic and improv artist Sam See left his home country of Singapore and moved to London. Now, he’s going to tell us all about it. His previous show, Government Approved Sex, dazzled fans at MICF 2023 and beyond, featuring open-minded sex talk and plenty of audience participation. And I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is set to run from March 28 to April 7 at the Chinese Museum’s Jade Room.

LOW ENERGY WORLD TOUR

If you’re looking for a very casual and lowkey night on the town, Jordan Leung’s latest show has what you need. Revered for his deadpan delivery and easygoing charm, the comic and model known online as 69ranch will have the audience in stitches without even breaking into a smile. His show will run at the Chinese Museum’s Jade Room from April 9 to 21.

WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?

The Doctor will see you shortly. Malaysia’s Dr Jason Leong is fusing his hilarious humour and medical expertise to create a brand new hour of comedy coming on the heels of his sold out Brain Drain World Tour in 2023. Now, he’ll be putting his own personality under the microscope, trying to analyse, as objectively as possible, why he is the way he is. See the spectacle at The Greek from March 28 to April 21.

BUT HE’S GAY…

But He’s Gay… is the debut comedy hour from writer, actor and award-winning stand up Shane Daniel Byrne. Before making people laugh for a living, Byrne was a talent in Dublin’s contemporary performance art scene. His breakthrough into comedy was swift, earning him the label of one of Ireland’s most exciting stars. See his show at the Victoria Hotel’s Boardroom from April 9 to 21.

SHELF HELP

David Nihill is the definition of a vagabond. After leaving his Dublin hometown at age 22, he travelled the world and never quite stopped, visiting more than 70 countries. Coming to Australia for the first time ever, his new show features tales from abroad and from within told with his signature storytelling prowess. The hour-and-a-half long program will run for one night only on April 19 at the Comic’s Lounge.

THIS IS GOING TO HURT

Charting life in the hospital ward, this breakout hit live show is dark and macabre with a heavy dose of hilarity. This Is Going To Hurt is based on Adam Kay’s real-life experiences in the medical field and is related to his book of the same name, which is the bestselling nonfiction book of the century. See him on his first tour of Australia from April 16 to 21 at the Athenaeum Theatre.

COMEDY GOLD

Curated by Janet A McLeod – also known as the Fairy Godmother of Melbourne comedy – this series features an ever-changing lineup of comics from Australia and across the globe, from well-known icons to fresh faces. On every Friday night, it’s a mixed bag of goodies you won’t want to miss held in the intimate cabaret studio of The National in St Kilda from March 29 to April 19.

HUGE BIG PARTY CONGRATULATIONS

You may recognise them from judging RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, or from being the winner of MICF 2022’s Most Outstanding Show. Well, the crowd-favourite actor and comic Rhys Nicholson is back with a brand-new hour of giggles. Huge Big Party Congratulations follows Rhys, Rhys, Rhys which ran from 2020 to 2022. Catch it at Comedy Republic from March 28 to April 21.

KEEPING UP

Straight out of South Africa, the moustachioed menace Schalk Bezuidenhout is here to muse on the subject of growing older and settling down. He wants to stay hip – can he do it? While studying drama at the University of Cape Town, he turned to comedy as a creative outlet. Now, with over a decade of comedy behind him, he’s solidified his place in the comedy sphere. Catch his latest show at The Greek from March 28 to April 21.

TIL DEATH DO US HEARTS

This New Zealand comedy-pop music duo are bringing on the romance. The real-life power couple of Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore recently got married, and they’re paying off their wedding by sharing love, laughs and piping-hot new tracks with the MICF audiences. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the bouquet. See the show from March 28 to April 21 at ACMI’s Gandel Lab.

Tina Del Twist

Jermomaia Detto

Rachel Berger Dane Simpson

Michael Shafar Jay Wymarra

Andrew McClelland

Kura Turawhenua (NZ)

Milo Edwards (UK)

Malia Walsht

RAVEN

A bit spooky, a bit goofy and a whole lot entertaining, Elf Lyons’ Raven might be one of the most unusual acts at this year’s festival. Mixing clowning, horror and storytelling this is more than just a comedy show – it’s a work of art. The award-winning comedian, writer and actress has been performing solo shows for a decade now. To see what all of the fuss is about, see the show at the Greek from March 28 to April 21.

INSIDE EVERYONE

British comedian and Dead Parrot Youtuber Adrian Bliss is ready to take Melbourne audiences on an historical journey inside some of the most important people who have ever existed. Told from the perspective of an atom, this tale is as hilarious as it is epic. Known for his impressive costumes and skits, he’s sure to deliver a hit. Check out the show at the Malthouse Beckett Theatre from April 16 to 21.

I ALWAYS KNEW I HAD IT IN ME

Get ready for non-stop energy and silliness as Scotland’s Craigh Hill returns with his latest show. The hairdresser-turned-actor-slash-comedian is best known for his high-intensity charisma and uncanny impressions, he’s a force to be reckoned with. See his latest show at Chapel off Chapel from April 16 to 21.

VERTIGO

Get ready for a dizzying night of laughs as Scottish comic Connor Burns takes the stage. Previously performed in Glasgow and New York, Vertigo is a punchline-packed hour spanning topics such as family drama, ugly dogs and non-stop touring. So far, it’s been a hit with audiences, selling out its initial fiveshow run. See Vertigo at The Greek from March 28 to April 21.

NTNNNNN

It’s the daily news, but not as you know it. This satirical news station is run by real-life journalist and TV and radio presenter Osher Günsberg. The stories may be real, but the news is made up on the spot. Featuring a star-studded team of Australia’s finest improvisers with special guests reporters each night, no two shows are the same. See it live from March 28 to April 7 at The Greek.

ONE SMALL BEER, THANKS

2021 Moosehead recipient Kit Richards is ready to share her angelic voice and sharp humour in her latest show. After tackling important topics including the Australian wool industry and the Essendon doping scandal, Richards is turning inward, focusing on, among other things, her lightweightedness. Her musical comedy masterpiece will take over Theory Bar from April 10 to 21.

CONFETTI AND CHAOS

From the team behind the smash-hit Faulty Towers Dining Experience comes Confetti and Chaos: a raucous wedding reception filled with family secrets, dance floor drama and immersive improv comedy. Put on a cocktail dress, find your seat at the table and enjoy a three course dinner as the silliness unfolds all around you. You might even catch the bouquet! It’ll run from April 16 to 21 at Oaks on Market Hotel.

FAULTY TOWERS DINING EXPERIENCE

This comedy festival favourite is back by popular demand. With five star reviews across the world, the interactive improv show is jampacked with chaos and laughs. Step inside the cult classic BBC show and join Basil, Sybil and Manuel at a three-course dinner party where nothing is to be expected. The show will run from April 5 to 14 at Oaks on Market Hotel.

WRESTLEBRAINIA VI: THE UNFORTUNATE CHALLENGE

Whether you’re a wrestling fanatic or you don’t know the difference between a scorpion death drop and a camel clutch, this immersive show will get the blood pumping and the sweat flowing, offering a unique and playful take on professional wrestling culture. There will also be meet and greets with top tier local wrestlers. See it in action at the Catfish Bar from April 7 to 21.

WATERMELON LICKING

In his latest special, comedian and cartoonist Harry Jun is exploring the similarities of and differences between Australian and Korean culture. Named after his favourite Korean saying “licking the watermelon” equal to “scratching the surface”, the show brings together stand-up, interactive crowd work and animated characters designed by Jun himself. It’ll run in the Trades Hall Archive Room from March 28 to April 21.

COLLECTIONS, 2024

Beloved Australian talent Josh Glanc is bringing his distinct brand of tomfoolery back to MICF after a sold-out season at the festival in 2022. The multi-talented multi-award winner combines stand-up, music, character work and goofing off. High energy and full of surprises, the 2024 show is expected to be a dazzling hit. It’ll show at Rydges Two from March 28 to April 21.

INTO THE GALAXY

Created by Melbourne legend Stuart Daulman, this intergalactic comedy show weaves together quirky characters and sketches with side-splitting stand-up. Best known for his TV and ad appearances as well as his award-winning comedy shows, Daulman is a talent to be reckoned with. Into the Galaxy will be premiering at MICF, so don’t miss its run from March 28 to April 21 at the Victoria Hotel’s Acacia Room.

WHEN I GROW UP

Comedian and clown Jeromaia Detto invites audiences to recall their childhood dreams, then write them down. Equipped with his trunk full of costumes and tricks, he’ll bring these dreams to life. Inspired by spontaneity and play, Detto offers a lighthearted and ridiculously show that’ll have the whole crowd smiling. Catch When I Grow Up at the TIC Swanston from March 29 to April 21.

MICROSOFT ORIFICE

Are you sick to death of monotonous office culture, ugly pantsuits and staring at a screen all day? So is John Glover. Equipped with a very NSFW powerpoint, he’ll be providing an escape from the drone of everyday life at an hour perfectly timed for after work knockoff drinks. Grab your coworkers and catch the show at The Catfish Bar from March 27 to April 6.

QUEEN VICTORIA WOMEN’S CENTRE COMEDY

The QVWC is offering up 10 wacky and wonderful comedy shows this season. Covering topics including the perils of parenthood, the bizarre expectations put on women, endometriosis, identity and self-acceptance against all odds, this feminist lineup will truly tickle your funny bone. See a show at the QVWC from March 27 to April 20.

READY, STEADY, DAVID O’DOHERTY

Beloved Irish comedian and jazz musician David O’Doherty is coming in with his full bag of tricks. Armed with an electronic keyboard and more than two decades of experience on stage, he’s expected to deliver an evening of musical hilarity like no other. A tried-and-true star, he’s not to be missed. Catch the show during its run at The Capitol from March 28 to April 21.

APOLOGY COMEBACK TOUR

If you’re easily offended, this may not be the show for you. According to MexicanAmerican comedian Martin Urbano, he has been cancelled and seized by the woke Twitter mob. He is here to defend his honour with a barrage of over-the-top obnoxiousness and sleazebaggery that does not shy away from the sensitive stuff. See him in the Melbourne Town Hall’s Cloak Room from March 28 to April 7.

MY LITTLE TINY WET SHOW (BAPTISM)

Following sold-out debut shows at last year’s MICF, legally deaf, multi-award-winning Mexican comedian Lara Ricote returns with a new hour about the surreal and silly realities of life. Partially interactive and dark (in a good way) the new hour showcases Ricote’s impressive storytelling chops and diverse life experience. It’ll run from March 28 to April 21 at ACMI’s Swinburne Studio.

THE ESSENTIAL ROHAN GANJU

Best known for his deadpan humour, impeccable low-energy delivery and punchy two-line jokes, Melbourne’s own Rohan Ganju returns with his greatest hits. The actor and comedian has wrapped his extensive performing arts experience into one tight little package. Expect a night of chuckles, giggles and laughs – what more could you want?

See the show from March 28 to April 7 in the Trades Hall Archive Room.

DADDY SHORT-LEGS

A decade after comedian Eli Matthewson came out to his dad, his dad played an Uno Reverse and came out to him. Now, the New Zealand comedian is coming across to tell audiences tales of dodgy cars, bad AirBnB hosts and being named after the most boring Bible character. See him perform in the Flag Room at Melbourne Town Hall from April 9 to 21.

I GAVE YOU MILK TO DRINK

Scotland’s multi-talented comedy queen Fern Brady is ready to release her brand new show onto MICF audiences. It’s about the universal feeling of having everything you want in life and still wanting more – like, perhaps, wanting to run a goat farm in rural Greece, or something along those lines. Brash and ballsy, the new hour will show at the Rydges Ballroom from March 28 to April 21.

MAREN MAY IS GERMAN

Come on down and get cultured. 2022 RAW Comedy State Finalist Maren May is here to share all she knows and loves about her homeland of Germany, including stereotypes, sayings about sausages, and why she was told to never date an Australian. Lederhosen optional. See the show from March 27 to April 7 at Tasma Terrace: Tasma 3.

PRAWN COCKTAIL

Russian-British comedian and actress Olga Koch just turned 30, got her Master’s degree and got salmonella. Plus, a few more things – she’s been busy. She’s flying in to tell us all about it. She’s touring Prawn Cocktail through the UK, Australia and New Zealand alongside her current work in progress, Olga Koch Comes From Money. Catch her at The Greek Level 2 from March 28 to April 21.

BODY LANGUAGE

The ever-energetic Dahn Rozario has set his sights on body language: the silent yet ever so meaningful gestures we use to communicate. Following his successful show, White People Need To Relax, the new hour blends humour and physical comedy in his signature form, full of stories and observations. See him live at The Westin Two from March 28 to April 21.

157 HOURS OF BAD SLAM POETRY

Jeremy Moses’ latest show is not, in fact, 157 hours long. It’s just one. But boy, is it jam packed. Over lockdown, the visually-impaired comic wrote and performed 100 slam poems in 100 days, winning over the hearts and minds of the country. Now, he’s here to give us a glimpse behind the process. See him perform at the Classic Cinema, Southside from April 9 to 14.

I LOVE MONEY

Screenwriter, comedian and 2018 Class Clowns grand finalist Jett Bond loves money. I mean, who doesn’t? Their new show tackles cash, economy and wealth through humorous tactics including clownery, sketch and character comedy. Expect an absurdist extravaganza that’ll be worth every penny of the modest ticket price. It’ll run from March 26 to April 5 at the Motley Bauhaus.

AMAJAYUS

Part comedy, part ghost story, AmaJayus is a queer-feral rock-opera about self-acceptance and finding where you fit, all told out of order by a true First Nations renaissance man, Jay Wymarra. Entirely terrifying and wonderful, AmaJayus traverses Jay’s evolved identity from comedian to political figure, musical nerd to pansexual lunatic. It’ll show in the Trade’s Hall Archive Room from April 8 to 21.

ADAM KAY

When Adam Kay touches down in Australia for his visit to the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival, border security might want to check where he’s supposed to be.

WORDS BY

TYLER JENKE

Æ “I can’t wait to go on the world-famous Sound Of Music tour, eat some Wiener Schnitzel and visit Vienna’s iconic Schönbrunn Palace,” he says of his upcoming… Austrian tour.

Spelling errors notwithstanding, it’ll be Kay’s debut visit to the country, bringing the doctor-turned-comedian around Australia in April. Having performed as a comedian since his time in medical school, Kay worked obstetrics and gynaecology between 2004 and 2010 before a traumatic experience saw him leave the profession.

“My books somehow sold five million copies and my mates have to pretend to be delighted for me.”

In 2017, he turned his diaries of this time in medicine into a book titled This Is Going To Hurt – which is also the name of his upcoming show. The bestselling nonfiction book of the century, a winner of countless awards, and the inspiration for a television adaptation, it’s fair to say that Kay didn’t perceive this level of success.

“I was the third person in my friendship group to write a book, so I expected mine would follow the established pattern – we’d all drink some warm white wine at a book launch, then the book would sell 17 copies and we would never speak of it again,” he says. “Instead, my books somehow sold five million copies and my mates have to pretend to be delighted for me.”

Kay’s live show has been a popular one, too. With 50 sell-out nights in London’s West End, it’s gained a massive audience, though if there was any fear that the material wouldn’t translate to the live show, he’s not letting on.

“I was a comedian before I attempted writing books, so I was relatively confident I could persuade my stories into some kind of show,” he admits. “I’ve toured it quite a lot now and I would say that 300,000 people in the UK can’t be wrong, but 17 million of people voted for Brexit, so…”

However, This Is Going To Hurt has its origins in Britain’s National Health Service, and controversial comments from politician Jeremy Hunt about junior doctors. Even with such a narrow focus guiding its writing, Kay says that the response has been a global one.

“I originally thought that I’d written a very parochial book about life in the NHS, but before long it was translated in 37 different languages and I was getting emails from doctors all over the world from Belgium to Bolivia saying that it could have been set in their hospital,” he says.

“I’m told that the book was pretty popular in Australia – although that’s potentially because so many UK doctors have emigrated over….”

But will the material cross the necessary cultural boundaries for Aussie audiences? Time will tell, according to Kay. “So far the show has translated really well when I’ve performed overseas,” he says. “Ask me again in May, I guess!”

Despite joking that he simply tells “repulsive stories about objects in orifices”, Kay hopes that the local crowd will take away something more than just that – ideally reflecting on the medical system which they rely on.

“The show is all about my stories from the wards, drawing from my books and beyond – a mix of the funny, the disgusting, the silly and the sad; and I like to think that people leave my shows thinking differently about the healthcare professions.

“If that’s not enough of a draw then I can promise audiences that so many doctors, nurses, midwives, and paramedics come to my shows that the venue will almost certainly be the safest place in Australia in which to have a medical emergency.”

With six dates scheduled for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and additional shows in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, is it fair to say this tour is “just what the doctor ordered”? Or maybe it’s worth saying “laughter is the best medicine”? Whatever your choice, Kay’s heard it all before.

“I’ve definitely had my fair share of those, plus the odd ‘gut-bustingly funny’, a lot of ‘funny bones’ and some ‘side-splitting’ references,” he says.

“Someone once laughed until they soiled themselves during one of my shows, so I’d love a ‘seat-shittingly funny’ at some point.”

ADAM KAY – THIS IS GOING TO HURT

WHEN: APR 16-21

WHERE: ATHENAEUM THEATRE

ANNIE BOYLE

Annie Are You OK?, the new show from NSW comic Annie Boyle, promises pregnant silences, theatrical elements and the definitive answer to the question the show title asks.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ Annie Boyle, a comedian who grew up in a little regional town called Henty, has quickly found her way onto stages alongside comedians such as Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen and Dave Hughes — largely on the back of quaint one-line zingers that take on a whole other character through her signature deadpan delivery.

Boyle’s new show, Annie Are You OK? introduces new characters and theatrical elements. It’s about the 2022 RAW state finalist’s adventures on a night out — along with love, loss, a cow called Madonna and Delta Goodrem — and the meaning she makes from this.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals?

Not necessarily pre-gig but I do have specific outfits I like to perform in. I have one for every season.

What about rituals in general?

I like to do things at the same time each day. My friends call me a robot which has never really impacted my life until recently when I had to fill out an online form.

You’re performing Annie, Are You Ok? at MICF. I know we shouldn’t ask but… are you ok?

If I answer this then what was the point of even writing the show?

The show is about love, loss, a cow called Madonna and Delta Goodrem. Which one of these do you understand best?

My experience of loss has helped me understand love more. Loss isn’t just about what’s gone, it’s what remains - a reminder of the love that once filled our lives. It’s a tough lesson, but there’s a strange comfort in knowing that the grief I feel is meaningful because of the love I had.

What else is your show about?

It’s also about the adventures of a night out and the unexpected connections you make. It’s the things we think but don’t say, and the things we say but don’t think about. It’s also figuring out who you are without the person who made you who you were in the first place.

Did you have any realisations in the course of writing the show that will impact how you write your next show?

I realised I very much write on my feet. Maybe I should get a standing desk? I think for my next show, I would love to work with a director. I’ve got some big ideas in the oven.

The Adelaide Advertiser stated it’s worth audiences spending their money just to see your deadpan delivery. How deadpan does your delivery tend to be in civilian life?

People always hang up on me on FaceTime because they think the screen’s frozen.

How much is involved in showing very little?

Very little is involved.

You spent a year at NIDA’s Screen Actors Studio and studied acting at Sydney Theatre School. How significantly does your acting background impact your performance?

Because of the debt size, I’m going to say very significantly. I play with silence a lot on stage and I think my comfort with that came from my training. Sometimes I’m thinking about what to say next other times it’s intentional - you’ll never know.

What are a few of the main differences between your first solo show You’re Joking and Annie, Are You Ok?

One of the main differences is it’s not straight stand-up. You’re Joking was a collection of my greatest hits (only hits) and Annie Are You Ok is a story based around a specific event. The show reverse engineers a photo and includes multiple characters and theatrical elements.

What are you most expectant about with regard to MICF 2024?

I’m eager to see my fellow comedy zone pals: Alexandra Hudson, Ben Hunter and Sam Gebreselassie debut their solo shows. It’s so cool to watch people you know making and sharing work.

What else do you have planned for 2024?

I co-wrote a comedy-murder-mystery set in an escape room, which I’ll be performing in at The Flight Path Theatre May 21-25. Making an appearance in season two of Colin From Accounts - can’t wait for that. I’m also organizing a charity show at the Comedy Store on June 19 to raise funds for Huntington’s Australia. After that, I will tackle the beast that is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

ANNIE BOYLE – ANNIE ARE YOU OK?

WHERE: MELBOURNE TOWN HALL – THE FLAG ROOM

WHEN: 28 MAR–7 APR (EXCLUDING MON)

Comedy done differently. Be part of .

MIC DROP

Mic Drop turns the stunning surrounds of Captain Melville on Franklin Street into a comedy haven for Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Æ We’re living in the golden age of comedy, where platforms like YouTube have revolutionised exposure for emerging standups across the world. But if you’ve ever been to a comedy showcase yourself, you’ll agree - nothing compares to the hilarity of seeing it live.

Captain Melville Comedy bring one of these fantastic comedy showcases - Mic Drop - to this year’s Comedy Festival, boasting a superb lineup of 10 different stellar stand-ups each night, with dates ranging throughout the festival from March 27 to April 21.

Expect some of the best contemporary stand-ups from Australia and abroad, as many of the festival’s most promising names test their best material in front of new crowds and a fantastic atmosphere.

EXPECT A RIOTOUS ATMOSPHERE FOR A BARGAIN PRICE

In addition to being a riotous showcase in its own right, it’s also proven one of the best ways to find fantastic shows to go to throughout the broader festival, as it gives you a taste-tester of up to 10 different Comedy Festival shows each night.

Expect the full range of comedic styles each night, ranging from alternative comedians to satirical, observational, one-liner specialists and even some character and sketch comedians lighting up each night.

These nights are a total bargain and tend to attract big demand, so the organisers purposely refrain from posting the lineups before each show - they don’t want to prevent people from booking tickets to the comedians’ solo shows as they’ll be likely to see them perform at Mic Drop for a much cheaper price.

At only $15.50 for a single ticket and $26 for a double pass, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper night of comedy throughout the entire festival, let alone the chance to see 10 comics vying for your attention throughout the night.

MIC DROP DATES AND TIMES

WED 27 MAR & THU 28 MAR: 7PM

WED 3 APR–SAT 6 APR: 7PM

SUN 7 APR: 6PM

WED 10 APR–SAT 13 APR: 7PM

SUN 14 APR: 6PM

WED 17 APR–SAT 20 APR: 7PM

SUN 21 APR: 6PM

NIGHTS LIKE MIC DROP ARE CRUCIAL TO THE COMEDY COMMUNITY

There’ll be a considerable mix of comedic experience on offer, with a conglomeration of seasoned festival professionals, up-and-comers and breakout viral success stories making their mark on stage. For this reason, you can consider Mic Drop your chance to discover the next comedy sensation, at one of the CBD’s most impressive gastropubs.

We’ve always found comedy showcases like Mic Drop are a fantastic way to experience Melbourne International Comedy Festival, especially if you’re a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the program.

After all, it is Australia’s biggest cultural festival and knowing where to begin among the huge amount of new names that make their way to Melbourne each year is no small feat.

There’s the obvious diversity and depth of the talent pool that helps ensure these nights are great for a range of comedic tastes, but if you dig deeper, these nights are also the bedrock of the local comedy community.

They’re often where comedians prove themselves, with established nights like these a favourite for talent scouts, agents and club owners. They also provide networking opportunities between comedians themselves (no shortage of compelling double acts have bonded at nights like these), while they’re always also a fantastic way for comedians and their newfound audiences to mingle together in an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere.

MIC DROP

WHERE: CAPTAIN MELVILLE

WHEN: 27 MAR–21 APR

This article was made in partnership with Mic Drop.

LARA RICOTE

If there’s anyone who lives up to the name of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year, it’s undoubtedly Lara Ricote.

WORDS BY TYLER JENKE

Æ The daughter of Mexican actress Gabriela Rivero, Ricote grew up in the US, but now lives in the Netherlands. Somehow, the globetrotting comedian has managed to fit Australia into her itinerary for the second time in two years, and hopes to repeat the success of her last visit to the country.

“[The Aussie crowds] were great, really,” she recalls. “I felt people were really on board, we were in a fancy hotel and I was being really silly and they couldn’t have been more up for it.

“I hope that it feels like the new show is really alive in the room with them,” she adds. “I’ve only done it ten times now at my Soho Theatre run and it feels like a show! I had one of my friends –comedian extraordinaire Leo Reich – direct it, and I feel like we did a very good job.

“I’m really excited to share it with whoever comes, and you should please come.”

Her new show is called Little Tiny Wet Show (baptism), and promises to be a little darker than the silly reputation that Ricote has made for herself. But six years into the world of comedy, she’s still surprised it came this far.

“I hadn’t expected any of this, but I had really hoped,” she admits. “I noticed I loved [comedy] pretty much immediately. I think one thing that really worried me was what the hell would I be making shows about down the line, especially because my first show was a compilation of the material I had done up until that moment in time, and once I burned that I found myself empty-handed.

“But with this show, I’ve realised that as long as I’m trying to get closer to what I find funny, I’ll have shows in me. And I’m doing that! And I plan to keep doing it!”

In only six short years, Ricote has managed to craft a strong following around the world, even being named by The Telegraph as one of the “50 funniest comedians of the 21st century”. At number 30, she beat out even the likes of Ricky Gervais, though she says the pressure of these expectations can be a good thing.

“It feels really very nice, and I can’t really understand it,” she says. “I think I’ve just got to keep myself feeling like the only pressure there is, is for me to get close to what I find funny, for real, and that’s a good pressure to have; I need a bit of that pressure.

“I also think I need to think of it more as an invitation, inviting me to really get in there (my brain) and get weird(er) and take risks, and that’s really the only two things that that really lovely recognition needs to bring into my life.”

For those who witnessed Ricote’s 2023 show, GRL/LATNX/DEF, they’d have received a strong introduction to her personality and what is important to her. Based on that title alone, it’s also possible to extrapolate that one topic close to her heart is her degenerative hearing loss, which plays a large role in her material.

Shining a light on the nature of disabilities in general, she admits that the world of comedy has been a strong advocate of the disabled community, and one that is only getting better as time goes on.

“I find the comedy industry, overall, pretty lovely in relation to my being hard of hearing,” she says. “Of course they do things wrong, we all mess up the whole time, [...] but I find there’s a genuine interest in doing things better.

“I can only hope that stays, that there are more people asking questions so that you’re not always the one that has to be pestering for access stuff,” she adds. “I think thinking ahead and keeping people’s differing needs in mind is a really big step and most of the industry I’ve been in or around feel like they’re trying.”

Whatever the case, Lara Ricote urges her fans to live in the moment with her surreal new show, and it seems like she’s just excited as we should be.

“I’m really excited to share it with whoever comes, and you should please come.”

LARA RICOTE

WHERE: ACMI SWINBURNE STUDIO

WHEN: 28 MAR–21 APR

ALEXANDRA HUDSON

Comedian Alexandra Hudson reflects on her speedy rise to fame and the power of comedy to open up the conversation around ableism and disability.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ As a kid with cerebral palsy, Alexandra Hudson never received a memo that a life in comedy was an option. Now, however, she is making a name for herself with comedy that’s all about living with a disability in a non-disabled world. Her new show, Making Lemonade, subverts antiquated notions of what this means.

You started performing in 2020. What is one way four-odd years in comedy seems like a long time? And what’s one respect in which it seems like no time at all?

One way it feels long are the long hours I’ve spent driving up and down the Pacific Highway each week — from Ballina to Brisbane — for spots. So I have spent way more time on the Pacific Highway than I have on stage.

The way it feels like no time at all is how I went from not even knowing I wanted to do comedy before late 2019, to going to Edinburgh in 2022, to perform all-disabled content. They never tell you this stuff is possible when you’re a kid with a disability. This life is wild.

Making Lemonade explores living as a person with a disability in a non-disabled world. Can you give some examples of the sorts of experiences you’ll be talking about?

I’ll be talking about the benefits of having more in common with my 97-year-old nan than my fellow triplets, what it’s like having a nondisabled identical twin and only having sex in Queensland.

What are some of the things you are enjoying most about this show?

The gasps of fear from the non-disabled audience contrasting the laughs of those who resonate. How willing people are to come along for this ride — it’s been really enjoyable getting to know my audience and inviting them into my world. I’m enjoying getting to shake up the misconceptions and take audiences to unexpected places.

What are some of the misconceptions people have about you that you find most interesting to talk about?

One of the biggest things is how low the bar is set. Non-disabled people don’t think much of us, so it sets up loads of opportunities to take advantage of this for my own gain.

How has comedy changed the way you mediate these types of experiences?

It’s allowed me to reimagine a lot of my difficult experiences and turn them into things where having a disability is something to be proud of — so that’s how I approach joking about it. I will never make fun of disability, even when I can acknowledge some things that are a bit odd or funny about me.

What experiences have you had in comedy in the past four years that are most resonant for you?

Anytime I perform in accessible spaces to people who get it, the response I get, and the feeling, is unmatched.

You took joint first place in RAW Comedy in 2022. How has your perspective on that achievement evolved since then?

It’s still one of my most perfect performances, where everything lined up at the right moment. It’s a very nice reminder of what I’m capable of.

You finished working as a support worker in March last year and committed yourself fully to comedy. How do you feel about that decision almost a year later?

I sometimes wonder where my next paid gig is going to come from, but I have always had a sense of urgency about how I approach working life. It started the exact same way when I was a sole trade support worker — I just continued to show up, each and every week. First for one client, then two, then four….

So I’m always asking for spots. I’ve learnt from the last few years that, if I always show up, so does paid work. So I just try to give myself as many opportunities to perform to keep the momentum rolling.

What’s in store for the rest of 2024?

I think a full run of Edinburgh is on the cards, heaps of gigs around Australia and trying to change a little law affecting disabled people in Queensland. If there are any Queensland legal experts reading this, I need your help.

“...I went from not even knowing I wanted to do comedy before late 2019, to going to Edinburgh in 2022, to perform alldisabled content. They never tell you this stuff is possible when you’re a kid with a disability. This life is wild.”

ALEXANDRA HUDSON –MAKING LEMONADE

WHERE: THE WESTIN FOUR

WHEN: MARCH 28–APRIL 21

DANIELLE WALKER

Set for a long run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Lady Upstairs is a hilarious new hour from

one of Australia’s most buzzworthy comics.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ If you’re new to Danielle Walker’s comedy (if!) but think she looks familiar but… but… but… haven’t put your finger on it, herein may be the salve for your welty itch.

Walker played Marigold Brewer in Gold Diggers, the ABC’s breakout comedy about two ratbag Sydney sisters who travel to the Australian Gold Rush in 1853, in search of newly cashed-up buffoons.

Equal parts silly, quirky and unexpected, her new show, The Lady Upstairs, is about revoking control of her life to the little voice in her head.

The preview for the Lady Upstairs states: “There’s a lady in my head who runs the show. I’m just her mouthpiece.” What’s the nicest thing you have to say about this lady in your head who runs the show?

Nicest thing? I NEVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT HER. I love her and she pays my bills!

What else can you say about her?

She really loves pickled things: onions, garlic, cucumber and olives. Anything pickled, she looooooves — except fish or eggs, or worst, fish eggs. YUCK.

How would you describe your experience of getting The Lady Upstairs ready to perform?

A whirlwind, a dream, a miracle — my Mt Everest. An amazing feat. An extravaganza of ideas that has set my soul on FIRE.

Is your approach to performing the show today different from the first few times you performed it?

Oh yes, very much so. When I first started performing the show, I hired one of those dunking pools where you sit on a tiny seat above a pool, and people throw little sacks at a target and if they hit it, you fall into the pool.

I told the crowd that if they didn’t like a joke, they should dunk me. I performed three times a day for three months, and not a single person ever threw a sandbag, they were so enraptured. I ended up losing a lot of money on hiring the dunking pool, so now I just do the show on a stage with a microphone.

Your first show, Bush Rat, came from the nickname your grandad gave you. Did the nickname take off in wider circles?

No. Well I hope not. It’s special because it’s only used by my nanna and grandad.

What’s your top comedy subject matter today, compared with your early performances?

I really make an effort to talk about topics that nobody else is willing or has the balls to talk about! Like legless lizards (okay Mr Snake trying to get me to be his friend).

Your list of awards and nominations is extensive. How formative has the Pinder Prize (from MICF 2022) been in your continuing evolution as a comedian? It was more than formative in continuing my evolution — it completed the evolution. Each of my fingers swelled for a week and my skin started peeling to reveal 10 little microphones.

I didn’t connect you with Gold Diggers until I saw a post about it on your IG account. Do people often recognise you from the show?

I don’t really notice people recognising me unless they come over and talk to me. I just assume I’m being stared at because my dog is a cutie patootie.

What’s an example of somewhere you have been recognised from the show that’s caught you by surprise?

The vet, after my dog choked on a chicken neck and I was crying (dog is fine).

What’s your experience in comedy been like since Gold Diggers’ first season finished screening?

People were so confused about how I climbed out of the TV.

In order of most to least, who are you most enthusiastic about performing in front of: family, friends, other comedians, fans or random walk-ins. Why?

Always fans, walk-ins and comics! I don’t want the pressure of family or friends who might not be the same demographic as my fans stressing me out and clogging up the seats strangers could be in.

How decorous is the average audience that attends your shows?

My audience is beautiful. They are very polite and kind and slightly socially anxious like me.

2024 is still pretty new. What else do you have planned for this year after your MICF shows?

I’m taking my sisters to Pig Island in Thailand for their birthday (they’re twins). And fingers crossed on the Oscars!

DANIELLE WALKER – THE LADY UPSTAIRS

WHERE: THE VICTORIA

HOTEL BANQUET ROOM

WHEN: MARCH 28 TO APRIL 21

TWO LITTLE DICKHEADS

They say they met in a dusty garage in the lonely suburbs of Sydney.

WORDS BY JOANNE BROOKFIELD

Æ “I have been hanging out in garages for years,” elaborates acclaimed comedian David Tieck, as he changes gear and starts taking his answer off-road.

“I find most of my spider army there, at least the loyal spiders, and one day this spider came in with eight eyes so beautiful that they seemed like two – and three months later I realised ‘oh, you’re a human, that explains your woefully inadequate limb count’ but by that time I’d developed feelings for her and named her Sharney. I don’t make her sleep on a web anymore, either.”

The Sharney he refers to is multi-award-winning performer Sharnema Nougar, who, like Tieck, had been lured to said garage under the pretense of giving some ‘outside eye’ feedback to a fellow performer, who was actually playing cupid and setting up this real life meet-cute, minus the arachnid aspect.

Tieck’s wildly imaginative answer to the interview question is a good insight into the “stupid dumb joy-riddled fun” the pair have parlayed into their critically acclaimed act, Two Little Dickheads, which has seen them being referred to as “Monty Python energy with an Australian edge” in a five-star review from The List.

When they met, Tieck was improvising (having spent several years gaining stage time in LA with Upright Citizens Brigade, The Second City and IO) and WAAPA graduate Nougar was at the point in her career where she had “started to pull a twelve-inch tong and broccoli out of my bra and feeding it to audience members and pretending to be a lobster lady”.

Coupledom for these clowns, who both trained with French master Philippe Gaulier, came first. “Couple then duo, which is the best way. So many comedy duos go the other way, and then regret the sex – that’s what split up the Marx brothers,” says Tieck from Adelaide, where Covid unfortunately cut short their run.

“I’ve never really loved performing alone, so I said ‘wanna do a bit with me’” recalls Tieck of when he was co-running an open mic night in Paramatta. “We bombed so hard at first that we trauma bonded. Now, we crush so hard we celebrate the bond. Seems like bonding is easier than most people think –stop lying to us welders!”

Nougar, who’s also a winner of the Inspiration Award at the Prague Fringe, says they are both hilarious. “It would be cruel to the world to deny our humour and chemistry. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie never once did a festival show in a yurt together – that’s why they failed. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are currently in a yurt together- although I’m told theirs is a sex thing,” she quips.

“Our first show together I wore a gown made out of colanders, it took half a garage to store, it was phenomenal but very hard to take on tour,” remembers Nougar, explaining why they now favour pyjamas onstage instead.

It was comedy colleague Tessa Waters who inadvertently named them after a gig one night during Melbourne Fringe. “My wonderful wife from the Fringe Wives Club called us Two Little Dickheads, and we said ‘that’s a good name for a show’ and we’ve never looked back,” explains Nougar.

Indeed, they haven’t, and the pair – billed as “your favourite pair of cat-loving, Bi-Wife-Energy powered (the new renewable!), bio-glitter covered, Fanta swilling, recycling champions” – have been collecting accolades for several years now, in festivals around Australia and overseas.

Their latest show, Slot Fillers, debuted to packed houses and rave reviews at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe and will be a part of the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

While this loved-up couple (“we are disgusting,” admits Tieck) keep killing on-stage together, they are also busy with other projects this festival. Nougar is directing Motorboat by Mel McGlensey, which won a weekly comedy award in Adelaide; Lauren Bok’s BOKLESQUE; and “I also have a wee hand on Cherese Sonkkila’s show Fruition.” Meanwhile, film-buff Tieck will be also be performing in improvised movie show Hollywouldn’t.

Slot Fillers will be deconstructing the power of love through lo-fi indie rock using “silly songs, demented puppets, high end opera, and bucket loads of stoopidity thrown all over you,” says Nougar.

Given they “luxuriate in chaos” when on stage, she encourages audience members to come to more than one show. “There will always be lots of things the same, but also always something unique and special because of that audience that night. That’s the magic of dickheads.”

“It would be cruel to the world to deny our humour and chemistry.”

TWO LITTLE DICKHEADSSLOT FILLERS

WHERE: STORYVILLE

WHEN: 9–21 APR

This article was made in partnership with Two Little Dickheads.

SARAH MAREE CAMERON

Having a body isn’t always easy.

WORDS BY KAYA MARTIN

Æ For award-winning TV and radio presenter Sarah Maree Cameron, it hasn’t been easy at all. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and cervical cancer, she was faced with the long and arduous process of IVF and surrogacy.

In her debut stand-up show, One Womb Please!, Cameron manages to turn the burden of being into something hilarious. Detailing the shocking story of her medical journey and inviting audiences to share the weird stuff their bodies do too, the show is frank, heartwarming and relatable.

Whether you’ve been through a similar thing and you need good laugh, or you could just need a good laugh in general (I mean, who doesn’t?), her show’s a smash hit. It’ll run from March 28 to 31 at QT Melbourne.

Let’s talk One Womb Please: what inspired you to put the show together?

Everyone in my life! There were some pretty funny moments during our IVF journey and I’d crack jokes to friends throughout it. I eventually started writing little bits and with some nudges from people who believed in me – I wrote an entire show about fertility and it will forever be my first baby.

How would you describe One Womb Please! to someone who has never heard your work before?

Relatable and real. I want audiences to feel like we’re mates and we can share stuff. You got nipple hair? Me too! You got shoulder hair? Look, not me too but I get it. There’s a bit of audience interaction as well – with those who wish to chat. Easy to pick the ones that do because they’re usually in the front row.

How has the audience reception been so far?

It’s clearly a cathartic experience because I end up chatting for one to two hours with audience members every night. I mean, every single night. I hear all about vasectomies, IVF injections, wild delivery stories… It’s hilarious and also goes to show when you provide a safe space to open up, people do. TMI (too much information) is my jam.

SARAH MAREE CAMERON: ONE WOMB PLEASE!

WHERE: QT MELBOURNE, 133 RUSSELL ST, MELBOURNE

WHEN: THU 28 MAR–SAT 30 MAR 6PM / SUN 31 MAR 5PM

BEST OF THE EDINBURGH FEST

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

Æ The Best of Edinburgh Fest will be showcasing four rotating stand-out comedians at The Athenaeum Theatre, with three performing on stage per night.

MARK SIMMONS

The master of one-liners, UK-based Mark Simmons is bringing his witty quips and improvisational expertise to Melbourne after an extremely successful run of shows on his debut tour, where he performed at over 125 venues and sold over 15,000 tickets. While he may be a rising star this comedy festival season, you’ve likely still heard of or seen Mark make the rounds on social media with his amazing on-the-spot improvised one-liners and audience interaction clips from shows across the United Kingdom.

ADAM FLOOD

Another star on the rise that is already making waves in the comedy scene, Adam Flood will be joining the Best of Edinburgh Fest line-up with his high-energy, observational comedy, serving it with a twist of the surreal. Within a year of beginning his comedy career, Adam was already nominated for the BCC New Comedy Award (2019), as well as performing live on BBC Radio 4.

JOHN HASTINGS

No stranger to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, John Hastings has already appeared twice at the MICF Gala during previous seasons of the festival. His comedy clips have been viewed over 10 million times online, with John has been labelled as “one to watch” by the CTV Comedy Channel.

TING LIM

A self-described Singaporean stuck in Australia, stand-up comic and writer Ting Lim will be joining the Best of Edinburgh Fest line-up with her hilarious cynicism and dry and witty observations. Having toured a range of sold-out comedy shows across Australia, Singapore and New York, Ting is loved by audiences all over for her sarcastically smart insights, as well as her ability to perform with the natural ease comparable to any comedian at the top of their game.

BEST OF THE EDINBURGH FEST

WHERE: THE ATHENAEUM THEATRE

WHEN: 28 MAR–21 APR

This article was made in partnership with Mary Tobin Presents.

ANDREW HAMILTON

500 gigs on from his prison release, Andrew Hamilton is finding plenty to laugh about.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ Hamilton’s first full-length show, Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison, earned him a nomination for Best Newcomer at 2023’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Now, more than two years since his release from prison, Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter of comic material. Sh*t Bloke, the follow-up to Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison, reveals that life after prison might be a redemptive story for Hamilton, but it’s a work in progress nevertheless.

Mum’s aren’t known for their harsh feedback when their children perform. How true is this statement of your mum in your earliest days performing?

I think she was just happy that I had decided to do anything other than go back to selling drugs, to be honest. My entire family was very supportive of me doing comedy from the moment I decided to pursue it. That’s what happens when you’ve already set the bar very low — the only way is up!

What’s your most vivid memory of your first gig?

Absolutely shitting myself on stage. It’s nerve-wracking. I had spent so long timing and memorising my material, and when you first start talking it’s terrifying because the room is silent. Because they’re listening to you. Luckily when I started hitting punchlines, the laughter followed. And then you just feel this immense relief wash over you. I was addicted to stand-up right away after that first open mic.

It’s been two years since you left prison. Your bio indicates you had it in mind that you’d instantly become a better person if you stopped breaking the law. But you didn’t, it adds. In what sense is this so?

Sometimes I fantasise about pushing over slow-walking people. Sometimes I leave the toilet seat up. I told a homeless guy he needs to get Paywave because I don’t carry cash anymore.

ALEX HINES

Comedian Alex Hines’ bigger battle is getting out of character, rather than into it.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ Juniper Wilde, one of comedian Alex Hines’ alter-egos, is many things, including a high priestess of pop and celebrity-culture Frankenstein.

Wilde is just one of various characters Hines performs in the bizarre worlds she awakens on stage. Strangest to Hines, she says, is the idea of performing comedy as herself.

In her new hour, Putting on a Show, Hines will be manifesting more personas in a quirky and surreal performance unlike anything else at MICF.

You’re quoted as saying you’ve become a parody of yourself. Can you elaborate on what that means?

I don’t know if it’s the prescription meth or my inability to practice mindfulness, but I’ve lost my personality to pure persona – I’ve devolved into a thin-lipped no-name girl from Brisbane, desperate to make it in the big smoke.

What can you reveal about Putting on a Show that audiences wouldn’t already be aware of?

It’s a comedy extravaganza: standup, sketch, surreal dream sequences, psychic abilities and a villainous umbilical cord, honey… this show has it all. I don’t want to reveal too much but I promise you’ve never experienced anything like my little chaos-core fantasia.

What can you say about the experience of immersing yourself in the lives of the characters you portray?

I love doing my characters like Slug Girl and Juniper Wilde. It’s bizarre that more people don’t do characters. Like, okay…cool… you love being yourself…must be nice.

How easy is it for you to switch characters back on once you rest them?

Juniper Wilde and Slug Girl are both a part of my DNA at this point. If anything, I wish there was more distance between me and them.

ALEX HINES – PUTTING ON A SHOW

ANDREW HAMILTON – SH*T BLOKE

WHERE: SPLEEN BAR

WHEN: 27 MAR–21 APR

WHERE: THE MALTHOUSE - THE TOWER

WHEN: 9–21 APR (NO SHOW MON) 8PM (7PM SUNDAYS)

WRESTLEBRAINIA

Move over WrestleMania, it’s WrestleBrainia and it’s live in Melbourne!

A panel-style trivia show about wrestling sounds like an amazing concept, tell us all about it?

That’s exactly what it is, in fact, WrestleBrainia is the world’s ONLY wrestling comedy game show! Two teams, a babyface team and a heel team, comprised of a team captain, professional wrestler and a comedian, battle for wrestling knowledge supremacy.

Why is wrestling so ripe for comedy?

As much as all wrestling fans love wrestling, we also joke about it amongst ourselves. And, we can admit, wrestling can be a bit silly at times. As wrestling moves more and more into the mainstream, more and more people can enjoy us taking a lighter look at sports entertainment.

Why does the show also appeal to people who don’t watch wrestling?

The show appeals to people who don’t watch or follow wrestling by being an immersive and fun experience, with an audience who are as much a part of the show as those on-stage. Oh, and it’s funny! Very funny.

Why a wrestling comedy game show in the first place?

While there are a lot of outstanding comedy shows every year, this is different, I looked for something that I love and wanted to see represented on stage. It took a while for the pieces to come together but here it is…WrestleBrainia. it constantly evolves and changes so is worth checking out every year!”

What’s your funniest or weirdest story from WrestleBrainia’s history?

I think as the show is different each week, the unpredictable nature of the show always comes to the forefront. However, personally, it is wrestling legend Robbie Eagles and Concrete Davidson doing a note-perfect rendition of Arms Wide Open by Creed. Spectacular way to end a fun show!

You must have some fantastic audience reactions?

We have some rather interesting audience members, but our personal favourite happened in Perth earlier this year; Tye, a legend who comes to almost every show, was called up on stage to sub in for wrestler Davis Storm to answer his questions. He basically answered 10/10!

WRESTLEBRAINIA

WHERE: THE CATFISH BAR

WHEN: 7, 14 & 21 APR

BEN HUNTER

Ben Hunter’s debut show, I Will Refund Your Ticket in 10 Years I Promise, touches on everything from aquarium visits to hypnotism.

WORDS BY JOSHUA JENNINGS

Æ Known for his awkward and off-beat brand of comedic delivery, Ben Hunter is a RAW Comedy state finalist, a runner-up in Good Chat’s Brat Pack competition and a regular at Brisbane’s favourite comedy spots.

At MICF, he’ll be performing his debut, I Will Refund Your Ticket In 10 Years I Promise. Don’t be fooled though – between now and then, odds are he’ll be selling a lot more tickets than refunding them.

How does your awkwardness on stage compare with your awkwardness off stage?

I go on stage to give myself some time where no one else says anything, so every word coming from my mouth can be carefully pre-planned and all variables accounted for. My time on earth has been nothing but a torrential stream of relentless terrors caused by social ineptitude and lack of abilities.

The other day, I was checking in at the airport, and I stood in the scanner and then stood next to the bloke and watched his iPad for the results, and when I passed, I whispered, “Yes!”, and pumped my fist. There’s no reason to be doing that kind of thing. I try my best to be a suave and poised guy, but I’m pretty good at mucking it up.

Does the show have a broader theme that ties it all together?

I have very little in the way of adversity that lends itself to a perspective that is super unique, so until I feel like I have an angle or opinion that isn’t already talked about enough by people of my ilk – or is as interesting as people who have been through more than me – I like performing stuff that is funny purely for the sake of funny.

KIT RICHARDS

Æ Kit Richards is the mastermind behind the acclaimed musical comedies, Scandal! A Reflection on Essendon’s Doping Saga: The Musical? and Wool! A History of Australia’s Wool Industry: The Musical.

Those netted her the 2021 Moosehead Award and a nomination for Best Cabaret Writing at the 2019 Green Room Awards respectively, honours which coincide nicely with her celebrated work as a writer for Hard Quiz and The 1% Club, among other television comedies.

Her new show, One Small Beer, Thanks ditches the narrative format for a jukebox celebration of weird and wonderful hyper-niche musicals she hasn’t quite written yet. It’s one of our top recommendations for the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so we thought we better let Kit explain it herself.

Why musical comedy?

I have two answers to this. My real answer is I did stand up for years but I ended up finding it too boring. All of my favourite comedians are musical comedians, so that was the obvious path to follow. The silly answer is that I have the voice of an angel and it’s my duty to share it with the world.

What are the challenges and benefits?

The obvious challenge is that you have to make something funny that also rhymes. The less obvious challenge is finding material that works in song format.

The benefits are that it’s easier to remember the lyrics to a song than a stand-up bit. Songs also have replayability, meaning that you can use old material and people will still want to hear it. It’s also just way more fun.

How do you go about striking the balance between musical and comedic quality? Or are they totally in sync?

I think that in an ideal world, the song should stand alone as a good song. But also, the music is as important to making the song funny as the lyrics; making a really intense ballad about something stupid [or] using sound effects and the way you sing to emphasise the punchlines.

Tell us as much as you can about One Small Beer, Thanks?

It’s a jukebox show full of songs from hyper-niche musicals I haven’t written yet. It features songs such as ‘Billionaire Chicken Heiress’ from the unwritten musical Ingham: A Drumstick Dynasty and ‘Is There Real Estate in Heaven?’ from the unwritten (and Tony-winning, theoretically) show Boomer: The Musical.

BEN HUNTER – I WILL REFUND YOUR TICKET IN 10 YEARS I PROMISE

WHERE: TRADES HALL - CORNER STORE

WHEN: 28 MAR–21 APR (NO WED SHOW) 6:10PM (5:10PM SUNDAYS)

KIT RICHARDS – ONE SMALL BEER, THANKS

WHERE: THEORY BAR, MEYERS PLACE

WHEN: 10-21 APR (NO SHOW MON/ TUES) 9:30PM (8:30 SUNDAYS)

COMEDY ZONE

Comedy Zone is celebrating its 24th year, and they’re ready to unleash the next-gen of comedy superstars!

Gear up for stacks of laughter from Australia’s rising stars of comedy, featuring:

FRANKIE ROWSTHORN

Embarking on stand-up comedy at the age of 16, Frankie’s comedic material delves into the challenges of living at home, the awkwardness of puberty and the realities of dealing with porn addiction. Now at 21, her writing has matured alongside herself as she humorously navigates the complexities of her early 20s. Recently featured on The Amazing Race Australia and newly added to the triple j weekend presenting crew, Frankie is a rising talent that you definitely won’t want to overlook!

HENRY YAN

In 2023, Henry emerged victorious at Melbourne In ternational Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy National Grand Final and showcased his talents at the Edinburgh Fringe’s So You Think You Are Funny? competition. He is currently living his dream. Henry’s comedy uncovers the quirks of everyday life and his unique perspective on the world’s absurdities. With a penchant for silliness, he adds a flavourful touch to life, choosing to spread a light-hearted joy to the world.

MEG JÄGER

Meg is a high school history teacher by day and a belligerent bitch by 3pm. In her short time doing comedy, she has become a prominent presence on the Brisbane comedy scene. Meg is one to watch. She won Good Chat’s Brat Pack Comedy Competition in 2021, has opened for household names such as Mel Buttle and Randy Feltface, and was named runner-up in the RAW Comedy national competition in 2023. Meg’s blunt and bittersweet commentary about family and dating and her extensive knowledge of World War One have charmed audiences all across Australia.

RAPHA MANAJEM

Rapha engages in the sale of fidget spinners beneath the West Gate Bridge every other Tuesday, firmly believing in their imminent comeback. This conviction is largely driven by the realisation that he entered the market too late and urgently needs to clear his existing stock. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, his professors described him as “informed”. Rapha wowed audiences and judges alike across the 2023 RAW Comedy competition and is sure to be one of the most talked about artists at this year’s Festival.

WILLIAM WANG

Hailing from China, William immigrated to Australia seven years ago, where he discovered his comedic calling. In 2022, he debuted at the Adelaide Fringe with Unrelatable Funny, a solo show that showcased his distinctive comedic style. The following year, he soared to success, as co-winner of RAW Comedy’s Victorian State Final and he secured a spot as a national finalist, solidifying his position as a rising star in Australian comedy. His journey from China to the Aussie stage reflects both cultural diversity and a unique ability to connect with audiences through laughter, marking William as a promising force in the world of stand-up comedy.

COMEDY ZONE ASIA ALLSTARS

Comedy Zone Asia is back with an Allstars edition featuring beloved fan favourites and exciting discoveries in one very special big show! Diverse, dynamic and downright hilarious, this show presents the current finest and funniest voices from across Asia, all together for a one-night-only dose of laughter. This promises to be the Festival’s mustsee of 2024. Featuring Daniel Fernandes (India), Ting Lim (Singapore), Jenhan Kuah (Malaysia), He Huang (China), Jason Leong (Malaysia), Kanan Gill (India), Sam See (Singapore), Showko (Japan), Takashi Wakasugi (Japan) and Urooj Ashfaq (India).

COMEDY ZONE 2024

WHEN: 28 MAR–21 APR

WHERE: TRADES HALL –COMMON ROOMS BAR

COMEDY FESTIVAL’S SPECIAL EVENTS

From the Gala to the Allstars Supershow, these are the must-attend special events at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2024.

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

COMEDY BITES

Broadcasted live on the airwaves and hosted by ABC Radio Melbourne’s David Astle and Alice Zaslavsky, Comedy Bites will be featuring bite-sized chunks of some of the festival’s best local and international performers. A great way to try-before-you-buy this comedy festival season.

THE CAPITOL 26 MAR

OPENING NIGHT COMEDY ALLSTARS SUPERSHOW

To kick-start the funny festivities is a night of comedy legends and soon-to-be legendary comedians. With all the stars of comedy royalty all in one place, this Opening Night event is the perfect way to begin the festival.

PALAIS THEATRE ST KILDA 27 MAR

CLASS CLOWNS NATIONAL GRAND FINAL

The finalists for the National Class Clown competition are coming together from all over the country to prove that they have what it takes to be Australia’s funniest high schooler. These teenage comedians will also be joined by a special line-up of guest appearances of festival favourites.

MELBOURNE TOWN HALL SUPPER ROOM 28 MAR

THE FESTIVAL CLUB

The first rule of Festival Club is please talk about Festival Club. This is an event it’ll be hard to shut up about, with an array of interchanging themed nights to showcase some of the best new comedians and comedy legends taking the stage to keep you up late laughing.

MAX WATT’S 28 MAR–20 APR

COMEDY ZONE

Full to the brim of the country’s rising stars of the comedy scene, Comedy Zone will be presenting up and comers on the circuit Frankie Rowsthorn (WA), Henry Yan (VIC), Meg Jäger (QLD), Rapha Manajem (VIC) and William Wang (VIC).

TRADES HALL COMMON ROOMS 28 MAR–21 APR

THE 34TH ANNUAL GREAT DEBATE

The festival’s famous Annual Great Debate is returning with a truckload of laughs, comic timing, and maybe just a little bit of critical argument. In two teams of three, comedy heavyweights will go up against each other in this epic fight for the best laughs, with perhaps some intelligible debating on the side.

MELBOURNE TOWN HALL MAIN HALL 7 APR

UPFRONT

To showcase some of the best female and non-binary artists in the comedy scene, Upfront will be a night of spotlighting those that are trailblazing in an industry they’re changing from the inside. A mix of both big names and new names, this is the event to catch all the boldest comedians all in one place.

MELBOURNE TOWN HALL MAIN HALL 8 APR

RAW COMEDY NATIONAL GRAND FINAL

Australia’s largest and most prestigious open mic competition, the past finalists of the RAW Comedy competition have gone on to make no small waves in the nation’s comedy circuit (Hannah Gadsby, Aaron Chen and Rhys Nicholson are just a few of the competition’s alumni). RAW Comedy is one of the best ways to discover the best new thing in Australian comedy.

MELBOURNE TOWN HALL MAIN HALL 14 APR

DEADLY FUNNY NATIONAL GRAND FINAL

Hosted by Andy Saunders, the finalists of this festival season’s Deadly Funny competition will be competing to unveil the funniest comedians and yarn-spinners from the oldest culture on earth. Joined by special guests performers, this will be a night of nothing but deadly funny laughs.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE 15 APR

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

WHEN: 27 MAR–21 APR

This article was made in partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

THU 28 MAR - SUN 21 APR @ TRADES HALL

THU 28 MAR - SUN 21 APR @ TRADES HALL

FRANKIE ROWSTHORN (WA)

HENRY YAN (VIC)

MEG JÄGER (QLD)

RAPHA MANAJEM (VIC)

WILLIAM WANG (VIC)

Gear up for stacks of laughter from Australia’s rising stars of comedy!

Gear up for stacks of laughter from Australia’s rising stars of comedy

BOOK @ COMEDYFESTIVAL.COM.AU

WORDS BY BRYGET CHRISFIELD

GRACE CUMMINGS

Ramona

Æ From opener Something Going ‘Round, Ramona peacocks, plucking from an opulent sound palette of strings, horns, guitars, organ, tubular bells and gospel choir. Wait, do we detect castanets in the harrowing I’m Getting Married To The War? And xylophone? Talk about the whole production shebang! Harpist Mary Lattimore also plays on Grace Cummings’ third record.

This album’s producer Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Margo Price) granted Olsen an advance listen and her reaction has been documented: “It felt like the wind of a hurricane entered the room. I remember feeling so activated and surprised by Grace’s vocal capacity that I actually felt my body brace itself against the wall.”

Powerhouses such as Melissa Etheridge and Anastacia spring to mind; Cummings would snatch the crown in any sing-off, basically.

During the casually cantering, piano-driven On And On, Cummings’ vocal performance goes within a hair’s breadth of yodelling. Then buoyant brass wafts through this standout track’s outro. Another highlight, Work Today (And Tomorrow)’s sombre atmosphere evokes Neneh Cherry’s sublime Somedays. Stately piano plays a supporting role as verse one unfurls, Cummings’ delivery as raw and emotionally arresting as it gets. Strings shimmer, inconsolable. Drums swing in and out of the arrangement, always deftly treated. Pure magic.

Instrumentally, Common Man somehow captures the vibe of both Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game and Jigsaw’s Sky High. Crestfallen with a dash of bitterness, the gently strummed Without You posits, “Mona Lisa, she still smiles/ Without you…”

The title track concludes with Cummings repeating, “It’s just the time, to be Ramona,” mantra-like. So who TF is Ramona, then? In the accompanying presser, Cummings reveals she drew persona inspo from Bob Dylan’s 1964 song, To Ramona: “I didn’t want to be myself so I decided to be Ramona instead, full of intensity and melodrama.”

A Precious Thing’s oblique concept – “Love is just a thing/ That I’m trying to live without/ And oh, what a precious thing/ But it’s nothing I care about” – is crushing. Denial or acceptance? As with most of the songs on here, the listener’s lived experiences will play into how this penultimate track’s message is received.

“In the past I’ve been caught up in worrying about whether I’m being too emotional or over-the-top,” Cummings has admitted, “but this time around I decided not to filter any of that out.” Actively resisting the urge to go back and edit vocal ‘imperfections’ served this collection extremely well.

There’s a grittiness to Cummings’ work. She certainly ain’t trying to mimic, or vie with, fellow artists. And if a musical about werewolves exists, Cummings – who’s also a professional stage actor – would own the lead role.

LABEL: ATO RECORDS

RELEASE: 5 APR

JESS RIBEIRO

Summer Of Love

Æ While creating her fourth album with Nick Huggins, at his beach studio on Wadawurrung Country in Port Lonsdale, Jess Ribeiro spent many months as the only guest at a nearby hotel.

“Maybe if I wore sunglasses inside/ I won’t feel tired…” – you can tell Ribeiro is singing this record’s stark opener – underscored by haunting drone, sustained piano chords and improvisational drumming –super-close to the mic. Everything Is Now follows, Ribeiro’s layered vocals now sounding eerily detached, mesmerised (“The river is calling me away upstream…”) amidst plucked melodies and woozy guitar accents.

Far from the party anthem one might expect from its title, Summer Of Love’s title track is a lament. Here, Ribeiro navigates the complicated loss of Niamh, a close friend since childhood who went missing during their gap year – spent together – more than two decades ago (the case was reopened recently, which reawakened her anguish). “I lost my friend/ I cut my hair and decided I’d start a brand new life when we parted…” –strings flow in and out of the arrangement like waves of grief.

Latest single Jump The Gun – with its paranoid/unkind-innervoice BVs and manic, discordant sax solo played by Jazz Party’s Darcy McNulty – features Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White) and Dave Mudie (L.A. Mood, Courtney Barnett) on percussion.

Elsewhere: standout track Airborne, delivered in sprechgesang, sifts through vivid memories; strings are the wind beneath Helicopter’s wings until it crashlands into percussive cacophony; and Howl was written while Ribeiro was “losing [her] mind” in a campground – the sole camper, she soon found herself talking to The Grampians’ native wildlife.

Summer Of Love’s profound intimacy galvanises genuine active listening throughout.

LABEL: POISON CITY

RELEASE: 12 APR

LOGAN

Lost In Translation

Those fortunate enough to attend the Mushroom 50 Live anniversary concert at Rod Laver Arena late last year won’t have forgotten Logan’s attention-grabbing, moonwalking performance in a hurry. This 21-year-old selftaught multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter from Southeast Queensland is also a visual artist and former competitive dancer – he’s got the moves, alright! – and we could immediately understand why Logan was snapped up by Village Sounds booking agency (Vance Joy, Courtney Barnett) before he’d even played a single show.

Lost In Translation, his debut ninetrack mixtape, is “intentionally quite lofi” and genre diverse: from vintage Stones-leaning opener Stop & Stare (“I just wanna get you in my room…” – always cute, never creepy) to madcap, brass-infused bop (Wow), heartfelt, crooned ballad (Movies) and so much more.

Showoff alert: Next To You (“a song for those happy waking up next to their person”) is just one of this mixtape’s “entirely adlibbed” tracks, laid down while Logan freestyled over guitar loops in his bedroom.

“Japan made, Kiwi born, Aussie raised…” – Logan provides some cheeky autobiographical detail over Huh’s infectious, jogging pace. Getting stood up, complimenting a gal’s dress sense, falling in love with your neighbour – it’s consistently wholesome content. Self-fulfilling prophecy Famous features hooks for days, a come-hither bassline and hooks that pop. Enter Logan’s sporadic, heart-stoppingly unexpected “ARRRRGH”s and we’re fully sold.

Logan’s got mad charisma and cheekychappy energy in abundance – star-making qualities that cannot be taught. Think: Shirley Strachan meets Robbie Williams.

NGAIIRE & THE SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Live At The Sydney Opera House

Æ As part of Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022, Ngaiire & The Sydney Symphony performed a sold-out Sydney Opera House Forecourt show, the recording of which is finally being released.

“I love you/ Yes, I know, you love me too…” – Prelude opens with a knowing wink, which somehow further endears us to this extraordinary Papua New Guinea-born artist. Once’s choruses build sneakily until we suddenly notice we’re buzzing – imagine experiencing this live!? There’s glorious harp, curious woodwind, thrilling strings and majestic brass in abundance. Chimes bookend House On A Rock’s opulent orchestration. Ngaiire’s thrilling Mariah-esque “Woo-OoAh-OO-Oo!” vocalisation is divasnap-worthy. “Living on I love yous and recycled prayers.” Enter audience applause and whoops to remind us it’s live.

We recommend you listen to The Less I Know The Better without Googling to discover who sang the original – this is such an inspired rendition! The vocal harmonies make us feel like we’re levitating. And Ngaiire is giving Diana Ross here. Her portrayal is so incredibly impassioned, especially during the “Come on, Superman” section, that you’d swear Ngaiire actually lived these lyrics!

Billie McCarthy’s guest vocals, smooth yet gritty, particularly enhance Dirty Hercules. Diggin is a banger – such a euphoric chorus melody! And Fuschia showcases organic techno.

Whether or not you’re familiar with Ngaiire’s work, you’ll be wowed by her vocal prowess backed by dynamic full orchestration. Cuteness overload alert: This cover artwork was drawn by Ngaiire’s five-year-old son Nadav (aka Dovey).

NORTHLANE Mirror’s Edge

Æ “Can I inherit what’s beyond the mirror’s EEEEEDGE?” – the opening title track of Northlane’s six-track Mirror’s Edge EP pauses to reflect for a sec, before bravely pushing through the cycle of fear towards acceptance.

Following the release of their latest single Afterimage (feat. Ian Kenny), fans trumpeted, “Old Northlane is back!” The band has admitted this proggy track nods to their Node era (2015), with songwriter/guitarist Jon Deiley sharing that opening for Karnivool on their 2013 Asymmetry tour taught him the importance of a solid groove, which profoundly shifted his own songwriting focus.

Winston McCall, another influential artist for Northlane, features on the so-heavy Miasma: “Manipulated, THIS ISN’T WHAT I DESEEEEEERVE!” – Parkway Drive’s vocalist closes this one out with enough rage and intensity to make all our hairs stand on end! Nothlane’s former bass player Brendon Padjasek also stopped by the studio to lend his blood-curdling scream to the beautifully brutal and complex Kraft. Let Me Disappear’s instrumentation, dense as a tarpit, is juxtaposed by a singsongy “da, da-da-da, da” refrain.

Across Northlane’s previous two award-winning albums – 2019’s Alien and 2022’s chart-topping Obsidian – lead singer Marcus Bridge shared intensely personal details about his traumatic, violent upbringing at the mercy of drug-addicted parents.

“Could anything really have made a difference? Could open arms change fractured minds?” Bridge wonders aloud during this EP’s epic closer. Built from a relentless, nagging electronic pulse, Dante pares right back to gentle piano tinkling and concludes on a reassuring, hopeful note.

LABEL: IVY LEAGUE

RELEASE: 12 APR

LABEL: DOT DASH/REMOTE CONTROL

RELEASE: 26 APR

LABEL: INDEPENDENT

RELEASE: 12 APR

ED KUEPPER

The opening subject game from ABC’s lifeblood music show, Spicks and Specks, came in the form of Know Your Product, a sneaky homage to one of Australia’s most significant bands, The Saints.

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

Æ As trailblazers in exporting the Australian punk scene, The Saints stirred sensation across the Commonwealth.

The writer of the vision board was cofounder, Ed Kuepper. Kuepper inflicted an intensity into the band’s sound through his ‘buzzsaw’ guitar playing, a demanding activity that didn’t allow for the now revered singer/songwriter to be at the helm vocally, convincing the treasured Chris Bailey to steer.

“I had a science with the way that I played guitar. It was a pretty full-on thing. I think if I hadn’t talked Chris into joining The Saints, I would have become the singer because I would have had the band irrespective. I was really, really determined. But Bailey was a great singer and there was a great frontman in him so that enabled me to kind of do the guitar playing that I wanted to do,” he says.

Kuepper took the driver’s seat in his follow-up project, the post-punk era-defining Laughing Clowns, bringing his vocals to the front. It was here, in a decade-spanning progression, that he would form the foundations of a solo standing.

“The Saints existed for five years and the Clowns for another five years. That’s a sort of fairly significant period. I think I thought [going solo] was really this necessary type of thing for me to do in terms of not having a permanent band. I thought it would just give me a lot more freedom to do a whole lot of things I wanted to do without having to consider what other people wanted to do. Sounds selfish, which I guess it is, but I think I had to do it,” Kuepper explains.

“If I hadn’t talked Chris into joining The Saints, I would have become the singer ”

The solo leap came in 1985, with Kuepper releasing the first in a store of albums under his birth name, Electrical Storm, an album that has been revisited under a catalogue re-release campaign. This debut number and Kuepper’s 1991 selection, Honey Steel’s Gold, were remastered by Don Bartley for vinyl, CD and streaming release. Both of these albums are significant choices for Kuepper in the re-release rollout, alongside Black Ticket Day, Law Of Nature, 1996’s Frontierland, and the previously unreleased experiential.

“We needed to do the re-release for vinyl, so it made sense to go back to the original tapes and get them as close to what they were as possible to have a digital file for mastering. The reason I picked those two is because Electrical Storm was the mother album as my first solo album, and Honey Steel’s Gold, which was released about six years later, was a significant record for me but was also the first album that charted. “It was an independently produced, independently released and distributed album. I think it was the first album that ticked all of those boxes to actually make it into the ARIA Top 40. There had never been an album that was 100 per cent independent that had actually charted so that was quite a big deal. The other thing with Honey Steel’s Gold is that it was released just at the time when vinyl sales in Australia were dying so there weren’t many final versions of the album in Australia on vinyl. So we’re addressing that and giving the people what they want.”

Honey Steel’s Gold was not the obvious choice for commercial success, with the opener track sitting just shy of 10 minutes in length. But it was the track The Way I Made You Feel that helped it strike gold.

“It certainly isn’t a commercial album in any sense with a ten-minute opener and many instrumental pieces but its release coincided with triple j going national and that lead single was on rotation so it was serendipitous timing,” he laughs.

THE EXPLODING UNIVERSE OF ED KUEPPER

WHERE: CORNER HOTEL

WHEN: 5 APR

FESTIVAL GUIDE

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be back for more laughs with the likes of Atsuko Okatsuka, Carl Donnelly, David O’Doherty, Fern Brady, Larry Dean, Chloe Petts, Rob Auton, Catherine Bohart and Lara Ricote.

VARIOUS UNTIL 21 APR

SONDER FESTIVAL

A new electronic and ambient-focused camping festival featuring the likes of Moktar, C.Frim, Ajak Kwai and many more.

TALLAROOK 29 MAR–1 APR

RUMBIA

Melbourne’s festival designed to teach, inspire and celebrate Latin dance and music returns for another year to Arrow on Swanston.

CARLTON 4–7 APR

CRESFEST

Michael Waugh, John Flanagan Band, Cath Jamison and many more will light up Creswick for their annual folk and roots festival.

CRESWICK 5–7 APR

SUNBURY ‘24

Ross Wilson, Richard Clapton, Joe Camilleri, Margret Roadknight, Spectrum, Madder Lake, and Matt Taylor and Phil Manning from Chain are just some of the legends reuniting to play Sunbury’s 50th anniversary festival.

SUNBURY 13 APR

ULTRA AUSTRALIA

Armin Van Buuren, Brennan Heart, Carl Cox, Darren Styles, Zedd and Steve Aoki lead Melbourne’s biggest EDM festival.

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE 13 APR

LOOKOUT FESTIVAL

Live, Incubus, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe and The Superjesus will be coming together for Lookout Festival, a brand new rock festival coming to Mornington.

MORNINGTON RACECOURSE 14 APR

SOUND TRACKS

Sound Tracks is back this April, taking visitors on a curated road-trip-slash-music-festival taking place on a fully restored 13-carriage steam train with Magic Dirt, Milo Eastwood and more.

ROCHESTER 19–21 APR

DO THE POP

Prepare for a two-day whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll euphoria as Do The Pop festival storms back into the picturesque shores of Port Campbell this April.

PORT CAMPBELL 20–21 APR

PANDEMONIUM

Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo, Deep Purple, Wheatus, The Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang Of Four, Palaye Royale and Petch, plus homegrown heroes Wolfmother, Cosmic Psychos, Gyroscope.

CARIBBEAN GARDENS 20 APR

WILD HARVEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival celebrates some of Australia’s freshest and most outstanding local seafood, produce, beer and wine

MALLACOOTA 26–28 APR

THE GUM BALL

Dan Sultan, Tropical Fuck Storm, Kid Congo, Emily Wurramara, RVG and more headline their 20th anniversary festival.

HUNTER VALLEY 26–28 APR

DREAMHACK

This April, world-renowned DreamHack esports festival is set to invigorate Melbourne’s inner-east with what is promised to be a button-mashing frenzy, uniting gamers across Australia and beyond.

MELBOURNE PARK 26–28 APR

SRI LANKAN FESTIVAL

A celebration of Sinhala and Tamil food and culture in a day filled with incredible food and immersive cultural experiences built on the rich heritage of Sri Lanka.

QUEEN VIC MARKET 28 APR

MELBOURNE MUSTER

Some of the best Australian rock and country artists including Hoodoo Gurus, Lee Kernaghan and Kingswood, plus rodeo riders, monster trucks, mechanical bulls and more.

CARIBBEAN PARK 3–4 MAY

STAGE GUIDE

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S LUZIA

Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, LUZIA invites you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.

FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE THROUGHOUT APR

WICKED

See what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle. Winner of over 100 major awards including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award, six Helpmann Awards, three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards.

REGENT THEATRE THROUGHOUT APR

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL

The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, this scorching hot masterpiece about criminals in the roaring 20s features a glittering score.

HER MAJESTY’S

THEATRE THROUGHOUT APR

37

A little sweary and very sweaty, this powerhouse new marn-grook production - featuring a cast of 10 - hits just as hard with the laughs as it does with its searing social commentary.

SOUTHBANK THEATRE UNTIL APR 5

PETER PAN: A NEVERLAND ADVENTURE

Are you ready to return to Neverland with J.M Barrie’s classic story about Peter Pan, Wendy, Nana, Tinker Bell, Pirates, Mermaids and a ticking crocodile?

FAIRFAX STUDIO UNTIL APR 7

GROUNDHOG DAY THE MUSICAL

A gloriously joyful and heart-warming production from the award-winning minds of Australia’s one and only Tim Minchin AM, writer of the iconic 1993 film Danny Rubin and director Matthew Warchus.

THE PRINCESS THEATRE UNTIL APR 20

CIRCUS OZ – SMASH IT!

Smash it! is Circus Oz as unbelievable as before in resurgent form, stripped back, tent-less, dauntless and daring, where sexagenarians, millennials and Gen Zs unite in chaotic and hilarious harmony.

FAIRFAX STUDIO UNTIL APR 21

THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES

Anna has been on a cocktail of drugs since childhood and is desperate to discover where medication ends and she begins.

SOUTHBANK THEATRE FROM APR 15

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Love is in the air in Athens – and it’s contagious. The classic tale, reimagined by Bell Shakespeare, is fast, funny and family-friendly.

ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE FROM APR 25

Intimate Experiences Salon 2024

FEATURING

Andrea Lam | Bhairavi Raman & Nanthesh Sivarajah

Duo Eclettico & Helen Morse | Genevieve Lacey & Marshall McGuire

Kristian Chong & Friends | Melbourne Guitar Quartet

Nat Bartsch Quartet | Olivia Chindamo & Matthew Sheens

Orava Quartet | Penny Quartet | Qais Essar | Quartz

SARAY Illuminado | The Boite | The Resonant Heart

Vardos | Zoe Knighton & Amir Farid

DISCREPANCY RECORDS

The shiny wax record finds its home in the crates, displays and on the walls of a record store, ready for hungry music enthusiasts to finger their spines, flipping through in search of their collection pièce de résistance.

WORDS BY TAMMY WALTERS

Æ At the counter stands a band-tee wearing music encyclopaedia, helping customers navigate their path of sonic discovery through curated recommendations.

The humble record store is more than a music retail space. It’s a haven for music fanatics, a place of curiosity for new listeners, a symbol of unity amongst the music community and a vehicle of transportation for the sonic traveller.

Celebrating this culture is the global annual record store appreciation day, Record Store Day, which sees a return on Saturday 20 April 2024 with a newly independent Paramore leading the charge as the official ambassadors.

Their statement, posted to their social media, poetically details the vitality of the record store, reading, “The discovery of music was always meant to be romantic. Indie record shops are some of the only spaces we’ve got that offer a tangible, tactile experience of music discovery.

“In this world that feels more disconnected and hostile than ever, it feels important to remain in touch (literally) with what inspires us, empowers us, or simply brings us joy. Thankfully, for all our sakes, there still survives among the chaos, the purity and radical simplicity of a great record store.”

Gearing up for the biggest day of the year is Mont Albert North store and online retailer, Discrepancy Records. “We are really excited for this year’s Record Store Day,” says store representative, Caleb Williamson.

“The list is really strong across all genres and generations of music lovers. For the day itself, however, this year we will have some special items to commemorate the day and make it our best Record Store Day yet!”

Every Record Store Day, the team aims to bring in a wide range of titles and to stock as many of the popular titles as they can.

“The big hitters this year are The 1975 live album, Sabrina Carpenter 7”, Olivia Rodrigo/Noah Kahan 7”, Pearl Jam, 100 Gecs, Paramore, Eric Carr, Emma Bunton; I could go on and on. This year’s releases are very decent across all age ranges and musical tastes. For fans of any era or genre, there are four to six albums worth getting: great jazz, great hip-hop, great soundtracks. For me personally, my wishlist is 16 items deep,” Williamson says.

To ensure everyone leaves with their dream additions, Discrepancy Records recommends that customers add items to their online account wishlist. It not only assists the store in their stock inventory but doubles as a shopping list to guide the on-day crate digging (although not every request can be guaranteed).

This year, they’ve already got 50 per cent more wishlist feedback than last year, making their selection better than ever. So far, they’re planning to bring in a whopping 700 Record Store Day titles and counting.

In previous years the store has seen kilometre lines of over 1000 people around the corner to take advantage of the specials and new releases restricted to in-store.

As usual, it’s first in, best dressed, so head down early to make sure you get your hands on what you’re looking for (wishlist selections don’t mean they’ll keep the record on hold for you). Plus, word on the street is the store is planning some fun and exciting surprises for the early birds.

Williamson explains, “Connecting with people is what it’s all about. The weeks leading up to the day are best spent chatting with customers about what albums they are excited to get on the day. Also, the excitement from people when they find one of their favourite albums is finally getting reissued, or a soundtrack they never thought would get pressed is released, it’s contagious. It’s also just a great way to spend a day with people who are also into vinyl, and more broadly music, as much as you are.”

Leftover Record Store Day deals will be added to the Discrepancy Records website from 9AM, Monday 22 April for those that can’t attend in person but there are no promises on stock availability.

RECORD STORE DAY AT DISCREPANCY RECORDS

WHERE: 2A / 2B MILNE ROAD, MONT ALBERT NORTH

WHEN: 8AM, SAT 20 APR

This article was made in partnership with Discrepancy Records

ELEVATE YOUR SOUND: UPGRADE YOUR RECORD PLAYER EXPERIENCE

Are you a music enthusiast who loves attending concerts, collecting records, and immersing yourself in the timeless charm of vinyl?

WORDS BY GEOFF HAYNES

If so, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the joy of spinning your favourite albums on your trusty record player. However, have you ever stopped to consider if your setup truly does justice to the music you cherish?

Let’s face it: while owning a collection of vinyl records is undeniably satisfying, the quality of your playback equipment can significantly impact your listening experience. If you’re like many aficionados, you might be playing your cherished records on a budget-friendly record player paired with basic speakers. While this setup may suffice for casual listening, it falls short of capturing the full depth and richness of the music you love.

Picture this: You’re at a concert, surrounded by the electrifying energy of live music. The sound fills the venue, enveloping you in a captivating sonic experience that resonates deep within your soul. Now, imagine bringing that same immersive sensation into your home every time you listen to your favourite records. You can transform your listening space into a personal sanctuary of musical delight with the right record player and stereo speakers.

Investing in a high-quality record player is more than just a luxury; it’s a commitment to elevating your listening experience to new heights. Imagine the satisfaction of hearing every subtle nuance, from the warm crackle of the vinyl to the crisp clarity of each instrument. A superior record player doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into your favourite albums, allowing you to rediscover them with a newfound appreciation.

Upgrading your record player and investing in stereo speakers isn’t just about enhancing sound quality; it’s about honouring the artistry and craftsmanship behind the music you love. Whether you’re listening to Miles Davis’s smooth jazz melodies or Led Zeppelin’s raw energy, every album deserves to be experienced in all its sonic glory.

But perhaps you’re hesitant, unsure if the investment is worth it. After all, there’s a wide array of record players and speakers on the market, and navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Start by researching through HeyNow Hi-Fi’s website, brands like REGA and Lenco are known for their commitment to audio excellence. Look for record players with features like high-quality cartridges, precision tonearms, and sturdy construction that minimises vibration and distortion.

Remember, upgrading your audio setup is an investment in your musical enjoyment that will pay dividends for years. As you embark on this journey toward sonic nirvana, consider it a tribute to the artists who poured their hearts and souls into creating the music that enriches our lives.

With a premium record player, you’ll not only hear your favourite albums, but you’ll feel them in every beat, every riff, and every crescendo. Elevate your sound, and let the music transport you to new realms of auditory bliss.

Everyone needs a helpful guide when venturing into a new hobby or field of interest, Geoff at HeyNow Hi-Fi is here to help you, you can call or text through the website. Even fill in one of the e-forms on the site. He’ll always get back to you. This article was made in partnership with HeyNow Hi-Fi.

IN FOCUS:

DENON PERL PRO

Denon have lifted the lid on what a truly personalised listening experience can sound like.

WORDS BY ANDY LLOYD-RUSSELL

Æ What does the future sound like? It’s a big question that only seems to get bigger the more you think about it.

In the world of consumer audio, the last ten years have seen increased access to higher resolution wireless connectivity, as well as many technological advancements occurring in regards to physical footprint and the kind of low-frequency heft that is now possible from increasingly smaller driver sizes.

In the recording studio, it has been all about the employment of advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and modern technology’s ability to tailor speaker output to suit specific acoustic environments and rooms and the remarkable level of accuracy this technology has afforded at the listening position.

In the world of Audiology and Clinical Audio, recent history has been defined by rapid advancements in the procurement and accuracy of hearing tests and audiograms, made possible through the use of digital technology and AI-in turn improving the lives of millions of people and resulting in better hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices for anybody who needs them.

So, with all of this happening across the various audio disciplines, what does this mean for the future of Consumer Earphone and Head-Fi?

Well if the new PerL Pro Earphone by audio stalwarts Denon are anything to go by, the future is both looking and sounding incredible, employing these remarkable digital and acoustic concepts and taking the idea of the personalised listening experience into jaw-dropping new territory.

Without wanting to get bogged down in tech jargon or arbitrary waffling, these new earbuds provide an impeccably detailed and personalised listening experience by measuring the unique physical layout and frequency response of the listener’s ear and tailoring a signature sound profile based on this information.

Masimo AAT™ (Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology™) measures the outer, middle and inner ear, taking data from vitally important parts of the ear such as the malleus, incus, cochlea, vestibular nerve, auditory nerve and of course the eardrum, and measuring the finite fluctuations and responses to sound waves in these parts of the ear, almost like an auditory fingerprint.

The proprietary Masimo technology utilised in the PerL Pro’s (as well as the standard PerL model) measures faint otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), which are produced by the inner ear (pretty crazy right!) in the presence of a range of tones. After the OAEs are analysed a personal hearing profile can be created within the Denon PerL Headphone app, using AI.

Whilst the technology may seem somewhat science fiction, the reality is an individual listener profile of unparalleled depth, detail, and clarity. Rest assured there are plenty of ‘How did they do this?’ moments during setup and at first listen. The Denon PerL Pro may feature the most powerful low-end extension of any in-ear headphone I’ve ever encountered and the clarity and diction in the upper mids and high frequencies bring a remarkable sense of detail and depth to proceedings.

Aside from the obvious allure the Masimo AAT technology brings to these earbuds, the advancements in Bluetooth streaming quality are equally as exciting. The PerL Pro earbuds dodge the previous shortcomings of Bluetooth, providing CD-quality streaming from integrated Qualcomm aptX lossless technology, not to mention spatial audio capability via Dirac Virtuo.

As for the design and overall performance of the PerL Pros, they are nothing short of exceptional. A listed frequency range of 20Hz - 40kHz provides a deep and rich detailed sound profile which shimmers with detail from the ultra-low distortion triple-layer titanium diaphragm 10mm dynamic driver housed within. Many users of earbuds appreciate the importance of voice call clarity. The PerL Pro’s eight built-in microphones (two bone conductors) paired with Qualcomm aptX super-wideband (32kHz) technology offer unparalleled definition and details for voice calls.

Up to 8 hours of battery is on tap from just the earbuds alone, with up to 24 hours available with the case. A five-minute quick charge boasts a 1-hour playback, with the charge time of the case only being 1 hour. An IPX4 water-resistant rating keeps those working out at ease and Bluetooth Multipoint is all too convenient when bouncing between two connected devices. The usual customisable touch controls are of course available alleviating the need to reach for a connected device.

Denon has introduced one of the most exciting earbuds to date with the PerL Pro, incorporating some revolutionary technology and unparalleled audio quality, redefining what is possible in the consumer earphone category and setting the bar for personalised listening experiences in the modern audio zeitgeist. The future starts now.

This article was made in partnership with Denon.

HOODOO GURUS

The Hoodoo Gurus are heading up rollicking new festival Melbourne Muster this May.

WORDS BY KOSA MONTEITH

Æ Today’s band lineup has held together most of the original members from 1981: lead singer and frontman Dave Faulkner, bassist Richard Grossman and guitarist and vocalist Brad Shepherd – with Nik Rieth on board as their drummer since 2015.

Beyond being inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame, the Hoodoo Gurus are a household name, racking up a solid number of iconic hits (including Come Anytime, 1000 Miles Away and What’s My Scene) that have dominated airwaves, here and abroad.

• Some of Australia’s best country music artists and rodeo riders

• Camping on site available

• Other activities include monster truck rides, line dancing and mechanical bull-riding

LINEUP:

Lee Kernaghan • Kingswood • Gareth Leach

M5 Rodeo • Hoodoo Gurus • Beccy Cole

Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows

Amber Lawrence • Andrew Swift • Jonny Reid

Taylor Sheridan • Eddie Rawk Band

The band marked their four-decade milestone with a bang in 2022, releasing their tenth studio album, Chariot of the Gods, kicking off a mighty tour and stepping up for some much-lauded last-minute shows filling in for Jimmy Barnes.

The band didn’t sit idle through the Covid years either, managing to write and record an album that holds true to the same fist-pumping rock energy that defined their sound from the get-go.

“With that new album, we very much wanted to stake our claim as to why we’re here and that we still had music and artistic areas to explore,” Dave told us previously. “We started recording before Covid, but then it became hard – mainly those periods where we couldn’t be in the same room. We’re not the sort of band that can create at a distance, we’ve gotta be together.

“But it felt like a reboot to me. We even approached the recording differently – more like our first album. Short bursts, releasing as singles. It was a bit more bespoke. We kept the creative process ticking along across the two years. Having a new drummer also made it a different experience. We’d been playing live for a while, but never recorded together. That’s why we also decided to do it as baby steps. We had time to grow the ideas rather than force them, and the direction revealed itself.” Melbourne Muster goers can expect a setlist of Hoodoo Gurus classics and that fresh, revamped sound for their headline act. For Dave, the challenge of pleasing a mixed crowd of long-time devotees, newcomers and the in-betweens all in one show is undaunting.

“We’re very lucky that the new songs have momentum of their own that everyone’s enjoyed,” he said. “So we have no qualms about putting in those songs when we feel like it, and also the songs people expect from us. I mean, they could probably write a letter to the ombudsman if we didn’t play the hits, but we do a smattering of things everyone will enjoy. And we find a lot of younger people know more of our songs than they think because they’ve grown up with them.

“On our album tour, we [received] some of our best reviews ever. We can still go out there and nail it. Maybe you don’t wanna get too close and see the lines on our faces, but what you get from the show, it sounds and looks the same and feels right.”

THE MELBOURNE MUSTER AND RODEO FESTIVAL

WHEN: 3–4 MAY

WHERE: CARIBBEAN PARK, SCORESBY

SCREENSAVER

Screensavers are mundane, essentially by definition.

WORDS BY ANDREW HANDLEY

Æ The same can’t be said about fivepiece post-punk band Screensaver, who have been making a name for themselves with their fiery, synth-driven live shows and slickly produced recordings.

The Melbourne-based band began in 2016 as a collaboration between singer Krystal Maynard and guitarist Christopher Stephenson, who swapped demos across the Pacific. After the two married and Stephenson relocated to Melbourne, Maynard enlisted James Beck to join the band on drums for live performances in 2019.

“Krystal and I go way back,” recalls Beck, whose trained acting voice is immediately clear. “We used to be little kid neighbours across the street from each other in Perth and went to the same school and re-met each other in high school years down the track.”

At the time Beck was a working actor and hadn’t played drums in four years after a gruelling overseas tour with a previous band and falling victim to tinnitus. “After that, I was pretty certain that I couldn’t play drums again because my hearing was more important,” he says.

With his tinnitus at manageable levels, Beck transitioned back to musicianship, accelerated by the pandemic. “It was more rewarding in a creative way, and you can work on music in an independent sense,” he says. “As an actor, you can’t always do that.”

The band’s four-piece line-up of their 2021 debut record Expressions of Interest expanded during the recording of their latest album Decent Shapes. Giles Fleike’s bass playing can be heard on their recent record, though he left during the final sessions to focus on fatherhood. “His presence on the record is still very much there,” says Beck.

Dorian Vary joined on bass, who had previously played in a band with Maynard, though Beck isn’t certain which one. “Everyone’s been in so many fucking bands I’ve lost count,” he laughs. Jonnine Nokes was an obvious choice on synths, as they have previously done sound for the band and

a music course with Beck. “I think there’s a lot of texture that comes from the inclusion of both Dorian and Jonnine,” adds Beck.

There’s a hesitancy in Beck’s voice when describing the band’s genre as postpunk. “I just feel like every band is post-punk currently, but maybe not in the traditional sense of the music that I grew up with – the classic era of UK, predominantly late 70s 80s, post-punk and new wave,” he says. “We do lean a little more into the classic sounds.”

With four members credited with playing synths (five if you include the software synths Beck occasionally uses), Beck notes they’re a tech-heavy band, with elements of gothic, new wave, electronica and krautrock. “Each member individually brings something quite interesting, and it’s very much the sum of its parts,” he says. “I think once it’s out there the audience will always just receive it in their own way, which I think is really special.”

“Everyone’s been in so many fucking bands I’ve lost count.”

Decent Shapes is being released domestically by Melbourne-based Poison City Records and internationally by Londonbased Upset the Rhythm, who released the band’s previous record. “I think it’s very humbling to have them want to work with us,” says Beck of both labels. “Just their footprint, you know, their reach is excellent.”

Decent Shapes comes almost exactly two years after their debut record. “There’s a self-assuredness that comes with it when you’ve been playing together for a while, and I think you can hear that in the record,” says Beck. Despite drumming with tendinitis on both records, Beck was able to manage the pain better the second time around. “I had more time to develop as a drummer overall,” he says. “When we did Expressions of Interest, I was still getting back on the bike, so to speak.”

Julian Cue returned to produce and mix the record and was able to persuade the band to use a click track this time around. “I think [for Expressions of Interest] we were all just like, ‘it’s too hard, we don’t need it,’ but this time, we persevered through the bulk of the album and did it to a click,” explains Beck. “I think it might… come across as a tight, cohesive record.”

The record was tracked in only two weekends says Beck, with three or four of the songs not fully formed. “We had just started playing around them in the month or less in the lead-up to recording,” he says. “I would say that, as we exist now in our five-piece with Jonnine and Dorian, we’re very much writing stuff together in the room, which is really cool.”

SCREENSAVER

WHERE: THE CURTIN

WHEN: 27 APR

Credit: Kalindy Williams

COMEDY REPUBLIC

LIVE COMEDY: is at home at Comedy Republic, one of the very best comedy venues in Melbourne.

FAMOUS FOR: being owned and run by comedians for comedians.

INFAMOUS FOR: the rowdy, fun-loving atmosphere watching big-name acts and emerging talent alike.

Æ Comedy Republic is a theatre and bar in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, dedicated to showcasing the best of Australian comedy. Owned by Rhys Nicholson, it presents big name comics alongside the brightest breaking talent. Past guests include the likes of Becky Lucas, Rove McManus, Daniel Sloss, Hannah Gadsby, Phil Wang, Danny Bhoy, Arj Barker, Ed Gamble, Lizzy Hoo and too many other stars to mention.

As one of the biggest and best comedy venues in all of Melbourne, you’ll find killer acts nearly every night during this time of year, spanning a huge variety from theatrical to improv to bingo to stand-up and everything in between. You’ll need to get online and book your tickets if you’re looking to hit up the Republic main stage for a night out.

There is a brand-new bar in place to knock back a few cold ones before, during and after a live gig too, which is sure to impress. Rhys told us why a venue like this is so important to Melbourne.

“Melbourne is famous for great comedy but they’re always kind of bar shows, Comedy Republic is a dedicated comedy space,” he says. “I just remember Judith Lucy standing at the back of a show at a bar and I was thinking ‘Judith Lucy doesn’t need to be standing at the back of a bar’ so we started looking at places.

“Often with comedy, we have a room that has shitty seating for the audience or bad conditions for comedians, where they are kind of hiding in the toilet before their set. So what we’ve done with Comedy Republic is create a nice space for the audience and the artists. We serve nice cocktails.

“Comedy is an important art form for me, and we want to get to a place where we’re treating it like that as opposed to just a way for a pub to make money.”

FRANCESCA’S BAR

WORDS BY JULIETTE SALOM

LIVE MUSIC: comes courtesy of North House DJ sets curated by Tiff Cornish on Fridays, and disco and house-themed nights every Saturday.

FAMOUS FOR: all things trivia, DJs and woodfired pizza

INFAMOUS FOR: a Miami Vice feel and those Blueberry Tom Collins

Æ If you’ve ever frequented High Street in Northcote, odds are you’ve noticed the pulsing neon lights of Francesca’s Bar. Located smack-bang in the centre of Naarm’s favourite inner-north suburb, the venue has been a constant in the landscape of High Street for over ten years, with many more to come. With exposed brick walls and decked out with indoor plants, an on-street seating area and a beer garden that boasts a Miami Vice feel, Francesca’s is the kind of place perfect for any kind of night.

After work drinks and early-evening weekend tipples are sorted at Frans, with Happy Hour on every single day of the week from 5-7pm. The deals on offer for these happiest of hours of drinking include $9 pints, $8 basics, $6 house wines, as well as the bargain steal of $12 house cocktails. If you miss out on the happy hour though, fret not, because the selection of top shelf drinks and intricate cocktails will keep you happy until way late into the night. A Blueberry Tom Collins, anyone?

Whilst small in size, the bar beams big with heart. From quiet afternoon sips and a bit of indoor table tennis, come evening and Francesca’s transforms into dance floors and DJs. The venue is a great spot to check out on any weekend night in Northcote, with North House DJ sets curated by Tiff Cornish on Fridays, and Disco and House-themed nights every Saturday. Spinning the tunes on a Saturday is normally the likes of Oskar Long, Tom Prefect, Late Night Date, Deft-J, Paul Lazar, Claire Knight and Wunderkind, just to name a few. Additionally, Frans also has functions space available to book for any event of your choosing.

WHERE:

231 BOURKE ST, MELBOURNE

OPEN: THU 7:30PM–11PM / FRI–SAT 6PM–1AM

WHERE:

222–224 HIGH STREET, NORTHCOTE

OPEN: EVERY DAY FROM 5PM

GRAND PARADISO HOTEL

WORDS BY PRIYA FRANCIS

LIVE MUSIC: comes courtesy of top-notch DJs, with the luxurious bar part of Prahran’s famous nightclub Pawn & Co.

FAMOUS FOR: feeling like stepping into a Wes Anderson film, replete with AI-generated art across the walls.

INFAMOUS FOR: a boggling range of activities that even includes an on-site nail salon.

Æ Nightlife is a celebrated art form at Grand Paradiso Hotel, a world-first AI art-infused immersive bar experience and the latest addition to Pawn & Co, a beloved Prahran staple.

Part art installation, part 70s Miami beach club, the new daytime venue promises an experience that surpasses all expectations.

The Grand Paradiso Hotel has all the makings of an iconic Melbourne bar, with a menu of tried and true cocktails, a rotating door of regularly programmed DJs spinning music all night, and more ‘grammable photo opportunities than one could ever need.

Seriously, your photo gallery is about to be taken over, so free up some phone storage before you visit. Think disco balls galore, floor-to-ceiling AI-generated artwork and two adult-sized ball-pits, just begging for you to dive in.

Every aspect of the venue is infused with a theatrical charm that only adds to the flair and extravagance of it all, and this cultivates into what is a truly exciting, immersive addition to Melbourne’s night life.

While the venue itself is a piece of art, the cocktail menu is equally impressive. A ‘Pink Flamingo Frappe’, ‘Sunny Arvo Spritz’ and a ‘Gogo Nuts’ are just begging to be ordered and when they’re served up in disco ball glasses, coconuts and pineapple glassware, it’s hard not to see how the Grand Paradiso Hotel has all the potential to become a Melbourne staple, year round.

With the venue playing host to two late-night clubs once the sun sets, this new kid on the block is the perfect way to get a kick start on your celebrations during the day. Every moment has been meticulously cultivated to create an experience like no other. It’s a touch of extravagance in the heart of Prahran, bringing a bit of mischief and glamour to your next night out.

WHERE: 177 GREVILLE STREET, PRAHRAN

OPEN: THU–SAT FROM 7PM

THE NIGHT CAT

LIVE MUSIC: is what The Night Cat is famous for. We could even go as far as The Night Cat’s live music is what Fitzroy is famous for. This place is, without doubt, one of the best live music venues in Melbourne.

FAMOUS FOR: the central stage with a 360-degree viewing angle, allowing lucky punters to witness some of the best emerging and left-field acts from around the world, up close and personal.

INFAMOUS FOR: the eclectic lineups and even more diverse crowds. Don’t be surprised if a single weekend contains psychedelic trash-jazz, dark tech-house, post-Soviet hip hop, and a bachata and salsa dance class.

Æ The Night Cat is a special live music venue and one of Melbourne’s homes for eclectic and innovative artists. They host an extensive range of genres to satisfy a diverse audience. From AfroCuban and Afrobeat to contemporary hip hop, reggae, funk and soul, The Night Cat’s distinctive and prevalently warm vibe is certain to get you off your feet and dancing the night away.

Its major strength is the ability to attract uber-cool international acts and balance them with excellent Melbourne talent. For instance, this month you have top drawer techno producer Chloe Robinson, the poetic rock ‘n’ roll rawness of Floodlights, a release party for T Swizzle’s The Tortured Poets Department and then UK chart-topping drum and bass artist Kenya Grace.

It’s no surprise then, that the venue has played a major role in the formation of some of our best talent. The Cat Empire, The Bamboos, 30/70 all cut their teeth on the classic Meyer sound system.

WHERE:

137-141 JOHNSTON STREET, FITZROY

OPEN: THURSDAY 8PM–1AM FRIDAY 8 PM–3 AM SATURDAY 8 PM–3 AM SUNDAY 8 PM–1 AM

BEHIND THE LINES

Last year’s biggest political moments, illustrated. Welcome to Behind The Lines 2023, where no one is safe.

WORDS BY SAM BEROS

Æ Behind The Lines, Australia’s premier national political cartooning exhibition, is set to return to the Old Treasury Building in mid-March.

Over 40 of Australia’s sharpest comics and illustrators will have their artworks mantled for the event’s 2023 instalment, breaking down the ‘fun and games’ of Parliament’s past year in typical satirical fashion.

Developed by Australia’s Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD for short) in Canberra, the collection is set to host more than 100 cartoonish takes on the state of the nation, pulling from a diverse selection of emerging and established Australian artists.

Behind The Lines’ theme for 2023 is All Fun and Games – a name chosen to represent not only the absurd games of politics that have taken place in the past year but also how they’ve played out in tandem with the Australian media.

Nothing sells the premise stronger than MoAD’s illustration for the event, in which the figures of Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton, and many more unleash childish force onto a pinata laden to the brim with chocolate money, a nuclear submarine, a Robodebt totem and more.

ALL FUN AND GAMES

There’s no denying that last year was a turbulent time for Australians, as was the landscape of Australian politics.

Between rising international tensions, the continual existential threat of climate change, the Voice referendum and the cost of inflation, there’s been a lot on our country’s plate in the past twelve months.

As always, Behind The Lines serves as an opportunity for cartoonists across the country to reach out to the public – exploring Australia’s challenge and complexity with an approachable jest.

MoAD Director Stephanie Bull is as excited as ever for 2023’s exhibition to reach Melbourne.

“Political cartoons are an important part of our democracy. They make it fun and accessible for everyone to discuss and debate the news and ideas of the day. They help encourage discussion and understanding in diverse communities across the country,” she said.

“We strive to enable and inspire audiences to explore how social and political conversations are shaping an evolving Australia and equip them to participate as engaged citizens wherever they live in our nation.”

LIFE IMITATES ART

Named 2023 Political Cartoonist Of The Year is the well-established Fiona Katauskas – a sterling highlight of the collection.

Her work’s been seen from The Guardian to the Sydney Morning Herald and everywhere in between for good reason: Katauskas ties together vivid abstraction with an underlying empathy that pokes and prods at the true intentions behind party promises.

Her award-winning 2023 output finds an opportunity for shared truth and acknowledgement within a variety of pain points, with a breadth that reaches climate change panic, concerns around artificial intelligence, and the omnipresent pressure tied to the current cost-of-living crisis.

Other collections on show group different national issues. ‘How low can you go?’ peers into the findings of last July’s National AntiCorruption Commission. ‘Pass the interest rate parcel’ examines rising interest rates. ‘Who’s a duck, duck goose…?’ covers cartoonists with a focus on international news.

Behind The Lines will soon find a temporary home at Melbourne’s Old Treasury Building from March 24 to May 24 (times are privy to the museum’s official website). It’s a free exhibition; those worrying about the cost-of-living crisis will have a prime opportunity to laugh about it instead… while you’re there, at least.

The Behind the Lines travelling exhibition from the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is proudly supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program (NCITO), an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

BEHIND THE LINES 2023

WHERE: OLD TREASURY BUILDING

WHEN: 24 MAR–24 MAY

This article was made in partnership with the Old Treasury Building.

Credit: Nordacious

Credit: Pat Hudson

GIG GUIDE APRIL 2024

THU 28 MAR

Goodlife Easter

FT: Chris NG, Folarin

Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 7pm. Free.

Jam Hot:

Good Friday Eve

Toff Take Over

FT: DJ Swella, MBq

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 9pm. Free.

LATE NIGHT RADIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

YARRA BANKS

Jam Bar 303. Northcote. 9pm. $20.

ISU TAKI PRESENTS

Autumn Equinox

FT: Martha Van Straaten. Moontide, Otorongo, Cuerpo Negro

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7pm. $26.05.

MAX KÖNIG. STANDING CIRCLE, ZOUROUNA

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $40.

DEATH BY CARROT: INFINITY LOOP

Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 7pm. Free.

JAZZ & JAFFLES

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 7pm. Free.

ELEKTRONIK GIRL EPIC. DIGITAL GIRL, ONE HIT KILL

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

DEKMANTEL OPENING CONCERT

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $55 - 75.

Gravity: Easter

Thursday

Special Event

FT: VNSSA, Anthony Pappa, Charles Oliver

Gravity Club. Melbourne. 9pm. $22.49.

SLEEPER CELL PRESENTS AMADEEZY +

ZULI (GOOD FRIDAY EVE) TINIKA, RAMSEY, KUFA

The Night Cat. Fitzroy. 11pm. $35.

CALL ME MAYBE:

2000S + 2010S PARTY

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 9pm. $25.

DON’T THANK ME, SPANK ME! Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

GREY DAY AFTERPARTY

Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 10pm. $13.43.

GERALDINE

QUINN: BROAD Malthouse Theatre. Southbank. 6.45pm. $35.

HYBERNATORS

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 5pm.

BABY SHOWER

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 9pm. Free.

LOVE POLICE PRESENTS The Linda Ronstadt Show.

FT: Ella Hooper & All-Star Band, Ben Mastwyk & His Millions Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $62.58.

SILENT INCOME + DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Brunswick Artists’ Bar. Brunswick. 5pm.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

EVE: GREAT AUSTRALIAN BANK. FAVOURED STATE, TOWN ACE Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm.

Piano Day Celebration

FT: Hernandez, Lewis, Hooke & Bartsch

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 30.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

STRANGE RIVER. DOM BRINKLEY, SAPHRA MORE

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

MAXWELL BRADY. MALIBU SPACEY, BIG STRETCH

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm. $15.

GREY DAY AFTERPARTY

Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 10pm. $13.43.

DEATH BY CARROT: INFINITY LOOP

Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 7pm. Free.

THE CHANTOOZIES + THE BADLOVES

Missing Gorilla. Eltham. 8pm. $60.

TONY J KING

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm.

KING CANOE

Bar 303. Northcote. 9pm. $20.

Hume Blues Club

FT: Zen Charles, Blues Jam Sessions

Thornbury Bowls Club. Thornbury. 6pm. Free.

DEATH BY CARROT: INFINITY LOOP

Bodriggy Brewing Company. Abbotsford. 7pm. Free.

CIRCUS OZ: SMASH IT!

Arts Centre Melbourne. Southbank. 8pm. $45.

KEINEMUSIK

Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Melbourne. 6pm. $132.45.

SARAH MARY CHADWICK BAND. PROGRAM, SUMMER FLAKE

The Tote. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $16.35.

THE DARYL MCKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA

FT: Angela Librandi

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

FRI 29 MAR

BENDI-GOTH: ASCHE ZU ASCHE Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 8pm. $15.

STREET SWEEPER + HOT MACHINE + DJ JEEPSTER Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

GOOD FRIDAY: SOUNDTRACK MUSIC. DIPPERS, THE MISANTHROPES, CUT WIRE, LOW MONROE & THE FUGITIVES Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm.

GOOD FRIDAY: THE IANS. SWEATSHOP, ADHESION, REMY SAYERS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $15.

MICHELLE NICOLLE QUARTET

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

CAUTION:THIEVES. RARE WORDS, MISERY GUTS

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $21.68.

BASEMENT COMEDY CLUB: COMEDY FESTIVAL SPECIAL Morris House. Melbourne. 8pm. $25.

THE AUSTRALIAN ART ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: Straight Up & Down (SUAD)

FT: Cheryl Durongpisitkul with AAO Ensemble, Ra Ra Raj, Joelistics, Dan West, Aaron Choulai, Various DJs Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

SOUL CHIC PRESENTS THE EVA CASSIDY EXPERIENCE

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

The Dress

FT: Werribee Park Mansion, Alaine Beek, Scott Jackson, Patrick Schnur Werribee Park Mansion. Werribee South. 8pm. $35 - 55.

BINGO & DISCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

FREUD & THE FAMILY SOLUTION. MERCY PLEASE, NILS CUSACK

The Beast. Brunswick East. 7pm. Free.

ROCKWIZ’S REALLY REALLY GOOD FRIDAY Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 8pm. $94 - 134.

MOUNT KUJO. WOMBATUQUE, G TANO

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7.30pm. $29.

BARKAA. MUDRAT, NAYCAB

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm.

ZAK SHEPHERD Micawber Tavern. Belgrave. 7pm. Free.

THE SPARES. ZELKOVA, ELLEN JAMES & THE WANING CRESCENTS, BURNING GRACE, LAYLA Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $18.35.

SAT 30 MAR

THE BENDI’S LAST GIG: THE VULTURES. BITCH EYES, THE GLAMOUR Bendigo Hotel. Collingwood. 6pm. $18.91.

SLOW GRIND FEVER #101 Bar Open. Fitzroy. 9pm. $15.

FANDANGO + DJ SHAUNA CERATOPS

Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

SUSAN. SCARNON

The Beast. Brunswick East. 9pm. Free.

GOONS OF DOOM. DOLEMAN CHILD, PURPLE DISTURBANCE Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $27.70.

MELANIE POSE CURATES

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7pm.

PETER PAN:

A NEVERLAND

ADVENTURE

Arts Centre

Melbourne. Southbank. 11.15am. $39.

Unsacred Saturday

FT: Escarion. 308, Rise From Ashes, Roswell Deathsquad, Pendle Hill, He Who Seeks Vengeance, Void Out

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 4.30pm. $18.10.

Easter Fest

FT: Verbrasco, Day Dreamers, They Might Be Dead Frogs Cactus Room. Thornbury. 8pm. $10.

ELECTRIC

CALLBOY PARTY

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 10pm. Free.

FLY!. AARDVARK, PERSECUTION

BLUES

Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $11.25.

Restless:

House Edition

FT: Eddie Example, Spinn OD, Clickbait, Vibecult Whitehart Bar. Melbourne. 5pm. Free.

HUANCHACO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

BALLARE.

BROTHER JULIAN, MYTHTAPES

The Toff In Town. Melbourne. 11pm. Free.

NATTY HOUSE

PARTY

FT: Charles-Eddy

Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

SUPERSTAR DJ’S: DJ CRISPI

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 9pm. Free.

BARKAA.

MISS KANINNA, SOJU GANG

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm.

YNG MARTYR

Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $23.50.

The Dress

FT: Werribee Park

Mansion, Alaine

Beek, Scott Jackson, Patrick Schnur

Werribee Park

Mansion. Werribee South. 8pm. $35 - 55.

PETRASHEVSKY CIRCLE.

EILEEN GRACE, NADIA PHILLIPS

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

NOT SO BIG BAND: THE INCREDIBLES

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

Hey Hey It’s A Saturday Matinee!

FT: Alex Elbery, Cranes Against Clouds, Overthinker, Jim Dusty

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 2.30pm. Free.

INFECTIOUS GROOVES. THE INSPECTOR CLUZO

The Forum. Melbourne. 7pm. $99.

Hell Fuck Yeah: Artists VS The News

FT: TEKNOFAG, Dear Thieves, Brand, The Ians, Sweatshop, The Holy Trinity, Outta Spite, SKRÜNK

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 5pm. $13.25.

THE JUDGES. RED HELL, THE STATES

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $16.35.

THU 04 APR

ISAIAH COLLIER & THE CHOSEN FEW Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $50.

STEPH FISCHER

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 7pm.

PAUL

MCDERMOTT +1: BLOOD ORANGE

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $43.96.

Hume Blues Club

FT: Damon Smith, Blues Jam Sessions

Thornbury Bowls Club. Thornbury. 7.30pm. Free.

KATANKIN

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

TIM NEAL TRIO Bar 303. Northcote. 8pm. $20.

MUSIC PLAY

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 9am. $40.

GECKO: RAD 80S ROCK SHOW!. ARAMINTA, BRIGITTE BARDINI Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $16.85.

JOVA: JODRELL/ OEHLERS/ VANDERWAL/ ANNING

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 30.

DIPODIUM. JACK.G, OZERGUN Shotkickers. Thornbury. 6pm.

KATIE MELUA

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7pm. $71.27.

JAZZ NIGHT

Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

BAROQUE FESTIVAL: HANDEL & VIVALDI ARIAS

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $59 - 99.

BRYDAN MEREDITH + MATT MANNING BAND. JOEL ARMOUR, CALLUM MCDONALD

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8pm. $17.35.

DOUBLE PUMPER. THE SUN IS A DEADLY LASER, PROTOPLANET

The Tote. Collingwood. 7.30pm. $11.25.

Slow Jams

FT: Angela Librandi, Emerson Alexander, Cisco Tavares

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

FRI 05 APR

GRAND PERCEPTOR: REUNION SHOW. BLUE FUR, STEPH BITTER & THE BITTER SWEETS

Golden Vine Hotel. Bendigo. 8pm. Free.

PRETTY GOOD SOFA. THE SWELLS, CARRIELAND

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 9pm. Free.

SEEDY JEEZUS + BUDD

The Beast. Brunswick East. 7pm. Free.

WORLD PEACE + CELL ROT. HISTAMINE

Old Bar. Fitzroy. 8pm. $34.70.

LADY LAZARUS. MILK SICK, SCUD, SOUTHERN CRUSTACEAN, CRUSHED LAVENDER

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 7pm. $17.48.

MAIZIE. THIS SPACE IS OURS, STEPDAD ADVICE

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $15.29 - 18.34.

THE EXPLODING UNIVERSE OF ED KUEPPER. MESS ESQUE

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 7.30pm. $70.05.

BAZ RAVISH. GLAS NOST, ORPHIX, PASSAT ACT

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $9.85.

HARRY STYLES APPRECIATION NIGHT

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7pm. $17.35 - 20.07.

SAMMY FROM HELL. HAYLEY CRYMBLE, REX, SHITZULOVER07, ABS

Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. $16.39.

ISAIAH COLLIER & THE CHOSEN FEW Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $50.

LOT 56

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

ON A CLEAR DAY: OEHLERS/ GRABOWSKY/ HALE/ VANDERWAL

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

RADIUM DOLLS. FAVOURED STATE, THE SPÜRTS

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 8pm. $16.35.

SHOTTAZ: NUFF RESPECT. DJ VERSE@ ILLE, FIREMAN FLIPA, LEGO, MAX SHOTTA, ONESIXTH, TUMI THE BE Section 8. Melbourne. 6pm. Free.

CALVIN CLONE. KILL BELL, POPULAR MUSIC, INSECTOID WITCH

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $16.35.

CC DEWAR PRESENTS AN EVENING OF JAZZ, R&B & SOUL Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

NICK LOVELL & THE REDEEMED THIEVES

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

SUNSHINE TIP. ROB CRAW & PHIL WALES’ ACOUSTIC DILEMMA

George Lane. St Kilda. 7pm. $23 - 35.

SEX ON TOAST

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $24.

BINGO & DISCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

STARDEW VALLEY: FESTIVAL OF SEASONS

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 8pm. $57 - 86.

RebelTech101

FT: SIRUS, Robots in Love, Council of War 3054, Daydream Deluxe Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

CARCASS + THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $86.80.

BRIAN CADD

Memo Music Hall. St

Kilda. 7pm. $45.

RAGING MOBY. THE WHITE FLOWER SOCIETY, TUSHARA ROSE

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15 - 25.

SLAUX. MONTY, COSMIK DEBRIS Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

MERRICK WATTS - AN IDIOT’S GUIDE TO WINE: VOLUME TWO Arts Centre Melbourne. Southbank. 6pm. $70.

SAT 06 APR

BLACK NIGHT CRASH

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 7pm.

ISAIAH COLLIER & THE CHOSEN FEW Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $50.

ZOË FOX & THE ROCKET CLOCKS. DRUID FLUIDS, HEAVY AMBER

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $28.15.

THIRD EYE: UPON THE FAULT LINE. SONIC 7EMPLE

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $40.

GOLDEN TURTLE. LUCY’S DISORDER, MEDICATED LOVE

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 1pm. $13.

SWINGING

DOORS: A CELEBRATION OF MERLE HAGGARD Gem Bar. Collingwood. 8pm. Free.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7.30pm. $89.

BRUNSWICK BIG BAND

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $38.86.

BASEMENT

COMEDY CLUB: COMEDY FESTIVAL SPECIAL Morris House. Melbourne. 10pm. $25.

MURRAY COOK’S SOUL MOVERS. WILLIE J & THE BAD BOOKS

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $22.59.

MINA YU

QUARTET: STUDIO GHIBLI Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

WINTER MCQUINN. HONEYBEAM, WINKSY Shotkickers. Thornbury. 7pm. $18.35.

THE CAMBODIAN SPACE PROJECT.

JACK HOWARD’S EPIC HORNS, VELVET PARADE

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $42.

DEAR MATILDA. GRASS STAINS, THE DIZZY DUCKS

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $13.30.

RUDI SOUNDSYSTEM: ADRIANS WALL Bar 303. Northcote. 9pm. Free.

SIMON PURCELL/ JULIAN SIEGEL

QUINTET WITH MICHELLE NICOLLE

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 2.30pm. $20 - 30.

THE YACHTSKI

BROTHERS

Pokerface. Berwick. 5.30pm. $40.

MORE LIFE. 30SIDEACE, MG30 Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. $26.85.

BAROQUE

FESTIVAL: ST

JOHN PASSION Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $70 - 125.

LITTLE RED TRUCKS. MALLA, AMONG THE RESTLESS, SWEET TEMPER, DJ’S SAM GO, OLLIE O

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

THE TERRYS

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7pm. $51.10.

WE LOST THE SEA Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $44.37.

ADMIRAL ACKBAR’S DISHONOURABLE DISCHARGE. ONE SQUARE MILE, HAMAPPLE, WESTALL 66

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

A MAN CALLED SON + THE ROBBIES

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 2.30pm. Free.

HOOPER CRESCENT. VANESSA WORM, BRICK HEAD, DJ MEAG

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $23.50.

THU 11 APR SONGS FROM SMYRNE

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $31.72.

TOKYO GROOVE JYOSHI

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $75.

THE JAMES LOCKWOOD TRIO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm. Free.

CURLY & THE FRINGE

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

KRACKERS AND KOOLAIDE. NEW COLLISION, MONROE, BONESPACE

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 7pm. $13.

AMELIA EVANS QUARTET

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $40.

MISHTO

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 7pm. $17.35.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

MIA MARCELLE. SWEET WHIRL, BUSINESS PARTNER

The Curtin. Carlton. 7.30pm. $22.85.

Hume Blues Club

FT: Sam Buckley, Blues Jam Sessions

Thornbury Bowls Club. Thornbury. 7.30pm. Free.

ASTROVILLAIN. RAMBAL, DAFFADUCK

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $22.95.

LULUC

Howler. Brunswick. 7pm. $33.66.

MY GIDDY AUNT. PAISLEY LACE, OH! DAISY

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $13.30.

ALLERDYCE. CLOVER BLUE, KINCAID

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $12 - 20.

AMERICAN STORIES: BERNSTEIN, GERSHWIN & MORE

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $75.

BACKYARD BUSINESS. LEFT AT THE AVENUE, ELKIE KERSHAW

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.25.

THNDO

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $50.

FRI 12 APR

ANDRE WARHURST

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 7pm.

PISCO SOUR

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $25.

RADIO FREE ALICE

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $17.75.

THE SUBORDINATES. PLANET BITCHY, THE SALMON SISTERS

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $13.

FABULOUS DIVA: THE MUSIC OF DR NINA SIMONE

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

DADDY ISSUES. THE MAGGIE PILLS, BABY MULLET, DILEMMAS, 77WOUNDS

Stay Gold. Brunswick. 6.30pm. $20.

DANIEL WATKINS & JUSTIN VILCHEZ

Wesley Anne.

Northcote. 6pm.

TIMOTHY

FRANKLIN TRIO

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

BINGO & DISCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

NOCTURNE:

B.O.M & YUSSI

Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. $28.22.

AMARU TRIBE. HOUSEWIFE CHOICE, GABZAK, ISUTAKI DJ

COLLECTIVE

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm. $18.40.

TOKYO GROOVE JYOSHI

Bird’s Basement. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $75.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC WITH THE ACO & CHAT 10 LOOKS 3 Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $49.

47CLUB SOCIAL

FT: Caleb Colton, Dirty Dyl, Alxx, Cinni Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $16.53.

DAYS LIKE THESE. THE LAST MARTYR, HEADWRECK, LIVE LIKE ANIMALS Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $29.99.

TROPICAL FUCK STORM. C.O.F.F.I.N., COOL SOUNDS, MOD CON Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7pm. $56.20.

RITA SATCH

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

ELLIS ARES.

DAMAGED GOODS CLUB, YASMINE DE LAINE Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

CREATURE FEAR

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7pm. $16.35.

RICHARD CLAPTON

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $46.

ARUGULA. POLLY & THE POCKETS, VISA, BANANA LOUNGE

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $12 - 22.

ARSE. IT THING, ZIPPER

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $18.35.

GIRL & GIRL

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $23.50.

SAT 13 APR

BOB LOG III. SPUNK, THE SALMON SISTES Gem Bar. Collingwood. 4pm. Free.

SONGS FOR SUZANNE: THE MUSIC AND POETRY OF LEONARD COHEN Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 2pm. $69.90.

MAC THE KNIFE. MR INDUSTRY, HUMAN NOISE Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. $17.48.

Sunbury ‘24: A 50th Anniversary Commemoration

FT: Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks Show, Margret Roadknight, Spectrum

The Nook Cafe. Sunbury. 2pm. $0 - 32.80.

NOT SO BIG

BAND: THE BIG BANDALORIAN (THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS)

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $45.

AARDVARK.

THE STRIPP, STREET SWEEPER Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $15 - 20.

LOST RAGAS Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $33.76.

FOLK BITCH TRIO

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $37.

JAMES O’BRIEN

TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

STEM FLOCK PRESENTS: Feed Me

FT: King Karri, Stem Flock, Jiimii Shunobi, Huey G, Velenosa Bad Decisions Bar. Fitzroy. 7.30pm. $21.68.

THE GROGANS. BONES AND JONES, THE VOVOS Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $51.10.

RELAX WITH MAX

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $28.

RHUS JAMBOREE. MOZE, ARAMINTA Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

AMERICAN STORIES: BERNSTEIN, GERSHWIN & MORE Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 2pm. $75.

WOOLGATHERING

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 3pm. $20 - 25.

MARC. ART DEPARTMENT, GOOEY DROP Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $17.35.

FORTYPALOOZA: 40

Years Off The Rails

FT: Jaded, Spunk, Hot Machine, Speccy, Public House, DJ Patrick Emmett

The Tote. Collingwood. 6pm. $34.20.

THU 18 APR

LUCY WISE

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

ANDREA LAM: SAD PIANO

Melbourne Recital Centre. Southbank. 7pm. $40.

HUME BLUES CLUB

FT: Tuxeedos

Thornbury Bowls Club. Thornbury. 7.30pm. Free.

KID CONGO & THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS. KIM SALMON’S SMOKED SALMON

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $56.80.

JAZZ NIGHT

Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

JAYDAZ: FIRST AUSTRALIA ADVENTURE. HEARTLESSCHILD, YGT1OF1

Laundry Bar. Fitzroy. 9pm. $10.32.

KALA GARE & MIA MORRISSEY

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

SNAKE BITE WHISKY. AWAKING TYLER, DYLAN’S OMENS, VOODOO FOR GENTLEMEN

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $16.35.

FRAGILE ANIMALS. SORRY DAVE, COUNCIL GROUNDS, ADORED Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

MICHELLE BRASIER

The Forum. Melbourne. 9.30pm. $45.

MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $91.

BARNEY MCALL: UNFORESEEN

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 30.

FRI 19 APR

MARK SEYMOUR & THE UNDERTOW Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 7.30pm. $55.

BASEMENT SPACEMAN

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

CHERRY-OKE LIVE BAND KARAOKE!

Cherry Bar. Melbourne. 8pm. Free.

SPOEGWOLF

Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm. $72.10.

LEE JONES TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

WE MAY NEVER MEET AGAIN: THE MUSIC OF AMY WINEHOUSE

FT: Elly Poletti

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

SHOJI HANO. CLAYTON THOMAS, CLOUD ICE 9, ACT NOW, TRIO: SOFIA CARBONARA, PEGGIE LEE, MIYAMA MCQUEEN-TOKITA, RAMA PARWATA

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

BINGO & DISCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

BASEMENT

COMEDY CLUB: COMEDY FESTIVAL

SPECIAL Morris House. Melbourne. 10pm. $25.

Negative Pace 14

FT: Andrew Law, BTKA, Jim Westlake, Subz Bar 303. Northcote. 7pm. $7.50.

EMERGENCY RULE. FLYING DUTCHMAN, EL BEBE

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. North Melbourne. 7.30pm. $11.25.

SHANNEN JAMES

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $33.10.

NAT VASER. MOANING

LISA, PRIVATE MOUNTAIN, DJ FEE B-SQUARED Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $29.99.

THE NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION. BLACK ACES, LUNATIC, SICK FIZZ

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $23.50.

EUNUCHS + UMLAUT. NIKODIMOS

Shotkickers. Thornbury. 8pm. $23.45.

REUBEN KAYE: THE KAYE HOLE

The Forum. Melbourne. 10pm. $49.90.

LUODA

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

RYLAND NEWSTEAD & THE MCGS. MADE AUSTRIA, DAISY CORMAC Bar Open. Fitzroy. 8.30pm. $20.

SAT 20 APR

YACHT ROCK REVIVAL

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $43.96.

VAUDEVILLE SMASH

Howler. Brunswick. 7pm. $33.66.

Metal United Down Under 10 Year Party

FT: Darker Half, Nothing Sacred, Dirty Pagans, Firing Squad, Envenomed Old Bar. Fitzroy. 6.30pm. $25.

ACOPIA

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

NATURE IN THE CITY

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 6pm. Free.

EYE OF THE ENEMY + ARMOURED EARTH. VERONA LIGHTS, PRIORITIES

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

REUBEN KAYE: THE KAYE HOLE

The Forum. Melbourne. 10pm. $49.90.

THE BEASTS. JP SHILO

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 7.30pm. $61.30.

Rack Off & Legless: Total Tote Takeover

FT: Stiff Richards, Blonde Revolver, Drunk Mums, Dumb Punts, Split System, Future Suck

The Tote. Collingwood. 1pm. $55.60.

LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR

FT: Tamara Kuldin & The HeartBreakers

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 5.30pm. $45.

REBECCA

MENDOZA WITH THE JOE RUBERTO TRIO

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

HIS, HERS & OURS: ERIC

BAZILIAN & TANIA DOKO

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $45.

BIG CAT. SOCIAL STREET, MERAKI MINDS

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $15 - 20.

MIDNIGHT

CIRCUITRY + SYNAPTIC DREAMS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 11pm. Free.

THU 25 APR

ANNA O’BRYAN + JONESING

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 8pm.

CHARM OF FINCHES. RILEY CATHERALL

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8pm. $29.10.

JAZZ NIGHT Morris House. Melbourne. 7pm.

CALIGULA’S HORSE. WHEEL, KEYAN

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7pm. $69.99.

Hume Blues Club

FT: The Windsavers, Blues Jam Sessions

Thornbury Bowls Club. Thornbury. 6pm. Free.

THE DARYL

MCKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA

FT: Raleigh Williams

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $45.

HOLLY MOORE QUARTET

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 7.30pm. $20 - 30.

THE SHACKMEN

Bar 303. Northcote. 8.30pm. $20.

FRI 26 APR

BINGO & DISCO

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Brunswick. 8pm. Free.

JASON SINGH: 25 YEARS OF TAXIRIDE

Hotel Esplanade (aka The Espy). St Kilda. 8pm. $40.

HANKY PANKY SOCIAL CLUB

Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 7pm.

ASHA JEFFERIES

The Workers Club. Fitzroy. 8pm. $25.

HOLY HOLY. TASMAN KEITH

The Forum. Melbourne. 8pm. $69.85.

LOUTS. THE MAGGIE PILLS, GRYTT, THE DIVE BOMBS

The Tote. Collingwood. 8pm. $11.25.

78 SAAB. LOVE OUTSIDE ANDROMEDA

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $38.86.

STELLA ANNING TRIO

Wesley Anne. Northcote. 6pm.

THE PEARLY SHELLS SWING ORCHESTRA. ANDY BAYLOR

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $30 - 40.

KITA ALEXANDER. SAN JOSEPH, JEM CASSAR-DALEY Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8.30pm.

SETH SENTRY

Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 8.30pm.

THE KITTYHAWKS. WESTALL 66, DEAR MATILDA, AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 8pm. $16.85.

MOOD SWING & CHEVY BASS BLOCK PARTY

FT: SkiiTour Howler. Brunswick. 7pm. $44.37 - 49.47.

SWIM

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 8pm.

AN EVENING OF BRUNO & ANDERSON

FT: Shannen Wick & Jess Fairlie

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 6pm. $45.

THE FOUR SCOOPS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 6pm. Free.

SLEEPMAKESWAVES. ELEPHANT GYM, MENISCUS

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 7.30pm. $69.40.

SOUL CHISEL: JIMMY BARNES TRIBUTE

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $40.

SAT 27 APR

LULIE’S 9TH BIRTHDAY Lulie Tavern. Abbotsford. 7pm.

Queers To The Front: A BONEZ Queer Party Festival

FT: The Beautiful Monument, Excuse

For An Exit, A Swift Farewell, Baby Shower, The Maggie Pills, Trauma Ties, Piano Punk, Art Simone, Ruby Slippers, Theresa Problem, Alessa Evil, Xai

The Penny Black. Brunswick. 3pm. $33.08.

GYPSY: THE AUSTRALIAN FLEETWOOD MAC SHOW

Brunswick Ballroom. Brunswick. 8.30pm. $43.96.

THE VOVOS. SCREENSAVER, BAD BANGS, TALI & THE ARMS

The Curtin. Carlton. 8pm. $22.85.

WRESTLEROCK

FT: Shotgun Mistress Corner Hotel. Richmond. 8pm. $45.45.

CORDRAZINE. AUTOHAZE, BLACKCHORDS, SIMON LANGDON Northcote Social Club. Northcote. 7.30pm. $29.10.

HUANCHACO BAND

The Thornbury Local. Thornbury. 8pm.

GEORGIA BROOKS SWINGTET

Paris Cat Jazz Club. Melbourne. 8.30pm. $45.

MIDNIGHT CIRCUITRY + SYNAPTIC DREAMS

Bar Open. Fitzroy. 11pm. Free.

PRETTY GIRL

The Forum. Melbourne. 8pm. $59.94.

LIVE AT THE COUNT’S: MO’JU

The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts. Clayton. 7.30pm. $19 - 59.

OCEAN SLEEPER. LIL LOTUS, DEFICIT

Max Watt’s. Melbourne. 8pm.

SIENNA SKIES. NO HOME, HARROWAY, VATIC, SILVERFANG

Bergy Bandroom. Brunswick. 7pm. $32.65.

DANIEL DELUXE. NIGHT TERRORS, ZEROTONINE

Howler. Brunswick. 8pm. $57.

SWIM

Northcote Theatre. Northcote. 8pm. $46.

THE EAGLES

STORY: TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

Memo Music Hall. St Kilda. 7pm. $35.

KATE CEBERANO: MY LIFE IS A SYMPHONY

Hamer Hall (Arts Centre Melbourne). Southbank. 7.30pm. $78.

YOU MIGHT HIT THE SUN + WINTERNATIONALE

Retreat Hotel. Brunswick. 2.30pm. Free.

SARAH MCKENZIE

The Jazzlab. Brunswick. 8pm. $45.