Image Credit: Ashley Osborn

Regional rockers unite: A whole load of gigs are coming your way this summer thanks to ALWAYS LIVE

From local heroes to international superstars, ALWAYS LIVE's offerings extend past the metropolis.

With the nights getting longer and the weather beginning to consistently break into the twenties, what better way to end the year off in style than with a flurry of gig-going?

Luckily for Victorians, the state government-supported ALWAYS LIVE returns this November, combining our best homegrown talents with some of the most sought-after acts in the world, all across the state.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Featuring shows of all scales and sizes, the 17-day celebration of live music is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, providing those living in regional areas the chance to not only see rock luminaries that include Jack White and St Vincent but also a whole host of contemporary music from an eclectic mix of artists.

Ripple Effect with Amos Roach

• ri, 22 Nov: The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
• Sat, 23 Nov: The Shed, Pig & Whistle, Main Ridge with special guest Nola Lauch
• Sun, 24 Nov: Northcote Social Club, Northcote
• Mon, 25 Nov: Murran First Nations Hub, Geelong

The all-female saltwater rock band from Maningrida are a powerful blend of rock and cultural storytelling, breaking new ground as the first women from their community to play instruments and form their own band. These shows, presented with the Bush Music Fund, will undoubtedly showcase the beauty of First Nations music.

The Push All-Ages Tour

• Fri, Nov 22: The Maydale Pavilion, Horsham Showgrounds – With The Rions, South Summit, Jem Cassar-Daley
• Sun, Nov 24: Vine Hotel, Wangaratta – With Pacific Avenue, Teenage Joans
• Fri, Nov 29: West Geelong Town Hall, Geelong – With DICE, Good Sniff
• Sat, Nov 30: Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, Bendigo – With JACOTÉNE, Becca Hatch and INKABEE x FLEWNT

The Push All-Ages Tour offers regional music fans the chance to experience some of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. Featuring rising acts that include The Rions, Teenage Joans and DICE, regional towns across Victoria will be treated to a fine selection of indie-rock, pop and rap sourced from all over the country.

St. Vincent

Brad Cox is back on the road with his Yarns and Yodels solo tour, blending his trademark authenticity and humour with intimate performances that highlight his musical prowess. This is one show you don’t want to miss.

ALWAYS LIVE at The Barwon Club

 

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• Sat, 30 Nov: Barwon Club, South Geelong
• Featuring Baraka The Kid, Wild Gloriosa, Ridzyray, Daisy Kilbourne and Manny Lado

GRID Series is an artist development program that supports emerging musicians in outer suburban and regional areas across Australia, creating opportunities for talent in under-resourced communities. The Always Live x GRID Series showcase highlights the talents of five artists from GRID Series Geelong, offering a platform for these performers to reach wider audiences while also benefiting Support Act, with $1 from each ticket sold supporting music industry workers in need.

Boite Voices Maiem – Songs of the Torres Strait Islands

 

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• Sat, Nov 30 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Southbank
• Sun, Dec 1 – The Goods Shed Terminus Theatre, Ballarat
• With Deb Lowah Clark and special guests

Boite Voices: Maiem – Songs of the Torres Strait Islands is a massed choir event uniting singers from across Victoria under the direction of Meriam artist Deb Lowah Clark. This special performance features songs in English, Meriam Mir and Kala Lagaw Ya, celebrating the rich culture and stories of the Zenadth Kes people.

Andy Shauf

• Tue, 3 Dec: The Corner Hotel, Richmond
• Thur, 5 Dec: Volta, Ballarat
• Fri, 6 Dec: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Sarah Blasko with Jacob Diamond

• Thurs, Dec 5 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
• Fri, Dec 6th – Northcote Theatre, Northcote

Celebrated Australian songwriter and musician Sarah Blasko’s latest album I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain delves into themes of goodbyes and new beginnings with her characteristic clarity and emotional depth. As a three-time ARIA Award winner, fans across Victoria should look forward to being treated to one of our country’s best.

Folk Sounds

 

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• Thu, 5 Dec: Riverview Tavern, Tarwin Lower
• Fri, 6 Dec: Maffco Brewery & Distillery, Maffra
• Sat, 7 Dec: Waterwheel Tavern, Lake Tyers
• Sun, 8 Dec: Phillip Island Winery, Phillip Island
• With Steph Strings, Didirri and Kee’ahn

The inaugural Folk Sounds tour will take place across four Gippsland venues, showcasing their stunning music in a unique format in which the artists will flip a coin to decide the playing order each night. This is a rare opportunity to see all three acts together on the same bill.

Jack White

• Fri, Dec 6: Civic Hall, Ballarat
• Sat, Dec 7: Corner Hotel, Richmond

Delivering his signature fusion of rock and blues, Jack White is undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest rockstars. Performing songs from both The White Stripes catalogue and his own solo work, crowds will have the unique experience of being treated to stadium rock anthems in an intimate setting.

Find the complete lineup and buy tickets for the ALWAY LIVE regional series here.

This article was made in partnership with ALWAYS LIVE.

Words by Romesh Cruse