Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kenny Rogers Headlines Bigger & Better Darwin Festival

Darwin’s often neglected by touring acts, so it’s exciting to see some of entertainment’s big names heading to the territory’s capital for this year’s Darwin Festival.

This year’s eclectic line-up includes an unforgettable show featuring Washington and Kate Miller-Heidke, hip hop act Hermitude, rockabilly songbird Lanie Lane, hot young things San Cisco, drag sensation Pam Ann, and the one and only Kenny Rogers.

“Darwin shines most brilliantly in August and we can’t wait to share a program that will keep you sizzling for the Hot August Nights,” the festival’s artistic director Edwina Lunn said in a press release. “We encourage everyone to load up their August and maximise the dry season good times because after all, we can sleep through September!”

This year there’s so much entertainment that Darwin needed to add another festival hub. George’s Green will see bars, eateries, and entertainment taking over the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and The Amphitheatre. Also new this year is the Idolize Spiegeltent, an old fashioned hall of mirrors with musical and cabaret shows.

A free shuttle bus will operate every night of the festival to take party goers between the regular Festival Park and the new George’s Green. The Darwin Festival runs from August 9 to 26. Head to the website for the complete program.

Image used with permission from AUM Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Wailers Headline Island Vibe

Island Vibe is heading back to Stradbroke Island this October for its seventh big year.

The 2012 line-up includes some stellar international reggae, soul, and dub acts including The Original Wailers, fellow countryman Prince Alla, Canada’s JPod, and Gaudi from Italy. Aussie performers including Kooii, The Upsteppers, and Chant Down Sound also have a place on the bill. And there’s more to come, with a second artist announcement planned just before the festival.

I think it all sounds like the perfect opportunity for a beach holiday, don’t you? Tickets are now on sale through the Island Vibe website.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Punch Brothers Announce First Australian Tour

Former Nickel Creek singer and mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile is bringing his newish band Punch Brothers to Australia next month for a quickie tour.

Nickel Creek never really broke here, but my American husband introduced me to the bluegrassy folk outfit several years ago. It turns out since that time Chris has been making music with acclaimed fiddler Gabe Witcher, banjo player Baom Pkelny, bass player Paul Kowert, and lead guitarist Chris Eldridge. The result is a genre defying outfit that T-Bone Burnett calls “one of the most incredible bands (America) has ever produced.” And we all know T-Bone knows his stuff.

Punch Brothers are out here to celebrate the release of their third album Who’s Feeling Young Now, the follow-up to 2010’s Grammy Award nominated Antifogmatic. Discover the band before the rest of the country does at the following intimate shows.

Punch Brothers6 August 2012 – Recital Centre, Melbourne
8 August 2012 – The Basement, Sydney
10 August 2012 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Musselwhite, Ian Moss, and & Lanie Lane Headline Sydney Blues & Roots Festival

We haven’t even seen the full line-up yet, but the Sydney Blues & Roots Festival is already looking like a tempting proposition. Acclaimed American harmonica guru Charlie Musselwhite is making the trip to share top billing with local acts Ian Moss and Lanie Lane.

Other notable musicians on the bill include Canadian rockers The Trews, internationally acclaimed local songstress Mia Dyson, blues legends The Backsliders, and legendary guitarist Ray Beadle. And we’re expecting another announcement with more bands later this month.

Festival creative directors Geoff Trio and Steve Griffiths knew it would take some effort to top 2011’s line-up, but they’ve given it a red hot go.

“The blend of established and new ‘discovery’ acts is sensational and we expect crowds to flock to Windsor like never before,” they said in a statement.

The Sydney Blues & Roots Festival will hit various venues in the Hawkesbury region from October 25 to 28. First-release tickets are available now from Oztix from $79 for a one-day adult pass.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rick Astley Rick Rolls Australia

We’ve seen some strange tour announcements this year, but the news that Rick Astley is visiting our shores may be one of the most surprising yet. Sure Rick’s enjoyed another 15 minutes of fame with the rise of the Rick Roll, but a trip all the way to Oz still seems like it’s come out of left field.

Remember though, Rick didn’t just bring us “Never Gonna Give You Up.” He was responsible for a swag of 80s hits, including “Whenever You Need Somebody,” “Together Forever,” and the very underrated “Cry for Help.”

Rick hasn’t released a new studio album since 2005’s Portrait, so this tour will be all about the nostalgia. You can take a trip down memory lane with him at the following shows:

16 November 2012 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
17 November 2012 – Ipswich Civic Hall, Ipswich
18 November 2012 – Tivoli Brisbane, Brisbane
21 November 2012 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
23 November 2012 – Evan Theatre, Penrith
24 November 2012 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
25 November 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
29 November 2012 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
30 November 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne
1 December 2012 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Headline Sprung

Hilltop Hoods will headline this year’s Sprung Festival.

The annual all-ages event, which celebrates the best of hip hop music, will see the Adelaide act leading the charge at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds. Other artists on the bill include Illy, Pez, Evil Eddie, Tzu, Kerser, and Spit Syndicate.

The Sprung Music festival hits Brisbane on November 10. Tickets are affordably priced at $77; not bad for a day’s entertainment. You can get yours now from Oztix.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katchafire Bring Reggae Grooves to Australia

Acclaimed New Zealand reggae act Katchafire will head across the ditch for some Aussie shows in August and September.

The band has barely had time to breathe since releasing their fourth studio album On the Road Again. The latest batch of songs has seen them play a 25-date string of shows in the United States and a headline tour of Brazil. They recently returned to the US to appear the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, so they should be in fine form when they reach our shores.

Katchafire will take their time playing Aussie capitals and regional centres over a month long stay, including an appearance marking the 10th anniversary of the Cairns Reggaetown Festival. Catch them at the following venues:

31 August 2012 – The Hi-Fi Bar, Brisbane
1 September 2012 – Reggaetown Festival @ Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns
2 September 2012 – The Venue, Townville
5 September 2012 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
6 September 2012 – Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
7 September 2012 – RSL Southport, Southport
8 September 2012 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
9 September 2012 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
14 September 2012 – The Astor Theatre, Perth
15 September 2012 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
16 September 2012 – Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
20 September 2012 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
21 September 2012 – The Forum, Melbourne
22 September 2012 – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney
23 September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mumford & Sons Make Long Awaited Australian Return

Can you believe it’s been three years since Mumford & Sons treated us to their breakthrough album Sigh No More? The Brits will finally unleash their sophomore effort in September, and they’re wasting little time in bringing the music to Aussie fans.

Mumford & Sons will play 10 shows around the country in October including some often forgotten capitals and unusual regional centres. They’re also bringing some choice international acts along for the ride. American indie-folksters Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes will play all but the final Queensland shows, while fellow Yank Willy Mason will appear at all 10 gigs.

Tickets will go on sale from the usual outlets on Monday July 9, which gives us all a little time to save the cash!

Mumford and Sons13 October 2012 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth
15 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide
17 October 2012 – Riverstage, Brisbane
18 October 2012 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
23 October 2012 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
25 October 2012 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
26 October 2012 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
28 October 2012 – Kuranda Amphitheatre, Cairns
29 October 2012 – Convention Centre, Townsville
31 October 2012 – Convention Centre, Gold Coast

Image source: Prusakolep @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Medics Tour “Foundations”

With their debut album Foundations receiving critical acclaim and a top 30 debut, far North Queensland breakout act The Medics are taking their music on the road.

The Medics have received rave reviews for their slots at Groovin’ The Moo, Woodford Folk Festival, Splendour, and Big Day Out, and they’re sure to bring the same energy to these headliner shows.

Fans can catch The Medics playing their new single “Griffin” and plenty more at the following shows.

6 July 2012 – The Annandale Hotel, Sydney
29 July 2012 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay
4 August 2012 – Four Walls Festival @ Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Brisbane (All Ages)
11 August 2012 – National Indigenous Music Awards @ Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin
17 August 2012 – Brothers League’s Club, Cairns (Licensed 15+)
18 August 2012 – The Uni Club, Townsville
31 August 2012 – Hotel New York, Launceston
1 September 2012 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
6 September 2012 – The Loft, Warrnambool
7 September 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
8 September 2012 – Amplifier, Perth
12 September 2012 – Spectrum, Darlinghurst
14 September 2012 – The National, Geelong
15 September 2012 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
27 September 2012 – Transit Bar, Canberra
28 September 2012 – The Patch, Fairy Meadow
29 September 2012 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
5 October 2012 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat as Butter Brings Back the Nineties

Fat as Butter is back with one of its most eclectic line-ups yet. Good Charlotte headline the bill along with local success stories Grinspoon and 360.

When we start scrolling down the lists things get really interesting though. We’ve got Wheatus. And if that wasn’t bizarre enough, there’ll be N-Trance. And Eiffel 65. Who knows what they’ll do once they bust out “Blue”!

It’s not all lacking about taking a trip down memory lane though. I’m particularly excited by the inclusion of Hungry Kids of Hungary, Urthboy, Hunting Grounds, and Yellowcard.

It all happens on Newcastle Foreshore on September 22. Tickets are on sale from June 28.

Image source: Fat as Butter website