Category: Tours

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Riley Pearce Releases New Duet Version of “You Won’t Be There” With Sorcha Richardson

“You Won’t Be There” was already one of the highlights from Riley Pearce’s 2025 album The Weight of Our Dreaming. But he’s just elevated the track with the help of Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson, who was last on our shores for Misneach. The artists collaborated remotely on the duet single, “You Won’t Be There (Time Zone Version),” which hit the streaming services today.

“‘You Won’t Be There’ always felt like it could live a double life,” Riley said. “A version where it had a more conversational tone, capturing the two sides of a relationship’s distance that comes with touring. I heard Sorcha’s song ‘Maps of Manhattan’ when I was on tour last year and it instantly became a favourite. I was so impressed with the energy and world she built with her verse – I actually like this version more than the original.”

“When Riley sent me this song, I knew I wanted to write to it,” Sorcha added. “I loved the subtlety he had created within it, and the effortless ebb and flow of the arrangement. The sentiment was something that had been on my mind already; nights spent thousands of miles from home, cinematic and romantic in their own lonely way, but impossible to experience without thinking of somebody you wish could be there with you.”

While I’m not sure when we’ll see Sorcha back in Australia, Riley is preparing to take songs from his The Weight of Our Dreaming album around the country this month. With shows in the capitals and regional centres, there are plenty of opportunities to catch him live.

29 January 2026 – House Concert, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
30 January 2026 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney (with Laura Lucas)
31 January 2026 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Laura Lucas)
6 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Laura Lucas + Jack Raymond)
7 February 2026 – Grow, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (with Jack Raymond)
8 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Laura Lucas)
14 February 2026 – Green Door Wines, Noongar Country/Ferguson Valley (with Laura Lucas)
15 February 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Laura Lucas + Ben Morgan)

Image used with permission from Nettwerk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Dempsey, Kashus Culpepper, and Heaps More Join Howlin’ Country

If you were on the fence about attending the Howlin’ Country festival in Mulubinba/Newcastle next month, let me twist your arm. It’s just gotten even cooler, with Alabama’s Kashus Culpepper, Aussie favourites Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke, Sweet Talk, The Wet Whistles, Lewis Love, and local legends Grand Pricks and Sharnee Fenwick just added to the bill. That’s in addition to the already announced talents of Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Kaitlin Butts, Flatland Cavalry, Adam Newling, and Tyla Rodrigues. Yes, this lineup is absolutely stacked. Visit the Howlin’ Country website to see all the set times.

The music is the main attraction, but it’s not all that’s on offer. Since this year’s festival lands on Valentine’s Day, the Love Truck will be selling roses, Lil’ Howlers will have handmade love and friendship bracelets, and Ladies Love Country will host some speed dating. Traveller Whiskey will offer samples of Chris Stapleton’s spirits and Tooheys will sponsor the bungee run. The Lil Howlers kids zone has free face painting, a jumping castle, and heaps more for the little ones.

Howlin’ Country hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 14. The long-range forecast says we can expect a perfect day with highs in the mid 20s, so what better way to spend it? Tickets are still available from Oztix, but with the new additions to the lineup don’t expect them to last too long.

Photo credit: Dan Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judah Kelly & Asabi Goodman Serve Up Soul Classics in The Big Chillout

If you love classic soul music, you’re going to love The Big Chillout which brings music from the iconic ‘80s film The Big Chill to stages around the country this year. The show features a 10-piece band fronted by The Voice 2017 winner Judah Kelly and Chicago star Asabi Goodman.

You’ll be singing along with them as they cover timeless songs from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and heaps more. The first act features songs from the original Big Chill soundtrack while the second is packed with tracks from the Deluxe Edition and some of Motown’s biggest hits.

The Big Chillout kicks off next month in Eora/Sydney before travelling around the country. Tickets for these shows are on sale now, with more dates to follow:

5 February 2026 – The Concourse, Cammeraygal Country/Chatswood
6 February 2026 – The Pavilion, Dharawal Country/Sutherland
12 February 2026 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
13 February 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
14 February 2026 – The Forge Theatre, Ganai Country/Bairnsdale
26 February 2026 – Glasshouse Theatre, Birripi/Port Macquarie
27 February 2026 – NEX, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
27 March 2026 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
28 March 2026 – Albert Hall, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston
10 April 2026 – The Empire Theatre, Woomba Woomba/Toowoomba
16 April 2026 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wadawurrung Country/Wendouree
17 April 2026 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
18 April 2026 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
2 May 2026 – Saraton Theatre, Gumbin Gir/Grafton
21 May 2026 – The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
22 May 2026 – Evan Theatre, Dharug Country/Penrith
23 May 2026 – The B @ Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Ngarigo Country/Queanbeyan
29 May 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
30 May 2026 – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
11 June 2026 – Memo Music Hall, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 June 2026 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong
13 June 2026 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
3 July 2026 – HOTA, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
4 July 2026 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Quandamooka Country/Redland
31 July 2026 – The J, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Noosa
1 August 2026 – Kings Theatre @ The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
28 August 2026 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Maryborough
29 August 2026 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg
18 September 2026 – Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Redcliffe
24 October 2026 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns

Image used with permission from PSM Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The City of Boroondara Announces Free Summer in the Park Events

What’s better than live music? Free live music. The City of Boroondara is bringing plenty of it to parks and precincts across Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country when its annual Summer in the Park season kicks off later this month. Running from January 29 to February 28, the season features free, all-ages events every Friday night and weekend. The line-up is incredibly diverse, with First Nations and queer artists and performers of all genres represented, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

“Summer in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free, family friendly entertainment in Boroondara’s beautiful gardens and parks,” said West Gault, City of Boroondara Mayor. “With music, kids’ activities, outdoor cinema and more, there’s something for everyone – so bring a picnic and join us for a safe, welcoming celebration of community.”

There’s no need to RSVP. Just turn up and have a good time at these top events:

29 January 2026 – Djirrungana Kulture feat. Culture Evolves @ Maranoa Gardens (from 6 pm)
30 January 2026 – Party in the Park feat. Bumpy, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, and DJ Mz Rizk @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
31 January 2026 – Woody’s Bush Bash in the Mall @ Theatre Place (from 10 am)
6 February 2026 – Kylie and Dannii Disco in the Park feat. Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
7 February 2026 – Classical in the Park @ Alexandra Gardens (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Zorba in the Park feat. Estudiantina of Melbourne @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family @ Greythorn Park (from 6 pm)
14 February 2026 – Alternative Valentine’s Day feat. Krystal Rivvers and Vollie @ Junction Skate Park (from 4:30 pm)
15 February 2026 – Lunar New Year in the Park @ Balwyn Park (from 4 pm)
20 February 2026 – Country in the Park feat. Country Struts and Canyon Callers @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
21 February 2026 – Jazz in the Park @ Riversdale Park (from 5 pm)
27 February 2026 – Gusto Gusto in the Park @ Camberwell Civic Precinct (from 5 pm)
28 February 2026 – Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita @ Canterbury Garden (from 5 pm)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Girish and the Chronicles Announce First Aussie Shows

Fresh from the America’s Got Talent stage, Indian rock act Girish and the Chronicles are heading Down Under for their first ever Aussie tour.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Girish Pradham, these guys have an old-school bombastic energy that I really enjoy. Aside from their stint on US TV, they’ve supported the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Nazareth, and Skid Row. After being blown away by their cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” I started to binge their original music. It’s all stellar.

With Naarm/Melbourne rock act Shotgun Mistress in support, Girish and the Chronicles’ Australian shows are bound to be face-meltingly good. Get your tickets now through the links.

19 March 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 March 2026 – Max Watt’s House of Music, Naarm/Melbourne
21 March 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Announces Big Shows at Home and Abroad

He might not have won last year’s Australian Idol title, but Jake Whittaker has been doing great things since leaving the reality show. Fresh from the release of his track “Trouble With You” last month, he’s booked his first ticketed show in at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and a couple of dates across the ditch.

The Aotearoa/New Zealand shows are especially significant for the Meeanjin/Brisbane-based country singer, who has his family roots in Taranaki. The connection he still feels to this area inspired his 2024 single “Coming Home.”

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Jake said. “I go back all the time, and I’ve always loved New Zealand. To finally play my own shows there means a lot.”

Wherever you’re seeing Jake, you can expect a high-energy show. Tickets for the ticketed gigs are available now through the links:

17 January 2026 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
30 January 2026 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
31 January 2026 – Summer Nights @ King Edward Park, Stratford (FREE)

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Gearing Up For International and Aussie Moonrise Shows

Pierce Brothers are really some of Australia’s quiet achievers. Every album they release is so solid, with back-to-back alt-folk bangers. They hit the top of the charts, but there’s never a lot of fanfare leading up to the releases and ARIA and the other awards bodies never seem to acknowledge the work. Radio doesn’t play them. They perform across Europe, the United Kingdom, North and South America, and Australia, but most people I speak to don’t know them. If you’re yet to discover Pierce Brothers, might I suggest pressing play on their latest album, Moonrise? It’s so fantastic. It’s the band’s fourth studio album, so once you’re hooked there’s plenty to explore.

“I’m so stoked to have this album out in the world!” Jacks said about the recent release of Moonrise. “We worked hard all year in between heavy touring to get this over the line, and it was a monumental effort from everyone involved! Some of the tracks on this album are some of the proudest I’ve been in songwriting, storytelling and production! … And some of those tracks absolutely go off live! Can’t wait to touring them globally in 2026!”

Pierce Brothers are currently playing shows in Europe and the United Kingdom, but they’ll be back on Aussie shores this March for some festivals and headlining shows. The siblings are known for their engaging high-energy sets, and after so long on the road they’re bound to be in fine form. Wherever you are, don’t go sleeping on this one. I am kicking myself for making holiday plans when they’re in my part of the country, but I don’t want you to miss out! Tickets for all shows are available now from the links.

27 January 2026 – Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
28 January 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
29 January 2026 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
31 January 2026 – The Garage, London
1 February 2026 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
3 February 2026 – Thekla, Bristol
5 February 2026 – Le POPUP du Label, Paris
6 February 2026 – Helios 37, Cologne
7 February 2026 – Hebebuhne, Hamburg
8 February 2026 – Lark, Berlin
10 February 2026 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
12 February 2026 – Rotown, Rotterdam
13 February 2026 – Paradiso Noord, Amsterdam
14 February 2026 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
7 March 2026 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Gunditjmara Country/Port Fairy
12 March 2026 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 March 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
19 March 2026 – The Ed Castle, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 March 2026 – The Setts, Latje Latje Country/Mildura
21 March 2026 – Wide Open Spaces Festival @ Beulah Recreation Reserve, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagalk Country/Beulah
3 April 2026 – Byron Bay Bluesfest @ Byron Events Farm, Arakwal Country/Tyagarah
10 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
11 April 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
18 April 2026 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
1 May 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
14 May 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
15 May 2026 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sewell Siblings Playing Bloodline Shows

The ultra-talented Sewell siblings – Conrad Sewell and his sister Grace Sewell (Saygrace) – are teaming up for some intimate shows in the major capitals next June. The tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Conrad’s gorgeous new single, “Deserve.”

“We’ve always wanted to tour together, but our schedules never aligned – Grace being in LA and me being in Australia made it pretty tough. It finally feels like the right moment in both of our careers to share the stage and make this happen,” Conrad said. “We’ll both be bringing our own sets, but the real magic happens when we come together – harmonies, stripped-back versions of our songs, and a few surprises we’ve never done publicly before. It’s a celebration of family, storytelling, and the music that shaped us – this tour is all about connection: with each other, with our fans, and with the songs that mean the most to us.”

If you’re a fan of Conrad, Saygrace, or both, you won’t want to miss this. Tickets to Conrad and Grace’s Bloodline tour are on sale now through the links below.

5 June 2026 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne
6 June 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
26 June 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)
27 June 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper Releases “Growing Up is Hard to Do” Ahead of Summer Shows

She’s probably still best known for rocking out front of Killing Heidi, but I really dig the country feel of Ella Hooper’s solo material. Her latest single “Growing Up is Hard to Do” is a fantastic example of the brilliant new music she’s making. It’s so much fun with its relatable, introspective lyrics and catchy country-rock sound. Just when you think it can’t get any better, that sax solo from Mika Kohlman kicks in!

“This song comes from a period of self-reflection that kinda started with Small Town Temple – my last album,” Ella continues. “It finds me in a place where I can almost accept that growing pains never stop…I’m just learning to write different songs about them. It feels playful to me, as life is a little lighter now, internally anyway,” Ella adds. “Some days I can roll my eyes at the chaos of the last few years, or my whole life actually…it’s certainly been a hell of a ride. And as they say, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!”

If you want to hear more of Ella’s new music, catch her on her summer tour. Tickets are available through the links for all shows.

10 January 2026 – Music in the Vines @ Dellatite Winery, Taungurung Country/Mansfield
21 January 2026 – Tamworth Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
31 January 2026 – Bundalaguah & Myrtlebank Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Bundalaguah
1 February 2026 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
6 February 2026 – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Mayfield
7 February 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
8 February 2026 – Little Alberts @ The Victoria Bathurst, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
13 February 2026 – Boyup Brook Country Music Muster @ Music Park, Noongar Country/Boyup Brook
21 February 2026 – Americana on the Bellarine @ Ocean Grove Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
28 February 2026 – Westernport Yacht Club, Boon Wurrung Country/Balnarring Beach
15 March 2026 – Music in the Gardens @ Albury Botanic Gardens, Bungambrawatha/Albury (FREE)
20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – Always Good Nights @ TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
17 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Gunditjmara Country/Portland
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Jeremy Dylan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Flips the Script With “Reasons”

After all this time following them, I thought I knew what to expect from Bootleg Rascal. But they’re really shaken things up with their latest song “Reasons,” taking their tongues out of their proverbial cheeks and delivering a touching heartbreak anthem.

“‘Reasons’ was a co-write we did with our mate Matt Collins from Wharves,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “He had a demo of the song and wasn’t totally sure where to go with it. We saw something in it and decided to give it a crack. It also features the always exquisite production skills of our mate Caleb Tasker, and we’re all pretty stoked with how it turned out in the end. On face value, ‘Reasons’ could easily be passed off as another break-up/heartbreak song. Those themes are in there for sure, but I think bubbling under the surface, the song also touches on broader elements of human connection. The commonality of emotions that we as people all share at some point in our lives, no matter our race, sex or background.”

“Reasons” comes from Bootleg Rascal’s self-titled album, released in October. They’re bringing songs from that record and all your old favourites to venues across the country in the New Year. Tickets are available now through the links.

10 January 2026 – Hair of the Dog @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 January 2026 – Six Strings Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Erina
16 January 2026 – Ruby’s Upstairs @ Bank Hotel, Mulubinba/East Maitland
17 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Company, Dharug Country/Brookvale
22 January 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
23 January 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 January 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 January 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
31 January 2026 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
7 February 2026 – Railway Sports & Social Club, Larrakia/Darwin
12 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2026 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
21 February 2026 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Bootleg Rascal