Death Cab For Cutie Announce Aussie Tour

Seattle’s Death Cab for Cutie is making a pit stop in Australia during their massive world tour. It’s good news for all those fans that helped their latest album Narrow Stairs debut at number six on the ARIA chart.

Their last Aussie tour in 2006 sold out, so fans will need to grab their tickets fast. All the venues are fairly small for a band of this stature, so those who do manage to snare tickets are in for a real treat.

You can get yours when they go on sale at 9 am this Friday 30 May. Heatseeker are handling the Fremantle show, OzTix are taking care of Melbourne, and Ticketek are selling the rest.

Here are the dates!

17 August 2008 – The Palace, Melbourne
18 August 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 August 2008 – Metropolis, Fremantle
22 August 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: Dunechaser @ Flickr

Jason Mraz Tours Oz Again!

One of my favourite singer-songwriter’s Jason Mraz is heading back to Australia. After his last Sydney show clashed with my sister’s sweet 16 party, I’m thrilled. Jason’s back here to promote his new album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things, which hit shelves yesterday.

He may have been out here just two months ago, but you won’t just hear the same old thing. This tour marks the first time Jason’s bringing his complete band to Oz. That’s right: Jason will play alongside percussionist Toca Rivera, bass player Ian Sheridan, drummer Mike “Leroy” Bram, and a three-piece horn section. I’ve seen him do the acoustic thing so many times, it’s going to be amazing to hear him fronting a band that large!

Mraz shows notoriously sell out so you’re going to want to grab your tickets when they go on sale at 9 am on Friday 30 May. Ticketek is selling for all venues except for Perth which will be handled by Moshtix.

See Jason Mraz at the following venues:
6 August 2008 – Fly by Night, Perth
9 August 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
12 August 2008 – The Forum, Melbourne
14 August 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: Marisa Gesualdi @ Wikimedia Commons

Andrea Bocelli Announces Aussie Tour

World-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli is bringing his massive show to Australia.

Andrea will perform his classical repertoire backed by the acclaimed Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Esteemed soloists Paola Sanguinetti and Anna Bonitatibu will also join Andrea on the tour, and there are even more special guests to be announced.

But fans of Andrea’s pop numbers won’t be left out in the cold. He’s promising to perform some surprise duets during the show.

Andrea’s last Aussie tour sold out, so you don’t want to wait to get your tickets. There’s even more incentive too, as a portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS.

Visa Entertainment is conducting a presale from May 19, while the rest of us have to wait until Monday May 26.

Here are the dates!

22 August 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
24 August 2008 – Acer Arena, Sydney
27 August 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
30 August 2008 – Burswood Dome, Perth

Image source: Dovywiarda @ Wikimedia Commons

Small Mercies Rock USA

Small Mercies made a big impression on Australia with their ARIA-nominated single “Innocent,” and they’re hoping for similar success in the United States.

The Brissie lads have played some high-profile gigs at legendary venues like Los Angeles’ House of Blues and Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre. They even made an appearance at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival.

But they’ll be home soon for a string of shows to promote the release of their debut album Beautiful Hum. You can grab a copy when it hits stores on 24 May, which should be just enough time for you to learn all the lyrics before the gigs.

Check when Small Mercies are hitting your town.

6 June 2008 – Cronulla Leagues Club
7 June 2008 – Revesby Workers Club
8 June 2008 – Panthers, Penrith
11 June 2008 – Town Hall, Horsham
12 June 2008 – Shoppingtown Hotel, Melbourne
13 June 2008 – Ferntree Gully Hotel
14 June 2008 – Chelsea Heights Hotel
15 June 2008 – Hallam Hotel
19 June 2008 – Dee Why RSL
20 June 2008 – Campbelltown RSL
21 June 2008 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
25 June 2008 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
26 June 2008 – South Sydney Juniors, Redfern
27 June 2008 – Shellharbour Workers Club
28 June 2008 – Blacktown RSL
4 July 2008 – Southport RSL, Gold Coast
5 July 2008 – North Leagues and Services Club, Brisbane
6 July 2008 – Ipswich Civic Centre

Jimmy Barnes Plans Theatre Tour

Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes has announced his first major theatre tour in more than a decade.

“It’s something I haven’t really done since Soul Deep,” Jimmy said in a press release. “I’ve had a fantastic run of big outdoor and winery shows over the past summer but I’m itching to get back indoors. The rooms are small enough to still get intimate with the audience, but you can stretch out more than in a pub.”

The up close and personal gigs follow the success of Jimmy’s latest album Out of the Blue. Jimmy will perform songs from this platinum release and plenty of old favourites. Jimmy’s keeping it all in the family, with his son Jackie playing drums in his band and his daughter Mahalia opening the shows.

This is the large chance local fans have to see Jimmy before he embarks on a European tour in spring. So make sure you get your tickets when they go on sale on Monday May 12.

See Jimmy when he hits the following venues:

25 June 2008 – Canberra Theatre Centre
27 June 2008 – Settlers, Mildura
28 June 2008 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 July 2008 – Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 July 2008 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
7 July 2008 -Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
8 July 2008 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
10, 12, and 13 July 2008 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
16 July 2008 – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
18 July 2008 – Panthers, Newcastle
19 July 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: DianeSunshineCoast @ Wikimedia Commons

Mary J. Blige Announces First Australian Tour

It’s been a long time coming, but R&B royalty Mary J. Blige will finally tour Australia this June.

She’ll head Down Under to promote her eighth studio album Growing Pains.

“Mary J. Blige is a superstar in anyone’s language,” said promoter Michael Chugg. “She is sexy, stylish, sassy and what a voice! She’s one of the greatest live acts I’ve ever seen and I’m thrilled to bring her to Australia for the first time. I had goose bumps when I saw her perform with Sting at the VH1 Awards and so did Sting! I can’t wait to see her blow Australian music lovers away.”

These hot tickets go on sale on May 16.

Here are the all important dates!

10 June 2008 – Burswood Dome, Perth
12 June 2008 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
13 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Sydney
14 June 2008 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image source: Mikamote @ Wikimedia Commons

Shihad’s Beautiful Comeback

Aussie rock icons Shihad are back with a brand new album and tour!

Beautiful Machine strikes just the right balance between power and melody. And with master engineer Alan Moulder (Depeche Mode, U2, Smashing Pumpkins) at the helm, you know it’s going to be good.

Beautiful Machine will hit stores on May 17, which gives Shihad fans just enough time to learn all the songs before they hit the road.

They’ll tour Adelaide and the East Coast with Triple J Unearthed winners Young and Restless and indie kids Calling All Cars. Tickets go on sale on Monday for the tour this June. See it at the following venues:

13 June 2008 – Bar 388, Brisbane
14 June 2008 – Hi Fi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne
20 June 2008 – The Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
21 June 2008 – Live on Light Square, Adelaide

Pete Murray Announces Aussie Tour

He’s kept his Aussie fans waiting more than two years, but Pete Murray has finally announced a national tour. He’ll play old favourites and tracks from his newie, Summer at Eureka.

“I did a lot of gigging around Feeler and See The Sun but I pretty much took the last couple of years off from touring in Australia,” Pete said in a press statement.

“That allowed me to really focus properly on making the new album at home but now that it’s finally finished I’m really ready to get back out there and play the new songs from the album.”

He’s hitting theatres and leagues clubs in the capital cities and regional centers through August and September. Fans should lap up these intimate shows!

Tickets to all shows go on sale at 9 am on May 20 at the usual outlets. Here are all the dates!

5 August 2008 – Regal Theatre, Perth
9 August 2008 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
12 August 2008 – Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
14 August 2008 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
16 August 2008 – Costa Hall, Geelong
17 August 2008 – Ballarat Woolshed
19 August 2008 – Civic Centre, Wodonga
20 August 2008 – ANU Bar, Canberra
22 August 2008 – Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford
23 August 2008 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
26 August 2008 – Tamworth West Leagues Club
27 August 2008 – Panthers, Port Macquarie
28 August 2008 – Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club
29 Aug 2008 – Lismore Workers Club
31 August 2008 – Gympie Muster
2 September 2008 – Civic Centre, Ipswich
3 September 2008 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
5 September 2008 – Seagulls Club, Tweed Heads
6 September 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
10 September 2008 – Regent Theatre, Wollongong
12 September 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Image source: Toby Forage @ Flickr

King Curly’s Star Is Rising

King Curly may just be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. I heard them for the first time when they supported k.d. langKing Curly in the Hunter Valley, yet they’ve just released their best of CD showcasing a decade’s worth of hits!

They’re heading back on the road in May to support the release of The Fall and Rise of King Curly 1998-2008. Get out there and see them. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

King Curly’s tour dates are:

17 May 2008 – The Singing Gallery, McLaren Vale from 7:30 pm
18 May 2008 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide from 4 pm
24 May 2008 – The Vanguard, Newtown
30 May 2008 – The Folkus Room @ Serbian Cultural Centre and Club, Mawson
31 May 2008 – Oakleigh Bowling Club, Melbourne from 8 pm
1 June 2008 – The Wesley Anne, Northcote from 4 pm
21 June 2008 – The Clarendon, Katoomba

More dates will be announced so make sure you keep an eye on King Curly’s MySpace page. And listen to some of their brilliant tunes while you’re there!

Image source: supplied by promoter

Powderfinger Sells Out

I told you it would happen. But if you still procrastinated about getting those Powderfinger tickets you’re going to kick yourself. Those original shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne sold out in around five minutes.

But don’t stress too much. The lovely lads from Brisvegas have announced second shows at all the venues. They’re on sale now, so don’t think about it: just buy them.

The new shows are:

8 June 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
12 June 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
14 June – The Forum, Melbourne

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Wikimedia Commons