Tag: Australian tour

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Canada’s Ocie Elliott Announce Aussie Return

I’m a sucker for a good folk duo, so I’ve fallen pretty quickly for Ocie Elliott, who are making their way to Australia this summer. They’re far from a household name here, but in their native Canada they’ve been nominated for JUNO Awards and earned widespread acclaim for their studio albums We Fall In and In That Room. They’ve toured extensively through North America and Europe, and they’re excited to make a return visit to our shores.

“Australia, after nearly three years away, we finally get to return!” they gushed. “We are more than excited to perform in your beautiful country again and enjoy your delicious coffee, beaches and açai bowls. And of course, to be back in the same space as all of you. See you in summer 2026.“

Since they haven’t blown up here, we get to see them at intimate venues which are honestly perfect for their gentle folk music. Prepare to be entranced when Ocie Elliott grace local stages next year.

30 January 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 February 2026 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
4 February 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
5 February 2026 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
6 February 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
8 February 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads

Photo credit: Kelly Lovett

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cordovas Touring Australia for First Time

When I hear someone is touring Australia and I’m not familiar with their work, I love taking a deep dive and discovering what they’re all about. My latest discovery is Cordovas, a Nashville band that produces what the press release calls cosmic Americana. It’s a pretty off-the-wall description, but once you listen, it all makes sense. It’s a little Southern rock, but these guys push the envelope too much for it to sit neatly in that box. It’s incredibly cool.

Take a listen to their four albums and get yourself across their music, if you aren’t already. Cordovas have built a devoted fanbase in the US and Europe for their outstanding live shows, and they’re bound to do the same in Australia. If there’s any justice, they’ll be moving on to bigger venues next time, so see them up close and personal while you can!

2 October 2025 – Enmore Hotel, Eora/Enmore (FREE)
3 & 4 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Wonnarua Country/Lower Belford
6 October 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
8 October 2025 – Tumut River Brewing Co, Wiradjuri Country/Tumut
9 October 2025 – Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
10 October 2025 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
11 October 2025 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Seaworks, Koort-Boork-Boork/Williamstown
12 October 2025 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kirk Franklin Heading to Australia for First Shows

I’ve always joked to my family that I might be a more religious person if we had gospel churches in Australia. I can take or leave the Hillsong style of worship music, but soulful songs of praise get me going. I hadn’t come across the music of Kirk Franklin before, but I started listening when the press release for his upcoming Aussie tour came across my desk. I am hooked! Whether you’re true believer or a heathen like me, it’s really good stuff.

What I love most about Kirk’s music is the way he brings gospel into the 21st century. The roots are there, but he blends it with R&B, funk, hip-hop, and pop elements. It’s fabulous. Fans can experience the magic live when he visits Australia for the first time this December.

13 December 2025 – Opera House Forecourt, Eora/Sydney
15 December 2025 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
16 December 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 December 2025 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image courtesy of Live Nation

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trousdale Announce First Aussie Tour

I’ve been on the Trousdale bandwagon since they were announced as part of the lineup for a music cruise I’m doing out of the US next year. But after they announced some Aussie shows in intimate venues, I’m seriously considering seeing them before I head to the States.

If you don’t know, Trousdale are an indie-pop group in the vein of HAIM and our own Little Quirks. Their harmonies are next-level good and tracks like “If I’m Honest,” “Over and Over,” and “Growing Pains,” the title track from their recently released sophomore album, are total bops.

Tickets to Trousdale’s upcoming Aussie shows are on sale now. Trust me, you don’t want to miss them.

6 November 2025 — Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 November 2025 — The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 — Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Wilkinson Takes “Wild & Hunted Things” on Tour

Fresh from the release of his gorgeous new album Wild & Hunted Things, Mark Wilkinson is hitting the road next month. He’ll visit some of the country’s best intimate venues to showcase his new introspective folk songs and some old favourites.

“I can’t wait to reconnect with my amazing Aussie fans and showcase the songs from the new album in a live format,” Mark enthused. “I feel like the studio and the live environment are two very different things, both allowing the songs to shine in different ways. There’s a raw energy to the live shows that can’t really be replicated in the studio and I can’t wait to share that energy and some magical unfiltered moments with audiences across Australia!”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Mark Crotti will support Mark Wilkinson at all but the final two shows. Tickets are available now. I wouldn’t muck around if I were you, because such small venues are bound to sell out.

1 August 2025 – Avalon Restaurant, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba
2 August 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
7 August 2025 – Piano Bar Geelong, Djilang/Geelong
8 August 2025 – Odessa at Leavers, Djandak/Creswick
9 August 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca
15 August 2025 – QIRKZ in the Hunter, Awabakal Country/Abermain
16 August 2025 – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 August 2025 – Flow Bar, Worimi Country/Old Bar
22 August 2025 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
23 August 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 August 2025 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
31 August 2025 – Kidogo Arthouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2025 – The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
5 September 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Benjamin Hasic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Minor Gold Shine Brightly With “Leave a Light On”

Minor Gold, the award-winning collaboration of Aussie Dan Parsons and Canada’s Tracy McNeil, have won my heart with their beautiful new Americana single “Leave a Light On.” It caught my interest early with Dan’s relaxed vocals, but when Tracy joined him on the second verse I was powerless to resist its pull.

If you love this, you won’t be waiting too long to hear more. Minor Gold will release their sophomore album Way to the Sun on July 25. You can preorder a vinyl or CD copy online now.They’ve also got big touring plans including a stack of Aussie shows, so get on to those!

19 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
20 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
31 July – 2 August 2025 – Mile of Music, Appleton (FREE)
18 September 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
19 September 2025 – Deanmill Workers Club, Noongar Country/Deanmill (FREE)
20 September 2025 – Karma Llama Lounge, Geegelup/Bridgetown
21 September 2025 – The River Hotel, Wooditchup/Margaret River (FREE)
25 September 2025 – Boyup Brook Hotel, Booyup/Boyup Brook (FREE)
26 September 2025 – Wesley Uniting Church, Kinjarling/Albany
1 October 2025 – Songwriter’s Café, Walyalup/Fremantle
3-5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline – Cosmic Country Weekender, Wonnarua Country/Lower Belford
10 October 2025 – Junkbar, Kallindarbin/Ashgrove
16 October 2025 – Oodies Café, Taribelang Country/Bundaberg North
17-19 October 2025 – Groundwater Country Music Festival, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach (FREE)
23 October 2025 – Pearces Creek Hall, Bundjalung Country/Pearces Creek
24-26 October 2025 – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Gumbaynggirr Country/Dorrigo
31 October 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal/Mayfield
2 November 2025 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Dulwich Hill
7 November 2025 – Feather & Drum Hat Co, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah
8 November 2025 – Blue Tongue Berries, Taungurung Country/Seymour
9 November 2025 – Cranbourne Bowls Club, Mar-ne-bek/Cranbourne
15 November 2025 – Sandy Point Music Club, Gunaikurnai and Bunurong Country/Sandy Point
16 November 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri-willam Country/Northcote
22 November 2025 – Shedshaker Tap Room, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28-30 November 2025 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliff

Photo credit: Lauren Lotz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ziggy Alberts Going Green For Homecoming Shows

If you missed Ziggy Alberts’ Aussie shows earlier this year, or you’re simply ready for another serve, you’ll be happy to learn he’s doing three more massive local concerts before the year ends. These dates will bring Ziggy’s New Love project full circle as he returns to the place where he began promoting this incredible album.

True to Ziggy’s values, the Homecoming shows will promote and champion sustainability via his Green Touring Initiative which focuses on reducing the environmental impact, giving back to local communities, and educating fans on local causes.

“For this tour, we’ll be aiming for no-single use plastic at each show. We’ve done it before, like at Riverstage, where fans even stayed behind to help clean up – it was amazing,” Ziggy enthused. “We’ll also be hosting environmental stalls at each show, and I’m hoping to squeeze in a sneaky beach clean-up to kick it old school. It’s honestly only a small gesture, but it’s important for me.”

Tickets are on sale now for all of Ziggy’s Homecoming shows:

21 November 2025 – Riverstage, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
23 November 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Wilzen Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Days Making First Trip Down Under for Intimate Shows

Nine Days’ recent Aussie tour announcements was probably the year’s most surprising. Despite their track “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” going gangbusters in this country, the band has never made it Down Under. But they’re righting that wrong this November as they celebrate 25 years of their breakthrough hit and the album that featured it, The Madding Crowd.

“We have been waiting 25 years for this opportunity! Over the years, fans from Australia have reached out to us wanting to know when we were going to make it there to play some shows. Well, now we can finally give them an answer – this November! I collect all the cool things that Sony Records put out for the band, and I always loved the CD single they pressed back in 2000 that had some ‘bonus’ live and unplugged recordings we did in Seattle,” the band’s lead singer John Hampson said. “As far as I can tell, Australia was the only country where these CD singles were sold. For some reason, this fascinated me. This year we celebrate 25 years of The Madding Crowd album, and “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” and I cannot wait to finally make it down under to hopefully meet some of those people who’ve been waiting for quite a long time to see the band; and if you happen to have one of those CD singles, please bring it with you.”

This tour announcement encouraged to me to dive into Nine Days back catalogue, and I’m pretty impressed. They might be a one-hit wonder, but they’ve released plenty of quality music across eight studio albums. You can look forward to music that celebrates their rich history, including their monster hit, at their intimate East Coast shows. Tickets are on sale now.

13 November 2025 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 November 2025 – Caringbah Hotel, Eora/Sydney
15 November 2025 – The Back Room, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bamboos Celebrate 25 Years With Album + Tour

I can’t quite believe The Bamboos have been releasing the funkiest music in the country for 25 years, but here we are. That fact could make us all feel old, or we could simply look ahead to all the wonderful things this milestone brings.

First there’s the deluxe compilation album The Bamboos Best, available on gatefold gold marble double LP or CD on July 25. It features 20 of the band’s best songs taken from their 12 albums, including many tracks that haven’t been available on vinyl since their initial release. You can preorder yours from Impressed Recordings here.

And if course The Bamboos do their best work on the stage, so we’ve got shows. You know they’re going to be massive, so if you’re a fan don’t miss them. Standard tickets and ticket bundles with the vinyl or CD are all available from the links below.

11 September 2025 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
13 September 2025 – Moorooka Block Party @ Peggs Park, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
20 September 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (Followed by a free afterparty at Northcote Theatre Mezzanine with DJs Kano and Lance Ferguson)

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Spender Tease Upcoming Album and Tour with “Arrows”

Mama Kin (aka Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender are acclaimed artists in their own right, so they were always going to make musical magic when they joined forces as Mama Kin Spender. It doesn’t seem like they’re suffering from that dreaded second album syndrome, because their latest single “Arrows” may be their best yet. The track comes from Mama Kin Spender’s sophomore album Promises, which will be released on August 15.

The duo says that “Arrows” explores “the drifting apart through small acts of carelessness, and yet somehow aching to connect. Near misses – every attempt landing awkwardly, landing wrong, lashing out, sly evasive remarks eroding the fabric of love.”

Mama Kin Spender will celebrate the release of Promises with a tour around some of the best small venues this country has to offer.

“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna feel uncomfortable and at the same time, not alone, you’re gonna yell with us, and then most likely cry,” Dingo told fans about these upcoming shows. “You’re gonna reflect on your own heart, your own little journey with love and pain and grief and happiness. You’re gonna feel elation, you’re gonna feel brave and also need a hug and a whiskey at the end.”

Put simply, you won’t want to miss it. Catch Mama Kin Spender anywhere you can from September.

5 September 2025 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona
6 September 2025 – The Citadel, Bundjalung Country/Murwillumbah
7 September 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 September 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
13 September 2025 – Archie’s Creek Tavern, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
14 September 2025 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
3 October 2025 – Paddington Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Milton Theatre, Dhurga Country/Milton
5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline, Wonnarua Country/Dashville

Photo credit: WILK