Tag: Avoca Beach Theatre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Things of Stone and Wood @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

In the modern age, it seems like so many music lovers think bigger is better. Websites melt down as people clamour for tickets to the latest stadium gig. Personally though, they never quite hit like intimate shows do. I never take it for granted that I live so close to Avoca Beach Theatre, which is run by passionate people who champion live music. This venue was the perfect place to see Things of Stone and Wood launch their new album Rae Street.

That’s right, ‘90s darlings Things of Stone and Wood have a new album, their first in 23 years. This is a band that’s refusing to rest on their laurels. The music on this new album is incredible and this venue, which always attracts people who want to listen and absorb, was the perfect showcase for it. I hung on every word of new material like “You’d Gone Before You Went,” a heartbreaking song about lead singer Greg Arnold’s mother who passed with dementia, and “The Year of the River Song,” an upbeat ditty about Greg’s resolve to stop writing songs about a river near his new home in Geneva and find new inspiration. Avoca is the sort of venue that encourages artists to open up about their music, to share something more than songs, to break that wall that often exists between them and the audience and just come together. It sounds a little woo-woo to suggest there’s magic in the air, but I can’t explain it any other way.

While Things of Stone and Wood were here to celebrate their latest release, they balanced the new material with the songs that we’d already taken into our hearts. Yes, “Happy Birthday Helen.” Always “Happy Birthday Helen.” But the fans know this is a band that’s about more than the song that took the charts by storm. And so I relished songs like “Fingertips” and “Heidelberg.” A cover of Thompson Twins’ iconic ‘80s tune “Hold Me Now” was an unexpected joy. And how amazing to see the band step down off the stage and go “proper acoustic,” singing without microphones in the theatre’s aisles.

I’m convinced Things of Stone and Wood are a band that only gets better. Musically, they’re incredible, with the mandolin and piano accordion creating such a special folky sound. Their harmonies are still so tight. They also seem to genuinely like one another, which isn’t something that all bands who’ve been together for decades can say. And when musicians have fun, we do too.

The encore seemed to come around all too soon, but Things of Stone and Wood were clearly in no rush to get off the stage. They asked for requests and after hearing the cries from the crowd decided to play all three. Because why not? I tried to capture the final song, “In Our Home” in my mind, because I knew I’ll look back on this gig as one of the best I’ll see all year.

Things of Stone and Wood have one more show left on their Rae Street album tour. Victorians, catch them at Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Palais in Hepburn Springs on May 29.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 4 October 2025

When I saw Reece Mastin at Ettalong Diggers back in 2016, I swore that while it was my first time seeing him, it wouldn’t be my last. I didn’t imagine I’d be left waiting nearly 10 years for a return visit. But it was all worth it to see him perform another acoustic show at one of my favourite local venues.

Local country-pop darling Chelsea Berman warmed up the crowds with a mix of originals and covers. It’s a testament to her talent that I hadn’t heard songs like “Going There” for years, but I remembered them well enough to sing along. It’s also impressive that she could capture the attention of a crowd interested in another artist with just her voice, an acoustic guitar, and her charm. The hush over the audience as she chatted easily between songs proved just how captivating she is. She had us hanging on her every word.

While this was another acoustic show from Reece, it was a very different one from the gig at Ettalong all those years ago. A decade ago, Reece seemed keen to prove himself as a serious original artist. Coming off the back of his brilliant Change Colours album, originals took centre stage. He wanted us to know what he could do. These days though, Reece doesn’t have to convince us. He’s got more original material under his belt, yet the set was a much more even mix of originals and covers. The cover that made the set last time was a fairly obscure Yes track. Now though Reece seems happier to play crowdpleasers he knows his fans will love. While he celebrated his love of classic hits with a stunning cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and the Irish folk ballad “The Fields of Athenry,” he made sure to connect with his predominantly young audience through some more contemporary choices. They seemed to lap up “Oh Caroline” by the 1975 and “Breakeven” by The Script, which he originally covered on the X Factor Australia all those years ago.

It feels like Reece has made peace with his time on X Factor and his early music career. While just a couple of those early hits made the set last time, he breathed new life into “Stars” and delivered the fairly cheesy “Girls (All Around the World)” without a hint of cringe. Watching the way the faces of audience members in the front row lit up, why wouldn’t you?

I really enjoyed the artistry Reece displayed all those years ago, but I had more fun this time around. I think he’s got the balance right. He doesn’t have anything left to prove. He’s got some fantastic music under his belt, so he can just have a good time delivering it with his bandmates. The smiles on the stage said it all. They hadn’t prepared an encore, because what do you do after “Good Night”? You come back and improvise. A cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” capped off yet another fabulous show at Avoca Beach Theatre. Reece promises us he’ll be back in our neck of the woods before long, so hopefully I’m not kept waiting close to a decade for the next gig! If you get the opportunity, make sure you catch Reece Mastin at one of the following shows before the year ends:

7 November 2025 – The Beer Shed, Tharawal Country/Leumeah
8 November 2025 – The Great Big Beer Band @ The Beer Shed, Tharawal Country/Leumeah
21 November 2025 – The Deck, Ballaarat/Ballarat
4 December 2025 – The Landing, Kyleeup/Alkimos Beach
5 December 2025 – The Stirling Arms, Mandoon/Guildford
6 December 2025 – The Burlington Hotel, Goomburrup/Bunbury
7 December 2025 – The Carine, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Duncraig

Photo credit: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Wilkinson @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

For not the first time last night, I found myself marvelling at how lucky the Darkinjung Country/Central Coast community is to have a venue like Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s a place that champions not just live music, but original Australian music. It’s an intimate venue, one where you can go to hear artists with an audience who respects what they’re doing. Even in the support act, you won’t hear a peep, unless of course the artist encourages us to sing along. Only occasionally will you see someone raise their phone to capture a photo, but then it’s put away as they give themselves over to the music once more. You rarely see people getting up mid-set to head to the bar. They’re too busy being in it. The older I get, the more annoyed I become at all those things that take me out of the music and the more I appreciate venues that let me revel in it.

I can’t imagine seeing a show like last night’s gig anywhere else, and I’m glad I don’t have to. Mark Crotti opened the show with an incredible set of gentle acoustic folk that had us all hanging on his every word. He could be hilarious one moment, but then make our hearts break with songs like “Half a Cup of Tea” and “Paint Me.” Ordinarily, I don’t remember the songs that support acts sing, even when I enjoy them, so that tells you something about how incredible they were. I’m an instant fan.

Mark Wilkinson is one of those artists I’ve appreciated for many years, but never managed to see live. Falling for his latest album Wild and Hunted Things gave me the push I needed. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long. His voice has always drawn me in, but I think it’s better in person. It filled the hushed room, wrapping around us all like a warm hug. He performed many songs I didn’t know, but it didn’t matter. In a venue like this, where everyone is so quiet and respectful, I could hear every lyric. It was the perfect introduction, and a timely reminder that I need to dig a little deeper into his discography. He gave us a couple of covers: a stripped-back version of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” that made me appreciate the lyrics in a way I never have before and a killer rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.” When people talk about artists making songs their own, they’re talking about what Mark does.

Mark spent most of his time on the acoustic guitar, but also ventured over to the piano for a few songs. He said he was nervous about playing this instrument for us, but honestly, these songs were probably my favourites. What a well-rounded talent he is.

Even though we were all out on a Thursday night, no one seemed in a rush to go anywhere. When Mark told us he’d play an extra song in his encore, we were thrilled. Any excuse for us all to stay in the moment, revelling in such beautiful music a little longer.

When you intend to see an artist for some time, there’s always a risk they might disappoint you. But I can’t imagine a better night, seeing Mark playing songs from his latest album, with Mark Crotti on support, in such a special venue, with a good friend keeping me company. I’m so thrilled I got to experience it. Mark Wilkinson continues his Wild and Hunted Things tour with Mark Crotti on Saturday night in Mulubinba/Newcastle. Limited tickets are available for most of the remaining shows:

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: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rai Thistlethwayte & Ben Vanderwaal @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 16 January 2025

It’s been an unseasonably cold, wet week, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me heading back to Avoca Beach Theatre for some more musical fun. I know it seems like I should just move in at this point, but when this incredible venue keeps bringing great acts to my local area it’s hard to resist the tickets!

I really love that Avoca is hosting so many up-and-coming local artists in their outdoor courtyard area. I’d thought these free shows may have only happened on weekends, but sure enough we had NEAV entertaining us on Thursday. I wrote about NEAV’s beautiful voice a few years ago, and I loved seeing how she’s maturing into such an incredible artist. Her set celebrated her original material while giving us a taste of her influences with some choice covers from Talking Heads and Travis. I just wish more people were around to see her set. While the courtyard was full before Jack Jones, just a few of us braved the cold and wind on Thursday night. You can’t control the weather, but I hope Avoca Beach Theatre have NEAV back when conditions are more favourable.

It was toasty warm inside the theatre when Rai Thistlethwayte and Ben Vanderwal took to the stage. I last saw Rai perform solo in 2011 and I must admit I expected more of the same. Thirsty Merc tunes stripped back with Ben taking a supporting role. In hindsight, despite the bandname on the drumkit, that was incredibly naïve. Spotify tells me Rai’s released plenty of solo material and a couple of EPs with Ben. I honestly don’t know how they escaped my attention, but after hearing the music on Thursday night I’ll make a point of diving deeper into it.

I write all this because I’m probably not the only one who hasn’t explored Rai’s less-commercial back catalogue. Thankfully I’m the kind of person who revels in discovering something new, and if I’m doing that at a gig I don’t mind at all. So I wasn’t disappointed that only four Thirsty Merc tracks made the set list and that they weren’t the ultra-successful singles. While I always enjoy them, I’ve probably heard Rai sing “In the Summertime” and “20 Good Reasons” enough times by now. But to hear him play deeper cuts like “DNA” and “Katie Q”? Priceless. However, others might not feel the same.

Rather than focusing on what didn’t make the set, I revelled in the fabulous songs so different to Thirsty Merc. Rai’s love of jazz shone through the extended jam sessions with Ben. I have a feeling the recorded versions are much more concise, but I love watching musicians feeling the music and the energy between them. I’ve always been impressed by Rai’s keyboard skills, and Ben may be one of the greatest drummers I’ve ever seen. It was a joy watching them collaborate.

The show was incredibly loose, and I ate it up. The stories were off-the-wall. We heard music we didn’t expect to hear. I know I’ll never get an instrumental version of the Beverly Hills 90210 theme at a Thirsty Merc show! A great gig should be like that, a moment in time that won’t ever be replicated. Yet those shows are becoming rarer as acts create rigid setlists and deliver rehearsed banter. So while it wasn’t the show I expected, I think that was a happy accident. If I’d known the show was so light on Thirsty Merc material, I may have decided to stay home, and then I would have missed this amazing night of entertainment.

Photo credit: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Jones @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 4 January 2025

Saturday night saw me back at my musical happy place, Avoca Beach Theatre. Here in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast we are so blessed to have this intimate “barn,” as co-owner Beth Hunter calls it, where some of the country’s best and brightest play. And it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, things seem to be ramping up. I visited on Saturday night to see Jack Jones, but what I got was a whole lot more.

For the first time our evening started outside the theatre, where the venue is hosting summer sessions before the main gig. They’re free events that welcome all members of the community, including non-ticket holders and their furry friends. I’ve often enjoyed a glass of wine before the show in this lovely courtyard area, but adding live music to the mix takes the experience up a notch. It’s also such a great platform for emerging artists like the lovely folk singer who entertained us with her mix of original songs and classic covers. I just wish the artist was better advertised. A little sign saying her name or a reminder from the artist herself every now and again would have helped us all remember to support her in future.

The talent kept coming inside when Piper Butcher warmed up the stage. I’ve appreciated her music for a long time, but my admiration has gone up a notch after seeing her live. She has such a beautiful, warm personality that’s incredibly endearing. I loved hearing her stories about her career and where it might go next as she prepares to head to the United States for a month. Her music was also incredible. It takes a special something to capture an audience with predominantly original tracks they don’t know, but she held us all captivated. The only cover in her set – a bluesy take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” – hinted at what could have been had she stayed longer in the Australian Idol competition. Piper also treated us to a few yet-to-be-released songs she recorded with Australian country royalty, Kasey Chambers. If there’s any justice, they may just be the tracks to give her the mainstream attention she deserves.

I’ve seen Jack Jones perform solo a few times now, and I keep coming back because he always impresses. His voice is flawless and his songs bring back such beautiful memories. It’s hard to believe I was 10 years old when his band Southern Sons released their first album. It gave us so many smash singles Including the beautiful “Hold Me in Your Arms” which Jack opened the show with. It takes such confidence to play such a beloved song so early, but this beautiful number set the tone for this special night. I loved hearing it and watching Jack’s face light up as we sang a chorus for him so sweetly. I only wish our singing was as good on “Always and Ever.” It seems like less than half of us knew the words, and try as I might I couldn’t quite make up for those who had faded away.

The show wasn’t all about the hits though. I loved hearing favourite album tracks like “Something More” and “Wildest Love,” who he dedicated to his partner in the audience. He also treated us to some music from his time performing under his birth name, Irwin Thomas. I remember seeing him at that time supporting Matchbox Twenty and it wasn’t my thing. Hearing these songs stripped back though has helped me appreciate them all these years later. There were new songs too from an EP or album to come. That’s right readers; Jack Jones isn’t done creating music.

As with the last time I saw Jack, he regaled us with generous stories with many tangents. We heard all about his lock down experiences and the recent losses in his life which still bring tears to his eyes. He joked that chatting to us was like therapy; his walls were certainly down. I love when an artist lets us in like that and we get to see the human behind the music.

This was one of the longer concerts I’ve attended at Avoca Picture Theatre. Jack was so chatty that he had to ask whether there was a curfew because he understood his stories had taken up a lot of time. Thankfully there wasn’t and none of us had a better place to be. And so we all took our time, and yet it still felt like it wasn’t enough when Jack hit the opening notes of “Heart in Danger.” And yes, we all sang along.

Later this month Jack will start celebrating the 35th anniversary of Southern Sons with a string of shows around the country. Check back here for a review of the Darkinjung Country/Wyong gig after it happens. Tickets are limited so make sure you snap up yours soon.

31 January 2025 – Kings Theatre @ Event Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
1 February 2025 – Twin Towns Showroom, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
7 February 2025 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
8 February 2025 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
21 February 2025 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2025 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
28 February 2025 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
1 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
7 March 2025 – Yan Yean Theatre, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
8 March 2025 – Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
14 March 2025 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
15 March 2025 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung/Bendigo
21 March 2025 – Country Club Showroom, Kanamaluka/Launceston
22 March 2025 – West Point Showroom, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
2 May 2025 – Alpine MDF Theatre WPACC, Bpangerang/Wangaratta
3 May 2025 – Palms at Crown, Naarm/Melbourne
19–26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, leaving from Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Lyn Foreman and Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jason Singh @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 1 June 2024

If it wasn’t already abundantly clear, I love Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s such a charming venue committed to showcasing the country’s best artists. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also less than half an hour from my house. So even though I already had tickets for Richard Clapton on Friday night, when Jason Singh’s show was moved to the Saturday I held on to my tickets. I’m still young enough to back up, right? At least I am if they’re local!

I must admit, for a while there I wasn’t sure whether the gig would happen. There was that postponement, and I wondered whether slow ticket sales were to blame. When I checked in on the seating chart a couple of days before the gig, less than a third of the venue’s 280 seats sold. With torrential rains on the night, there were plenty of no-shows. However, rather than lacking in atmosphere, this was probably the most electric gig I’ve witnessed at the venue.

Support act Brett Wood got a warm reaction for his bluesy originals. He was good. Really good. The sort of good that’s worked with Tommy Emmanuel and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s drummer good. The sort of good that leaves me impressed by his guitar prowess, even though I’ve seen masters like Prince, Carlos Santana, Brian May, and Mr Emmanuel live. He knows how to play, but he’s also an exceptional songwriter. He’s got such a magnetic presence too. I found myself hanging on to his every word as he told stories about his career and songs. He’s the sort of guy who deserves to be at the front of the stage every night, so I was a little surprised to see him slotting into Jason Singh’s band when he finished his own set.

As I mentioned, this was an intimate gig even by Avoca Beach Theatre standards. But as Jason reminded us all, he didn’t care about the people who didn’t show up; he cared about the ones that did. Right attitude. Those that did show up were some of the most enthusiastic I’ve been amongst. They came from as far as Meeanjin/Brisbane and were up and dancing in the aisles from the first couple of songs. They knew every word of every song, not just the big Taxiride singles but the solo originals from Hummanequin. They even brought him cakes with his face on them to celebrate the 25th birthday of Imaginate!

As the show unfolded, I understood why they were so dedicated. I’d seen Jason play on board P&O’s 90s cruise in January and marvelled at his enthusiasm and energy, but the show reached another level here in Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach. Here he was amongst people who celebrated the breadth of his artistry, not just those hits. The show celebrated his full discography, Taxiride music, original solo material, and the covers close to his heart that formed his Heaven’s Greatest Hits shows a couple of years ago. I can be a harsh critic when it comes to people covering Bowie, but his section featuring some of the Thin White Duke’s biggest hits was amazing.

While it seemed like most of the crowd would be happy for Jason to sing anything, I relished hearing big hits like “Get Set” and “Everywhere You Go.” Jason’s assembled a brilliant band who help him replicate the harmonies Taxiride were famous for. It’s a good thing too, given the bad blood between Jason and his former bandmates. He alluded to the drama a few times, clearly stung by the way things turned out. However, watching him sharing the stage with his new brothers, it seems he’s embracing this new chapter in his musical story.

This show was probably one of the loosest I’ve been to. I mentioned that when I saw Ian Moss recently it felt like that traditional divide between artist and audience vanished. This show took that up a notch, literally removing the divide as Jason jumped down from the stage to dance with his fans and share the microphone with them. On spying my phone on my lap, he told me he wouldn’t continue the show until I started following him on Instagram. Of course, I had to oblige. He encouraged us all to mimic his drummer’s hip-thrusting dance moves during “Roadhouse Blues”. It was a wild night, but fabulously fun. I must admit, like so many people I considered piking when the rain started pelting down. I even might have if we weren’t meeting friends for the gig. But I’m so glad I pushed through because I’m sure it’ll be one of my most memorable concerts this year.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 6 February 2024

Avoca Beach Theatre has a way of encouraging me to see those Australian artists I’ve always intended to see. Who can resist when these talents play in such a charming, intimate venue so close to home in front of such respectful, enthusiastic audiences? A night at Avoca Beach Theatre is always a real treat. So much so that I’m almost loathe to tell you, because I don’t want it to get so popular that I can no longer get tickets! It’s the risk I take though; it’s such a special place. And it was the perfect place to see Kate Miller-Heidke on her Catching Diamonds tour.

While I was looking forward to Kate’s set, I was honestly less enthusiastic about seeing Georgia Mooney’s support slot. I’d loved her work in All Our Exes Live in Texas, but her solo album wasn’t for me. The vocals were pretty, but the music just didn’t quite grab me. In the live arena though, I was captivated. Her voice is so unique and special. She’s such a giving performer, keen to share a joke and the stories behind her music. The songs were a little more stripped back than on the recording, with just Georgia and her guitarist Marcus Hamblett bringing them to life. Honestly, I think they were better for it. I also think getting to experience the songs like this, with no other distractions, was key. Georgia’s music doesn’t make the best workday soundtrack. Her songs are slow burners, with a beauty that you might miss if you’re not paying attention. I’ll have to revisit them.

Kate also stripped things back, playing the show with her husband Keir Nuttall on acoustic guitar rather than a big band. Honestly, I’m glad this was the way I got to experience my first full-length Kate Miller-Heidke show. Minimal instrumentation ensured those once-in-a-lifetime vocals could really shine. It was also a joy watching Kate watching her husband. She beamed with admiration as he relished his guitar solos, and I smiled right along with her.

The set was a beautiful celebration of all that is Kate, from her breakthrough single “Words” to music from her forthcoming album. There were songs from her latest musical theatre effort Bananaland, the stunning version of “Paint it Black” that kick=started her Masked Singer journey, and even a delightfully operatic take on Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” to close the show. There were too many highlights to mention, but one of the most special was when she brought 13-year-old local talent Erin up to sing “Caught in the Crowd”. This beautiful song had extra gravitas coming from the mouth of a teen still in high school and likely caught up in the kind of politics the song references. And what a brilliant singer Erin is! I didn’t have half the courage she did at her age. Watching Kate’s face full of admiration as she graciously took backing vocals was really something special. But honestly, the whole show was.

The Catching Diamonds tour has only just kicked off, so most of the country still has the opportunity to see one of these magical shows. Many dates have sold out though, so get tickets anywhere you can.

7 February 2024 – The Art House Wyong, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 February 2024 – The Pavillion Performing Arts Centre, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
10 February 2024 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Oryang-Ora Country/Springwood (SOLD OUT)
11 February 2024 – Glen Street Theatre, Gadigal Land/Belrose (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2024 – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
14 February 2024 – Tallagandra Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
29 February 2024 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandjoogoordap/Mandurah
1 March 2024 – Margaret River HEART, Wooditup/Margaret River
8 March 2024 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 March 2024 – Logan Entertainment Centre, Yugambeh Country/Logan
10 & 11 March 2024 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
13 March 2024 – Star Court Theatre, Tchukarmboli/Lismore (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2024 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
27 April 2024 – Long Point Vineyard, Guruk/Port Macquarie
28 April 2024 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
3 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2024 – Bunjil Place, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren
11 May 2024 – The Round, Wurundjeri Country/Nunawading
25 May 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
26 May 2024 – The Joan, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
30 August 2024 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood
31 August 2024 – Wendouree Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
1 September 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (SOLD OUT)
7 September 2024 – Caloundra Events Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
11 September 2024 – The J Theatre, Noothera/Noosa
14 September 2024 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
20 September 2024 – Frankston Performing Arts Centre, Kulin Country/Frankston
21 September 2024 – Burrinja Theatre, Wurundjeri and Bunurrong Country/Upwey
27 September 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Griffith
11 October 2024 – Geelong Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Lee @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 5 October 2023

Once upon a time, the people of the Central Coast had to go to Newcastle or Sydney to see major musical acts. Sure, that’s only an hour or so up or down the freeway, but it made midweek gigs with friends challenging. Now it seems we’re spoiled for choice, with venues like Drifter’s Wharf, The Art House Wyong, and Laycock Street Theatre all doing their bit. For mine, Avoca Beach Theatre is leading the charge. In her welcome speech Beth Hunter, who runs the theatre with her husband Norman, told us of the way the theatre’s objective of telling Australian stories has expanded over the years. More than just a movie theatre, it now hosts comedians and live music. Once they aimed to host three live performances a month. Now they aim for three every week. After recent renovations, it’s better than ever. It’s still intimate, holding less than 300 music lovers. It’s retained its heritage charm, but the new chairs are a bit plusher. We’ve even got cup holders.

It’s the sort of place you want to see gigs at. So after years of thinking I wanted to see Ben Lee but never actually buying the tickets, I followed through. It doesn’t hurt that I think Ben’s recent albums are some of his best. The songs from I’M FUN! and Love is the New Rebellion are among my favourites, so maybe it’s not a bad thing that I waited until this stage of his career to see a show. The last couple of years have also brought us DJ DadBod, Ben’s alter-ego and the perfect support act. He delivered a set of fun and quirky mash-ups, singing and dancing along with such joy. It was beautiful to watch.

After a quick break he was back in Ben mode, delivering an eclectic and surprising set with plenty of twists and turns. There were the hits of course, including songs like “Gamble Everything For Love” and “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” that I haven’t thought about for years. A couple who danced to “Love Me Like the World is Ending” at their wedding were celebrating their wedding anniversary at the show. The lyrics resonated so much more knowing what it meant to them. They didn’t take Ben up on his offer of recreating the dance on stage, but I can imagine their happy smiles hearing him sing this song that meant so much to them. I loved the chance to hear newer material that I love like “Crooked Tree” and “Arsehole.” He even gave us a sneaky listen to some beautiful material from an album that will drop next year. After some audience requests, he showed he’s not too proud to go back to the vault, treating a long-time fan to a rendition of “Poison 1080” from the Noise Addict days. That same self-effacing charm saw him launching into songs other artists wrote about him. They weren’t all flattering (Google efforts from The Chaser and The Ataris to hear what I mean), but they were so much fun.

Ben crammed a lot of music into the evening, but he also put so much of himself into the performance. Avoca Beach Theatre is one of those places that brings the audience and performer together in a shared space. There isn’t the traditional divide that exists in larger venues, and Ben seemed to relish that. He noticed when the people clapping along petered out, and heard comments the crowd made. He told us stories of his life and where the songs came from. This is exactly the sort of show I love. If I just want to hear the music, I’ll stay home and listen to a CD. This more personal experience was so much better.

As Ben delivered the one-two punch of “We’re All In This Together” and “Catch My Disease” I started to think there’d be no encore. Where do you go from there? We could certainly leave happy, but surely it’d feel weird for him to just leave without playing the adult game of peek-a-boo we all know and love! I needn’t have worried. It was time for another mash-up and apologies that he’d forgotten his merch. But not to worry, he had Iced VoVos instead! Watching Ben dance down the aisles with his silver platter of classic Aussie bikkies, then don a tinselled rainbow cape for a final boogie, was the most wholesome and perfect way to end this fabulously off-the-wall night of entertainment. Ben still has a few shows left on his Ben Lee vs the Collapse of the Music Industry tour. If you can get some tickets, make sure you don’t procrastinate as I’ve done for years. Get yourself to one of the following gigs:

6 October 2023 – The Baroque Room, Gundungurra and Darug Country/Katoomba
7 October 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
13 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote
14 October 2023 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
16 November 2023 – ALTAR, Nipaluna/Hobart
19 November 2023 – Du Cane, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston

Image source: Stephen Katulka