Have you ever walked into a clothing store, forgetting that you had purchased something at said store, only to see the very thing you are wearing hanging innocently upon a rack and in that moment your heart skips a beat because, even though your rational side knows your goof is of little consequence, your non-rational side makes a Jabberwocky out of a Jack Russell and it feels as if the holy light itself has shone done upon your retail faux pas to highlight your misstep to the world, and then someone walks past and notices you, then notices the rack, and then all you can think about is how that person must be thinking about how this must be the only place you shop, even though they’re probably not thinking that all, but still all you want to do is exit as quickly as possible but you’re trapped in that hellish nightmare that is shopping with someone without purpose and so you must linger until they figure out what they want and so every passing minute moves slower than a hobbled hobbit as you begin to imagine person after person notices you, then notices the rack, and silently judges you for the fashion goldfish you are, assuming you know no other place to shop, and you’re never going to wear what you are wearing again, unless maybe for painting the house? Yes, no, maybe? Let’s not repeat the question.
Ah, catastrophising. There’s nothing quite like letting our minds wander up that great big hill of nope. Google tells you that your headache could be a symptom of smallpox. You say ‘thanks, you too’ to the server who says ‘enjoy your meal’. You don’t receive a text message back immediately. So what? You don’t have smallpox. Your server has heard that before. People get busy. You’re not going to die. Your server doesn’t think you’re an idiot. Your friend does not hate you, nor have they died in a spelunking accident. In fact, they know nothing of spelunking other than it is a fun word to say.
So, how do we turn down the volume? You can try nodding and smiling politely, as if you have encountered a chugger. Let the thought sit with you for a moment, perhaps entertain its sales pitch with a brief acknowledgement, and then smile and tell it you can’t stop because you have to get going now. Life’s too short to be going into details, and you have better places to be.
I hope you enjoy August’s gigs…
Keep connected to your live music scene here.
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Where: Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong
When: 1 August
If your regular night includes one or more of savagery, darkness, despair or intensity, you’re going to love this co-headlining tour featuring Destruktor and Tasmania’s Atra Vetosus.
Where: Trash Cult, Eaglehawk
When: 1 August
Please make welcome, for the first time in Australia, Mitsuru Tabata and Shoji Hano touring together. Their debut duo release is Meeting.
Where: Ararat Town Hall, Ararat
When: 1 August
A natural-born entertainer, the road is Shaun Kirk’s second home. He’ll be heading abroad later in the year for a run of shows, so seize the opportunity while you can.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: 1 August
They’re a little bit older, a little bit wiser, but the music of Pierce Brothers continues to share that brotherly bond as perfectly as ever. Moonrise is their latest album.
Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
When: 1 August
Where: Eureka Hotel, Geelong
When: 2 August
An EP about staring down challenges, Perseverance is the latest release from soul collective The Meltdown. Having toured Europe and the UK late last here, they’re ready to roll locally.
Where: The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
When: August 2
Often referred to as a folk diviner, Leah Senior explores her introspective, nature-loving side on album number five, Pt. Roadknight.
Where: Hepburn-Palais, Hepburn Springs
When: August
If you want to sing out, sing out to Fleetwood Mac on August 2, Neil Diamond on August 22, Disco hits on August 28, Billy Joel on August 29 and Elton John on August 30.
Where: Torquay Hotel, Torquay on August 6; Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads on August 7; Whaler’s Hotel, Warrnambool on August 9; Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on August 13; and Civic Hall, Ballarat, August 14
Boy & Bear launched their latest album, Tripping over Time, in the best possible way: on the iconic Sydney Opera House steps. The venues are smaller, but the joy you’ll experience is just as big.
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Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on August 6 & Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong August 22
Twenty years on from their breakthrough album Between Last Night and Us, The Audreys are ready to share the magic in full. You can expect a few other highlights from their career as well.
Where: Medusa Bar Geelong
When: 6 August
A night for local talent to test their live performances. Free entry and the first act from 7pm. Get in early for Happy hour from 6pm – 7pm and find your new favourite local band.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 7
They grow up so fast, don’t they? Khan is celebrating ten years of doing their heavy, progressive psych thing with a bunch of shows. This one also features Skin Thief and Øtrera.
Where: Civic Hall, Ballarat
When: August 7
Following their chart-topping hits ‘Back Home Again’ and ‘Let Your Love Flow’, Kernaghan and Owen are heading out with a showcase of their own hits, and those of others.
Where: Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong
When: August 7
You want alternative rock? You got it. No flannelette required…. but it couldn’t hurt. Your line-up is The Kite Machine, Ivy Black and Silverlake.
Where: Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
When: August 8
They’ve spent a solid amount of time touring the world these past five years, but The Jungle Giants are now keen to take their energetic sound up and down local streets.
Where: Civic Hall, Ballarat
When: August 8
Will there be an end to The Living End? Hopefully not anytime soon as the band heads out to share their new album I Only Trust Rock n Roll. You can expect a good chunk of favourites as well.
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Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 8
Rising country artist Alex Mather is out on the prowl, or perhaps that should be growl, as he shows off his latest single, ‘Tasmanian Devil’.
Where: Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
When: August 8
Forged over a few drinks and fleshed out touring the country in a Toyota Camry, 19-Twenty is an explosive mix of blues, roots and rock.
Where: Trash Cult, Eaglehawk
When: August 9
Featuring members of legendary Japanese punk rock bands The Gimmies, Faceful, Firestarter and more, Gunk are certified legends of the Tokyo underground.
Where: Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
When: August 9
Get the gold watch ready because Ed Kuepper has clocked up fifty years as a recording artist. Along with The Exploding Universe, he is heading out for a trip down memory lane.
When: Sunday 9 August
Where: Shedshaker Brewing, Castlemaine
Naarm/Melbourne dream folk artist Bec Sykes brings her captivating songwriting and striking vocals to the stage for an intimate afternoon performance. Celebrating her Australian Music Prize-nominated debut album Pepperpot Magic while previewing new material, Bec will be joined by support acts Jules Sheldon and Guthrie. Expect a beautifully crafted set of heartfelt folk, rich storytelling and mesmerising live performance.
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Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
When: August 12
The brainchild of Eric D. Johnson, Fruit Bats is one of the hottest indie rock tickets in town. Here he plays it solo and shines a light on 2026 album The Landfill.
Where: Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
When: August 13
You’ll get the songs. You’ll get some stories behind the songs. You’ll get some stories about life on the road playing these songs. Come spend a night with Tim Freedman.
Where: The Painted Lady, Ballarat
When: August 14
Centred around Weatherup’s Delusional album, this tour expands on their collaboration with more of the good stuff. Joining them will be Kris Mizzi.
Where: Hepburn-Palais, Hepburn Springs
When: August 14
An uncle, a priest and a millionaire walk into a bar… It’s not the joke, but you’ll hear about this trio and more as Akmal explores his family in his new show.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 14
If they don’t give you a fright, Poltergeist 9000 will give you a hell of a night with their high-decibel synth-punk. Keep an ear open for new single ‘Spiderman 1’.
Where: The Play House, GAC
When: August 14
From Carly Simon to 4 Non Blondes, Pat Benatar to Cher, Chocolate Starfish have put together a curated setlist of songs from extraordinary women.
Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
When: August 15
A double dose of jangle pop comes your way as Steve Lane & The Autocrats are joined by Castlemaine favourites The Steinbecks.
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When: Saturday 15 August
Where: Eureka Hotel, Geelong
Sydney indie-pop duo Pamela. are making waves with their shimmering guitars, infectious hooks and heartfelt songwriting. Following the release of their debut EP It’s Nice To See You Here, the duo bring their warm, nostalgic indie-pop sound to stages across Australia on their first headline tour. With a growing international following and a reputation for captivating live shows, Pamela. are one of the country’s most exciting emerging acts.
Where: Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo
When: August 15
Wedged between some New Zealand shows and an EU/UK tour comes a couple of shows from extreme metal outfit King Parrot. Who needs their hearing anyway?
Where: The Play House, GAC
When: August 15
So, Luke McGregor has a wife now. Children, too. Even a couple of chickens and an axolotl. He wants you to know this because he is going to talk about them in his new show.
Where: Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads
When: August 15
From his early days as an Australian Idol contestant to a country music star, Casey Barnes keeps on keeping on. He drops his new album, Made for This, later this month.
Where: Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
When: August 16
While her career may span music, theatre, dance, film, television, radio and children’s entertainment, it’s Christine Anu’s voice that continues to shine brightest. Bask in its warmth here.
Where: Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong
When: August 16
Have you ever been let down by someone you thought would treat you better? Then wrap your ears around ‘Trash for Another Lifetime’, the new single from verandah-punk outfit The Coolabahs.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 16
The time has come for deathcore outfit Hate Complex to hit the road for their first headline tour. They’ll be joined by Product of Neglect, The Nameless and Burn the Kingdom.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 19
At the sweet age of sixteen, Brett Blake was staring down the barrel of a ten-year prison sentence. Hear the story about how a self-admitted little turd wasn’t flushed away for good.
Where: Town Hall, Ararat
When: August 20
After fifteen years of living and touring in Germany and Europe, Joel Havea has returned home – and he has brought his South-Sea soul with him.
Where: Medusa Bar Geelong
When: 20 August
A night for local talent to test their live performances. Free entry and the first act from 7pm. Get in early for Happy hour from 6pm – 7pm and find your new favourite local band.
Where: Torquay Hotel, Torquay
When: August 21
A new album is on the way, but for now costal indie-folk songman Felipe Baldomir is itching to welcome its first four singles.
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Where: Eureka Hotel, Geelong
When: August 21
You want more Melbourne Ska Orchestra? Try the deluxe edition of The Ballad of Monte Loco, complete with brand new tracks, live recordings and honky-tonk MSO renditions.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 21
They may be hard to define, but where’s the fun in having all the answers? The Dandy Buzzkills head out in support of their new EP, I Presume.
Where: Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
When: August 22
In one word, Where Do You Come From?, the new album from Vika & Linda, is about life. Revel in an album that explores identity, ancestry, motherhood, ageing, grief, joy and more.
When: Saturday 22 August
Where: Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong
The Early Show brings live music to families with a special all-ages performance featuring Australian icons Adalita and Henry Wagons at The Open House. Designed for parents and kids to enjoy together, the event combines great tunes, relaxed vibes and an early finish. Celebrate Adalita’s acclaimed solo work and Henry Wagons’ unique Americana style in a family-friendly gig experience made for all generations.
Where: The Engine Room, Bendigo
When: August 22
Funnyman Nick Cody claimed four disposals and one goal with 100% disposal efficiency at the AFL Legends Game. Just wait until he hits the stage with his jokes.
Where: Riverlinks, Shepparton on August 23; The Goods Shed, Ballarat on August 29; and The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
When: August 30
It’s not the end of the world, but it is the end of political correctness as Isaac Butterfield heads out to test the thickness of skin and the crossing of lines.
Where: The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
When: August 28
An acclaimed writer, artist and disability advocate, Eliza Hull is also known to bang out a tune or two. ‘Hotel Room’ is her latest single.
Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
When: August 29
And ten years have whizzed by just like that since Montaigne released their debut album, Glorious Heights. Now you can reach such heights as Montaigne performs the album in full.
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Where: Bendigo Bank Theatre, Bendigo
When: August 29
For three decades, Joe Avanti has been riffing on what it’s like to grow up as an Italian in Australia. It’s that kind of time that makes onereflect on the good old days.
Where: The Play House, GAC
When: August 29
Nurse turned comedian Georgie Carroll knows a little something aboutbeing infectious. So much so that she has made it the title of her new show.
Where: Volta, Ballarat
When: August 29
“An album of transition, grief and anger” is how alternative-pop artist D’Arcy Spiller describes her debut album, Human Enough.
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
When: August 29
Her Hometown is a new concert series where the stage is turned outward. Kicking off this special new series is much-loved local outfit, Epicure. Evenings in Honduras is their new album.
Where: The Falcon Inn, Newtown
When: August 30
If you think their name is a mouthful, check out their sound. This is innovative roots-rock and skiffle music that is not afraid to dip its toes in gypsy-tinged psychedelia.
Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
When: August 30
The sisterly duo of Maggie and Elsie Rigby, better known as The Maes, returns to their hometown to celebrate the one-year anniversary of album Abreast.
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