The latest on CBR Music with Jannah Fahiz.
March madness is definitely over but I have some local gigs that you’ll go crazy for! There’s a wide variety of genres, from jazz to rock to rap, to get amongst. So here, without ado further, are my top picks for the next weeks.
Now, don’t panic…
Ryland Newstead and the MCGs

This is your last chance to see Ryland Newstead and the MCGs live because this is their last show ever! After touring the world, the band found themselves butting heads with each other about royalty splits and talking only through lawyers. Fortunately, they’re coming together one last time to celebrate this project and sell off all their merch. Head on down to sideway at 7pm on Saturday, 13 April for a night full of pop/rock/alt music (and maybe some fights). Locals Absent Ace Tone and Napoleon Ice Cream will support them on the night. [Edit- in case ya missed the CBR gig they are playing in Melbs on 19th April. (yes not CBR but if ya in the neighbourhood) See the FB event page for deets]
Pilots of Baalbek
A great gig is coming in for landing! Fasten your seatbelts because Pilots of Baalbek are taking flight on Friday, 19 April. Influenced by ‘70s space rock, expect boogie and glam with splashes of proto-punk.
This concert is to celebrate the release of their latest album, By The Seat Of Our Pants, which came out in early March. Joining them will be Voodoo Space Acid Kids and Rawrus Tongue for a night filled with a kind of rock that will have your head in the clouds.
Head on down to The Baso from 7pm and get your ticket now from Oztix for $20.
Dept of Rock All Stars Gig
If you’re looking for fresh rock ‘n’ roll, this is the one for you. Dept of Rock is hosting three events to showcase the artists that entered their battle of the bands last year. Why are they doing this? Because Canberra has so much talent! These artists are new, enthusiastic and skilled. This first showcase highlights the theme Cheeky and will take place on Saturday, 27 April from 3pm (doors 2:30pm) at Smith’s Alternative. The line-up is The Shadies, IT Grrrls, Absent Ace Tone, Adventure St and The DUDs. You can purchase your ticket now for $15 via Smith’s website.
Off The Top No Writtens
Off The Top No Writtens is a competition to showcase freestyle rappers in Canberra and beyond. DJ Chemi-Cal and Newborn Noise will be supporting all the contestants who will be making up rhymes on the fly for the chance to win a cash prize. Audience members can also buy raffle tickets to win prizes donated by local businesses. This is your chance to discover some of the finest up-and-coming rap artists while maybe taking home a prize yourself. All of this occurs at Smiths Alternative on Saturday, 27 April, from 9pm. Tickets are $25 and are available to purchase now via the Smith’s Alternative website.
Hands Like Houses
One of Canberra’s greatest success stories is our very own Hands Like Houses. They’ve already sold out one hometown show and added a second on Saturday, 18 May at Fun Time Pony. Don’t snooze on this one because it will sell out! So if you’re one of the rare few that have seen the name but have yet to watch, this is your opportunity to finally get to their show. And if you have seen them, well… now they have a new vocalist, Josh Raven! Help celebrate this new line-up of Hands Like Houses and get a taste of the music they’ve been working on. The show kicks off at 8pm, and Melbourne’s super-talented Bellehaven will join them. Grab your ticket NOW via Oztix for $44.90.
So much Canberra talent. Enjoy the next few weeks of gigs, and remember; it’s starting to get chilly, so wrap up! See you in the next one – Jannah.
Send gigs and info to: [JANNAH.FAHIZ@GMAIL.COM]