with Allan Sko
BMA has lovingly gathered together some of the best and brightest music happenings the fair city of Canberra has to offer.
Read on below, and get on out!
WHO: This Way Orkestra
WHAT: Afrobeat Awareness Pt 2 with a 10 piece band
WHEN: Sat May 18, 7-11pm
WHERE: Gang Gang Café, Downer
The “Afrobeat” musical genre was created in Nigeria in the late 1960s and blends traditional African rhythms with funk and jazz. Afrobeat Awareness explores this music and the legacy of Nigerian artist and political activist Fela Kuti – afrobeat’s originator and chief proponent. Leading the charge is Canberra’s own enclave of Afrobeat + Ska + Reggae sounds This Way Orkestra – a 10-piece combining the mighty Afro- Funk of Fela Kuti with a tight brass section and jazz ska grooves – heavy dancefloor energy at all times! Tickets start at $20 via Humanitix.
WHO: The Iconics
WHAT: The Australian Commitments Tribute Show
WHEN: Sat 18th May, 8pm
WHERE: Canberra Irish Club
I’d like to introduce you to the hardest working band in the world… All the soul stealing, heart thumping classics from the cult 1991 movie – The Commitments. Authentic, passionate and live with The Iconics‘ incredible band 11-piece band. Tickets are $45 via Trybooking.
WHO: Big Reef with guests Stockholm
WHAT: Celebrating the release of their new EP Static Heat
WHEN: Thurs May 23, 7pm
WHERE: sideway
Big Reef’s first release for 2024 follows in the wake of a catalogue of gloriously varied tracks, an appetising assortment of styles, sound and quirks.
The brothers Quinn ( Morgan left, Hayden right) have attempted to cram as much as possible into their latest indie pop trip. And with a whole album.
Big Reef can never be accused of being predictable, despite working within the framwork of 80’s infused pop. Guitar crunch samples introduction to a lingering soundscapes, casacsing keys, sliding guitar lines and, of course, THE VOCALS. Tix are free for Big Reef Patreon members or 10 bucks on the door.
WHO: Too Many Crews
WHAT: A Warehouse of Chaos with 20 min sets from 20+ Crews
WHEN: Sat May 25, 8pm – 1pm
WHERE: The Vault, Dairy Road
The whole CBR DJ community is invited to mix up a storm. Old legends are flying back to share decks with fresh crews, an old-school MC will keep the dancers up to date on who’s mixing and a fresh projection and light show will respond to every new track and style. Silly awards are up for grabs for most tracks and styles mixed, but that’s not the point. Reviving a party idea from 2013, when Literally Too Many DJs asked 20 DJs to mix 120 songs in two hours, this concept party has evolved into crew showcases where quick mixing is the game but we just appreciate each other. Get your tickets via Humanitix but be quick as they are selling fast!!
WHO: Capital Samba & Alejandro Florez // Los Chavos
WHAT: Two nights of Latin American music!
WHEN: 30/31 May
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
30 & 31 May beckons a 2-day 2-gig musical feast at Smith’s! On Thu, 30 May Capital Samba & Alejandro Florez bring Brazilian and Spanish rhythms as the rich musical traditions of Spain and Ibero-America are intertwined with the captivating sounds of bossa nova, samba, and flamenco and Spanish guitar. Then, on Fri, 31 May, prepare to groove to the rhythms of Los Chavos, Canberra’s premier Latin ska reggae band! Travel to the heart of Latin America, via CBR. Head to the Smith’s Alternative website to get your tickets >> 30/5 and 31/5
WHO: The Eagles Story
WHAT: Australia’s premier Eagles experience
WHEN: Sat 1st June, 8pm
WHERE: The Q Performing Arts Centre
A celebration of the iconic American rock band, The Eagles. With incredible attention to detail, the performers bring the band’s legendary music to life in a way that is both authentic and electrifying. From Hotel California to Desperado, the show features all of the band’s greatest hits, performed with stunning vocals and flawless musicianship. Tickets are $52-59 via The Q.