Canberra Music Thingy Compiled By Allan Sko

The Reading @ Blank Gallery

The Blank Gallery on 8 June is the place to be for a heavy DIY queer fashion and noise show. With live music by pouty punk princess goth doll multi media artist, Zsa LaFine; hardcore punk, noise rockster and HYMMNN guitarist, Lynden Bassett; professional circus performer/trainer, multi-multi instrumentalist, and Wardens Of Sound front-person, Kian MacLeod; and notated electroacoustic composer and explorer of the interplay between art and sound, Marlene Radice. Dress for the occult and witness local fashion designers ROCK + Lil Chumba’s bespoke wearable creations.” Tickets: $25/$15 + bf via Humanitix

Meadowlark by Wendy Rule @ Smith’s Alternative

Mystical songstress Wendy Rule returns to Australia to celebrate the release of her ninth major album, Meadowlark. An ode to her home in the Northern New Mexico countryside, this tender and heartfelt collection of songs explores Wendy’s emotional and spiritual connection with and the turning of the seasons. Returning to her troubadour roots, Meadowlark focuses on Wendy’s beautiful voice and poetic lyrics to create dreamy, folk driven soundscapes, with a sprinkling of her trademark gothic ambience. On this solo acoustic tour, Wendy will share the songs as they began – love songs to Nature delivered with just a voice and a guitar. 9pm, Saturday 8th June at Smith’s Alternative. Tix are $35/30 via the Smith’s website

Snake Oil Preachers @ Smith’s Alternative

O, look! Why, if it isn’t Jonathan Wraith, vocalist of CBR 4-piece Snake Oil Preachers. What say you of your upcoming Saturday, 15 June Smith’s Alternative show, Jonno? “The Snake Oil Preachers bring you songs of sin, damnation, redemption and salvation. Dubbed “country punk for city slackers”, we rock country, classics and cool with our own unique hollering hell-raising hedonism.” Well, ain’t that sumthin’? 6pm – 8pm, Saturday 15 June, Smith’s Alternative, $15/10 via the Smith’s website.

Smiths @ Belco: Paco Lara

The virtuoso Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Lara, who boasts of a distinguished career in Europe and Australia of more than 30 years, brings his magnificent album show The Andalusian Guitar to Belco Arts Centre. Prepare to be transported to Southern Spain via Lara’s captivating guitar work, flamenco dance, and his musicians. Embodying the unmistakable Jerez style of flamenco guitar playing, Lara presents the flamenco guitar in all its authenticity, culture, and artistry. Impressive articulation, mesmerising footwork, musical elegance and imagination are a definite. 15th June at The Theatre, Belco Arts Centre. 7pm, $42 Adult / $37 Concession + bf via venue.

Ainslie Salon: Eliza Hull + Ruth O’Brien

Castlemaine singer-songwriter and performer Eliza Hull delivers her most honest and striking collection of work to date with her long-awaited EP, Here They Come. It’s a testament of pride in oneself and an ongoing passion for championing the unseen, which directly ties into Eliza’s continued work as an advocate for people with disability, particularly as an artist whose music and work has been affecting change in the Australian landscape.

As Eliza says, “I’m a musician with disability and am passionate about making change so that future generations can see themselves represented and know what’s possible.” Supported by Canberra treasure, Ruth O’Brien! Saturday June 22 @ Ainslie Arts Centre. Tix are $33 – $38.50 + bf via Humanitix

Lakeside at 5 with Liam Budge

There’s a feeling about Creswick, aka Liam Budge, that despite his gentle and highly creative exterior, he has the capacity to extract truth and enhance self-awareness from all those who encounter him. Since releasing his debut jazz album to critical acclaim and a four star review in The Australian, the award-winning composer, singer, photographer, videographer, and theatre-maker, has continued to establish himself as one of Australia’s leading vocalists and song-writers. And where better to bask in his loveliness than at TAC’s Lakeside At 5? Friday 26th July @ The Tuggeranong Arts Centre 5.30-7.30pm. Entry is by donation at the door. For more info head to the TAC Website.