Canberra Music Thingy compiled by Allan Sko

BMA has lovingly gathered together some of the best and brightest music happenings the fair city of Canberra (and surrounds) has to offer.

Read on below, and get on out!

WHO: Lakeside at 5 with Harrison Whalan and Imogene Blake 

WHAT: Double Bass ‘n’ Vocal Jazz Duo

WHEN: Fri, 26 July. 5.30-7.30pm

WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Harrison Whalan and Imogene Blake are an exciting new double-bass and vocal duo springing from the ANU School of Music. Bonding over their shared love of double-bass and vocal ensembles such as Australian duo Kristen Berardi and Sam Anning, and American singer-songwriter group Lake Street Dive, the two have been performing together and honing their live craft ‘n’ chemistry for over three years at various venues around Canberra, encapsulating a broad range of genres such as jazz, funk, folk, and pop. From 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Entry by donation.

WHO: Ainslie Salon presents Essential Tremors

WHAT: Exploratory music + art series

WHEN: Sat, Aug 3

WHERE: Ainslie Art Centre

ESSENTIAL TREMORS is an exploratory music + art series supporting local and international creators navigating the boundless nature of sound.

Curated by Angus Andrew of Liars, the series originated at Phoenix Central Park in Sydney, 2022 with an all-Aussie line-up. Since then, ET has expanded to Beijing, NYC, Tokyo, Akron and Canberra. ET returns with deep expressive performances from Hantu (Narrm) and Sally Golding (Ngunnawal Country). Says Angus:

“There is magic in live performance which remains unique to this world. It’s an experience as yet un-synthesised. I support artists taking risks in that medium. It’s an emotional and financial investment unparalleled. ET intends to highlight the underexposed and diverse. To provide a roving point of convergence for emerging and left field artists where they can perform, connect and thrive.” Get your tickets via Ainslie Art Centre

WHO: Heaps Gay Hot Mess

WHAT: A messy, indulgent & inclusive party!

WHEN: Sat, 10 Aug

WHERE: The Vault at Dairy Rd

Heaps Gay are heading to Canberra for a messy, indulgent & inclusive art party till late at The Vault. Escape the dark days of winter and play meet us in a old Dairy Factory on Ngunnawal Lands for HOT MESS. Line up so far: SOPHIYA, THE DEEP FAITH, CHARLIE VILLAS, FRIED PORK CHOP, HEAPS GAY DEEJAYS. Performances by: LADY FUR, ETCETERA ETCETERA, ROSIE RIVETTE, ASTERIA PERFORMANCES, DADDY CHARLES, IKYI + MORE!!! Dress Code: HOT MESS. Tickets via The Vault.

WHO: turn&burn

WHAT:  A night of the best progressive electronic

WHEN: Sat, 17 August

WHERE: The Vault, Dairy Rd

Sunburn and Turning Tables, two eager collectives promoting Ngunnawal / Canberra’s unique music and arts scene, join forces for the first time to present a multi-sensory experience. With shifting environments that compliment and amplify emotions, intense moments of suspense and ecstasy aim to create a unique experience for all. There will be distinctive taste and quirky flare as we strive to put together some stupid ideas done right!

Showcasing multidisciplinary performances from specialised local, domestic and invited international artists – turn&burn plays host to true perfectionists in their fields. 

LINEUP A-Z: Authentically Plastic (Uganda), D-Grade (Eora), genie_beanie_in_the_washing_machiney@hotmail.com hybrid (Ngunnawal), Opal TreeArmour live (Naarm), Vox Supreme (Netherlands). Tickets via Humanitix!

WHO: Smiths @ Belco – The Bushwhackers 

WHAT:  Album Launch: The Great Australian Lap

WHEN: Sat, 17 August, 7pm

WHERE: The Theatre, Belco Arts Centre

Formed in 1971, The Bushwackers have a storied career spanning over five decades. The band has released 26 albums, won three Golden Guitar Awards, been inducted into the Roll of Renown, and published six songbooks. Known for their energetic performances, they have captivated audiences across Australia and beyond, earning their place as one of the nation’s most celebrated musical acts. 7pm, $49 Adult / $44 Concession + bf via venue.

WHO: Full Steam Ahead

WHAT: A night of Prog Rock, Pop, Jazz Metal

WHEN: Sat, 17 August, 4pm

WHERE: Polish Club, Turner

All aboard for ‘Full Steam Ahead’! This epic musical adventure is ready for departure! This event will take you through a thrilling landscape of prog rock, pop, jazz, metal and more! So book your seat, drop off your luggage and get ready to let off some steam… On the bill > VOODOO ACID SPACE KINGS > NISSAN: Unstoppable > FABULOUS CONTRAPTION > THE ABSENTEE > B.C. > Z – Z – G > DEAD LAZARUS. Tickets please! via Humanitix.

WHO: Robyn Martin w/ Caliko

WHAT: A night of diverse Australian Music

WHEN: Fri, 23 Aug 6:30pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: Smith’s Alternative

With ARIA chart hitting songs and national & international songwriting recognition in her back pocket from her releases with trio The New Graces, Robyn releases her
solo album this spring. With a sound that is distinctly Australian, her music traverses a wide terrain from deep pocket soul, mixed with heart warming, thought provoking folk sensibilities, to the occasional banjo driven hoedown singalong and a sprinkle of grungy angst rock. With support Caliko. Grab your tickets via Smith’s.