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: Blind Sided

WHAT: Bloody great rock songs

WHEN: 8.30pm, Saturday, 31 Aug

WHERE: Shadows Night Club

It’s BlindSided, dear, but not as you know it. It is lots and lots of bloody great rock songs, and who are you to resist four guys singing a Britney song!? It’s coming to you at Canberra’s newest live music venue, Shadows Night Club. One of the region’s hardest-working covers bands, Blindsided prides itself on playing a saucy mix of retro rock and hits with a twist. Time to get BlindSided!

WHO: Freelings

WHAT: Folk ‘n’ soul single launch

WHEN: Friday, 6 Sep, 6:30-8:30pm (doors 6pm)

WHERE: Smith’s Alternative

Five-piece indie folk band, Freelings, set audiences alight with the duelling guitars, high spirited rhythm, soaring violin and rich harmonies that fuel their original sets, with two storytellers switching between instruments and inspirations. New single, Drinking with Poseidon, showcases their trademark vibrant harmonies and danceable folk energy, with past connections explored and reminisced, backed by warm, acoustic timbre. Supported by Alec Randles (Kopesetic), Freelings will fill Smith’s with inviting vibrations, playful banter, and infectious energy. Tix via Smith’s.

WHO: The Times Music Festival

WHAT: Massive dance party throwback

WHEN: Sat, 14 Sept, 12pm-10pm

WHERE: Old The Canberra Times Building, Pirie Street, Fyshwick

Well now… THIS is different! A line-up consisting of timeless anthems celebrating a golden era of dance music. Located at the historic old The Canberra Times building and featuring two stages in an industrial environment with innovative scaffolding & stage designs. Featuring Sneaky Sound System, Mousse T., Bagraiders, The Potbellez, Kid Kenobi and a HEAP more. Final release tix are $140 via intix.com.au

WHO: Lakeside At 5 with Rachael Thoms

WHAT: An evening of Jazz

WHEN: Fri, 27 Sep, 5:30pm-7:30pm

WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre

A graduate of the ANU School of Music with degrees in jazz and classical vocal performance, Rachael is one of a new breed of versatile vocalists. She has received multiple awards and scholarships and has performed in many of Australia’s cultural institutions. She is currently completing her PhD, researching jazz vocal pedagogy and improvisation at the Australian National University School of Music, where she is a lecturer and voice teacher. Entry by donation.

WHO: Frente! w/ Evan Buckley

WHAT:  Oz alt fok-pop heroes

WHEN: Saturday, 28 Sep, 7pm

WHERE: Belconnen Arts Centre

From the beer-soaked carpet of Fitzroy’s Punters Club to massive stages worldwide, Frente!’s blend of alt, folk-pop has always set them apart. Known for the honesty of their performances, quirky riffs, and thoughtful song structures, Frente! gifted us such gems as Ordinary Angels, Labour of Love, Accidentally Kelly Street, and their acoustic take on New Order’s Bizarre Love Triangle.

They make a fine feature on the Smith’s@Belco program, with Simon’s guitar work drawing logical comparisons to Smiths’ Jonny Marr and The Sundays’ Dave Gavurin, while Angie blazed a trail for singing in her native Aussie accent over the American vernacular of the day. Tickets are $50/60 + booking fee via Belco Arts

WHO: Nightfest

WHAT: Music + Comedy + Arts + Lights

WHEN: 3 – 6 Oct, 6:30-10:30pm

WHERE: Commonwealth Park

Another year, another cracking Nightfest line-up. Commonwealth Park, illuminated by vibrant colours, plays host to an amazing program of live music & comedy on two stages comprising over 32 different acts, captivating cabaret in the Kazador Tent, roving entertainment, market stalls and fantastic food and drinks. After the Spiegeltent sell-out last year, 2024 sees the new Kazador Tent hosting the adults only (18+) Kiss Bang Cabaret, revelling in all things risqué, silly and hilarious, combining comedy, circus, burlesque and cabaret delectably smashed together to give a wildly entertaining ride. For tickets head to https://floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest/