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: CellBlock 69
WHAT: The Never Ending Corey Party
WHEN: Fri 20 Dec, Sat 21 Dec and 18 Jan
WHERE: The Baso, Canberra | Steampacket Hotel, Nelligen
The year is Two Thousand and Nineteen Eighty 24/25, and Corey is back.
Duanne Le Corey-Michaels has fully recovered from his skiing accident. He’s been hitting the gym, climbing cliffs with Diamond Dave, and sporting spectacular moves on the World Celebrity Croquet Tour.
The rumours about Duanne negotiating becoming the new Richard Simmons are true! All spawning from his post “skiing accident” return to work plan instructing low impact pump class on Tuesday mornings at the Betty Ford Clinic. He’s simply unstoppable!
So, what’s next? The seasoned sea of fans know that ROCK is next, as well as but to a lesser degree but still powerful, synth pop. And newbies? Well… you’d better brace yourselves for tomorrow, when the sound of yesterday is today. Right now.
Get yer tix to the Mega Party Arena via Oztix. And your Steampacket Stadium tix via Humanitix
WHO: NelliJam
WHAT: South Coast Music Festival
WHEN: Sat 11 Jan, From 11:30am – 11:15pm
WHERE: Steampacket Hotel Nelligen
NelliJam Music Festival will move into its 14th year! A boon for the community via original live music, it is also a grand excuse for us Ken Behrens to head seaward.
And with this kind of line-up, them waters be warm! To whit: The Radiators, Taxiride, Jeff Lang, Minnie Marks, Claude Hay and The Kung Fu Mustard, The Spindrift Saga, Andy Jans-Brown, Flavuh, Slightly Bent Choir, and Violet & Elsie.
Tickets include kids, adult and family pricing via Humanitix
WHO: Damien Rice
WHAT: An Evening of Hauntingly Beautiful Music
WHEN: Thurs 30 Jan
WHERE: The Canberra Theatre
Following an incredible sold-out tour in May 2023, prolific Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice returns to Australia.
Known for his hauntingly beautiful live shows, Damien Rice has the ability to transform the biggest of rooms into the most intimate spaces. Often performing with no set list, Rice has built an incredible connection with fans that continues to evolve with each live performance. A veteran of the live stage, Rice continues to sweep audiences off their feet, commanding crowds in an innate way. Tickets are $99/ $129 +bf via The Canberra Theatre
WHO: Royale With Cheese
WHAT: The Ultimate 90’s Rock Show
WHEN: Sat 1 Feb
WHERE: The Baso
Royale with Cheese, return to The Baso on Saturday, 1 February 2025 with the iconic Ultimate ‘90s Rock Show.
The elite group of skilled musos play all ‘90s rock and pop covers – from Seattle-sound to Grunge to Britpop and all the best Oz Rock. Royale Not just a covers band – it’s a rollicking ‘90s party reviving one of the greatest and most influential decades in rock music.
From Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to Radiohead, Blur and Oasis to Silverchair and Green Day… If you missed the last one, don’t look back in anger; simply come as you, dance like a basketcase, and revel in the evolution (bay-bay!) of Royale With Cheese. Tickets are 50 bucks via Oztix
WHO: Hong Kong String Orchestra
WHAT: Lunar New Year Concert 2025
WHEN: Wed 5 Feb, 7.30pm
WHERE: The Playhouse
Internationally acclaimed Hong Kong String Orchestra makes its highly anticipated Australian debut to welcome the Year of the Snake with an unforgettable gala of music.
Renowned for its masterful fusion of Eastern and Western classical music, the ensemble captivates audiences with a 20-piece + program, where Vivaldi sits alongside traditional pieces that honour the rich cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year. Expect a nostalgic touch with iconic Hong Kong ‘90s sounds, including music from popular TV drama Blossoms Shanghai, capturing the charm and energy of Hong Kong’s vibrant pop culture.
Tickets are $48.20 – $108.00 +bf via The Canberra Theatre