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: Inez Hargarden
WHAT: Debut EP Launch
WHEN: Sun 9 Feb | 4pm
WHERE: Tallagandra Hill Winery
Tallagandra Hill Winery is one of my favourite places I’ve ever played, and it’s such a joy to launch my debut EP there. The launch will be a Sunday afternoon celebration.
There’ll be lots of singing (naturally), storytelling, laughing, and hopefully lots of memories made. I’ll be joined by some very talented friends, and performing lots of new stuff – you’ll get to hear the stories behind the songs and what I hope you’ll take from them. I’ll also be playing some bangers you already know.
Getting the chance to connect people through live music is one of my favourite experiences. If you’re looking for a way to support musicians and local business, then it would be great to see you there. Tickets are $36.06 via Eventbrite.
WHO: Fred Smith and Band
WHAT: Valentine’s Day Special Concert
WHEN: Fri Feb 14 | 6.30-8.30PM
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
Fred Smith and band present, Domesticity. Fresh from 5 star reviews on debut at the Adelaide Fringe, Domesticity is a beautiful, heart-warming song cycle that will touch you where you live: at home!
“Domesticity is a show highlighting a distinctly Australian songwriter at the very top of his game.” 5 STARS -KEN GRADY, THE UPSIDE DOWN NEWS, 1 March 2024
“A stunning cycle of deeply personal songs about marriage, babies, love, tolerance, decency and the complexity of modern life… a sublime study in tenderness and vulnerability.” -BRUCE ELDER, SMH
Get you tickets via Smith’s Alternative
WHO: Coda Chroma + Guests
WHAT: Album Launch Party
WHEN: Sat 15 Feb | 9PM
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
Coda Chroma launches their 4th LP Luminous As It Is with an intimate trio show led by award-winning songwriter Kate Lucas, with keys & harmonies from Natalie Lewis and Rachel Johnston on cello.
The new LP has featured heavily as album of the week across community radio in Australia and college radio in the US. Taking its name from Mary Oliver’s poem Summer Morning, Luminous As It Is is a snapshot of Kate’s perpetual songwriting practice and her deep connection to nature. Tickets via www.codachroma.com/shows
WHO: Andrea Kirwin and Band
WHAT: Tracy Chapman Tribute Show
WHEN: Thurs 13 Feb | 7.30PM
WHERE: The Street Theatre
Australian/Fijian singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin’s love of Tracy Chapman culminates in a 2-hour concert with her band performing and celebrating the music and lyrics of her favourite artist.
Chapman is one of music’s great success stories, capturing a global audience in 1988 with her self-titled debut album using just voice and guitar. Said debut went on to win two Grammy awards for Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Andrea + band will play songs from Chapman’s eight albums including Fast Car, Give Me One Reason, and The Promise with collabs such as The Thrill Is Gone with B.B King, and Ain’t No Sunshine with Buddy Guy. Tickets are $49 via The Street Theatre.
WHO: Crystal Set
WHAT: Playing their indie hits from the big hair days
WHEN: Fri 7 March | 6.30-8.30PM
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
For the first time since their break in ‘92, Sydney indie darlings, Crystal Set, return to play their hits from when the hair was big and the guitars atmospheric. The powerhouse line-up comprises original songwriting duo Russell Kilbey (yes, brother of The Church Steve) and Phil Maher along with Died Pretty’s Robbie Warren, Craig Hooper of Reels and beloved Brisbane sticksman, Rudi Weber.
Expect all the indie #1s: Benefit of the Doubt, Wholly Holy, Drop in the Ocean, A Furious Mess, She Spits out Stars and Thrive. With glam-punks Postcards from Pluto, head to Smith’s Alt on Friday, 7 March for a ruddy good time. Tickets via Smith’s Alt.