Canberra music thingy compiled by Allan Sko
WHO: She & Us
WHAT: A heartfelt tribute to Jacqueline Nicole Kavanagh (née Apps)
WHEN: Sunday 23 March, 4-6PM
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
In July 2022, Jacqueline Nicole Kavanagh (née Apps) passed away suddenly from a stroke. Her death rocked everyone who knew her. She was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, grand-daughter, sister, cousin, colleague and a friend to so many. Almost three years on and it’s still hard to believe she’s not walking among us.
For this gig, many of her musical friends are coming together to put on a tribute show to beautiful Jac – to share some songs, laughs and tears – but most of all, to remember and continue to spread the joy that Jac gave to so many of us.
Line-up includes:
Ally Cowell
Ben Drysdale
Lauree Pass
Michael Walsh
Jimmy McGrath
Ruth O’Brien
+ many more
Tickets are $10/$15 via Smith’s Alt . Proceeds from the show will go to Fearless Women, an organisation dedicated to helping girls and young women in the ACT fear less and live life with confidence, courage, resilience, and hope. Hope to see you all there!
WHO: Eli Reed (US) with special guest The Meltdown
WHAT: A soulful celebration marking his 20 year debut.
WHEN: Sat May 10, 7pm
WHERE: The Baso
Marking 20 years since his debut, Eli Paperboy Reed returns to Australia with his soul-drenched live show, featuring Grammy® nominees, the Harlem Gospel Travelers. Known for passionate, sweaty performances, Reed is a trailblazer in soulful music, with nine acclaimed albums to his name.
This exhilarating tour introduces the Harlem Gospel Travelers, whose Reed-produced album Rhapsody earned a Grammy® nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album.
Also sharing the stage are sensational Melbourne-based soul/jazz/blues outfit, The Meltdown.
With raw authenticity and powerful vocals, Reed is set to electrify audiences with a vibrant, soul-stirring celebration that pushes gospel and soul into bold, exciting territory. Tickets are $86.70 via Oztix
WHO: Stuart Joel Nuggett with David Garnham & The Reasons To Live
WHAT: Artback NT Presents: Jingili Song Project
WHEN: 17 April | 18-20 April
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative, 9pm | National Folk Festival, various times
DG&TRTL look like truckers but sing like angels. Despite coming from the tropical North they are as dry as desert boots. Part larrikin, part broken bird, part bleeding heart, Garnham himself is awash with contradictions. His songs trail close behind in a mix of hope and hopelessness. “Garnham’s ability to voice the everyman journey in stark yet dignified terms is a gift” – Foldback Magazine The track ‘My Psych‘ is the third single from their upcoming studio album, produced by BROADWING . Tickets are $10/15 via Smith’s Alt
Stuart Joel Nuggett is a Jingili man from Kulumindini (Elliott), in the Northern Territory, now based in Mpartnwe/Alice Springs. From folk ballads and toe tappers to outlaw country, Stu sings in both English and the severely endangered language of Jingulu. Under the title of the Jingili Song Project, he continues to run workshops teaching and writing songs in language, both nationally and on country. Stuart is passionate about the plight of his people and hopes that through his songs he can connect with audiences from all walks of life. Join him at this years National Folk Festival in various workshops and performances. Tickets to the festival are via https://www.folkfestival.org.au/tickets
WHO: Jeremy Smith with special guest Jeff Shen
WHAT: A very ImMature comedy show for The Canberra Comedy Festival
WHEN: Sat 15 March, 9pm
WHERE: The Street Theatre
After a sold-out, debut, solo show at CCF 2024, Jeremy returns in 2025 with his brand-new show ImMature. He’s asking himself, and anyone who’ll listen, where did life go wrong? Once Jeremy’s worked that out all that’s left for him to do is to grow up.
2024 was a stellar year of comedy for Jeremy, performing with some of Australia’s best stand-up comedians including Chris Ryan, Tom Gibson, Brett Blake, Al Del Bene Steph Broadbridge and Luke Heggie. He might be a bit late to the game, but he is not wasting any time making a name for himself on the Canberra comedy circuit. This show promises to be as packed to the brim with comedy as the last one, so grab a ticket and don’t miss out. Tix: $25 +bf via The Street Theatre.