The latest on CBR music with Jannah Fahiz
Dust off your winter coats, gig-goers, because there’s plenty o’ Canberra happenings to warm both limbs and soul.
First up on Saturday, 24 May, was a night of Indigenous music when Canberra’s Djaarmby Band played Smith’s Alternative.
The band describe themselves as “Oz rock mixed with didgeridoo and traditional lyrics, Indigenous rock, folk, pop band with tribal voices and didgeridoo”. We don’t get to see traditional instruments on stage nearly often enough, so this opportunity is exciting.
Supporting them on the night was Gaslight Puppet Show, who played songs from their brand new album, Esoterica. Did you go? I’m sure it was fab! You can catch Djaarmby Band as part of Reconciliation Day on Monday 2 June at Commonwealth Park.
On Saturday, 7 June, you can enjoy Persian Music Night, also at Smith’s Alternative. This is the 4th event of its kind that the Persian Art Centre of Canberra has held, delighting us with a few hours of Afghan and Iranian music.
“Our performance brings to life beloved old and new Persian pop songs,” say the players on what to expect. “We celebrate the rich musical heritage of Afghanistan & Iran with a modern twist.” Doors 2:30pm, tix $25 via the Smith’s website (12+ event)
In further Saturday, 7 June show news, I’ve got a metal concert called Mel-berra which, if you couldn’t already tell, combines Canberra and Melbourne artists. This is happening where all the best heavy shows play; The Baso.
Taliesin hit the headline spot, with stoic support by Deep Majestic Thunder and Night City Psychos . Doors 7pm, tix $20 via Oztix ($15 for conc).
On Friday, 20 June, another show for heavy music lovers emerges called New Blood, this time with a different combo of Canberra and Sydney bands.
This metalcore line-up comprises local legends Switch Up, as well as Herald and Wyndfall, with the latter celebrating the release of their new single Butterflies. It is also their first show! And our special guest, travelling down from Sydney, is Arbiter. Tix $18.40 via Oztix.
Next up is a single launch for local alt-rockers Dead Weights Dreaming. They’re hosting a release party for their song Rebecca on Saturday, 21 June at Dissent from 7:30pm (music starting at 8:30pm).
Locals Soarers (bringing the rock) and Alec Randles (fingerstyle guitarist extraordinaire) will join them. Tickets are available now via Humanitix for $10.
And lastly, if you’re a lover of birthdays, you must come along and celebrate Tom Woodward’s 41st!
The beloved CBR folkster is putting on a party at Dissent Cafe and Bar on Thursday, 26 June, where he’ll be joined by his band, The True Delusions. A bunch of great artists are also lining up to celebrate, including Cicatrix, Mesa+ and Napoleon Ice Cream.
Expect a kooky, folky, rocky, and thoroughly fun vibe along with the rollicking music. Doors 6pm, tickets are $15/$20 via Humanitix. Mark yourself as attening via the Facebook event page!
Oh, and before I go, a quick note for you crafters… Did-ya know there’s a Crafternoon meet-up every Wednesday from 12:30pm at Smith’s Alt? Come along with a craft project and have a cuppa with other creatives.
As always, a liddle sumfing for ev’ryone! Enjoy yourselves, and don’t forget to leave your house 10 minutes early so you can defrost your car.
See ya in the next one! – Jannah
Send gigs and info to:[JANNAH.FAHIZ@GMAIL.COM]