The ladies on at Twins
The McClymonts are Brooke, Sam and Mollie and the girls are touring with their full band to celebrate their new single Going Under reaching number one. They play Twin Towns on Friday at 8pm and Australia’s leading lady of the theatre stage, Marina Prior, celebrates her ongoing journey with a brand-new show of all her top hits plus some from her latest release Songbirds on Saturday at 8pm.
Long lunch with Luke and Sebastian
Luke’s and Sebastian’s paths crossed in the vibrant music scene of Byron Bay, where both were performing as solo artists. Their mutual love for music and performance was the catalyst for a creative collaboration that has seen them play a wide range of shows from boutique weddings to corporate events and established live-music venues. They play lunchtime on Sunday at Rae’s on Wategos.
Getting the Buzz
There is no question that Busby Marou are established as one of Australia’s hardest-working and most-loved bands. Support tours alongside the likes of Passenger, James Blunt, Dolly Parton, Birds of Tokyo Pete Murray, KD Lang and The Zac Brown Band is testimony to their broad-reaching appeal and diverse fan base. Byron Theatre on Thursday 30 October. $38 door, presale $33; byroncentre.com.au or 6685 6807.
From the northern beaches to the Northern Hotel
Vibrant 6-piece Ocean Alley engulfs you with an immense soundscape and visual performance through their unique and refreshing brand of psychedelic reggae fusion. Get down and groove with one of the most exciting prospects coming at you straight out of Sydney.
Ocean Alley, The Ruminaters and Whippet at the Hotel Great Northern on Friday.
Shake it at the Billi
Local pub rock aficionados Shake Appeal know how to deliver a rock show just like they used to be. Smooth yet rough frontman Jason Matheson pilots the City Gym 3 on a merry dance through hits from all the eras with a distinct leaning towards cool, grooving and leaving it all on the floor. Free from 8pm this Saturday at The Billinudgel Hotel.
Jesse’s Band
Byron Bay’s very own blues, roots and reggae troubadours, the Jesse Morris Band, are back.
You can catch the Jesse Morris Band and Ernie Garland at the Nimbin Hotel from 7pm on Friday, during the day on Saturday at the Federal Park Party from 3.30pm and then in the evening at Mandala Organic Arts Cafe (Mermaid Beach) from 7.30 Queensland time, and on Sunday you can catch them at Doma Cafe in Federal from 12pm for a lazy afternoon of tunes.
Bossy Love
Bossy Big Heart are set to rock the Rails again this weekend, playing songs mostly penned by the big man with a huge voice, Ivan Fletcher. With the rich harmonies of Pamela Freeman on bass, Troy Schmidt on drums and new lead guitarist Mark Scown in tow, they are gaining a loyal local crowd who aren’t afraid of getting loose on the dancefloor. Saturday at the Rails.
Katchafire
Katchafire have become a global roots reggae phenomenon. The all-Maori reggae band bring their pure classic sound to music lovers worldwide, delivering one of the most authentic reggae shows around today. Tickets are on sale now for their 13 November show.
Go to byronbaybrewery.com.au for tix.
Good Bad Pony
Bad Pony are a five-piece indie rock band featuring founding members Sam Thomlinson and Jaz Young. The boys put together a group of experienced multi-instrumentalists and former lead singers. Young fronts the band with his distinctive voice, clever melodies and an array of mismatched drums and cymbals. Friday at the Byron Brewery from 8.30pm. Free.
Getting the Band Together
Byron Bay-based roots/folk artist and multi-instrumentalist Tristan O’Meara has performed for thousands upon thousands on the streets of cities across the world. Since 2012 Tristan has now teamed up with Jake Russell on bass and Mark Braggins on drums, to form The Tristan O’Meara Band. Saturday at the Byron Brewery. 8.30pm. Free.
Amatori present Mozart
Local choir and orchestra Amatori are presenting their final concerts for 2014 this weekend. Mozart and more Mozart features the Coronation Mass and sublime excerpts from Idomeneo, featuring the wonderful local soprano April Galetti.
Saturday 4pm at St John’s Hall in Mullumbimby and Sunday at Brunswick Heads Public School hall at 4pm. Tickets $20, $15 and $5 children, available at the door.
Dubarray Launch
Dubarray head to the Brunswick Hotel on Sunday. Inspired by the likes of St Germain, Groove Armada and Portishead, Dubarray deliver everything from groove-based trip-hop beats to punchy house and tribal percussion. A mainstay on the European circuit, they are joined by The Wandering Eyes with a 4pm start. Free.
Jazz in the afternoon
Cole Cox Lovejoy is a wonderfully polished ensemble improvising the best piano trio tunes in the jazz repertoire! Fred Cole (piano), Hans Lovejoy (bass and vocals) and Ben Cox (drums) are joined on the bandstand by jazz stalwart Royden Ainsworth on alto sax, in what promises to be an afternoon of listening pleasure. Sunday at Lismore Jazz Club at Lismore City Bowlo from 2pm. $10/15.
Hirst launches album in Jeanes
Rob Hirst – Midnight Oil, The Break and the Ghostwriter’s drummer and songwriter – is passionately devoted to his second home in Byron Bay, and so Rob has decided to launch his first solo album The Sun Becomes The Sea exclusively on BayFM on Monday 27 October, 9–11am in The Elephant Room with Nyck Jeanes.
Trombone Kellie
Blending western swing and country songs, Trombone Kellie delivers powerful vocals and sensual trombone straight from the heart. With sassy horns, rhythm and slide guitar and some novelty banjolele, this is a night for anyone who loves their music with a dash of rockabilly! Bangalow Bowlo from Friday at 7.30pm.
Bridge to the Rails
Queensland’s premier 5-piece roots, rock, reggae outfit The Floating Bridges are releasing their explosive new single Eloquence with a national tour and more new tracks to follow. Sunshine Coast-born and bred, Dale, Cale, Dan, Jimmy and Johnny have generated a huge following throughout Australia and New Zealand with their relentless touring, messages of cultural respect and solidarity, and overall creation of ‘good vibes’. At the Rails on Friday.
Beth’s Bouzouki
Multiple-instrumentalist, songwriter, and raconteuse Beth Patterson has been a full-time musician for over two decades. Her instrument of choice is the Irish bouzouki, a flat-backed adaptation of the traditional Greek instrument, which she employs as a versatile backdrop for her original and traditional songs. A lover of world music and travel, she is on a continuous quest to expand her musical horizons and collect anecdotes. She plays the Rails on Sunday from 6.30pm.
Songbirds on Stage
If you feel like hearing some shimmering vocal harmonies this Sunday, head to St Martin’s Hall in Stuart Street Mullumbimby at 7.30pm to catch The Songbirds in concert. These gals really know how to weave some enchanting harmonies, in songs that are healing, songs that will inspire, and a few cheeky ones to amuse. Tickets are $15/$12 at the door and some supper (teas, slices, cakes etc) is even included in the price!
Club Cuban
Northern rivers locals Heather and Martin Elphinstone established The Latin Underground Downunder in 2014 to share their love of Latin American music and dance. Heather and Martin are now offering clubbers the chance to learn to dance Casino, the original and authentic form of social dance from Cuba, which has since become popularly known as Cuban Salsa. Sunday at Club Lennox, 9–11am.