The 3rd Annual Byron Bay Guitar Festival
Byron Bay Brewery | Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 October
The Byron Bay Guitar Festival has just announced the lineup for its third event at the Byron Brewery on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October. Headlining is Aussie punk-rock royalty Frenzal Rhomb, guitar hero protegé Harts, and The Delta Riggs, who will have their much-anticipated third album released in September. Byron Bay Brewery will be turned into a guitarist’s heaven with performances and seminars by Torres Strait’s ‘Magic Fingers’ Chris Tamwoy, industry legend Peter Northcote, bluesman Claude Hay, and Australian guitar icon Nathan Cavaleri, who makes his return to the stage on the back of his Demons album tour. There is something for all music lovers from soul and funk band The Soul Movers, international supergroup The Sidemen, as well as local favourites Marshall O’Kell & The Fro, Minnie Marks, and many more! Sunday will kick off with Bunny Racket for the little rockers and scheduled is a long list of family activities hosted by Murray Cook (The Soul Movers/The Wiggles). Produced by Byron Music, the event features 25+ live performances on two stages, as well as a guitar market showcasing some amazing instruments and craftsmanship from the world’s favourite manufacturers and Australia’s finest luthiers. There will be workshops and seminars presented by artists and manufacturers on both days. For tickets go to byronbayguitarfestival.com.
Miss Amber and Stukulele’s Uke Night
Ballina RSL | Thursday | 7.30pm | $15 & $5 for kids
They’re back! Owing to popular demand, Miss Amber and Stukulele are presenting another Uke Night at Ballina RSL on Thursday. Earlier this year over 120 avid ukulele players and onlookers filled the auditorium with some sweet singin’n’strummin’ to an eclectic mix of popular songs.
There were guest appearances from ukulele performers and groups from Mullumbimby, Alstonville, Evans Head, and even as far away as Maclean. Everyone left with a smile… put simply: it was a joyous occasion.
This month promises the same vibes with a swag of new tunes. Come and join a growing community of uke players revelling in creating some self-made music fun.
Don’t miss being a part of this wonderful evening at Ballina RSL this Thursday. Doors 7pm for a 7.30 start. $15 and $5 for kids. Ballinarsl.com.au
Falls Festival
Byron Bay | Dec 31 till 2 Jan
As the clock explodes on NYE 2019 wrapping up this tumultuous, nameless decade and slingshotting us all into a brand-new set of Roaring Twenties, there could be no better place to be than arm-in-arm with your best friends, surrounded by Australia’s vast natural beauty, and tuned in to some of the world’s greatest music! Falls Festival, ever changing, ever reliable at delivering the best upcoming talent from around the globe, and along with Lorne, Fremantle, and Marion Bay we have our own event here in Byron Bay!
Leading the charge in 2019/20 will be newly minted pop royalty and recent Rolling Stone cover megastar Halsey (for her only Australian shows!), NYC’s hugely important hit-making heroes hot off the back of new album Father of the Bride, Vampire Weekend. English house icons Disclosure with their massive hits Latch, Omen, and latest banger Talk, plus super-fun pop legends cum stage-slaying stars Peking Duk!
Add these huge names to a tectonic first announcement that includes plenty more irresistible fruit, including those joyous Icelandic architects of anthem Of Monsters And Men, future hall of famers and festival masters Pnau with their slew of #1 dancefloor starters Chameleon, Go Bang, and Changes, multi-platinum British lung buster / heartbreaker fresh from his famous Glastonbury set Lewis Capaldi, smooth German hook gurus Milky Chance, and downright dazzling LA alt-pop queen Banks.
There’ll even be a special appearance from Whispering Jack himself as the one and only John Farnham shows us all a thing or two in his first appearance on Falls’ hallowed stages. Look for his rendition of You’re The Voice to sit right next to Daryl Braithwaite’s 2017 performance of Horses in the pantheon of magical Falls moments.
Also dropping in for single shows are Falls’ signature guests! Tash Sultana (appearing as our special guest in Byron Bay) will be showcasing the multi-instrumental talents that have made her an international star.
EPIC
Byron Bay Golf Club | Saturday 24 August | 7pm | Free
Feel like an epic night out? Well, you need to get to the Byron Bay Golf Club to catch 4-piece EPIC. Comprising extremely renowned, experienced, full-time musicians who have performed alongside some amazing artists including: Earth Wind Fire, The Doobie Brothers, Nik Kershaw, and 10CC to name just a few.
EPIC is a free gig on Saturday 24 August from 7pm. Tuk Tuk Thai will be open for dinner.
Kiki Dee
Ballina RSL | Friday
Remember the girl from the duet with Elton John? Kiki Dee! Well she’s heading to the Ballina RSL for a gig. You may not realise but Kiki and Elton performed another duet in 1993, a cover of Cole Porter’s True Love, which reached #2 in the UK. Will she ever duet with the flamboyant superstar again? ‘Never say never,’ she replies. ‘I love working with him because as well as being hugely talented he’s such a hoot. He’s a fascinating person, incredibly loyal, and one of the funniest, most quick-witted people I’ve ever met.’ It was 1976 when their duet topped the charts. She was part of Live Aid; she’s performed alongside Marie Osmond, David Essex, and Paul McCartney. This year marks the 50th anniversary of her career as a musician.
So don’t break her heart, turn up and see her in the flesh when she performs at the Ballina RSL on Friday. Tickets available www.ballinarsl.com.au or by phone 6681 9500.
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