Tag: Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Music on Show in “Mint Condition” Webseries

Recently released webseries Mint Condition is a real treat for music lovers with a soundtrack featuring some of Melbourne’s best independent acts. Think Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission, Jade Imagine, The Meltdowns, Nat Vazer, Hearts and Rockets, and heaps more. The five-episode series follows single mum Audrey, played by Sibylla Budd, as she opens a new Fitzroy shop. She’s joined by Gary Sweet, Bernard Curry, and exciting newcomer Grace Champion.

“Mint Condition was a labour of love. We’re very proud of our amazing cast, our dedicated crew, and all the great local bands who contributed to the soundtrack,” said Gareth Calverley, the show’s co-writer and producer. “We know things aren’t easy right now. We decided to launch the show in the hope that it connects with an audience worldwide. It’s made for anyone who loves independent Australian music and for those who believe it’s important to support local filmmakers during a difficult time. Short-form content is taking off around the world. New international platform QUIBI is a great example, ‘quick bites’ of original new shows. Our audience can experience Series 1 of ‘Mint Condition’ in one hour.”

“We want the audience to really love the diversity of these great songs and get a good feel for the live music scene and the music community that we have in Melbourne,” added Lyndelle Wilkinson, the show’s co-producer and music supervisor. “Even though we are all currently in lockdown, we want to bring that passion for local music to the audience while we are currently unable to go out and be a part of it. Melbourne is the music capital of the world, with usually hundreds of gigs on weekly, so right now we have a huge opportunity to showcase this incredible community and comfort each other with what we have and remind ourselves how lucky we are. I hope the audience is hungry for it and will be inspired to get out and support local artists when things return to normal.”

Whether you’re in hard lockdown or just enjoying life at a slower pace, Mint Condition is perfect pandemic viewing. Check out all the episodes at mintconditiontv.com, Apple TV, Roku, iOS, Android, and Chromecast.

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harts Plays Hendrix in Melbourne

Harts is one of the best guitarists in the country. So it’s only fitting that in May he’ll take on the music of one of the world’s most legendary axemen, the one and only Jimi Hendrix, this May.

Harts Plays Hendrix will see Harts in a three-piece band (naturally) playing songs from Jimi’s entire back catalogue. Expect a few guest appearances by some of the country’s premiere musicians at this very special show.

“I’m very excited to be putting on this special show,” Harts enthused. “Jimi’s music and playing has always been a big inspiration and influence on my own style as an artist and guitarist. It’s going to be a thrill paying tribute to the iconic music legend by performing and really showcasing his work in a show like this. I think Hendrix fans, Harts fans, lovers of classic rock and the guitar are really going to enjoy this show.”

Harts Plays Hendrix hits the Melbourne Recital Centre on May 30. Hopefully it goes so well the show comes to other cities around the country!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Getting a New Live Music Space

With countless live music venues around the country closing their doors, it’s exciting to hear of anything new opening up. Geddes Lane Ballroom will breathe new life into Melbourne’s historic Showgirls Bar 20 venue. It’s only fitting as before the strippers moved in, the site was the Grainstore Tavern, the place that launched John Farnham’s Whispering Jack album and hosted household names like Daryl Braithwaite, INXS, Little River Band, and Tina Arena.

Ben Thompson and Ashlea O’Loughlin (The Venue Collective, 170 Russell, East Brunswick Club) will take charge of booking talent. Acclaimed chef Shannon Bennett will preside over the food and beverages to leave our tastebuds satisfied. Lorenz Grollo, the CEO of the Grollo Group, rounds out the team.

“We’re excited to be bringing live music back to one of Melbourne’s most popular venues throughout the 80s and 90s”, enthused Ben Thompson, “It’s been a hidden gem, centrally located, close to trains and trams and a big carpark with a fantastic tried-and-tested band room. We’re doing some acoustic treatments, putting in a world class PA and cleaning the place up. Live music fans will love it. With the loss of so many live music venues over the last 10 years including quality smaller rooms like Ding Dong Lounge and Shebeen, there aren’t many options out there. People need the option to come into the city and experience original live music. The venue will be open to all conceivable genres of music from local, national and international acts and we have some surprise shows planned for summer.”

Geddes Lane Ballroom promises to open to some serious next month with an iconic Melbourne rock act. Make sure you follow their social pages for news of that as it breaks!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; photo credit Jason Edwards Herald Sun

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Gets Another Weekend in the Gardens

After the massive success of A Weekend in The Gardens in March, organisers have decided to do it all again this November! And what a line-up they’ve assembled for the three-night event!

The Friday night show brings us Paul Kelly, still flying high on the recent release of his number one album Life is Fine, who’s ably supported by Steve Earle and Middle Kids. The Saturday show is all about hip hop, with Illy, Thundamentals, Spit Syndicate, and Birdz all on the bill. The final night will be a folky affair with Missy Higgins, Dustin Tebbutt, All Our Exes Live in Texas, and Harry Jakamarra doing their thing.

In addition to superb music, you’ll be treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods in The Eatery, including Royale Brothers, Willy’s Fried Chicken, and Proper Fish & Chips.

“The artists and audiences have responded enthusiastically to having a beautiful, intimate outdoor concert space in the Royal Botanic Gardens in the middle of this amazing city,” said promoter Michael Newton of Roundhouse Entertainment. “The lineup of acts is first-class, and the food and beverage options are fantastic. Along with the Royal Botanic Gardens, we are very proud to be presenting another weekend of great entertainment in the gardens.”

Developed by the good folks behind a day on the green, the first A Weekend in the Gardens attracted nearly 12,000 people. Will the next event be even bigger?

A Weekend in the Gardens hits Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens on November 17, 18, and 19. Tickets go on sale from Ticketmaster at midday on August 28.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Masters of Sgt Pepper Heading to Melbourne in 2017

Here’s an early heads up for Beatles fans because I have a feeling this is one of those events that’s going to sell out quickly. In February, a music panel event called The Masters of Sgt Pepper will hit Melbourne to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Bank.

The panel features Sgt Pepper’s engineers Geoff Emerick and Richard Lush chatting with former Herald Sun editor Alan Howe, an acoustic performance from Davey Lane, and an audience Q&A session moderated by Leo Sayer. Attendees will get an incredible insight into what went into the recording of this ground-breaking album and the legacy of the Beatles.

The Masters of Sgt Pepper will hit Planetshakers in Southbank on February 23 and 24. Places are limited, so make sure you buy your tickets soon from Showbiz Tickets.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bird’s Basement Brings Jazz to Melbourne

Jazz lovers are in for a real treat with Bird’s Basement set to open its doors in Melbourne.

The club has already assembled an impressive line-up for its opening month, with American jazz legends Ravi Coltrane and Lee Ritenour scheduled to play on the first night, and Wendy Matthews, Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Albare, Joe Chindamo, Mike Nock, The Young ‘uns, and even Brian Mannix shows within the first month.

Bird’s Basement is a purpose-built club in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. It will offer two shows nightly – one at 6 pm and the next at 9:30 pm, accompanied by an Italian a la carte menu. Now this is how I want to see music. Melbourne, I’m officially jealous.

Bird’s Basement will welcome music lovers from March 1. You’ll find it at 11 Singer’s Lane.

Image used with permission from Cavanagh PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

4 Best Melbourne Hotels for Spotting Visiting Musicians

I think most music lovers would be lying if they said they’d never visited a hotel in the hope of meeting their favourite musician. I’m only slightly embarrassed to look back on the moments I spent loitering around a Melbourne hotel bar trying to spot Human Nature, or that time I stayed in the same hotel as John Mayer in Sydney. So I figured I’d put together this guide of the best hotels for star-spotting in Melbourne.

4. The Olsen: Trendy Boutique Accommodation

Superior service and a quiet neighbourhood have helped make the Olsen a celebrity favourite. This boutique Art Series hotel isn’t as flashy as many star magnets, but that’s actually part of its appeal. Until the word gets out, paparazzi don’t expect the big stars will stay here, so they can go about their stay without being pestered. A few years back a handful of Justin Bieber fans were lucky enough to get autographs from the Canadian singer when he emerged from the Olsen; most of his followers were sure he’d be at the Langham. Dead Daisies singer Jon Stevens also says the Olsen is the only place he’ll stay in Melbourne.

3. The Langham: Kanye West’s Favourite Hotel

Image via Flickr by Traveloscopy

When Kanye West and his wife Kim Kardashian visited Melbourne as part of 2014’s Yeezus tour, there was just one place they wanted to stay: the opulent Langham. The Kardashian-Wests rented the hotel’s presidential suite and the entire 23rd floor for the duration of their stay for the princely sum of $10,000 a night. If you visit, make sure you remember Australia’s musical past with a meal at Melba Restaurant, named after Melbourne-born opera great Dame Nellie Melba.

2. Park Hyatt Melbourne: Parkside Luxury Hotel

Some of the world’s most famous female singers love the Park Hyatt Melbourne. Both Pink and Lady Gaga have stayed at this five-star hotel just a block back from Fitzroy Gardens. No doubt they loved its quiet location on the outskirts of the CBD, and its three entrances which made it easier for them to evade the paparazzi.

1. Crown Towers: Five-Star Celebrity Magnet

Image via Flickr by a.meins

It costs big bucks to stay here, but if you can swing the room tariff you’re almost guaranteed to run into a musician at the Crown Towers. After all, this is the place where Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were shown the door after trashing their suite. Its Palladium Ballroom is the home of the Logies, so those international acts that we always fly in always stay here. In recent years, Crown Towers has also hosted Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Kings of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, and our own Kylie Minogue.

If you do happen to bump into a musical superstar while you’re around one of these Melbourne hotels, just remember to be respectful. They might be supremely talented, but they’re also human beings entitled to space during their downtime. Treat them as you’d hope to be treated, and you might just have a special moment with one of your favourite stars.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Have you ever had a hotel encounter with a musician you love? Let me know in the comments!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Music Lovers’ Guide to St Kilda

St Kilda holds a special place in Australian musical mythology. Paul Kelly sang about it in “From St Kilda to Kings Cross,” Masters Apprentices brought us “Melodies of St Kilda,” and in “The Crowd,” The Cat Empire sang about wanting to “sleep on the St Kilda sands.” So if you’re a travelling music lover, it makes sense to get out of the CBD and base yourself in this Melbourne suburb instead. Make sure you put the following on your itinerary.

See Some Live Music

Image by Melissah Crumpton via Trover.com

Of course as a music lover, you’re going to want to catch a band or two during your stay. Unfortunately, it seems most locals would rather be clubbing than watching live music, so the number of venues booking bands is dwindling. However, there are still a couple of great options available.

The Prince of Wales is probably the best known pub supporting the live music scene. It attracts big name acts, too; over the next few months, head there to see Regurgitator and Salmonella Dub. Republica and Captain Baxter have live music on the weekends and amazing food. And don’t forget the Palais, a beautiful art deco theatre that will welcome Olly Murs, Mondo Rock, and Xavier Rudd over the coming months.

Catch a RocKwiz Taping at the Espy

St Kilda is home to The Esplanade Hotel, or “The Espy” as the locals call it. Even if you’ve never been to Melbourne, you’ll recognise this pub as the home of RocKwiz. Whether you have dreams of being on the stage with Julia and Brian or cheering the teams along from the crowd, no visitor to St Kilda should miss a RocKwiz taping. The Espy is currently undergoing renovations, but sign up for the Kwizlist newsletter to learn when taping begins again and score your tickets.

Go Shopping

St Kilda has plenty of great places for travellers wanting souvenirs of their holidays. Jazz lovers could spend hours browsing the pre-loved LPs and EPs at Mainly Jazz Records and Books. Get some cool instruments at African Drumming, or drool over the goodies at The Bose Store.

Where to Stay

St Kilda has plenty of great accommodation options that are much more affordable than the hotels in inner-city Melbourne. Habitat HQ doesn’t have frills, but this hostel has a guitar library and open mic nights every Tuesday. If you want a little more luxury, look to Sixty Two on Grey, a renovated Georgian house built in the 1860s, or Tolarno Hotel, once owned by celebrated artist Mirka Mora. Her works still adorn the walls, along with pieces from up-and-coming local talents.

How to Get There

The number 96 tram, which travels from East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach, is the quickest way to get from Melbourne to St Kilda. You could also catch a train on the Sandringham line or rent a bike and take the scenic Bayside Trail, which connects Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs with St Kilda.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What do you love about St Kilda?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Save the Date: Melbourne Guitar Show

If you love guitars (and who doesn’t?) get yourself to this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show.

It’s set to be the country’s largest pop-up guitar shop with all the biggest brands on sale, collector’s items, workshops, and performances from local guitar gods like Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel, Davidson Brothers, James Ryan, and heaps more. Along with acoustic and electric guitars, you’ll also find ukuleles, amps, traditional stringed instruments, and heaps more.

“We are excited to showcase our industry’s products and the wealth of local talent that Melbourne and Australia has to offer,” said Australian Music Association CEO Rob Walker. “We seek to grow our guitar community, educate and entertain.”

Thousands are expected to attend the show at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse on August 8 and 9. Will you be one of them? Adult tickets are $20 at the gate or $17 if you pre-order.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Ultimate Neighbours Guide to Melbourne

Much more than a soapie, Neighbours is a national institution, as important to music fans as it is to TV addicts. What music lover could resist seeing the place where talents like Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Natalie Imbruglia got their start? If thoughts of Erinsborough have you dreaming of a Melbourne holiday, here’s how to make the most of your stay.

Book a Neighbours Tour

A Neighbours tour is the best way for you to really discover what Neighbours is all about. Bunyip Tours operates the original official Neighbours tour. It will take you to Global Television film studio in Nunawading. There you’ll see the Lassiter’s Complex, Fitzgerald Motors, Harold’s Store, and of course Charlie’s Bar where so many great acts like Ben Lee and The Wombats have played over the years. You’ll also get a Neighbours postcard to take home as a souvenir.

Visit Ramsay Street

Image via Flickr by snoozeuk

The exterior shots of Ramsay Street aren’t created in a studio though. All the houses you’re familiar with are actually in a place called Pin Oak Court in the Melbourne suburb of Vermont South. Remember that these are real residences, so you should be respectful of the people who own these homes. They’re used to tourists though, so they won’t mind you snapping a photo or three.

Head to Erinsborough High

There have actually been a couple of Erinsborough High Schools over the years. Blackburn English Language School and Coburg Senior High School have both been used for exterior shots. Since they’re real schools you won’t be allowed on the grounds, but you can admire them from the street.

Put Your Neighbours Trivia Knowledge to the Test

Image via Flickr by timparkinson

Discover whether you’re a true Neighbours buff at the Neighbours trivia nights held most Mondays from 7 at St Kilda’s Elephant & Wheelbarrow. Neighbours stars mingle with fans during the trivia questions, so it’s a great opportunity to get a photo with your favourite actor. Don’t get too distracted by the stars though; there are big prizes on offer like trips to The Whitsundays and New Zealand, so it pays to have your wits about you.

After three rounds of trivia, Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy) entertains the masses with his band The Waiting Room. Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) often jams with the band too. Tickets for the Neighbours trivia nights are available at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow door on the night for $40.

Stay in the City

You might think you need to head to the suburbs to get closer to fictional Erinsborough, but it’s actually smarter to stay in the centre of Melbourne. Bunyip Tours’ Neighbours tours leave from Flinders Street, so you can walk to the meeting point if you stay at Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders or the Great Southern Hotel. The trivia night also runs a courtesy bus which will pick you up from inner-city accommodation. These hotels aren’t just well located, they’re also very affordable unlike so many Melbourne accommodation options!

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What Neighbours musical moment did you love most?