What’s better than live music? Free live music, of course.
Everybody loves free shit, so we thought we’d compile a list of the best upcoming gigs and events that all have one thing in common: they require precisely zero dollars to attend.
Stop letting your bank balance get in the way and lap up these killer freebies. After all, you know what they say – the best things in life are free.
Wax’O Paradiso
Where? Section 8, 27-29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne
When? 3:00pm, Sunday 21st December
Why? Wax’o Paradiso are reuniting their three residents as they morph Melbourne’s most-Melbourne live music venue – the tucked-away graffiti’d alleyway of Section 8 – into an oriental-flavoured Japanese Garden Paradise. Kicking off at 3pm and going long through the night, bring your kimonos but leave your shoes at the door.
Tickets & Info: www.facebook.
The Rocks Village Bizarre
Where? The Rocks , Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney
When? 6:30pm – 10:00pm, Friday, 5th, 12th & 19th December
Why? Want to peruse through markets of handmade crafts, vintage clothing, delicious and exotic foods as well as seeing some captivating live music? Look no further than the Bizarre, a Friday night event that mixes all of these elements into one beautiful free night out. Performing each week is Berlin producer Peter Baecker, who delivers an insane live act in a shopfront backed by an interactive art installations.
Event Info: www.therocks.com
The Courtyard Club
Where? State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, 174-176 William St, Perth
When? 5:00pm – 10:00pm Friday, 5th, 12th & 19th December
Why? We’re blessed with many things here in Australia, but unquestionably one of our greatest natural assets is the weather, and when the months get warmer, we can’t stay indoors for long. The guys behind this spring/summer series are well in-tune with this notion, and have decided to throw free parties at The State Theatre Courtyard every Friday afternoon. Featuring an array of killer live music, the remaining events will see the 5th December guest Grace Barbe, DJ Jack Doepel (Giant Steps), 12th December with Timothy Nelson & the Infidels, DJ Rhian Todhunter (Homegrown, Rockin the Roots), DJ Mark Neal (Homegrown) with the final show on 19th December will see The Community Supergroup, featuring Diger Rokwell, Mathas and more, DJ Ben EM Underground Solution DJs.
Event Info: www.statetheatrecentrewa.com.au
The Furrs
Where? Black Bear Lodge, 1/322 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When? 8:00pm, Friday 5th December
Why? There’s no better feeling knocking-off work on a Friday night with knowledge that you’re going to witness some incredible live music that night, and this is the exact story for the lucky guys in Brisbane this weekend. Taking to the Black Bear Lodge’s stage are the rockabilly stylings of The Furrs, who are hot off the release of their self-titled EP. In additon to this, Melbourne shoegaze lads The Trotskies will be launching their brand-spanking new single ‘DYR.’
Event Info: http://www.blackbearlodge.com.au
Event Info: www.facebook.com
StreetX Melbourne Party
Where? Laundry Bar, 48-50 Johnston street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Saturday 6th December
Why? Laundry Bar and Budweiser have banded together to present kings of the internet and reigning kings of Perth, StreetX, during their Melbourne party debut. Featuring DJ sets by Canvas, refreshments courtesy of Budweiser, with $10 cocktail jugs running from 8pm til 10:30pm, this party is sure to be nothing but totally kick-ass. Having established themselves as a go-to destination for the hottest street wear for Perth residents, StreetX have dived right into the party market, hosting many much talked-about events.
Event Info: www.facebook.com
Rick Wilhite
Where? Schoolhouse Studios, 81 Rupert St. Collingwood
When? 11am-5pm, Saturday 13th December
Why? Don’t fret – there’s plenty of ways to stay merry if you’re not lucky enough to have a ticket to Meredith.
There’s no better way to keep up that holiday spirit but soaking up all the freebies on offer at Schoolhouse Studio’s holiday market. With live music from Grouse Parté DJs, cheap as chips drinks (we’re talking $5 beer, wine and mimosas) and heaps of stalls selling goodies, there’s lots of goodies to snap up here.
Event Info: www.facebook.
Emma Donovan / The Putbacks
Where? The Motor Room, Cnr Boundary & Mollison Streets, West End, Brisbane
When? 5:00pm, Saturday, 20th December
Why? With her renowned vocal abilities and magnetic stage presence, Emma Donovan is know throughout the local music scene as a passionate singer, songwriter, and collaborative vocal artist, whose musical expression is a fusion of roots, reggae, and soul. Meanwhile, Melbourne-bred funk outfit The Putbacks have similarly developed a reputation as a dependable and exciting live act, having opened for the likes of The Bamboos, Electric Empire, and more. Together, they’re sure to be a musical combo that cannot be beaten.
Event Info: www.
Monday Night Mass End of Year Party
Where? Northcote Social Club, 301 High St, Northcote, Melbourne
When? 8:00pm, Monday, 22nd December
Why? Featuring a lineup of esteemed acts, including Mesa Cosa, Shovels, who’ll be playing their last show for a while, Duck Duck Chop, and a highly anticipated mystery guest, you don’t want to miss the Monday Night Mass End of Year Party. Organised by the legends in Mesa Cosa, the even will be the band’s opportunity to say thank-you to the fans that have supported them over this year. Best of all, they’re promising “a Christmas tree set up filled with personal presents from us that you can take PLUS free beer while we’re playing!!! (Or until our crappy bar tab runs out)”
Schoolhouse Studios Market
Where? Boney, 68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
When? Saturday 20th December
Why? You know the drill by now – the Red Bull Music Academy are Australia’s number one providers of #relevant, forward-thinking electronic artists, and the latest gift they’re giving us this holiday season is legendary Detroit DJ Rick Wilhite. Bringing over 20 years of rhythm mastery down under, when it comes to movers and shakers of Detroit’s electronic scene, you won’t find many more respected, hardworking (or underrated) than Wilhite. If old school beats are your thing, jot this one down.
Event Info: www.facebook.
Music In The Park
Where? Santiago Park, Ocean Reef, Perth
When? 6:00pm, Saturday 6th December
Why? Taking to the beautiful parklands of Joondalup, this wondrous evening will feature free live performances from an eclectic mix of talent, including brass-laden The Bro and the soulful Odette Mercy and Her Soul Atomics. This is a night of complete and utter relaxation, so feel free to bring along a picnic rug and some tucker, kick up your feet and enjoy the show in the balmy evening.
Event Info: www.joondalup.wa.gov.au
