Loving live music isn’t just about attending music festivals and seeing an international artist’s massive arena show. Even the biggest of big-name headliners started in the trenches, on the sticky carpets and bandrooms of your local bars and pubs – which is exactly where you should be if you want to discover your new favourite band or venue. Here’s our picks for this week’s best local gigs from Aussie talent – from Perth to the East Coast – and all for the price of a good meal.
Totally Mild / Terrible Truths
Where? Shadow Electric – Sacred Heart Courtyard, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Victoria
When? 7pm – 11pm, Friday June 24
Why? Billed as ‘Totally Terrible’, this one will be anything but. Bedroom Suck present Totally Mild and Terrible Truths teaming up at the Convent for a night of guitars, with support from the likes of Lower Plenty, Pillow Pro and WA guest Childsaint.
Tickets & Info: $12 presale, Facebook event
Dannika
Where? The Tote – 71 Johnson St Collingwood, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Thursday June 23
Why? Dannika are a talented emerging guitar outfit releasing lovely, slow-burning guitar tracks through Solitaire records. They’ll be launching their For Peaches EP with a killer lineup including Ciggie Witch, Frances Fox, Becoming Friends, and a special two-man set from Good Morning.
Tickets & Info: $10 on the door, Facebook event
Jack The Stripper
Where? Enigma Bar – 173 Hindley St, Adelaide
When? 8:30pm, Saturday June 25
Why? Simply one of the best heavy rock bands in a live setting, they’re kicking off their national tour in Adelaide, and following it up with an overseas jaunt in August, playing the likes of Brutal Assault festival in the Czech Republic. If that name doesn’t tell you all you need to know, we don’t know what will.
Tickets & Info: $15.30, event page
The Rock Dogs
Where? Cherry Bar, AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
When? 8pm, Friday June 24
Why? The Rock Dogs hosting a Footy Pie Night in AC/DC lane to raise money for the Community Cup – it doesn’t get more Aussie than that. Dan Sultan and a host of others will be in attendance to lend their pipes for charity, and you can stay warm and frosty with a hot pie and a cold drink. We know this one is a little bit more than $15, but since it’s for charity, we’re happy to sneak it in.
Tickets & Info: $25, Facebook event
Ara Koufax
Where? Rocket Bar – 142 Hindley St, Adelaide
When? 9pm – 5am, Friday June 25
Why? One of the best production duos in Melbourne (featuring the former memebers of Naysayer & Gilsun) getting sweaty in Rocket Bar with an assortment of DJs provided by Young Muscle. A tenner before 11pm, taking you all the way through until the morning.
Tickets & Info: $10+ on the door, Facebook event
Grizzly Jim Lawrie & More
Where? The Old Bar – 74 – 76 Johnston St Fitzroy, Melbourne
When? 7:30pm, Sunday June 27
Why? Beer? Soaked? Sundays? Count us in! This week Melbourne’s beloved Old Bar is bringing us the only way to end the weekend and take us into yet another week of the 9-5 grind. At least you get to spend your last day of freedom with the likes of Grizzly Jim Lawrie, Palm Springs, Robert Muinos, Dorsal Fin DJs, and plenty of $10 jugs.
Tickets & Info: $6 on the door, event page
