Finding anyone, regarding any subject of your choice, with whom I will wholeheartedly agree is getting more and more difficult as I cut through the quagmire that the internet is starting to consist of.

Even some of the people whose opinions I took as gospels six or seven years ago are seemingly losing the plot. Its a little bewildering. Is it me? Maybe its me losing the plot. Ill readily admit its getting more and more difficult to understand everything thats going on as it all unravels faster and faster.

Last week I featured another YouTube video starring someone who was campaigning on the issue of the growing metabolic syndrome epidemic, but even he didnt understand the role or otherwise of fiber in the diet. Then along comes this heart surgeon who, again, had so far flown under my radar. Philip Ovadia seems more than qualified to talk about metabolic syndrome, hes operated on many victims of this epidemic and he was one of its victims himself.

Yes its a long video, but knowledge always comes at a price. I found this faultless, and I really appreciate his honesty and passion.

Throughout their nearly three-decade career in their current formation, each of these plural nouns and their final statement holds true to their global phenomena story.

In 1989, sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer started the bluegrass quartet, Dixie Chicks, in Dallas, Texas. After some reformation of shape, parting ways with bassist Laura Lynch and vocalist/guitarist Robin Lynn Macy, and onboarding Natalie Maines, Dixie Chicks really took flight, becoming the heralded country trio that they are today. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

It all began with Wide Open Spaces. The 1998 album saw all three singles, Theres Your Trouble, You Were Mine and the titular track all reach the number one spot on the country charts. The album itself would open the groups doors into the vast pop space, setting a record for the best-selling duo or group in country music history at 12 million initial copies sold, an RIAA-certified diamond standard. It saw them gain Grammy Award-winning status and significant recognition from music institutions including the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. 

The trajectory was fast for the three females, as they continued to back it up with 1999s Fly, an album that introduced us to the revenge story Goodbye Earl, and a song that has amassed over 163 million streams, the revered Cowboy Take Me Away. 

It was after this rise that the first obstacle hit in the form of a dispute with their record label, Sony, where they had been withheld $4 million US dollars in royalties. Following a private settlement, the Dixie Chicks were awarded their own record label imprint, Open Wide Records, affording them more control over their creative process and finances; a win in the industry game and a platform for other female artists who had shared label experiences to take action. It was at this point in their career that the trio came into their own.

Perhaps one of the most famous covers in country history, Dixie Chicks took on Fleetwood Macs iconic Landslide, released under their third album Home...

 THE AGE 15/6/23:

Powerful unions want Labors rank and file to formally condemn the $368 billion AUKUS submarine deal this weekend, potentially setting up an awkward clash with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he addresses Victorian Labors first state conference in four years

Both the prime minister and Premier Daniel Andrews will deliver speeches to party faithful at the conference, according to several state and federal government sources.

The conference will be the first since 2019 before the pandemic, Melbournes long lockdowns, and the federal intervention that followed revelations by The Age about branch stacking, especially by former Labor right powerbroker Adem Somyurek.

The 606 delegates will be asked to vote on a motion from manufacturing union the AMWU seen by The Age, slamming Australias decision to acquire a nuclear-powered...

Its happening! Monopoly Dreams theme park has officially passed GO and will be arriving in Melbourne this September.

Bringing to life the economics-themed board game that was such a staple of everyones childhood (and the game most likely to end in a bitter familial disagreement),  the long-awaited Monopoly Dreams indoor theme park will officially open its doors in September.

Modelled after Melbourne itself, the upcoming amusement park will open September 1, 2023, taking over a 1650-square-metre space at Melbourne Central with the nostalgic iconography from Monopoly. With two sections and 15 attractions across both, its going to be double the size of its original Hong Kong location.

Monopoly Dreams Melbourne

• A Monopoly theme park is opening up in Melbourne Central on September 1 2023
• Monopoly Dreams will be a fully immersive and interactive Monopoly experience featuring games, prizes, laser challenge and 4DX technology
• Its set to be twice the size of the one that opened in Hong Kong in 2019

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here. 

 

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If youre looking for somewhere new to show off your swing, Marvel Stadium is the new place to be with the arrival of Stadium Golf this September.

In a Melbourne first, Stadium Golf will see Marvel Stadiums iconic pitch, known for hosting internationally acclaimed concerts and Australias most loved sporting codes, including AFL, Soccer, Rugby, and Cricket, transformed into an interactive nine-hole golf course.

Presented by Sportsbet, Stadium Golf will run exclusively from September 14-24 and give people the chance to hone in on their skills by driving golf balls onto the very pitch where sporting heroes have made history.

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

 

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To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Frozen and 100 years of Disney in 2023, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is bringing Frozen to life this weekend.

Happening on Saturday 17 June, relive Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Kristoffs beloved adventure with the MSO performing the music while you watch the entire movie with its dialogue on the big screen for two very special performances.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

 

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With a live show that invites you in and makes you never want to leave, the ARIA-nominated project Georgia State Lines unique brand of country-infused melancholy yields music thats equal parts heartsick and hopeful.

The moniker of Melbourne-based songwriter and musician Georgia Delves, and her innately talented band of Tom Brooks, Laura Baxter, and Patrick Wilson will be bringing their infectious blend of both vintage and contemporary sounds and songs steeped in Tennessee sunsets to Geelong this weekend as part of the new Lightning and Rhinestones Festival.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Joining the likes of Ben Mastwyk, Freya Josephine Hollick, Patrick Wilson and more, Georgia State Line is an exceptionally exciting addition to the lineup of the new alt-country festival.

As one of the most talked about Americana acts in Australia, thanks to the refreshingly honest sound that is even parts heartsick and hopeful, Georgia State Line has been on a hot streak since their release of the highly acclaimed debut album, In Colour, released through Cheatin Heart Records/Spunk Records.

Their 2021 debut album In Colour is a coming-of-age, for not just the band but also its listeners. Their unique brand of sound feels like home, a genuine and warm acknowledgment of the infinite possibilities of life. It is no surprise that the group have been nominated for a string of highly esteemed awards including ARIA and AIR Awards, and recently took home the trophy for Best Country Work at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards. Theyve performed as part of major festivals across Australia including CMC Rocks and Tamworth Music Festival and have warmed up the stage for major international acts like Justin Townes Earle and Eilen Jewell.

Having just been named amongst the dynamic group of Australian songwriters and composers as a recipient of the 2023 APRA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS (PDAs), we sat down with Georgia Delves ahead of the groups performance this Sunday.

Were looking forward to having you in Geelong for the very first Lightning and Rhinestones festival. What is it about this festival that made you keen to be involved?

Whilst I love Melbourne and the Northern suburbs of which we frequent, I always love any opportunity to diversify the venues we play through. Really excited to be playing the Barwon Club and to be featured on a bill alongside a bunch of country artists (and our peers) that are just out there doing their own thing. I think thats the most exciting part each of us belongs to a strong...

<p>A tour forged out of mutual artistic appreciation and kinship, three alt-kilter powerhouse Naarm-based musos, V, Maxine Gillon & Ghost Bitch (US) are bringing triple threat to Medusa Bar this Friday.

Taking place within the laneway bar on Friday 16 June, the three bands will come together for a night of new wave, post-punk, alt-rock, dark-wave and non-genre conforming realness, gifting the region that most epic way to cap off the working week.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews </i></b><a href= "https://fortemag.com.au/music/"><span class= "s1"><b><i>here</i></b></span></a><b><i>.</i></b></p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <p> </p> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style= "display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style= "color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 14px;"> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;">...</div> </div> </div> </blockquote>

<p>An incredible group of dynamic and inspiring Australian songwriters and composers have been announced as the recipients of the 2023 APRA Professional Development Awards (PDAs).</p> <p>With an aim to create serious opportunities for emerging songwriters and composers, the APRA PDAs is a game-changing initiative presented by APRA AMCOS and NATSIMO (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office) that exist to provide impactful support in the form of a $10,000 cash prize at a pivotal stage in their respective careers.</p> <p><b><i>Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews </i></b><a href= "https://fortemag.com.au/music/"><span class= "s2"><b><i>here</i></b></span></a><b><i>.</i></b></p> <p>The 2023 PDAs showcase music creators across multiple disciplines, from Telenovas Angeline Armstrong for popular contemporary, to pianist, composer and improviser Sophie Min, screen composer Luna Pan, Country & Americana artist Georgia Delves (Georgia State Line) and music theatre honouree Vidya Makan.

For the first time in 2023, NATSIMO honours three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriters in Yirrmal (NATSIMO General), Jem Cassar-Daley (NATSIMO Youth) and Andrew Gurruwiwi (NATSIMO Senior), who performed with his band at todays announcement.</p> <h3>2023 PDA recipients</h3> <p>Andrea Guterres Classical/ Experimental<br> Georgia Delves (Georgia State Line) Country/ Americana<br> Alex Hosking Dance/ Electronic<br> Soli Hip Hop/ Rap/ R&B/ Soul<br> Sophie Min Jazz/ Improvised<br> Vidya Makan LIGHT Music Theatre<br> Angeline Armstrong (Telenova) Popular Contemporary<br> Elizabeth M. Drummond Popular Contemporary<br> Luna Pan Screen Composition<br> Yirrmal NATSIMO (General)<br> Jem Cassar-Daley NATSIMO (Youth)<br> Andrew Gurruwiwi NATSIMO (Senior)</p> <p>We are very proud to support the next chapter for the three inaugural NATSIMO PDA category winners: Yirrmal, Jem Cassar-Daley and Andrew Gurruwiwi. While each winner is at a different career and life stage, they are all on the cusp of an exciting next step in their songwriting and artistry, said Leah Flanagan, Director, NATSIMO</p> <p>The NATSIMO created these categories to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music creator members and the professional strides they make in their own unique way. We are particularly proud to be able to recognise and award our senior songwriters who are admired and active contributors to the Australian musical and cultural landscape.</p> <p><strong>For more information, visit <a href= "https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about/supporting-the-industry/awards/professional-development-awards-2023"> apraamcos...

<p>When it comes to Australias most revered rock outfits, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil are amongst the crme de la crme of classic pub rock.</p> <p>With a shared history that spans decades and an extensive catalogue of songs and albums that have become part of the nations psyche, Geelongs Elephant and Castle Hotel will be the place to be for fans of old-school rock this July as it hosts an <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/events/585920419635325">epic double headline tribute show</a>, dedicated to these two iconic bands.</p> <p><b><i>Stay up to date with all the epic events happening in and around the region <a href= "https://fortemag.com.au/entertainment/">here</a>.</i></b></p> <p>Taking place on Saturday 8 July, GOLD CHISEL, Australias No. 1 Cold Chisel Tribute Show, and The Australian MIDNIGHT OIL Tribute Show, will descend upon the main bar stage, recapturing the sound, energy and anthems of these two legendary bands with great authenticity.</p> <p>Hailed as Australias very best Cold Chisel tribute act, Gold Chisel is fronted by singer Andy Lutze and features a handpicked group of the finest musicians in the country, reproducing what has been described as the closest thing to the real deal that one could possibly imagine. Not only do GOLD CHISEL recapture the true sound and spirit of the iconic band, but they also recreate the energy and excitement that made Cold Chisel one of the largest draw cards in the history of the Australian live music scene.</p> <p>Consisting of five seasoned and accomplished players, The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show is simply the most dynamic and energetic Midnight Oil tribute to be found across the nation. Hailing from Melbourne, this tribute band has earned a stellar reputation over the years for their extensive catalogue of Oils hits from the early albums and EPs, such as their debut album, Head Injuries, Bird Noises & Place Without a Postcard right through to the chart smashing 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, Red Sails in the Sunset, Diesel & Dust and Blue Sky Mining.

Recreating the passion, energy and big, big sound that Midnight Oil were famous for in concerts such as 1982s Live at Capitol Theatre, this show is a pulsating, hot and sweaty must see for any kind of Oils fans.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <p> </p> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> ...</div> </div> </blockquote>

Three seemingly disparate events that occurred last week the RBA raising interest rates, the leaked audio and text messages from Brittany Higgins and the resignation of Victorias Chief Health Officer (CHO) Brett Sutton might well spell the start of the true red pilling, or an awakening, for Australians.

You might wonder how?

Its obvious how the RBA rate rise matters to everyone.

Then theres Brett Suttons move to the CSIRO which you might applaud or seethe over his legacy on households and small businesses in Victoria.

But what about the Brittany Higgins scandal? Isnt it just a political smear campaign gone wrong?

Let me explore with you how these events fit into the dire situation our society is facing.

The RBA Governors Marie Antoinette moment

Let me start with the Reserve Bank of Australia raising the 24-hour cash rate last Tuesday.

That event itself wasnt much of a surprise. Its the events after that are worth shining a light on.

Right after raising rates and socking them to the ordinary Australian, the RBA Governor Philip Lowe spent the night in an extravagant function with the outgoing WA Premier Mark McGowan, State Opposition Leader Libby Mettam and several key business leaders. That dinner cost around $25,000, paid for by you and me.

If thats not enough, the next day, he put his foot in his mouth at the Morgan Stanley Summit when he said:

If people can cut back spending, or in some cases find additional hours of work, that would put them back into a positive cash flow position.

So this is what he did.

He increased your financial burden, then headed off to an extravagant night out at your expense. The next day he told his buddies that you need to work harder and spend less to make ends meet.

Talk about rubbing it in your face!

For months people have called for Lowes replacement given his poor handling of monetary policy where he misled Australian borrowers, stating that therell be no rate rises until 2024.

I can imagine these calls are going to escalate following last week.

Victoria CHO Sutton off to the CSIRO, what legacy will he d...

Gifting the destination of Echuca-Moama an immersive experience not to be missed, the beloved Horseshoe Lagoon will be transformed into a spectacular exhibition of light and sound from 30 June to 23 July as Moama Lights takes visitors on a powerful journey through the elements of air, fire, water and earth.

Created and produced by world-class design studio Mandylights, Moama Lights 2023 will be split into seven zones as it guides event-goers through an interactive story that will showcase the wonders of the earth and the beauty of the bush.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

 

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Combatting the winter chill, Kryal Castle in Ballarat is being set alight these school holidays with the return of its much-anticipated Knights of Fire from Saturday 24th June to Sunday 9th July.

A highlight of the Ballarat Winter Festival, the free event centres around the storyline that the Ice Queen has gripped Kryal Castle in eternal frost and only the valiant knight Sir Hector can break her icy curse. Each day, several incredible fire performers, knights, queens, princesses and wizards will show off their skills in an epic battle between Sir Hector and the Ice Queens Dark Knight!

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

As part of the event, Kryal Castles iconic displays will be set on fire along with a range of thrilling new performances. On entry, visitors can learn the full story of how the Ice Queen brought her frozen curse in the Shadow Puppet Show, while with swords flaming, Sir Hector will be battling it out in a sword duel against the Black Knight in the main arena and in a heroic final stand-off, the Fire Joust will see the knights charge at each other on horseback with their lances set alight.

Other thrilling entertainment will include fire-twirling displays and knights atop their loyal steeds leaping over burning obstacles in a feat not for the faint of heart. Those interested in discovering how medieval Blacksmiths crafted weapons and jewellery should be sure to stop by the Blacksmith Hut for a live display.

Guests can also join in on the fiery fun with a range of hands-on activities for those of all ages, including crafting a fire stick at the Magna Carta Room and learning what it takes to become a professional fire-twirler with a twirling class.

Archery and axe-throwing will be on offer as well for those wanting to train in arms, along with a range of winter-inspired crafts.

Another feature and a real highlight of Knights of Fire will be Kryal Castles exclusive Feast of Fire dining experience on Saturday 1st July. Held in The Abbey, guests will enjoy a mouth-watering menu amidst the warmth of a crackling fire...

If youre craving a steaming hot bowl of top-notch pho out on the Bellarine this winter, youre in luck: Bellarine Pho is back and ready to dish out this quintessential winter staple for the next couple of months.

First arriving in early May last year and running until August, Bellarine Pho is a brilliant little pop-up that made its way onto the Bellarine Peninsula, setting up in the quaint town of Queenscliff at Trident Fish Bar Queenscliff. Tucked away in the corner of the local fish and chippery, the stall might have been miniature but locals didnt let its size deceive them: the pho here is big on flavour, bringing all the zest of Vietnamese street food to the diners of the Bellarine.

Stay up to date with whats happening on the foodie scene around the region here. 

Now this little gem is back for the winter month, once again becoming our latest go-to now that the regions fresher temperatures have hit.

Running until 6 August, Bellarine Pho will be operating Thursday to Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, the menu packs a punch.

 

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After a massive 30 date tour throughout Europe this year, Australian rock band Kingswood are returning home and excited to announce their biggest tour to date.

The Hometowns tour will see the band undertake more shows (70 + dates) than ever on record in the history of Australia, specially modifying a coach to sustain the overwhelmingly extensive undertaking from January 2023.

Coinciding with the tour announcement, Kingswood have released their new single Burning Holes. This is hands down the best writing to come from the Kingswood camp since in recent times and heralds a significant return to form for the critically acclaimed 4-piece.

The new single is the first track from their forthcoming studio album Home coming out in February 2023. The new album Home is melodically rich in Americana vibes and bluesy rock after being mixed and mastered in Nashville by revered American engineer Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle).

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Piano Bar Pop Up Sunday Sessions Ocean Grove. Blackmans Ocean Grove. Ocean Grove. 2pm. $27.78.

The post Piano Bar Pop Up Sunday Sessions Ocean Grove appeared first on Forte Magazine.

Piano Bar Pop Up Sunday Sessions Ocean Grove. Blackmans Ocean Grove. Ocean Grove. 2pm. $27.78.

The post Piano Bar Pop Up Sunday Sessions Ocean Grove appeared first on Forte Magazine.

V, Maxine Gillon, Ghost Bitch (US) live at Medusa. 

The post V, Maxine Gillon, Ghost Bitch (US) appeared first on Forte Magazine.

THIS SHOW IS STRICTLY 18+

PLAYING TIMES:
VOIID 11PM TIL 12AM
BLIND GIRLS 9.50PM
GARAGE SALE 9PM

The post VOIID, Blind Girls. appeared first on Forte Magazine.

Nick Allbrook. The Workers Club. Melbourne. 7pm. $23.20.

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Ben Gerrans Spins Official Launch Party. The Deck. Geelong. 9pm. $11.40.

The post Ben Gerrans Spins Official Launch Party appeared first on Forte Magazine.

<div>Another exciting incarnation from the amazing Bill Barber! The Holding Cell will be bringing that Bluesy Southern rock vibe to Pistol Petes and you best not miss it!<br> There is already a major buzz about this band & we are super excited to have them here.

Bill Barber

Chicago Dime is a Melbourne based Chicago-Texas fusion blues band.
The bands love for the blues runs deep, their name taken from a Buddy Guy lyric: I went to Chicago lookin for a dime and found a quarter.

Led by Pete Hachel and JR Barling, the bands raw energy and intensity is reminiscent of some of the best blues and improvisational music that Australia has ever offered.

Chicago Dime have the feeling that makes the blues real by involving the audience, dancing on tables, and impromptu band members.

One thing is clear about Chicago Dime; theyre never going to repeat themselves!

The post CHICAGO DIME appeared first on Forte Magazine.

Buying art in cryptocurrency has seen record-breaking prices followed by a crash in recent years, but there are ways to remove the volatility to benefit both artists and buyers.

By Dr David Challis, University of Melbourne.

Installing a new swimming pool in your backyard is a very exciting moment indeed. But before you start inviting everyone for a dip, you need to first make sure that your pool is safe to swim in.

As a responsible pool owner, its essential that you dont cut corners when it comes to pool safety. In Victoria, if you dont adhere to local safety regulations, you could get a fine that can go all the way up to $1,600. More importantly, failing to comply with safety regulations also puts you and your loved ones at a higher risk of getting hurt. Common pool injuries include drowning, slip and falls, poisoning via pool chemicals, and electrical injuries.

From your choice of pool pavers to the chlorine content of your water, there are a lot of things that you need to consider to make sure that your swimming pool and pool area is safe.

In this blog, were going to go over five things that you can do to keep your backyard pool safe.

Work with Reliable Pool Builders

The first thing that you need to do is to find a reliable pool builder. Experienced pool builders will have a comprehensive understanding of all relevant safety regulations in your area. They will make sure that your pool is built according to local government guidelines and acquire all the necessary building permits for you. If youre having trouble choosing the right paver or the right pool pump, a good builder should be able to provide you with sound advice about that as well.

In Victoria, some aspects of your pool will need to be inspected by registered building surveyors or inspectors before they can be approved for use. A reputable builder will be able to help pass any safety inspections that are required by your local council.

Build a Proper Pool Fence

According to the Victorian Building Authority, all swimming pools or spas that are more than 30cm deep must have a safety barrier that is compliant with AS1926.1-1993.If youre building a pool barrier fence, it must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 1.2m high
• Have a gap under the fence that does not exceed 100mm
• Horizontals must be at least 0.9m apart if the verticals are between 10mm and 100m
• Verticals must not be further apart than 10mm in all other cases
• If it meets existing fencing, it must be protected to a distance of 1.2m on the outside of the pool fence and 300mm on the inside

For the full criteria, please refer to the pool barrier fact sheet provided by the Victorian Government.

Have Rescue Equipment and a First Aid Kit Readily Available

If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, its important to have rescue equipment like life rings, life hooks, and rescue tubes. Suc...

Dust off your stetson and polish your spurs as the beloved Bellarine Estate winery is celebrating July 4th American Independence Day with its authentic Texas BBQ.

Relaunching this winter, the Texas BBQ @ Bellarine Estate is set to be the next big regional Victoria culinary hit, attracting visitors with its low and slow traditional American BBQ fare, cooked up using cherished Kenny family, award-winning recipes. The unique family-focused drawcard taken from owner Lizette Kennys Texan family roots will be dished up with lots of love and a good serving of Texan tradition at the popular, picturesque winery overlooking Corio Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

 

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Following a wildly successful sold-out tour earlier this year, Automatic is set to captivate audiences once again with their unique blend of moody yet razor-sharp synth-punk. Catch them at The Night Cat on July 19.

Automatic Australian tour

• July 19 The Night Cat, Melbourne, VIC
• July 20 MCA (supporting Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Melbourne, VIC
• July 22 Splendour In The Grass, Byron Bay, NSW
• July 24 Hordern Pavilion (supporting Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Sydney, NSW
• July 26 The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
• July 28 Mojos, North Fremantle, WA

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

The trio, consisting of Izzy Glaudini on synths and vocals, Halle Saxon on bass and vocals, and Lola Domp, have been making waves in the music scene since the release of their second LP, Excess, on the esteemed Stones Throw label in June 2023. The album, hailed by critics for its motorik beats, icy atmospheres, and danceable energy, has firmly established Automatic as a force to be reckoned with.

 

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Designed to amplify the voices of artists who inspire action for climate and conservation, and support the environmental movement by engaging, energising and activating diverse audiences through music, the global first Environmental Music Prize has been awarded for 2023, going to none other than locally-raised talent Xavier Rudd.

Taking out the $20,000 impact-focused prize, Rudds spellbinding ode-to-nature STONEY CREEK was the winner of the 2023 prize. He has very generously decided to donate the prize money to environmental organisations (to be announced shortly).

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

What an honour to be named winner of the ENVIRONMENTAL MUSIC PRIZE. The land and sea and all its magnificent plants and animals have been the biggest inspiration for my music by far since I began writing songs when I was a kid and, so as far as music awards go, this one feels perfect, Rudd explains.

Thanks to all of you who voted for me and to all of the other artists nominated. Big love.

Rudd was sailing up to Cape York with his wife when he wrote Stoney Creek,:

It was under the melaleuca trees that I wrote Stoney Creek as I contemplated life and what was happening in the world. I had been hearing stories about how the forced lockdowns across the world had allowed space for many of the environments natural ecosystems to spring back to life and recover from relentless human traffic. I had been thinking Without nature, without our natural resources, how do we survive?

From Jan Juc to the world stage, Xavier Rudd returns to his roots in Geelong show this weekend 

The 22 finalist music videos, revealed on Earth Day, were selected by environmental leaders, music ambassadors and impact partners for their ability to connect us to nature or an environmental issue. A diverse group of Australian artists and music styles were highlig...

For the 19th time, the small beachside town of Portarlington hosted the National Celtic Folk Festival over the June long weekend. With two full days and two half days of entertainment, the festival provided a lineup of singers, dancers, games, and workshops, to interest near-everyone, from the tiny tots through to those in their golden years. 

Graced with a dry weekend (a stark contrast from last year!), those from near and far travelled to Portarlington to make the most of the Celtic Festival. The setting of the family-friendly festival is beautiful, allowing spectators to walk around the grounds while taking in the surrounding picturesque seascape.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Money is tight for most of us at the moment, but you dont need to buy a ticket to get a taste of the Celtic Festival, with free roving entertainment, a market, childrens craft, and outdoor demonstrations happening around the town. For those with children, there is a playground in the festival area which proved a popular and free way to burn off some energy!

A roving entertainer that drew my attention this weekend was Irishman Mick Gribben, who had market-goers stopped in their tracks to listen to his strong vocal-only rendition of Grace (an Irish song popularised by Jim McCann and The Dubliners).

Similarly, the Geelong RSL Pipes and Drums drew a hefty crowd with traditional tunes and the much-loved Amazing Grace. An advertised schedule of the free entertainment would be a very welcome addition for next years festival, to give spectators the best chance to catch a pop-up set or activity.

 

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