Our Community

Don't miss award nominated singer songwriter and guitar virtuoso Thor Phillips as he brings his heartfelt performance to Smith’s Alternative. Thor will be playing songs from his new album "Money Over Time" as well as past releases. The night will start with an acoustic set accompanied by wife Jasmine Phillips and then ramp up with an electric band set.

This is a night for all music lovers, from die hard guitar fans to those ready to be moved by songs of hardship, love and life lessons.

6.30-8.30pm, tickets

Address:
Smith's Alternative
76 Alinga Street

2023 Memphis International Blues Challenge winner Frank Sultana is bringing his band plus some very special guests to Canberra for what will be a killer night of swamp blues.

Beginning his career in 2011, Frank has released 12 albums and 4 EPs and performed his original blues here and abroad, earning a reputation for being a powerful, authentic and raw performer.

With 7 Sydney Blues Society Blues Awards on the shelf as well as an APRA nomination in 2023, for his song The Howling Dogs, he has certainly cemented his place on the Australian blues scene, and made serious waves in the US, where he has shared stages with everyone from Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Kingfish, Ana Popovic and many many more.

7.00-10.30pm, tickets

Address:
Harmonie German Club,
Narrabundah

Hosted by Wally and Eric Crew.

Wally & Eric Crew have deep roots in the Canberra live music scene. They play traditional blues and related songs mixed with originals. Expect shuffles, boogaloos, New Orleans second line, 12/8 blues, swing, Caribbean feels and more.

1.00-4.00pm, tickets

Address:
Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

Celebrate International Blues Music Day with the Blues Guitar Roadshow and Canberra Blues Society IBMD Party. Two shows in one ticket!

"The Ensemble Spectacular" is coming to Canberra for the first time for International Blues Music Day! The Blues Guitar Roadshow brings the thrill of a music festival in one unforgettable show.

Headlining the roadshow, direct from the US, is the one and only Ana Popovic! An irresistible force in the world of contemporary Blues music. Hailed as "one Helluva guitar-Player" by Bruce Springsteen, the Blues Guitar Roadshow is thrilled to have the award winning, hard touring guitar slinger on board to light up the stage!

Also featuring Australian blues legends: Geoff Achison, Ray Beadle, The McNaMarr Project, Simon Kinny-Lewis, Corey Legge, Angus Burchall (John Farnham Band), Andrew Fry, Shane Gilbert, Richard Tankard, and local legends and great friends of the Canberra Blues Society: Chris Harland and Liam McAllister!

Hot from sold out shows don't miss this fast paced celebration of blues music. Showcase sets and a show stopping All-Star Jam that has to be seen to be believed. Book your tickets today to see live music at it's very best.   

The Blues Guitar Roadshow will be followed by the CBS IBMD Party to keep you dancing late into the night!

Featuring:

• Nick Charles (VIC)
• Chris Harland Blues Band (ACT)
• The Sunbears (ACT)

Over 6 hours of live Blues music!!!

3.00-6.00pm, Blues Guitar Roadshow
7.00-10.30pm, CBS IBMD Party. Tickets

Address:
Harmonie German Club
49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah

For the first time ever in Australia, Japanese legends Mitsuru Tabata and Shoji Hano. This dynamic duo with amazing pedigree tour with their debut duo release "Meeting" (UFO Creations).

Tabata - "When my high school band played in our hometown of Kyoto, we got an encore. Suddenly, a man with a piercing gaze asked if he could play our drums. We let him, and it turned out to be Shoji Hano. That was my very first encounter with free jazz drumming.

Later, I connected with Hano-san through Makoto Kawabata of Acid Mothers Temple. Two years ago, while back in Kyoto, I passed by the site where that venue used to be and posted the story, tagging him. He noticed it and reached out, saying, "Why don’t we play together again?" That’s how it all started."

Don't miss this very (very) special pairing of two giants of Japanese improvised music!

Joined by Sydney band Fowl Weather Vein, hatched in 2018, with more false starts than an Eastern Bloc sedan on a frosty dawn. Fowl Weather Vein dish up a puréed post-punk, post-blues, post-op crockpot with sides of riled-up sea shanties, and the odd dollop of spag-western retribution.

6.30-8.30pm, tickets

Website: https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/mitsuru-tabata-shoji-hano-98926

Email: [email protected]

Address:
Smiths Alternative
Alinga St, Civic

Phone: 0491082418

This workshop is an introduction to live sound production. The Workshop is being conducted by Patrick Keogh, the Digital Media Officer for the Canberra Blues Society.  There will be an introduction to the various components that make up a live sound system, including the different types of mixers, speakers and cabling, and a step-by-step approach to setting up a Public Address (P.A.) for a typical band performance. You will get the opportunity to be "hands on" with one or more mixers, setting up live sound all the way from the sound source to the speakers.

Attendees will receive comprehensive notes on the items covered so you can refer to them after the workshop.

2.00-4.00pm, tickets

Address:
Keller Bar,
Harmonie German Club,
Narrabundah

Every so often you hear music that stops you in your tracks. A melody that flies, a chord which warms you from within. A little piece of perfect.

That’s what Nicolas Altstaedt and Thomas Dunford are after when they explore music from the French baroque and see where it takes them. It is guaranteed to be surprising: Altstaedt is one of the most thrilling cellists on the world stage today, and Dunford plays the lute with an intensity and charm that has sent him rocketing into classical music stardom. Join them in this, their duo debut in Australia, as they go in search of magic.

7.00-9.00pm, tickets

Address:
Llewellyn Hall,
Building 100,
William Herbert Place,
Canberra

After spending most of his time touring internationally and performing alongside Joe Bonamassa, Lachy Doley is coming home for a limited run of special Australian shows.

The Returns Home Tour marks Lachy's first Australian headline performances in well over a year and will be his only Australian shows for 2026.

Known worldwide for his powerhouse Hammond organ playing, groundbreaking whammy Clavinet work, soulful vocals and unforgettable live performances, Lachy has built a devoted following across Europe, North America and beyond. Now he returns home for six exclusive shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Bundy Hall.

Expect an evening of Blues, Soul, Funk by world class musicians and special guests fused with the high-energy and passion that has made Lachy one of Australia's most celebrated live performers.

If you've been waiting to see Lachy back on an Australian stage, this is your chance.

7.00-10.30pm, tickets

Address:
Harmonie German Club,
Narrabundah

Embark on an intimate musical journey with Australian music legend Mike Rudd. This special one-off show promises to be a highlight for all Australian music lovers, featuring an array of beloved tracks from Rudd's illustrious career with iconic bands like Spectrum, Indelible Murtceps, and Ariel.

Prepare to be enchanted as Rudd takes the stage, weaving stories behind his timeless discography of progressive rock and blues. Audience members will have the rare opportunity to hear classic songs like "I’ll Be Gone" along with hidden gems that showcase his evolution as an artist. The audience will be enthralled as he shares anecdotes from the '70s psych-rock scene that gave rise to his legendary status, creating an engaging connection with the audience.

This intimate setting invites you to experience the music in a personal way, making it more than just a concert but rather a shared celebration of Australia’s rich musical heritage. Don't miss this chance to witness a true icon perform live, promising an evening filled with nostalgia, quintessential Rudd humour and wit, and the infectious spirit of song. Make your plans to be part of this memorable tribute to Mike Rudd’s incredible journey through Australian music.

8.00-10.00pm, tickets

Address:
Harmonie German Club,
Narrabundah