UPCOMING GIGS
Sorbo Amplio: Chilean Cumbia with a Twist*
Formed in 2023, Sorbo Amplio is making waves as the new embajadores de la palabra de la cumbia (ambassadors of the cumbia word). With a unique fusion of ska, cumbia, and the occasional sprinkle of hip hop, their sound is all about energy, rhythm, and community. Each performance is a full-blown fiesta where the audience becomes part of the show, swept up in the free style dance that only Sorbo Amplio can deliver.
Since their debut, they’ve lit up stages across Melbourne and beyond, with standout performances at iconic venues like Nightcat, Revolver, and Workers Club. They’ve also brought their infectious grooves to major festivals, including the Johnston Street Festival, La Fiesta Canberra and the Adelaide Latin Festival.
More than just musicians, Sorbo Amplio are a crew of passionate performers spreading the love of cumbia wherever they go, making sure every gig is a high-energy celebration that leaves no one standing still.
Such A Daze with Earth Cadet and Quiet Neighbours
Formed in early 2023, "Such a Daze" swiftly carved a niche in the Alt-Rock and Post-Grunge landscape, infused with an unmistakable '90s flair. The quartet – Craig, Drew, Terry, and Robbie – have mastered the art of blending different genres, thus creating a sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Their debut single, "Freddie," released in March 2023, marked an auspicious beginning, captivating listeners and gathering a significant following, especially in South America. This was followed by the August 2023 release of "Miles Away," which soared to 13,874 streams in just a couple of months, a clear indication of their burgeoning popularity.
Merkani
Merkani is a young, versatile six piece indie rock band emerging from the suburbs of outer city Melbourne.
Their diverse sense of sound and feel is transposed into their raw, unfiltered and heartfelt music. Each members love for the music is blended together to create a sound so unique that you won’t forget about it.
Merkani is not only a band, but a great bunch of mates trying to get out there and have fun along the way.
We hope to see you along the way and make waves so big that Harry can’t even ride them.
Erica Avenue 'Say You Love Me' Single Launch
Erica Avenue are hitting The Penny Black to celebrate the release of their third single 'Say You Love Me'. Joined by the wonderful Emma Yue & Band.
Don’t miss out, tickets selling fast!
A PERFECT HALLOWEEN
Not sure what to do this Halloween?
Swap the trick or treating for the dance floor. Costumes on, cocktails in hand, and a camp playlist that will raise the dead.
It’s Halloween… but just for grown-ups.
Limited tickets on sale now - the sooner you buy them, the more you'll save!
Trae Black with Miss Understood and Myron Moss
Fresh off the release of his latest single "Don't Wait Around", Trae Black returns to the stage with special guests Myron Moss and Miss Understood. Known for his genre-blending alt rap and R&B, Trae’s sound sits somewhere between vulnerability and vibe.
Raised in Perth with roots in England and the Caribbean, he channels many influences including Outkast, Frank Ocean, and Smino into a sound that’s fluid, distinct and ever-evolving. Now based in Melbourne, Trae continues to push boundaries, weaving personal narratives into genre-blending tracks and carving out a sound that’s uniquely his own.
COMEDY NIGHT
Think you're funny? Then sign up to perform for 5 minutes infront of your friends at The Penny Black in Brunswick
BIG BAND FREQUENCY
Get ready to swing into an unforgettable evening with Big Band Frequency, where the timeless and modern sounds of big band jazz will be brought together in ways that’ll excite you to your core.
Having been festival favourites and champions of Melbourne's big band scene for 17 years, Big Band Frequency is back to bring you some of their trademark energy, rockin' rhythm, and fiery soul. Featuring 19 of the most talented musicians around including the incredible vocals of Julia G, who'll lead you through a fun-filled night of hot, danceable songs and tunes from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie all the way to Tori Kelly, Larry Graham, and Snarky Puppy, with some original numbers to boot!
This gig will be free entry, so come along for an electric night of hot, live music and an experience you won’t forget!
MOLS single release party
On Sunday 24 August, 2–6pm, MOLS steps into the spotlight for her debut Melbourne headline show, celebrating the release of her upcoming singles. With roots in New Zealand’s alt-R&B and neo-soul scene, MOLS will perform a full 45-minute live set with her band, alongside two fellow NZ artists delivering 20-minute showcases. DJs will soundtrack the afternoon before, after and between sets, while curated décor transforms the space into a full-vibe experience. This marks MOLS’ first headline show in Australia — an intimate launch into a new chapter.
Elm Street
Forget the weather forecast, we can guarantee that Saturday August 23rd will be the hottest night this winter, as three of Melbourne’s loudest bands get set to shake the walls of The Penny Black on Sydney Road, Brunswick.
Riding high on the success of their latest album ‘The Great Tribulation’, and following an epic run of shows both nationally and internationally, Australian ambassadors for classic heavy metal ELM STREET will be gracing the Penny Black stage.
To take full advantage of the intimate setting, ELM STREET will be playing a completely new setlist, combining modern classics off the new album with some old favourites not played over the last few years. This will truly be one for the ages, and one not to miss!
Kicking off the night and setting a very high bar will be the sonic hurricane provided by riff masters WARBIRDS. Going from strength to strength, riding a wave of momentum and coming fresh off a very successful jaunt in Western Australia, this three-piece powerhouse will deliver their fretboard fireworks and melodic masterpieces that have earned them the reputation across the industry that this is one band to keep an eye on.
Joining in on the fun will be party monsters DANGEROUS CURVES, funnelling the sound of the 80’s through their filter of unapologetic and energetic hard rock. The band have just released their latest single ‘Dancin Dirty’, and if you’re not up and dancing dirty by the time these boys are done, you’re either deaf or dead.
Be sure to get on down to Penny’s on Saturday, August 23rd to see three of Melbourne’s finest champions of the riff, in one of Melbourne’s finest venues for live music
My Dog, Satellite "BOOSH" Single Launch w/ Fauna & Mia Coleman
The big dogs are back in town and this time they've got music out!! Well, about 1 minute 15 seconds of it, but that's just a tease ;)
Hungry for more? Then come check out My Dog, Satellite & friends (local legends Fauna & Mia Coleman) on Friday AUG 22 at The Penny Black.
Presale tix $5 + BF or $10 on the door!
Xanthe Campbell
Just touched down in Melbourne, Xanthe Camobell kicks things off with an intimate acoustic R&B set at The Penny Black. Xanthe Campbell is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter blending soulful originals and covers with smooth and jazzy textures.
Born in Sydney and raised between Australia and the US, her sound draws inspiration from artists like Cleo Sol, Erykah Badu, and Amy Winehouse.
A Voice Australia semi-finalist (Team Rita), Xanthe’s vocals move effortlessly from husky lows to airy highs, creating a sound that’s both intimate and powerful.
She’ll be joined by Melbourne-based R&B guitarist and vocalist Rob Aspinall for a night of rich harmonies and smooth, laid-back soul in the heart of Brunswick.
Free Entry
THE PENNY BLACK COMEDY NIGHT
Think you're funny? Then sign up to perform for 5 minutes infront of your friends at The Penny Black in Brunswick
Think you've got something funny to say? Or maybe you've always wanted to give stand-up comedy a go but didn’t know where to start?
Audience:
It's free, come take a seat have a drink and pizze, relax you don't have to perform!
Round The Outside
Round the Outside are, at the core, three seasoned troupers who happened to have stints in the same band at one time. Turned out that we all shared a partiality to the kind of classic country music that has tunes you can whistle and beats you can dance to, so that's what we're doing now.
We cover the breadth of the golden age of country from the 20s through the 70s. Mostly western swing, honky-tonk, the Bakersfield sound and a touch of countrypolitan. Maybe one or two of our own thrown in here and there if we feel like checking in with the 21st century.
John Wornham plays bass with us when he's not playing with The Predawn Civilization.
Rob Urban plays drums and shares the vocals. He's another Predawner and also fronts The Evil Eyes.
Andy Ray gets to stand up to play regular guitar and sing with RtO when not sitting down for piano and pedal steel guitar with Liars in Love or Rodeo Sideshow.
Free Entry
SET TIMES:
9-9:45pm Sunshine Tip
10-11pm Round The Outside
The Dalt Wisneys
Meet The Dalt Wisneys, the band that transforms your favourite childhood melodies into full-throttle punk rock anthems! It's childhood reimagined – for those who’ve grown up but will never really grow up. We bring the songs, the energy, and the characters to life with costumes, theatrics, and an all-out performance honed by seasoned musicians who’ve toured, played, and busked across Victoria and beyond. This is more than a gig – it’s an experience.
Making Waves Trivia Night
Ahoy!
Come join us for a nautical night of trivia, to raise funds for the Making Waves Foundation!
Come dressed in your nautical best! We're talking pirates, we’re talking mermaids, we’re talking sailors, we’re talking lifeguards, we’re talking prizes for best dressed!
Raffle tickets sold on the night for $1 each, with winners announced during a break in Trivia. Prizes will be revealed on Instagram in the lead-up to the night.
This event is run by a group of 5 Event Management students at Collarts, kindly hosted by The Penny Black in Brunswick who will be donating their night’s venue profits to charity.
Making Waves Foundation runs a variety of sailing experiences to support and empower young people with disability or disadvantaged backgrounds. Through their programs, the foundation fosters a sense of community, connection, and confidence, transforming the lives of participants.
6pm - Doors open. Guests encouraged to get some dinner and drinks.
6:45-7:15pm - Guest speakers
7:15pm on - Trivia!
Sea you there!
Cheers,
Ruby, Victor, Bec, Julia, and Juliette
The Lotus Seven
The Lotus Seven is a Melbourne based band that plays a mixture of pop and jazz music with funky horn lines as well as original compositions. The Lotus Seven started out at the end of last year. Our trombonist and vocalist Giorgia Smith brought together 6 other extremely talented musicians to form the band you will hear on Friday August 1st at the Penny Black. Our horn section is comprised of Riley Brennan on trumpet, Conor Boussioutas on saxophone and Giorgia Smith on trombone. The rhythm sections include Khanh Pham on piano, Pacey Dunshea on bass, Zoe Kinsella on drums and Keira Murugasu on guitar and lead vocals. Our set will include some incredible charts, as well as a few originals written by different members of the band. We are excited to share with you more original work as we continue to perform at venues around Melbourne and we hope to record an EP in the new year! So, stay tuned for more Lotus Seven adventures and come along on Friday August 1st to hear some amazing live music!
Big Band Frequency
It's going to be a fabulous afternoon at the Penny Black when Big Band Frequency returns to bring you a fiery collection of some of the greatest swing, funk, and Latin tunes around!
This show will be free entry, so bring your friends and come along for an afternoon of hot, live music, excellent food and drinks and great atmosphere that you won't want to miss!
BIG BAND FREQUENCY
Get ready to swing into an unforgettable evening with Big Band Frequency, where the timeless and modern sounds of big band jazz will be brought together in ways that’ll excite you to your core.
Having been festival favourites and champions of Melbourne's big band scene for 17 years, Big Band Frequency is back to bring you some of their trademark energy, rockin' rhythm, and fiery soul. Featuring 19 of the most talented musicians around including the incredible vocals of Julia G, who'll lead you through a fun-filled night of hot, danceable songs and tunes from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie all the way to Tori Kelly, Larry Graham, and Snarky Puppy, with some original numbers to boot!
This gig will be free entry, so come along for an electric night of hot, live music and an experience you won’t forget!
TRIPLE J's - HOTTEST 100 LISTENING PARTY
🔥 Hottest 100 rewind!
We’re throwing on triple j’s countdown this Saturday from 12pm — cold beers, loud speakers, and all the tracks you voted for. See you at The Penny Black.
JINGLE IN JULY
Presented by The Penny Black & Perfectly Queer, hosted by Miss Bobbee Pinn, Ty Ty Fantasia & Onda Spectrum.
Who says Christmas only comes once a year? Get ready to sleigh your winter with Jingle in July, the holly-jolly drag extravaganza you didn’t know you needed! These three cheeky Christmas elves are decking the halls (and the stage) with festive performances, drag bingo, music bingo, and a bunch of merry games.
Yule laugh, Yule cry, Yule sleigh as these Christmas queens bring the holy spirit… while you get into the spirit with our special themed cocktails.
So grab your mistletoe, dust off that ugly Christmas sweater and jingle all the way!
Supa Lucia
Supa Lucia are a dancefloor friendly, energetic disco pop band from Naarm/Melbourne. Their sound blends a myriad of musical and stylistic influences.
Think pulsating "Studio 54" disco rhythms, stacked 70s singalong harmonies and insatiably catchy pop hooks.
Delivered by a double female lead vocal attack, Supa Lucia light up stages with their retro-flavoured dance music - for a new modern generation of fans.
Supported by The Pearlies, who are making serious waves in the local indie scene with their iconic 60's jangle pop sound.
free entry
Ras Jahknow Band, Pau Almeida & Band and special guest DJs
Ras Jahknow Band are the Reggae Powerhowse, blazing new soul and fresh rhythms into what is described best as culturally rich, roots reggae music. Passionate vocals in English and Creole weave through the diverse native sounds from the African island nation of Cape Verde, Brazil,New Zealand, Tanzania,Malaysia, and Mauritius to Australia. The band embodies a vision of unity, respect and peace, built on the foundation of irresistible, reggae rhythms. Ras Jahknow has Performed at numerous festivals in Australia and Abroad.Cape Verdean born Ras Jahknow formed the band in late 2010, and they have since cemented themselves as one of Australia’s most iconic reggae ensembles.
Tickets on sale here
ARRAIA DO BAQUE
Get ready for the 3rd edition of Arraiá do Baque – a vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture, rhythm, and joy!
Arraiá do Baque is a Festa Junina – one of Brazil’s most beloved winter festivals. Expect an explosion of music, dance, food, and colour in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Our party brings together the joyful traditions of Festa Junina with the powerful Afro-Brazilian drumming of Maracatu – a musical and cultural tradition from the Northeast of Brazil.
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE PARTY FILLED WITH MUSIC, CULTURE, AND FUN!
HOMOWO FESTIVAL
𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔 - 𝗜𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
HOMOWO FESTIVAL from Ghana (West Africa), with supporting act 𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗔 ( @Kwametosuma) and 𝗞𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 ( @danceenergyhappiness)
Also joining the celebration are some of Melbourne's outstanding Ghanaian master drummers and dancers taking you on a music journey from the Ancestral Traditional music to the Jazz undertones of the folk Palm Wine songs and Ghana Highlife.
´Homowo´is an annual harvest festival that commemorates the day the ancestors won victory over hunger, hooted at it and ridiculed it with songs and dancing. It will be celebrated in Melbourne at the same time as it is happening in Ghana.
𝙒𝘼𝙇𝘼 - 𝙄𝙎 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀 (@walaislife) will be bringing to the stage passionate performance of 15 powerful drums and instruments played with fingers, hands, feet and sticks, souring vocals, spectacular dances and colourful costumes, that will keep you dancing like there´s no tomorrow.
Supporting performer 𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗔 and 𝗞𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔, are a dynamic force on the dance floor. Fusing the rich rhythms of traditional West African dance with the vibrant energy of Afro-contemporary and Afrobeat styles. The performances are more than movement—they're immersive experiences that captivate audiences and inspires everyone to move.
THE PENNY BLACK COMEDY NIGHT
Think you're funny? Then sign up to perform for 5 minutes infront of your friends at The Penny Black in Brunswick
Big Band Frequency
It's going to be a fabulous afternoon at the Penny Black when Big Band Frequency returns to bring you a fiery collection of some of the greatest swing, funk, and Latin tunes around!
This show will be free entry, so bring your friends and come along for an afternoon of hot, live music, excellent food and drinks and great atmosphere that you won't want to miss!
Quincoction
Quincoction is a Jazz Fusion / Latin band born and bred in Melbourne, Australia. Captivating with high energy, yet soulful, tight harmonies. Each set, a unique high powered performance with well-planned grooves, spontaneous break-downs and original music. Quincoction will make you stamp your feet and groove to the beat.
For one night only, we will celebrate the birthday of our front-man supported by the amazing Salsa Casera, and Tracksuit Larry. Come, enjoy and party to a night of soulful, upbeat and energetic music that you simply cannot stay still for.
free entry
Plan B and The New York Minutes
Plan B is a long-time collective of some of Melbourne’s most diverse and experienced musicians. Once affiliated with ‘B’ for Box Hill, Plan B has kept only the name and expanded our range of talent and resources. Our repertoire consists of big-band arrangements from many music eras: classic swing, jazz standards, latin & afro-latin classics, and even rock, pop and R&B. All with a big-band style. The incredible Julia Sandel is our vocalist, and she handles it all so beautifully, from soulful highs to whisper-like ballads and blues. Plan B is a hard-swinging band you won’t want to miss at The Penny Black.
joining them on stage will be The New York Minutes
tickets on sale now —-> here
Atomic Entourage
Atomic Entourage is a high energy alt rock band drawing inspiration from the iconic Aussie genres of surf and pub rock.
Blending catchy lyrics and powerhouse vocals with shredding guitar solos and a vibrant rhythm section, A.E is a standalone experience to watch, never ceasing to engage, captivate and entertain an audience all through the night.
Hot off the release of their debut album and having played packed out headliners in Melbourne, Sunshine Coast and Townsville, A.E has built a fanbase that spans the east coast of Australia.
Now, they're setting their sights on establishing their name across the entirety of Australia's music scene.
joining them on stage Volt Jolt
free entry
ÖZERGUN
Local six-piece funk/prog rockers ÖZERGUN are back at the Penny Black for the second time since their latest single Come Over was released. The setlist will include crowd favourites from the EP Live in Studio A as well as the popular PBS song On the Brink which has recently been featured in the Environmental Music Prize. If you’ve never seen them live, you can expect a unique blend of jazz, rock, folk, and world music flavours plus heaps of improv, jam sections, and meandering musical journeys!
It’s going to be a wicked night with sick special guests Our Zebra Troy and Slaux! Don’t miss it.
TICKET EVENT
$15 presale // $20 door
Coast to Coast w/ The Shadow Ministers + Stokes + Stimpies
The Music South East project - a joint collaboration between MusicSA and the Mount Gambier Council - has been working to support venues in the region to host live music on a regular basis. What better way to put all the work into practice than packing the van, getting on the road and bringing music to Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Melbourne.
A bit about the bands:
Adelaide’s The Shadow Ministers are a group of musicians who believe that all people should have the inalienable right to access good music. They work towards a lean and stripped back approach to music to minimise noise and maximise output.
One of Mount Gambier’s most promising bands, Stokes are a dynamic trio of
young lads whose music is a tasty blend of garage, surf, punk and R&B styles.
Since first releasing their self produced EP “Stokes”, including dreamy psych
single “Bungalow”, the Berrin based band have been involved in exciting shows
and festivals all around South Australia. The trio have shared the same stage with
artists including Regurgitator, DICE, DZ Deathrays, Smith Street Band and Bad//
Dreams.
Hand-Picked Rock & Roll from Naarm’s Mornington Peninsula and comprised of best friends and lovers, Ned, Ethan, Bec and Van, Stimpies have been around the ringer, honing in their western inspired Rock & Roll sound, pulling concepts from the blues, psychedelia, old school punk, and country, as well as alternative indie and Australiana.
All shows are free entry, limited by capacity.
TOVCH TAKE OVER - KING'S BIRTHDAY
TOVCH Takeover – King's Birthday at The Penny Black
Sunday 8 June · 4PM – 10PM
TOVCH is taking over The Penny Black this King's Birthday with a stacked lineup, wild energy, and big sound. We're turning Brunswick into the bass capital for one night only — no work Monday means no excuses. Get in early, stay late, and bring the crew.
Proudly sponsored by: Alesis, Cocaler, TOVCH, Verse@ille
Goose Bay
Goose Bay are an emerging five piece indie/surf rock band based in Naarm/Melbourne. Their Backseat Lovers, Peach Pit and Fleetwood Mac inspired sound is enough to knock your socks off, gently put them back on and knock them off once more.
joining them on stage are Cascade Bloom and Toadstool
free entry
Harvey Town
That’s right, Harvey is releasing his next studio single ‘Wake Me Up (again)’ at the Penny Black and you’re invited!
Joined by Eddy St and Lunic.
Harvey Town is the Melbourne singer songwriter, frontman keys player you didn’t know you needed. Working his way through the piano man circuit belting out rock classics in South Melbourne, to comping jazz piano in the North, Harvey fuses Jazz, Pop, Funk and Rock in new ways through original songs with a killer live band that you just can’t sit still for. Deriving influence from Elton John, Cory Henry, and Stevie Wonder, Harvey exudes passion with every lyric sung and every chord struck to bring together music that lights a fire in your soul (or under your bum). Harvey has played all over town in numerous venues across Melbourne from the Espy, Piano on Chapel, IVY, Bodriggy, 303 and Ragtime Tavern. Whether there’s 5 or 500 people, Harvey blasts his new music like you’ve heard it 1000 times before for a night of fun, fear and funk you won’t forget.
TICKETED SHOW - $20 pre sale and $25 door - Doors open 8:30pm
Ticket link - https://events.humanitix.com/harvey-town-single-launch
SET TIME
9-9:45pm Lucia
10-10:45pm Eddy St
11pm-12am Harvey Town