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 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 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

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

Premiering at the Penny Black for one night only...

An underground movie, made over two years using experimental technique combines with a fully-live soundtrack to create ‘Danny Kebab’. – A raw and emotive experience bringing local talent and scenery to a night-out filled with grit and intrigue. Performed by the south-east’s most soul stirring surf-rockers – ‘Huskees’, this one of a kind blend of movie and music is sure not to be missed!

Keets (Nikita Kranz) is a singer-songwriter who uses unique melodies and complex lyrics to tell a story. To bring the dancey-vibe to Keets; her band containing, Finn (keys), David (drums) and Sam (bass) create the full picture.
Come along to see a double set of neo-soul/jazz originals AND covers.

free entry

Come join us at The Penny Black for a night filled with the soulful sounds of New Orleans! The South East Gents will be bringing their unique blend of Jazz, Funk, Rhythm n' Blues, & Soul to the stage, guaranteeing a night of toe-tapping music and good vibes. Get ready to Let the Good Times Roll, and experience the spirit of New Orleans right here in Brunswick. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

Get your tickets here

The Big Band Frequency returns to The Penny Black band room!

Experience this band of 19 talented musicians knock your socks off with swing, funk, Latin, and soul classics from the '50s through to the modern day.

Busted Lip blossomed from a collection of bedroom demos and high school rock shows into the real deal. Having grown up and shared together a deep and extensive love of music, the band has spent a lot of time creating music they believe is worthy of sitting down and jamming out to. Music that has come from a wide variety of different inspirations and sounds that they hope remains interesting without being too offensive to the ears. Now—as a complete set of five musicians—they’re writing and playing songs in search of the sound that will finally blow your heads off!

No matter what you’re into, Busted Lip has got a little bit of everything for anybody. Focusing on making music they like, their catalog includes anything from acoustic ballads for the romantics to energetic singalong for those looking for a dance. As they continue to evolve and release new stuff, they aim to build a following of people with a similar appreciation for the sonic art form.

These guys have been hard at work playing shows up and down the east coast, having even supported Ruby Fields in Castlemaine and Torquay. And they’ve done it all whilst being the first EVER musicians to move from Sydney to Melbourne EVER!

The Seben Brothers are an energetic dance band that exclusively plays African music, and particularly a dance style called Soukous which comes from the DRC in Central Africa.

The band have been performing locally since 2016 and the members are veteran musicians including local and African artists.

The band plays plays dance music driven by a passion for performance. Soukous is the main style and it developed of the last three decades in central Africa. Soukous means "to shake" and that is the main effect of experiencing the music of The Seben Brothers.

A "Sebene" is a term used in Congolese Rumba music to describe the instrumental section of a rumba song where the singing finishes and the band creates an ecstatic instrumental section to energise the audience into dancing.

supported by Gabriel Simbine + Moz groove

free entry, 18+ event

To celebrate the re-establishment of live music as a regular fixture in Mount Gambier - local’s Sexy As Shit are teaming up with Adelaide’s Molly Rocket and Melbourne’s Dole Manchild to go coast to coast and bring the party to some of the best venue’s this side of the equator. 

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: 

Angst driven, fun, strange and unlike anything you’ve really seen, Adelaide alternative rock band Molly Rocket are churning out tunes which mimic the heartbeat of 90’s rock through a modern lense. 

Sexy As Shit (SAS) are an indie music duo from Mount Gambier who see no boundaries when they are creating music. Drawing influence from 2000’s sleaze, 80’s synth pop and everything in between - the end result is ‘not Dance Pop, but something you can dance to’. 

A "Rising punk powerhouse" - Melbourne’s Dole Manchild are an Argentine fronted, eclectic, eccentric, and explosively energetic five piece supergroup delivering genre-fusing art-punk garage and rock.

Free entry, 18+

The Electrique Birds have landed – described as a machine blend of dirty rock / pop.

Don’t miss these “four modern” genre crossing fatales now debuting their wares about town.

Their heart beating, pop diminishing EP “She” is impressive indeed.

Enigmatic Mishka holds the helm with her unique and distinctive punching vocals.

Guitarist FiFi blends her powerful, driving pump action riffs with beefy full chord overlays. 

Tight as beautiful bass and drum rhythm team Ginger and Binderella steer the sound fusions home to roost with sensitive feel for mood and colour.

with support by Nat Allison and Eat The Damn Orange

Presenting a six-piece powerhouse derived from the undeniable influences of soul, rock & roll and funk music with a classic blues edge. With the core foundation comprised of seasoned vocals, keys, guitar, bass and drums, Shellys Motor Club also features a unique horn front line, culminating a truly eclectic sound. Expect high energy original music inspired by legends such as The Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Pretenders, Rolling Stones & more - Shellys Motor Club is guaranteed to give a welcomed sense of freedom and invigoration in their youthful take and contribution to the genres that shaped them.

free entry

SOLANA COLLECTIVE'S FIRST EVER DAY PARTY!!! THIS WILL NOT BE ONE TO MISS. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

It’s been a while, and we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes planning our next steps… All this hard work calls for a holiday, and what better way to holiday than to celebrate our very first day party with you all in our next instalment of events…

Solana Collective. presents: SOLANA’S DAY OUT!

We return with our next instalment of parties at a new venue in the heart of Brunswick, where we’ll be able to soak up the sun and dance the day away to some of Melbourne’s finest psytrance artists

See you all there!

A band of many influences, The Dainty Morsels have carved out their own distinctive space in the Adelaide scene through incessant gigging and an unwavering stream of creative output. 

Remarked for the immensity of their sound despite their four piece line up, the Dainty’s are an intensely collaborative band, tethered only to an overall mood and spirit. A blend of playful whimsy and neurotic lamentation is the duality of The Dainty Morsels songwriting and performance. 

With their second studio album well in the works and a devoted cult following behind them, the Dainty’s are equipped and ready to push out far beyond their hometown in 2025.

with support by Echo Social Club & Astro Elevator

free entry, 18+ show

RAT LOFTUS return bigger and better and badder - they are now a powerful four piece showcasing their eclectic style. With original songs by Jack Loftus, expect a loud and wildly entertaining performance where fun is the key word. Their style is indie rock with a few twists and turns. Openers are Labelmaker, an indie rock/pop 6-piece and none other than Libby, from Linen fame. RAT LOFTUS is so excited to deliver their most exciting set yet.

free entry, 18+ show

Drawing from the melting pot of blues, roots, folk, and rock, Joshua Batten is a genuine performer with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. Combining passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements, and inspirational lyrics, Joshua displays a depth well beyond his years. His original songs, shaped by personal experiences with neurodiversity, offer authentic reflections of introspective moments, humbly presented as universal experiences. Over the course of his career, Joshua has released three studio albums and become a favourite at festivals across Australia.

After four years of exclusively playing solo gigs, Joshua Batten has now teamed up with rock & roll collective The Lablighters, to bring his back catalogue of songs to audiences the way he originally envisioned and recorded them. Bassist Zhang Ling, Keyboardist Clinton Cox and Drummer Jeremy Li each have over 30 years of musical experience, and bring new energy to Joshua’s finely crafted and inspirational songs, along with a selection of blues & rock classics that have stood the test of time. 

free entry

Hazy Skies is a four-piece indie rock band featuring Tom, Amelie, Jordi, and Brandon. With a sound that blends the heartfelt nostalgia of artists like Beabadoobee and Alvvays with the infectious energy of The Frights and The Melowells, Hazy Skies crafts music that feels both timeless and fresh. Their lyrics and vocals teeter on the edge of heartbreak, carried by bittersweet, bouncing beats that will have you swaying one moment and dancing the next.

SET TIMES

9-9:45pm Big Breakfast

10-10:45pm Titration

11pm-12am Hazy Skies

free entry, 18+ event

After a mini-hiatus, local band ÖZERGUN are returning to the Naarm/Melbourne scene at The Penny Black on Saturday April 5th to launch their long-awaited single Come Over! 

Anyone who’s seen this six-piece outfit play over the last couple of years is sure to remember hearing this crowd favourite. What begins with a warm and welcoming outstretched hand slowly becomes a deeply honest and endearing plea from one lover to another. An epic trip ensues with brooding tenor sax and lead guitar solos. By the end, anyone listening can’t help but emotionally relate and reflect on the profoundly human experiences that lovers share. 

If you’ve never seen ÖZERGUN 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 an awesome night with raucous special guests Please People!

Don’t miss out, grab your tickets here

Join us for Whiskers and Wishes, a fabulous drag show fundraiser at The Penny Black in support of Rocky Roads Rescue! Enjoy stunning performances, some cocktails, food and help raise funds to rescue and rehome cats in need. All proceeds benefit the lifesaving work of Rocky Roads. Don’t miss the purrfect night of glam, glitter, and giving back!

Doors: 8pm
Shows: 8:30pm, 10pm (Show start times subject to change)

Host: Marilyn Costello

Cast:
Belial Bzarr
Darmanatrix
Mr. Misty-Eyed
Ovary Action
Roxy Rawhide
Linh Uendo
Abeloth Addams

Rocky Roads
Rocky Roads is a cat rescue group made up of foster carers who take in cats who have nowhere to go and help alleviate the struggles of already-packed animal shelters.
“At Rocky Roads Rescue, our mission is to rescue animals from the streets, shelters, and pounds, and place them into safe, loving foster homes that support a smooth transition into their forever adoptive homes. We are dedicated to providing these vulnerable animals with the care, rehabilitation, and support they need to thrive.”
- Rocky Roads Rescue

Tickets on sale here

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. 

with support of Studio Faraday Family and Northfolk Island Pines

"Did you guys write that last song? It sounded great!" - audience member
Drop Keys are launching their new EP "Alliance" at the Penny Black on Friday 28th March! Following on from 2023's Marinade EP, Alliance displays Drop Keys' bright horns, ethereal vocal tones and a solid rhythm section, delivering original compositions which boast the band's unique blend of funk, rock and soul. 
Also on stage that night will be indie athletic rock/funk outfit Tracksuit Larry and indie-alternative group Sweet Temper. 
Get it in your diaries!

Here it is, a celebration to launch our brand new EP ‘Good Bad News’!

We’re making this one a real party with our great mates The Kittyhawks and Lovely Lonely Landfill with super special guest comedian Anna Perry bringing the laughs to kick the night off and run the show.

If that’s not enough we’re gonna have PRIZES and GIVEAWAYS  and how much would you expect to pay for all this FUN?

That’s the best bit, it’s FREE!

We’ve been working super hard on this EP for the better part of a year and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Merkani is a Melbourne-based indie rock band making waves in the local music scene. Formed by a group of passionate musicians united by their love for raw, authentic sound, Merkani blends heartfelt lyrics with dynamic melodies that captivate audiences. Following the success of their sold out debut gig at Bar open, the band is thrilled to perform their second show at the iconic Penny Black, a venue that champions emerging talent. 

supported by Flyn Teal and The Slinkys

Autumn is here but Big Band Frequency is bringing the summer vibes!

This 19-piece big band will be bringing you hot funk, sultry soul, sizzling swing, and electric Latin grooves, featuring classics and modern hits that will make you want to tear up the dance floor.
Come to hear horns galore, a rockin' rhythm section, and the amazing voice of Julia G play some of your favourites from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Aretha Franklin all the way to Blood, Sweat & Tears, Amy Winehouse, Snarky Puppy, and Tori Kelly plus more, with an original or two to boot!

Supporting us this night is funk sensation Late In The Evening!
Showcasing Melbourne's finest musicians, Late In The Evening electrifies audiences with their super-tight, non-stop dance grooves! Featuring powerhouse vocalists Julia G and the incomparable funk/soul singer Jordan Klein, L.I.T.E. promises an unforgettable experience as they bring to life awe-inspiring hits from legends like Phil Collins, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, and so many more...

This show is free entry, so bring your friends, grab some refreshments from the bar, and tune into Big Band Frequency for a night of hot live music and great atmosphere that you won't want to miss

There are heaps of reasons to party, and we’re bringing the cumbia energy to make it a night to remember!

International Women's Day – A day to honour, remember, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history

Brunswick Festival – The whole area will be buzzing, so get in early!

Josh birthday! Bring your best dance moves (and maybe a cheeky gift )

Live cumbia vibes from Sorbo Amplio & special guests and friends Lavandita !

Piscola for $10 – because nothing says celebration like pisco & coke!

FREE ENTRY – No excuses, just vibes!

From 8PM – Get in early, it’s gonna be packed

EVERYBODY ROCKS! a showcase of disabled musicians, allies & friends. This mixed genre event boasts a lineup of acts with members who identify under the broad banner of disability, neurodiversity, mental & chronic illness. Featuring 'Trauma Doof' from Our Carlson, political hiphop set from Combat Wombat & Racerage, Screensaver, Skink Tank, Hot Tubs Time Machine & Inkrewsive MC's. Everybody Rocks is a non-profit, created by Chloe Morgan and Rhys Renwick. We advocate for disabled musicians and a more accessible and inclusive arts sector. This showcase will be AUSLAN INTERPRETED.

THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR ANY FIRST NATIONS, DISABLED, d/Deaf/HoH, NEURODIVERGENT AND/OR CHRONICALLY ILL community members. Please register for your free ticket. 
$10 TICKETS FOR EVERYONE ELSE

ft. OUR CARLSON
COMBAT WOMBAT & RACERAGE
SCREENSAVER
SKINK TANK
HOT TUBS TIME MACHINE
& INKREWSIVE MC'S

more information and tickets can be found here

Merkani is a Melbourne-based indie rock band making waves in the local music scene. Formed by a group of passionate musicians united by their love for raw, authentic sound, Merkani blends heartfelt lyrics with dynamic melodies that captivate audiences. Following the success of their sold-out debut gig at Bar Open, the band is thrilled to perform their second show at the iconic Penny Black, a venue that champions emerging talent. 

with The Slinky’s and Sand

free entry