Brisbane stages are set to heat up this month with the return of the Winter Sessions Music Festival in July and August. Winter Sessions festival supports talented local musicians and gives music lovers another reason to visit the city’s exciting entertainment precincts.
“What began as a jumpstart for our music industry in the wake of the pandemic has transformed into one of Winter’s coolest live music events, with an exciting line-up of local and international acts,” Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner said. “Running from 28 July – 6 August, the festival includes a mix of free and ticketed events and showcases some of our cherished inner-city venues across The Valley, Newstead, and Woolloongabba. Whether it’s a family outing, a music lovers jam session or a date night, Winter Sessions is one of the many events Council helps deliver for residents that are fun and affordable.”
Venues including Black Bear Lodge, Hey Chica!, Finn McCool’s, The Prince Consort, Cloudland, The Triffid and The Princess Theatre will host a myriad of talent including ARIA winner Tyrone Noonan, Ngaiire and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Danny Widdicombe, Cigany Weaver, Life on Earth and Brisbane’s disco dance darlings Dizzy Days.
Former Brisbane Winter Sessions Ambassador and performer Tyrone Noonan said he was excited to be part of the festival again, which helps celebrate Brisbane’s vibrant live music and entertainment scene. “It’s awesome to see the festival return this year with such a diverse range of artists, ranging from local and emerging talent to established international acts,” he said. “Whether you’re into pop, folk, roots, disco, rock, neo-soul, electro, orchestral music or checking out performances from our finest drag icons, there will be something for all tastes.”
For more information, search for the event through Council’s What’s On calendar at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
FREE EVENTS
Friday 28 July
Hey Chica! DJ Club Night @ Hey Chica!
Hey Chica! takes the celebration from the street at local dance socials and raises it to a whole new level. Guests will experience the same raw energy and pulsating vibe inspired by an eclectic street party featuring some of Brisbane’s best DJs.
Free Entry before 10PM. Open ’til late. 18+
Saturday 29 July
Day One – Newstead Roots Weekender at The Triffid (2-10PM).
Brisbane Winter Sessions, Coopers Brewery and The Triffid proudly present the NEWSTEAD ROOTS WEEKENDER 2023, a true celebration of Roots, Blues & Soul music across two huge days! Make your way to The Triffid on Saturday 29th July & Sunday 30th July from 2pm for a FREE Festival like no other! Two stages, over 25 artists, DJ’s until late & only the best bites courtesy of The Triffid Kitchen.
Free Entry. All ages (Garden Bar) until 5pm. Then 18+
Sunday 30 July
Day Two – Newstead Roots Weekender at The Triffid (2-10PM).
Brisbane Winter Sessions, Coopers Brewery and The Triffid proudly present the NEWSTEAD ROOTS WEEKENDER 2023, a true celebration of Roots, Blues & Soul music across two huge days! Make your way to The Triffid on Saturday 29th July & Sunday 30th July from 2pm for a FREE Festival like no other! Two stages, over 25 artists, DJ’s until late & only the best bites courtesy of The Triffid Kitchen.
Free Entry. All ages (Garden Bar) until 5pm. Then 18+
Thursday 3 August
Dizzy Days band @ Finn McCool’s
Dizzy Days are Meanjin’s newest disco dance band who are quickly gaining a reputation as one of Brisbane’s best live acts. Popping into the scene in late 2021, the girls brought with them a whole bunch of fun. Aisling fronts the group with a huge voice and stage presence to match, with EJ and Bridgette by her side bringing the bouncy basslines and grooving guitar. Holding the whole thing together you’ll find Mikaela on the kit, with a smile infectious even from the back of the stage. Dizzy Days have one purpose – to make you dance.
Free Entry. 18+. 9pm
Sunday 6 August
Tyrone Noonan Trio @ Black Bear Lodge
ARIA award?winning artist Tyrone Noonan began a multi?faceted solo career following 10 years as frontman for No.1-charting Brisbane band george. Last year, Tyrone and his sister Katie toured Australia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band’s multi-platinum selling album ‘Polyserena’, with great success. Tyrone’s most recent solo release, Utopia?, was Rolling Stone’s Album Of The Week in January 2021. Tyrone will perform with his bandmates Ben Love and Brendan Watterson. Supported by Bella Paton: Making songs that sound like late summer nights Bella Paton has been
making her mark on the local music scene with her dreamy indie pop releases; and The Long Johns (Duo) The Long Johns come together to play spooky country with that old timey swing, peppered with the spiciest of flavours to deliver songs of hope, loss and hauntings.
Free Entry. Doors 7PM 18+
TICKETED EVENTS
Sunday 30 July
Harry K Presents FLUFFY ALL STARS at Cloudland.
Brisbane’s longest running club event! The biggest and best party within a gay-friendly environment.
Ticketed event. 18+. COST: $25
Thursday 3 August
Some Folk Event Ft. Alivan Blu, Myki Jay and Milk Buttons @ Black Bear Lodge
Amidst the chaos of the late night Valley, an intimate gathering of song lovers nestles into Black Bear Lodge, to immerse into the gentle realm of contemporary folk music. Step into this sanctuary of sound and allow our three original acts to bare their hearts, leaving a trail of footprints upon your own. What even is folk music? A story, a yarn, a slow burn, kindred spirits, a lively dance? This broad genre features high artistry from many craftspeople and backgrounds and leaves an indelible mark on many. Since we’re not quite sure how to pin it down, we’ve deemed to aptly call this eve, Some Folk.
Ticketed event 18+. Doors 7PM. COST: $15
Friday 4 August
Ngaiire & Qld Symphony Orchestra @ The Princess Theatre
Sydney-based songstress Ngaiire is joining forces with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night at The Princess Theatre as part of Open Season! Ngaiire’s sound melds electronic neo-soul, gospel, and big pop sounds, strained through the lens of a First Nations Papua New Guinean songwriter. Her musical career crosses genres and mediums and expectations.
Ticketed event
Doors 7:00PM 18+ & LAA | Start 7:45PM | GA Standing (Floor) | Reserved Seating (Mezzanine)
18+ (Floor) / Licensed All Ages (Mezzanine)
COST: From $55
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/25005E77FD46623E
Saturday 5 August
Set Roulette Ft. Kwame. Hatchie, Jesswar, RVG, BIG WETT, Andy Golledge, Party Dozen, Safety Club @ The Princess Theatre
Sunroom and Grain, in partnership with The Princess Theatre, present Set Roulette as part of Open Season; a live music game of chance where everyone’s the winner! With a line-up consisting of this country’s finest artists and an evening where no one is tethered to a set time, Set Roulette is a true live music adventure. Each set is determined by chance, a gamble, fate, but more specifically a giant spinning wheel onstage that decides who plays in what order.
Ticketed Event | Doors 2:00PM 18+
COST: From $55
Ticket link: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/8905129e-e364-4407-b7ce-0891d2fc141
