Hughster’s March Gig Guide

 Tuesday 6^th March: Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – Opera House – $89

These are the men and women accredited with making the uke cool, with their renditions of popular music a youtube phenomenon. For the past 25 years, the Ukulele Orchestra have toured the globe, but their visit in March will be their first time down under.

Friday 9^th March: Real Estate – The Standard – $42 + bf

One of last year’s buzz bands, Real Estate bring their sunny surf-pop to the Standard. Last year’s 13^th most blogged artist on hypem.com will be joined by two hugely talented Australian bands, Melbourne’s Twerps and locals SURES.

Friday 16^th March: Astral People (Collarbones, Wintercoats, Rainbow Chan) –Beach Road – Free

A free gig at last! Friday 16^th will be a night of slow jams and chilled experimental pop. Rainbow Chan’s exploits saw her win FBi’s Northern Lights Competition along with Oliver Tank.

Saturday 17^th March: Secret Garden Festival – TBA – Sold Out

For those of you going, I’ll see you there. For the rest of you who weren’t quick enough…there’s always next year. Sorry, but I had to rub it in.

Friday 23^rd March: Snakadaktal – Oxford Art Factory – $12 + bf

Possibly the youngest band in the world, Snakadaktal, will be wowing Sydneysiders with their talent over two nights (23/24 March). Of course, everyone knows the first gig is always the best.

Wednesday 28^th March: Bombay Bicycle Club – Oxford Art Factory – $45 + bf

Britain’s brilliant Bombay Bicycle Club (try saying that one out loud) kick off their first ever Australian tour in support of their latest release A Different Kind of Fix.

Saturday 31^st March: Oscar + Martin – Goodgod Small Club – $12 + bf

(Rain&Hale favourite Oscar + Martin) + (Rain&Hale favourite Goodgod Small Club) + ($12) + (Saturday Night) = See you there.

Hughster’s Gig Guide

Thursday 10^th November: Made in Japan – GoodGod – $13.30

One of my favourite things is to tell people about a band just before they blow up. If you want to do the same thing, get along to GoodGod on Thursday to catch Sydney four-piece, Made in Japan. They will be launching their single, Sights and Sounds, the title track to their upcoming debut album release. If you like bands like New Navy, these guys should be a band on your radar.

Friday 11^th November: Jinja Safari – The Metro – $20

A Jinja Safari show is an adventure which includes exuberant dancing, fascinating instruments and a stage set up like a forest. The indie-folk favourites have experienced a hectic year and a half since their conception, including appearances at major festivals and supporting some of Australian music’s biggest names. They also sold out their own headline tour earlier in the year. The guys are back to celebrate the release their compilation “Locked by Land” which includes songs from their first two EPs as well as remixes. They’ll be joined by perhaps the most incredible supporting line-up I’ve ever seen, with Megastick Fanfare, Elizabeth Rose and Pluto Jonze all scheduled to perform. Here’s a clip of Jinja Safari’s performance at this year’s Secret Garden Festival…you get the picture.

Friday 11^th November: Gold Fields (+Millions) – Oxford Art Factory – $14.80

Oh Dear. Sydney music lovers have a difficult decision on their hands. Ballarat firecrackers Gold Fields will be bringing their debut National Tour to Sydney on the same night. If you like up-tempo indie-pop with heavy percussion, opaque basslines and plenty of cowbell, you might decide to give Jinja Safari a miss and head down to OAF. Over to you Sydney.

For the diary:

Saturday/Sunday 17^th/18^th March 2012: Secret Garden Festival – It’s a secret – $TBA

I nearly cried after hearing about how good this year’s Secret Garden Festival was. With the location hidden until the day before, attendees can expect an incredible weekend of frivolity. With the line-up and ticket prices unannounced thus far, I’ll just have to vouch for this one and keep you posted on future updates. Shhhhhh…

Who is Hughster? Check out his and other r&h guest bloggers profiles here.