The silly season is done and dusted but it seems a shame to let the last remaining dregs of sublime weather whimper out. I think we should all pledge to suck the marrow out of these final balmy nights. The world is complete and total chaos right now so our one finite goal should be to have as much fun as were physically capable of. Quam bene vivas refert non quam diu, baby.
Merivale is hosting a bunch of excellent free gigs over the next few months to encourage Sydneysiders to embrace the vibrancy of this city. The hospitality heroes are hosting a programme of free live music, laneway pop-ups, late-night bites and exciting initiatives throughout the CBD. Check out a bunch of delicious gigs that they’ll be hosting this month that’ll help make our summer forever dreams a reality.
Who: WAFIA
Where: Palings — Level 1 ivy, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 6th — 8pm
Last year, WAFIA dropped one of Australia’s most delectable pop ditty’s, saccharine dream ‘Flowers and Superpowers’. She’s only recently wrapped up a run of Australia dates, but we clearly can’t get enough of her sleek R&B stylings.
Who: Poolroom.
Where: Pool Club — ivy precinct, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 6th — 7pm
If you’re going to WAFIA you may as well pop into the ivy sister room Pool Club to pregame to sweet, sensitive, dance tracks. Indulge in an elderflower spritz or two and make missing your crush a danceable affair.
Who: Joseph Liddy & The Skeleton Horse
Where: Establishment — 252 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 6th
If psych-funk is more your style then it’s simply imperative that you head to Establishment to catch one of the most eclectic acts in the business, Joseph Liddy & Skeleton Horse. The band have carved out a legacy as one of the most rousing live acts in the country, so its destined to be a rollicking night.
Who: The Bamboos
Where: Palings
When: Thursday, March 12th — 7pm
Funk nine-piece The Bamboos are currently in the midst of celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band. If you can’t make it up to Bluesfest this year, you can get your Bamboos fix at Palings next Thursday.
Who: SACHI
Where: Pool Club — ivy precinct, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Thursday, March 12th
Via-Auckland electro-pop meisters SACHI dropped one of the thiccest EP’s of 2019 with Nights With Ruby. Featuring meaty collaborations with NIKA, CXLOE and E^ST, it’s a bonafide belter destined to get you sweaty as hell.
Who: Sneaky Sound System
Where: Pool Club — ivy precinct, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 13th
A band that need no introduction. It’s Friday the 13th, we want to be feeling all kinds of freaky shit and we can’t think of anything freakier than seeing a UFO and having nobody believe you.
Who: Jarryd James
Where: Palings — Level 1 ivy, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Friday, March 20th
Jarryd James returned triumphant last year with his first new music in three years and god, it feels good to have his honey-dipped vocals infiltrating the airwaves once more. Seeing James in a venue this intimate is truly a treat.
Who: Chela
Where: Pool Club — ivy precinct, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Thursday, March 19th
Perth born, LA-based songwriter Chela is one of this country’s most exciting, eclectic pop exports. Last year, she released her second EP, the stunning Delivery, and ambitious, against the grain collection of pop gems. Put on something outrageously shiny and catch her Pool Club set on March 26th.
Who: Thandi Phoenix
Where: Palings — ivy precinct, 330 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Thursday, March 26th — 8pm
At the risk of sounding dramatic I think that Thandi Phoenix may just be an angel acting on earth. There is no way a voice that heavenly could be bestowed on a mere mortal. 2019 saw Thandi drop her self-titled, debut EP, which was a masterclass in pop perfection.
Who: I Know Leopard
Where: Palings
When: Friday, March 27th — 8pm
I Know Leopard have earned cult status in the Sydney scene over the past few years. They’ve cut their teeth touring with huge names like Rick Astley and a-ha, and conquered festival stages at Party In The Paddock, SXSW, Beyond The Valley and more. 2019 saw the band release their debut album, the sweeping, 70s’ tinged, Love Is A Landmine.
Who: Close Counters
Where: Pool Club
When: Thursday, April 2nd
If you haven’t copped an earful of Close Counters, we pity you and implore you to educate yourself. This Tasmanian duo is making some of the most brilliant, ebullient music in the country. It’s pure bliss. The gig is technically in April but we’re giving you a whole-ass month to prepare and prime yourself.
