Having recently relocated to Melbourne, Brendon Siemsen brings his engaging and emotive guitar style to life in a trio format.
The Tommys are a 3 piece Surf rock band who rip(tide) up any stage. It's the Beach Boys on steroids! The Dum are a brilliant new 4 piece featuring members of Dead Rodeo, the Music Department and Better Than Sex. Expect chaos, humour and fascination.
MAIN ROOM / Free entry
Four brothers raised in the Mallee in a snake handling evangelical cult have been cut free from the human centipede of organised religion and let loose to play ‘50s, ‘60s and zeitgeist Rockabilly and good times Truckabilly. Fun and furious - Get onboard.
The Retreat Hotel would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Retreat now stands, and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that our venue operates on stolen land.
Daryl Roberts is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter who has performed across Oz and internationally for over 30 years with his fun original eclectic tongue in cheek, catchy funky soul, blues and roots music.
Dear Judy are launching their self-titled, debut album at the Retreat Hotel, and everybody is invited.
Tassie's own Ramblin Van Walker is a prolific and celebrated songwriter in the genres of folk, blues, country and hardcore rocknroll, a 'cult figure' in his adopted home of Victoria, with a vast catalogue of poetic lyric-driven material that explore a range of personal and social themes.
Don’t miss Buttered Loaf, squeezed into a corner and at their fight-or-flight finest in the Retreat front bar on Sunday Feb 16.
Calling all beat animals! 'Hi-Pedigree' runs as a monthly 'open mic' for local producers eager to gather and share their skills.
Join the "Talking Pit" for an evening of energetic and spontaneous grooves and tunes.
Join Mia June and friends Red Moon Cowboy & Ruby Taylor for a free show at the Retreat! Expect muscular alt-rock, gritty indie-folk, and lyrics that prod in a good way. July 24th
Alternative rock four piece Cardboard Cutouts are proud to announce their largest headline tour to date, in celebration of their debut full-length record, Politics and Footy Tips, out June Friday 27th. The Toowoomba band will land in Melbourne on the 25th of July, playing The Retreat Hotel.
Whiskey Romeo are a 4 piece original guitar based rock/pop originals band, playing a range of styles from harder rockers to ballads, with a bit of a 70s flavour and an emphasis on riffs, hooks and harmonies. The band has just released their first album "No Reason".
After a brief hiatus, Fisheye returns with brand new songs, lineup and drive - launching their very first single – ‘Bread for Younger’ - at The Retreat Hotel. Drawing on new influences such as black midi, Geese and Sufjan Stevens, as well as their math-rock roots, the intricate rockers have evolved drastically from their previous live appearances - delving deeper into both earnest, soft sounds and pummelling chaos.
Come along to the old-time jam session at The Retreat Hotel.
The Double Dole Stringband will be hosting an all-in jam session starting at 6:30pm at the Retreat Hotel.
Galaxy News Jazztet is a new jazz group that plays the old-timey swing music from the Fallout series. This includes music by Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Sammy Fain, and many other artists from the 1940s swing era. This time at The Retreat Hotel, it features Geryl Leong on bass, Imre Sicicluna on saxophone, Steven Bitzios on guitar and Patrick Skarajew on drum-kit.
Known widely as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the kora’, Amadou fulfils his ancestral duties to share the culture of his people through the African harp.
Piesale are back at the Retreat with New single ‘WOMBAT WIZARD’. Bringing sonic carnage and nervous lows Piesale are a live show not to be missed. Joining them are Orphix and Billy Cart
Jord. has been waiting a long time to share this with you. Get ready to celebrate the launch of his debut album, “Learning to Wait” with a full band show at The Retreat Hotel.
Carrieland are bringing their alt pop glitter back to the inner city stages with a free Saturday arvo gig at the Retreat Hotel, joined for the first time by the wonderful Do The Bed. After a near-year live hiatus, Carrie and co are champing at the bit to show off their latest new member + shiny new songs. It'll be Carrie's first headliner at the Retreat too! Come grab a drink while the sun's still up and sink your teeth into Carrieland + Do The Bed.
With a pocket full of plane tickets and vag full of dreams, Planet Bitchy is leaving Australia.
I know right… What?! Booooo! Why can’t I stop crying??? What am I gonna do with my life?! Should I see a gynaecologist about this?!
Likeee sooooo true babes, but also, we would NEVER leave without saying goodbye and letting you all know how much you mean to us. Ergo, we declare the 2nd of August officially ‘Bye Bye Bitchy’ day at the Retreat.
To hold our hands and wipe our tears we’ve asked animal enthusiasts, The Salmon Sisters and Pet Therapy, to join us in this celebration of love.
It’s gonna be hard and also wet, but together we will get through this.
Love forever and always and especially on the 2nd of August at the Retreat,
Planet Bitchy (Emphasis on “Planet”)
Hjalte will be touring Melbourne for the first time as an artist this July, however having spent time here in his teenage years, feels as if he is returning to his second home.
An free afternoon of live music at the Retreat with Anatreptix playing Rebetika.
FELONY. proudly presents the ‘Midnight Money’ Australian Tour. Drenched in leather and sparkle, the band is hitting the road in March for some unmissable shows around the country.
Ok all you shower sopranos, closet contraltos and backyard baritones, here is your chance to rock the world, or at least East Brunswick, with the all live Melbourne Karaoke Big Band.
Free in the main room!
Join us for a night of rock and roll crazy! Locals The Bin Stompers are together with mates Stupid Fuck and W.O.M.B.A.T to bring a blend of tongue-in-cheek comedic rock, on stage antics, and heartfelt tear-jerkers for your Thursday Night.
Indie-rock/ pop artist Alisha.K brings her solo acoustic show to The Retreat Hotel, prepared to bring you a night of hits. On stage, she’s a force of contrasts—vulnerable yet powerful, soulful yet high-energy. As a queer, Australian-Sri Lankan artist with jazz/blues roots, Alisha.K proudly carves space for diverse voices, blending technical mastery with fearless honesty in every song.
Join the "Talking Pit" for an evening of energetic and spontaneous grooves and tunes.
For the past two decades, AP D'Antonio has delivered his unique take on traditional country, folk and blues with charm and musicality to burn.
The Retreat Hotel bring you Hot Tubs Bingo Machine
A free night of multiple rounds of bingo hosted and set to music by local duo Hot Tubs Time Machine. Observational humour meets bingo hall vibes via bedroom pop. Fly solo or pull together a team. Prizes, lols and pub grub. Take that Monday!
Known widely as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the kora’, Amadou fulfils his ancestral duties to share the culture of his people through the African harp.
David Cosma returns to The Retreat Hotel on Saturday August 30th for two sets in the front bar! The Age described Cosma as having the "full-bodied croon pairing the silken wryness of Elvis Costello and the gravel of Bob Dylan” while Inpress magazine wrote "a thinking person’s songwriter that speaks volumes to what a terrific talent we have in our midst”.
Come along to the old-time jam session at The Retreat Hotel.
The Double Dole Stringband will be hosting an all-in jam session starting at 6:30pm at the Retreat Hotel.
Tassie's own Ramblin Van Walker is a prolific and celebrated songwriter in the genres of folk, blues, country and hardcore rocknroll, a 'cult figure' in his adopted home of Victoria, with a vast catalogue of poetic lyric-driven material that explore a range of personal and social themes.
Habibi Hafla presents El Mazzika Club! El Mazzika Club is a space where Arabic culture, music, and community come together!
Come Along to The Retreat Hotel Sunday the 13th of July to catch JYO! Take respite from the bitter winds of winter! Have a mulled wine and some soothing pathos to warm our cold hearts. Free Entry! Set Times: Doors: 7:00 Andre Bonsack: 7:30 JYO : 8:30
The Moonee Valley Drifters bring the love of the song, a respect for the great feeling that country is capable of and the release created by dancing – all central to the origins of the music, its people’s music.
Adelaide Psych-Blues Occultists Badland Caravan return to Melbourne to LAUNCH their newest MUSICAL INCANTATION ‘Are You Formless’! The seance commences at The Retreat Brunswick, and they will be joined by local sound-alchemists Astro Elevator and jangly-mods The Pearlies. It will be a RAUCOUS affair, featuring premier vintage inflected music.
An free afternoon of live music at the Retreat with Anatreptix playing Rebetika.
Projectile Dysfunction bring their debut album 'Crew of the Rusty Starfish' a record full of fun, energy, piracy and pure punk rock. Off the back of the 'Morale' single Projectile Dysfunction always bring the most fun and theatrical live show you're bound to see any time soon. Come on down for a great night at the Retreat you won't want to miss. Joining Projectile Dysfunction will be CUP as well as Chase Mantel and The Supervoids.
Hot Air Baboon are a three-piece rock/pop/funk/inflated primate band. With ever increasing radio airplay, and in celebration of the release of several new chart topping releases, they bring 2 sets of pure music to the Retreat Hotel. With support from the amazing Wykd Folk and guests, you're in for a real treat I tell ya.
For Salsodromo's first concert we are performing hits and favourite tunes by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe, the salsa duo who took the world by storm in the 70s and 80s. If you love to dance to classic salsa and Latin American rhythms, this is the night for you! On vocals are the stylings of Janner Anya, Sebastian Medina and Alfonso Sarmiento Blasting from the horn section are: Luke Adams, Max Budgen, Luka Cordedda and Ruby Mineur. Laying down the percussive rhythms are : Mateo Garcia, Ivan Acosta and Santiago Hernandez Grooving in the rhythm section are: Emerson Hurley and Camilo Rojas
Wipe the tears from your eyes, forget your hex debt and gear up for Brunswick’s very own improvised funk, jazz, and groove jams with a rotating house band.
Free in the main room!
7.00 - Doors 7.30 - 8.00pm - Peppa La Floyd 8.30 - 9.00pm - The Heights 9.30 - 10.10pm - Chordie Flow
The Pourshots fronted by a big bass baritone in Shaun Havoc the band play a healthy dose of classic truckin tunes, original country themed music and country covers.
Catch Franjapan live at The Retreat Hotel on Saturday, 5 July. Having built an ever-growing fanbase with sell-out shows including their own Franjafest 2 earlier this year, they’re joined by the dreamy sounds of Gloomie and Alice Ruby. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a night of infectious energy and unforgettable music.
Private Mountain live from the Retreat Hotel Front bar - Supported by Ben Trillado
Tou-Can is throwing down at The Retreat Hotel, and you're invited to a night of raw rhythm, heavy grooves, and . We’re bringing the heat with two of the city’s most electric live acts: the psych-soaked swagger of the Sam Darcy Band and the lush energy of Midnight Violet. Come for the music, stay for the people. Boogie hard, talk nonsense, and let the night take you where it wants.
Disco-gimps Mousse Cannon are launching the 2nd single off their upcoming album with Naarm riders of post punk LXRP & swans of post junk Special Guest! All your fav tunes will be loudly whispered into earholes far and wide - come crush a cup of wine!
We are a jazz fusion band from Naarm/Melbourne led by David Tomisich (keys) and Anthony Farrugia. We will be joined by the Mr Pocket aka Dom Stitt on drums, groove king Liam Powell on bass and sax lord Will Larsen.
The Retreat Hotel bring you Hot Tubs Bingo Machine
A free night of multiple rounds of bingo hosted and set to music by local duo Hot Tubs Time Machine. Observational humour meets bingo hall vibes via bedroom pop. Fly solo or pull together a team. Prizes, lols and pub grub. Take that Monday!
Come along to the old-time jam session at The Retreat Hotel.
The Double Dole Stringband will be hosting an all-in jam session starting at 6:30pm at the Retreat Hotel.
Callum Wylie is back with his first new release in nearly 5 years. To celebrate, he will be launching the new single, "If I Knew Your Name" at The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick alongside Naarm mainstays Norwood and Al Speers
Keets is a neo-soul singer songwriter supported by her incredible band. Her fundraiser gig "Voices of the Future" is for Girls From Oz; a choir located in rural areas in Australia that don't get as much funding to sing, dance and perform
BLUES! ROCK! GUITAR SOLOS! Rhian Elin will be celebrating the launch of her debut EP 'Better Late Than Never' with support from Shelly's Motor Club.
Join us from 2:30 - 5pm in the main bandroom. Free entry & welshcakes.
Flower Extract celebrate the release of the Trying, the second single from their upcoming sophomore EP, at The Retreat Hotel Brunswick.
7.30 - Doors 8.00 - 8.30 - Monet's Pond 8:50 - 9.25pm - Kalopsia 9:50 - 10:45 - Flower Extract
Melbourne Poytechnic host their end of semester band performance night at the Retreat Hotel in Brunswick. All performance students grouped in bands present a wide range of music genres to delight and entertain and celebrate the end of semester.
Known widely as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the kora’, Amadou fulfils his ancestral duties to share the culture of his people through the African harp.
Calling all beat animals! 'Hi-Pedigree' runs as a monthly 'open mic' for local producers eager to gather and share their skills.
Henry Hugo has been described as a cult figure, a chameleon artist lurking in the depths of music, with a unique vocal style producing melancholic lyrics about daily human experiences. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, sound engineer and producer, Henry has played with the likes of Hugo Race, the late Spencer P. Jones, Steve Lucas (X), Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth), and many more. The Kindred Souls (Damian Hooper - bass, Scott Bennett - drums, Charlie Barker - keys/saw, Douglas Galbraith - guitar) present Henry's compositions through a moody alternative-rock sound and disposition. With special guest Miguel Rios.
Formed over 15 years ago, the Low Down Big Band are stalwarts of the Melbourne Big Band Scene. Come join in the fun on June 30
Michael’s Cane is a Melbourne based dream pop/folk band. They weave together melancholic vocal harmonies and rhythmically playful melodies. Emotionally layered, self deprecating and humorous song writing. Michael’s Cane brings a unique atmosphere to every show.
Ratfink! are Liv & Raph, high school mates who make DIY pop songs in Brunswick. They will be launching their new single "GAY SONG" with a full band, and will be supported by the elusive Ben Danks & the Bandits, a dangerous band of outlaws from the eastern suburbs.
Contort yourself to the overwhelming grooves of Zero City at the Retreat Hotel Brunswick. The 6-piece art-rock band return with sophisticated musicianship, ear bursting climaxes and tracks where you will have no idea what is going on. They are joined by Jazz-funk band Banksia who will make sure you get those feet moving and Kate’s Company who’s songs will get stuck in your head for weeks.
