They’re a bit crumpled but they can play…

A wonderful evening of charm and rhythm awaits as The Crumpled Gypsies prepare to bring their irresistible blend of Gypsy swing, Latin, Calypso, and more to Daylesford’s Bar Bamford this Saturday evening.

This fabulous trio—featuring Jim Brannon on vocals and clarinet, Simon Wigney on guitar, and Denis Toner on double bass—was born from a shared love of music and fashion.

Together, they create a sound that’s playful, stylish, and timeless and they’re bringing their sound to Bar Bamfordat the Daylesford Hotel this Saturday evening May 24 from 8.30pm.

Entry is free and the Crumpled Gypsies are promising an intimate night of toe-tapping tunes, vintage vibes, and smooth melodies in the cozy surrounds of Bar Bamford.

Rising force in contemporary soul music Oscar LaDell is headed to Bar Bamford, Daylesford Hotel this month for a free evening gig.

With a foundation in blues and a globally influenced perspective, Oscar crafts emotionally rich songs that blend timeless traditions with modern themes.

From heartfelt storytelling to powerful arrangements, Oscar’s music is a testament to his deep connection with the craft, solidifying him as one of today’s most compelling new voices.

He is set to bring his talents to Bar Bamford on Saturday, May 17 from 8.30pm.

Oscar LaDell
Saturday 17 May | 8:30pm – 10:15pm
Bar Bamford – Daylesford Hotel

With a rich, warm, expressive voice and playful spirit, singer Barb Kerr enters the Australian jazz scene with strong musical backing from two of Central Victoria’s finest jazz musicians Simon Wigney (guitar) and Denis Toner (bass).

This well-tuned trio is headed to Bar Bamford at The Daylesford Hotel for an evening gig set for Saturday May 10.

An experienced instrumentalist herself, Barb’s love for singing jazz shines through in every song.

Barb draws from the Great American and Latin Songbooks. Influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra and legendary instrumentalists Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson and Dexter Gordon.

Entry: Free

Location: Bar Bamford at The Daylesford Hotel.

Time: Saturday, May 10 from 7.30pm.

with Darren Lowe

The Daylesford Hotel has a new bar.  

Bar Bamford is a cosy, intimate new space towards the back of the pub, perfect for those who love great music, good company and something a little different.  

Bar Bamford will play host to a rotating line-up of events including jazz nights, whisky tastings, disco bingo, private functions and more.

It’s a warm and inviting spot to settle in, sip something delicious, and enjoy a bit of fun.  

Things kick off on Saturday, April 12 from 7.30pm with Swing Time – the enchanting duo of Jai and Barbarella, pictured, who’ll take people on a musical  journey through the decades with their distinctive blend of jazz, swing, cabaret and  vintage pop.

Expect clever takes on unexpected tunes and a show that’ll leave you  smiling.  

To follow, DJ Jen Moore takes over the decks with her signature funky soul and  jazzy house vibes, perfect for easing into the night.  

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford  

Jeremy Beggs – Saturday, April 12, 2pm  Bamford Bar opening with Swing Time with DJ Jen Moore – Saturday, April 12  

Groove Connection – Saturday, April 19, 7.30pm  

Dolly’s Disco Bingo – Thursday, April 24  

The Martini Set – Saturday, April 26  

Got a gig to share? Email news tlnews.com.au  

with Darren Lowe

Daylesford musical outfit, Square Wave Bounce, play a collection of dreamy  beats, synths, grooves and rhythms.  

A three-piece outfit that produces electro-pop, synthwave and dreambeat songs using analogue equipment, such as Roland Juno synthesizers, Roland drum machines and Korg samplers and effects.  

Ivan Carter provides the drums, rhythms and leads, Fe Porter is on vocals and glockenspiel and Cameron Saunders is on bass.

Other guests have included Maarten Stenakur , Michael Groth, Ruby Carter and Harriet Carter.

Square Wave Bounce will launch its first single in two years, Jayne Goes, at Radius  Gallery in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, April 5.

You can find further details on the Radius Gallery  website.

Jayne Goes can be listened to via https://ditto.fm/jayne-goes

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford  Spa Country Band – Saturday, March 22  Back Alley Sally – Saturday, March 29  

Locally-based folk trio, Little Tree performs at the Daylesford hotel this Saturday afternoon, March 15.

Little Tree (pictured above) is a Daylesford based outfit playing modern and traditional styled original folk.

A group of three singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists blending the cultural experiences of their Australian, English and Finnish origins, this trio shares stories and observations of life with a sensitivity reflecting personal struggles to make sense of these times.

Formed in 2022, the trio features Lee Mould on guitar, percussion ,vocals and mandolin; Tim Burder on guitar, vocals, mandolin, harmonica and bass and Yenni Terrimäki on vocals and percussion.

They’ll be presenting a show of original songs including new material with their two-hour afternoon gig scheduled to get started from 2pm this Saturday afternoon.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied

The Daylesford Hotel is hosting a series of live weekend music acts this month – and an added bonus for music lovers is that they’ll be free to catch.

Coming up this Saturday February 8, The Martini Set plays from 2pm – 4pm. The Martini Set are well loved for their diverse range of jazz, swing and early rock n roll with an inclusive spark and a whole lot of energy.

Their lively repertoire includes songs by the great Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, the Rat Pack crew, James Hunter and Indigo Swing.

Featuring vintage styling, smooth vocals, boogie woogie rhythms and a strong back beat, this band creates a sophisticated ambience and keeps the dance floor jumping.

Next up it’s Daylesford’s Vida Jazz Trio playing on Saturday, February 15 from 2pm – 4pm.

They’re fronted by the soulful vocals of Tania Vida Petrini and promise a chilled afternoon of swinging jazz, warm blues, and rising soul.

Their energy is infectious, their groove is strong, and their music creates an atmosphere that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Whether it’s a smooth ballad, an upbeat swing, or a roof-raising blues number, Vida Jazz has built a reputation for bringing a rich and dynamic sound that fills the space and lifts the mood.

Featuring a lineup of seasoned musicians, including pianist and composer Jem Challender, double bass and guitarist Bruce Millar, drummer Matt Bishop, and the occasional brilliance of trumpeter Vinnie Bourke, the band blends deep experience with a passion for live performance.

With decades of combined expertise, they deliver music that’s both timeless and celebrates jazz in all its forms.

And then on Saturday, February 22, EMILY GRANT are set to play, again in the afternoon, from 2pm – 4pm.

EMILY GRANT (pictured at top) is the unlikely but formidable duo of classically trained pianist Emily Kate (piano, vocals) and rock loving guitarist Grant Michael.

All dates look well worth locking into your weekend events calendar.

Words: Eve Lamb

Central Highland pubs make up three of the best 10 regional pubs to plan a road trip around, food writer Richard Cornish says in an article in The Age’s Good Food, published on January 2. 

The Guildford Family Hotel, above left Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, above right, and the Daylesford Hotel, below, all made the grade. 

The Guildford Family Hotel is run by hospitality stalwart Megan Evans and her partner, music industry long-timer Tom Allen. The perfect pair for a hospitality and music venue. 

The couple took over the pub in 2021 and it’s now a great place for locals and visitors who enjoy the bar baner, beer garden and dining room. 

Megan, who is well known to Daylesford locals after working at a number of hospitality venues in the town, loved the idea of running her own pub and “getting the old girl back to life”. 

“I have loved hotels and pubs my whole life, in fact I have spent pretty much 26 years in hospitality working in country pubs, and I just love the locals. I have a very genuine smile when anyone walks in and that is what country pubs are all about.” 

Jackie Airey and Ken Parfrey bought the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville in 1997.

The 90-year-old pub, once owned by TV and radio personality Ernie Sigley, had been closed for years but the pair slowly renovated and 11 years later, The Centre of the Universe opened. 

Ken said he knew they had something special. And the people who wander in, realise that too. There’s no television, no wi-fi, no pokies, but there is plenty of great chat, excellent meals and always something new to discover in the wonderful decor.

Throw in plenty of live music, the Back Beach Bar and the Henri Langlois Screening Room – and it’s a winner. 

The Daylesford Hotel, with some of the best deck views in town, has recently been taken over by those who did such a great job at Cliffy’s Emporium and Beppe.

They have also engaged chef Rob Kabboord, formerly of three-hatted Quay in Sydney. The food, including drive-through pizza, is fantastic, and the old pub is quickly becoming “the local” with its Friday night charity raffles and down-to-earth vibe.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images of the Guildford Hotel and Radio Springs Hotel: Photoshopped by Kyle Barnes 

Nature in the City is a folk-rock band based around the voice, guitar and songwriting of Robin Sellin born in Germany, now living in Naarm/Melbourne.

What started out one year ago as a duo soon turned into a full band infused with some serious Melbourne vibes with violin, drums, and bass.

Nature in the City invites the listener on a sonic journey rife with improvisation and with no two sets ever the same.

In the last year, Nature in the City has played at local venues and festivals alongside artists such as the Pierce Brothers, Gretta Ray and Pete Murray… and even at the German Parliament!

Back from their annual European tour, the band and its shifting constellation of musicians emanate a refined yet grounded stage presence, reminiscent of Jack Johnson and Simon and Garfunkel.

They’re booked to play the Daylesford Hotel on Saturday evening, December 23.

Boundary-flipping performer Jessica Lindsay Smith plays The Daylesford Hotel, live, next Saturday evening, October 21.

Based in regional Victoria on Dja Dja Wurrung land, Jessica (pictured above) is a local composer who creates music that crosses generic boundaries.

This talented musician’s interests traverse intricately written chamber music to largely improvised jazz, and film music to installation soundscapes. The common thread is a quest to create novel colour palettes and an intrigue for curious textures.

Last year, Jessica’s opera, supported by the Arts Council of Australia, was performed at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute and Tempo Rubato. Esoteric is an experimental opera in one act that draws together visual art, choreography, contemporary art music, and improvisation.

Currently, Jessica is participating in Ensemble Offspring’s Hatched Composer Intensive, being mentored by the ensemble and composing a piece to be premiered at The Neilson, Sydney in November. Jessica has worked with ensembles within local and international contexts to create music with a focus on vivid colours and unusual sounds. 

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Music from Monash University and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music studying under Miriama Young, Mary Finsterer, and Thomas Reiner, amongst others.

Last year Jessica was mentored by Aviva Endean as part of the Australian Art Orchestra Mentorship Program. In 2018 Jessica was commissioned to write for Ensemble Goldentree as part of their International Women’s Day Concert. In 2017 she completed the Tilde New Music and Sound Art Academy under the instruction of Liza Lim and Chris Dench.

In 2016 Jessica was awarded an IgniteLab grant through the University of Melbourne to create a curated concert of works that crossed the classical and jazz streams with celebrated pianists Luke Howard and Nat Bartsch.

Later in 2016 she was commissioned by the Ian Potter Museum of Art as part of their ‘Architectonics’ concert. In the same year Jessica curated and had her work performed at ‘Composure: Chroma Collective’, a concert at Arts Centre Melbourne supported by The Channel.

Next Saturday evening’s gig is free and happens from 6pm in The Daylesford’s front bar.

MY dining companion (Paddy H) and I are ravenous as we enter the Daylesford Hotel for lunch, mid Monday, me having done a gruelling morning group weights class and Paddy having arisen
well before 11am.
And so, it’s with relief that we notice immediately the robust nature of the menu
on offer. There’s plenty here for the hungriest of carnivores – ranging from small
plates to share like the popcorn chicken with chipotle mayo ($18) and the confit pork
belly with apple and wild fennel slaw, celeriac puree and jus ($19) to the Scotch fillet
with buttered kipfler potatoes, beetroot puree, roquette salad and red wine jus ($49)
among the main meat options.

But, notably, we see vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for. The
roast Moroccan seasoned cauliflower steak and the spring saffron ricotta gnocchi
(handmade) are among the tempting options that leap off the menu in this
department. I’m also delighted to discover there’s also an excellent range of options
for those who do not tolerate gluten. At all. And it isn’t just a trendy lifestyle choice.
Atmosphere
We settle in. The atmosphere in the Daylesford Hotel dining room is welcoming
– mellow and relaxed. Green panelled timber walls, a high pressed metal ceiling,
beautiful stained glass windows and a gas log fire which is going (as though in
homage to the season’s shift) all enhance the soothing country ambience.
Nearby, the attractive bar is well stocked with all manner of glinting temptation.
Paddy does the honours, ordering us a lovely lunchtime local wine – Lachlan’s
chardonnay 2021 from Amherst Winery at Talbot. It comes in French glassware.

Starters
For starters (or “small plates to share”) Paddy selects the spiced lamb ribs served
with mint yoghurt, dukka and pickled cucumber ($22). I opt for the gluten-free
mushroom and mozzarella arancini with tomato relish (3 pieces for $15).
Arriving in no time, my choice of starter proves to be golden and crunchy on the
outside with an easily assimilated comfort food factor within. We make swift work,
Paddy happily musing on his selection: “old school flavours, tangy accompaniment”.
Mains
Next up I don’t resist the market fish (salmon) served with buttered kipflers,
avocado mousse, orange and fennel salad GF ($34). Paddy goes for the Daylesford
Hotel pie (beef bourguignon) served on a bed of mashed potatoes, peas and gravy
($29). Our mains also arrive swiftly and prove both ample and satisfying. By the time
they’re but a mere memory on our emptied crockery we agree we can hardly fit in
dessert.
Dessert
But we’re on a mission. So we push on, Paddy plumping for the house-made
decadent chocolate brownie with orange blossom syrup and ice cream ($16) while
I can never go past a good creme brulee. This one comes with vanilla ice cream and
strawberry and is also GF ($16). Both of our selections arrive with fresh violas for
garnish and multi-coloured sprinkles on the ice-cream.
There’s just the right degree of crunch on the brulee’s toffeed top while beneath
the surface my choice of dessert is pleasingly creamy. Paddy reports the brownie to be
“warm, rich, and very dark for chocolate lovers”.
Venue manager Trae Galea stops by to ask how things are, and we’re very happy to
report satisfaction. In response to my question, Trae confirms that the chicken dishes
on the menu here are free range. These include a parmigiana for die-hard devotees
with both half ($21) and full ($30) options available.
We note too that burger and pasta fans are well catered for, and that, beside my
large salmon plate of choice, there’s a good range of other seafood options including
classic fish and chips, chilli mussels, salt and pepper calamari, and barramundi which
comes with vegetables and lemon butter sauce.
Country pub
On the other side of the bar, supervisor and bar attendant Sion says the thing she
enjoys most about working here is the conviviality. “It’s just a very nice country pub
atmosphere, very friendly and a nice little community hub.”
Leaving with dessert lingering agreeably on the palate, we can see what she means.
Along with the satisfying portion sizes, good range of gluten free, vegetarian and
vegan options, the Daylesford Hotel gets a big thumbs up for laid-back ambience. It’s
somewhere you can really chill while getting a fill. Words & images: Eve Lamb