Half Light, the duo of Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill, is coming to play at The Palais Hepburn tonight Friday, June 21 at 7.30pm.

Known for their driving, hypnotic Celtic music, the duo is set to embark on their second tour of Australia, with shows scheduled across Victoria and New South Wales in June.

Half Light promises to deliver a captivating performance, blending original and traditional folk tunes for an enchanting experience.

Half Light’s magic lies in their ability to take these folk melodies and songs, both old and new, and weave them into fresh and exciting arrangements.

Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of musical styles, they transport listeners to faraway lands with one melody and have them tapping their toes and clapping their hands with the next.

At the heart of Half Light’s show is what they call the “lift” – a high-energy musical experience fuelled by flute, whistles, guitars, and infectious rhythms.

Pearson and McNeill bring a unique perspective to live folk music, infusing it with energy and creativity.

Both Pearson and McNeill are well-respected figures in the folk music scenes of New Zealand and Australia, with extensive experience touring all over the world as solo artists and group members, earning recognition with numerous awards.

They have shared their expertise at many festivals and workshops across the globe, promising an evening of diverse folk music.

The Half Light show will feature a range of instruments, including wooden flutes, Irish tin whistles, guitars, and heartfelt vocals. This fresh approach to traditional folk music is sure to appeal to all music enthusiasts. Link: renniepearsonmusic.com

The Melbourne pub music scene thrived in the 80s and 90s, a vibrant era marked by the prominent presence of women and lesbian bands.

These groups captivated both women and mainstream audiences, performing in local pubs, at numerous women’s dances, and touring along the East Coast.

In 2021, The Lost Girls emerged as a supergroup at the inaugural Melbourne Pride Festival. Each member is a veteran of the 80s and 90s Melbourne music scene, bringing a unique blend of experience and passion to the stage.

Now the Lost Girls are preparing to find their way to the Palais, Hepburn this Saturday evening, May 25 to deliver what promises to be a powerhouse performance.

With a lineup of eight dynamic women, The Lost Girls are a powerhouse of energy and nostalgia. They specialize in delivering high-octane performances that celebrate the best of that era.

Those planning to get along are advised to prepare for a night of vigorous dancing and exuberant singing with the anthems that defined a generation.

Tomorrow evening the Palais Hepburn is hosting a special show dedicated to the great tenor and soprano arias.

Set for Saturday evening May 18, Great Tenors and Sopranos will feature big operatic hits like the Mario Lanza Medley, Nessun Dorma, The Drinking Song from Traviata, La Boheme, Summertime, The Prayer, Time to Say Goodbye and many more.

The upcoming show will showcase the vocal talent of Soprano, Mary-Louise Santa who graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne University and has established her career with The Victorian State Opera and Opera Australia.

Mary-Louise sang the role of Vera Lynn for The Bicentennial Military Tattoo, she toured to every capital city performing to audiences of over 18,000 with baritone Donald Cant.

She shared the stage with Judi Connelli, Rhonda Burchmore, Gina Riley, John Farnham, David Hobson, Marina Prior and The Italian Tenors world tour and studied with the late Luciano Pavarotti.

It also stars Lyric tenor Marco Cinque who sang the role of Tony Candolino in the award-winning production of Maria Callas Masterclass starring Amanda Muggleton.

Marco was part of a live video linkup with Italy celebrating the centenary of Guiseppe Verdi’s death. Marco opened the International David Bowie symposium singing the hit song Heroes accompanied by David Kram as part of the David Bowie Is Exhibition from V and A in London.

More information is available through the venue’s website.

Expect indie-gypsy folk plus fiery horn improv when Szara Fox and Andrew Darling take to the stage at The Palais, Hepburn on Friday evening May 17.

Szara Fox is an exotic Dutch songstress whose unique songwriting style is infused with Flamenco and Balkan Gypsy music.

With a powerful, compelling voice and driving guitar style, Szara weaves an elemental sensuality through uptempo tales of travel, love, freedom and the mystical present in the everyday.

Fox has honed her craft over a 14-year period, performing throughout Australia, New Zealand and Europe, captivating audiences with her mix of original compositions and traditional Gypsy folk songs.

Accompanying her is her musical soulmate, trumpet player Andrew Darling, whose impassioned, evocative playing weaves rich melodic lines and fiery improvisations throughout the music.

Andrew is a seasoned musician of 35 years’ experience, having performed with Australian music icons such as Dan Kelly, Greg Arnold and Gareth Liddiard.

The duo have become festival favourites, having performed at festivals throughout Australia and Europe over the last few years. They recently opened for Things of Stone and Wood at Melbourne’s illustrious Bird’s Basement.

After relentless regional touring and performances through Europe last winter, the unmissable Szara Fox & Andrew Darling perform their gorgeous and intimate show at Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn Springs on Friday May 17, from 6.30pm.

The Reg Cole Quartet is headed to The Palais, Hepburn Springs for a Saturday night gig on May 4.

This renown jazz/soul/Latin outfit formed in the mid 90s while its members were all studying at Melbourne University.

They were regulars at venues like The Uptop, the Nightcat and released a number of recordings.

The guys are now recording an album of new tunes which they’ll be performing alongside some of their more popular pieces from the 90s.

More details about next month’s show at the Palais can be found on the venue’s website.

The Palais Hepburn hosts Suzie So Blue and her full band on Friday May 3rd for what promises an unforgettable Friday night’s live music.

Making her debut in Hepburn, Suzie brings a hypnotic tenor guitar sound, heartfelt vocals, and a captivating blend of cathartic music.

Accompanied by a talented ensemble featuring a double bass, electric guitar, and drums, the mood is set for an immersive experience.

Suzie So Blue is a singer-songwriter whose music delves deep into the heart of human emotions with just four strings and the truth.

Blending the soulful essence of blues with the storytelling charm of country, Suzie’s hypnotic tenor guitar style and evocative vocals create a mesmerising sonic tapestry.

Influenced by luminaries like Yola, Amythyst Kiah, Tracy Chapman, Gillian Welch and Sierra Ferrell, she weaves tales of love and life that resonate with Americana and dark folk enthusiasts.

Songwriter Skyscraper Stan is returning to Palais-Hepburn on Saturday April 27 for a repeat solo performance.

Lyrical, observant and occasionally profound, Stan has cemented himself as a stalwart of the Australian songwriting scene over a decade of touring and recording.

Joining Stan on the night is fellow songsmith Freya Josephine Hollick – a rising legend of Australian country music.

It’s a prime chance to join Stan and Freya for an evening with two songwriters at the top of their game.

Coming up Friday evening April 26, renowned singer-songwriter Michael Meeking returns to the Palais-Hepburn for an intimate performance of soulful acoustic alternative country roots and rock.

With a magnetic stage presence, Meeking captivates his audience through a blend of showmanship, musical prowess, and remarkable songcraft.

Armed with his faithful 12-string guitar and soul-stirring husky vocals, Meeking has garnered a reputation for commanding the stage.

He will be featuring songs from his acclaimed latest album “The Night Air”, which is infused with echoes of classic American songwriters, such as Springsteen and Tom Petty.

On this album Michael has created a rousing bunch of songs that music journalist Jeff Jenkins has described as the finest in his career.

The leading Aussie tribute act to Pearl Jam head to The Palais, Hepburn to deliver a high-energy performance of the legendary Seattle outfit’s greatest hits on Saturday evening, April 13.

Off the back of their successful International tour celebrating 30 years of VS, The Pearl Jam Experience are traveling to regional centres, with special guests, to deliver a show that promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for Pearl Jam fans, both old and new.

The Pearl Jam Experience pay tribute to one of the most prominent, and influential bands of the 90’s with further details available through the venue’s website.

Melbourne based singer songwriter John Taratsas captivates his audiences with big choruses, and memorable hooks wrapped in rhythmic guitar, punching horns and moving strings.

Taratsas is headed to Hepburn next month to play the Palias on Friday evening, April 5.

With roots in Britpop, Folk and Indie Rock, he has started 2024 strongly, performing at The Thornbury Local, Coburg RSL and the Penny Black.

He released his most well received single ‘Wings’ in 2022 which has garnered over 12,000 plays on Spotify. He then released “Don’t Go Away Now” which eclipsed that statistic.

More details about his upcoming Hepburn gig can be fund on the Palais website.

It’s time to hoik up your leg-warmers, beef up your best big hair, slip on a sliver of spandex and make your way down to the Palais, Hepburn this Easter Saturday evening March 30.

The reason: Rewind 80’s Mixtape Tour is coming to Palais-Hepburn for an Easter Weekend extravaganza

The siren call of the 1980’s – spandex and all – is beckoning crowds in all areas of Australia. Rewind 80’s promises to pull out all the stops from the decade of big hair and even bigger tunes.

The multi-piece live show is set to bring out two live party sets, asking guests to prepare to be immersed in a huge celebration of nostalgia.

Tracks from David Bowie, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Wilde, Guns N’ Roses and more are on the mixtape setlist on the night.

Ticket sales have opened with more information through the venue’s website.

A Night With Tina is a fun, action-packed and loving drag tribute to R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner and it’s happening at the Palais, Hepburn on Friday evening March 29.

In a tribute show like no other, Fabio Cattafi performs Tina’s greatest hits including Proud Mary, Private Dancer and Nutbush City Limits, this homage to his idol is pure energy.

Theatrical and filled with the power and emotion that only a Tina Turner song can, this show will have audiences on their feet from start to finish.

Transformed into Tina, thanks to handmade copies of original Tina Turner costumes, Fabio’s flawless look is enough to convince anyone that Tina was right there on stage.

His 30 year dance career lends slick and technical choreography to each and every song complete with a group of professional back up dancers.

Happening at The Palais, Hepburn next month, the Freeza Youth Pride Ball is a free event for LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment, embracing pride, diversity, and inclusion for all.

Featuring plenty of live music and a dance competition, the Pride Formal 2024 ball is locked in for Saturday evening, March 2.

Presented by FREEZA and the Hepburn Shire Council this dance party is aimed at the 12-17 age group LGBTIQA+ and allied young people to come together, dance their socks off and celebrate in a safe, discrimination free environment.

It will also feature tasty bar food – think burgers, fries, pizzas, fish & chips – with the entire evening will be hosted by the one and only Elektra-lite (pictured above).

Organisers say it will be an “unforgettable evening filled with love, acceptance, and fabulousness” and a prime opportunity to dance the night away to amazing music from artists Memphis LK.

They strongly that those who planning to be there should “put on your most dazzling outfit, because this is the perfect opportunity to show off your style and express yourself freely” with prizes up for grabbed for best dressed.

“Our goal is to create a safe space where everyone can be their authentic selves, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” organisers say.

“Whether you identify as LGBTIQA+ or simply want to support and celebrate diversity, the Pride Formal 2024 welcomes everyone with open arms.

“It’s a chance to meet new friends, make lasting memories, and be part of a movement that promotes equality and love.”

Fans of American alternative country music, folk and westcoast harmony are in for a treat as the Palais at Hepburn prepares to host ‘An Evening in the Canyon’ this Saturday night, February 24.

It’s a special celebration of Laurel Canyon’s distinctive brand of Americana that pulls together two world class exponents of the genre in one must-attend concert.

Canyon Dust (formerly just ‘Canyon’ and pictured above) performs originals inspired by the ‘Laurel Canyon – Westcoast’ tradition of the 60’s and 70’s and interprets some of the greatest songs written in this period.

Canyon Dust’s debut album featured their signature four-part harmonies set in songs about deserts, forests, raging water, open highways and broken hearts.

Canyon Dust blends acoustic and electric instruments, at times singing around a single condenser mic in a traditional Bluegrass style.

Canyon Dust will perform a selection of originals and interpretations of Laurel Canyon mainstays alongside their acclaimed renditions of Crosby Stills Nash & Young classics.

Double-heading the bill is J.D. Delves. J.D has dedicated his musical life to Young and there are few better representations to pay homage to Neil Young’s catalogue of truly inspiring music.

J.D has played 1000’s of shows across the decades and he knows how to entertain crowds with his soaring vocals, skilled guitar playing and quick witted humour.

The show is expected to sell quickly.

Australian folk troubadour Cooper Lower is quickly garnering a reputation as one of Australia’s most captivating young songwriters.

Currently based in London, England, he is nevertheless about to grace the Palais, Hepburn with his presence and musicianship that has been variously described as a “symphony of percussive guitar and melody. Brilliant, articulate, perceptive”.

Lower’s poignant lyrics and soaring melodies have captured the hearts of thousands throughout North America, Europe and Australia, propelling him on a journey from the streets of London into renowned venues and major festival stages.

The songs and stories of Cooper Lower are for thinkers and feelers alike, and locals will now have the chance to share an evening with Cooper at Palais-Hepburn on March 1st.

Notable prior appearances include the Queenscliff Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Tollwood Winterfestival (Germany), Melbourne International Guitar Night and the Fretmonkey Records Guitar Showcase (New York, USA).