08/06/2026
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MBAS Blues Weekly Newsletter 8th June, 2026
Hi. In this week’s issue…
• MBAS TUESDAY NIGHT ‘HOUSE OF BLUES’ – Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES + BLUES JAM
• MBAS 2026 BLUES CHALLENGE TO MEMPHIS – ENTRIES CLOSE 30th JUNE
• SANCTIFIED BLUES – THIS SUNDAY: 2 SHOWS!
• MBAS BLUES CALENDAR – OUR WEEKLY GIG GUIDE
TUESDAY 9th JUNE
MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' JAM NIGHT @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
FREE ENTRY – ALL WELCOME!
6:30pm: Doors & Kitchen open for meals
8:00pm: Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES
9:00pm - 11pm: Blues Jam
(Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
Entry FREE, but for guaranteed table seating, book now:
www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026
GYPSY KING JONES delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Drawing deep influence from Texas Country Blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these traditions with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s entirely his own. Winner of the 'Emerging Artist’ award at the 2025 VICTAS Blues Music Awards, and a fixture on Melbourne’s live music scene, GKJ delivers captivating performances full of raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling.
Channelling the spirit of blues ghosts from a bygone era, GKJ shows echo the soul and grit of southern juke joints and back porch sessions. Originally from the Grampians region of Victoria and now based in Melbourne, GKJ continues to draw inspiration from both the wide open landscapes of his home, and the vibrant city scene. His latest EP, “I Came Here to Groove” (released June 2025) reached #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with lead single “Struck Like Lightnin” hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart. Receiving strong community radio support across all Australian states, GKJ continues to carve out his place as a force among this country’s best blues and roots artists.
NEXT WEEK: Coming up at MBAS – 16 JUNE, book ahead for FEATURE ACT: THE BLOW OUT – FREE ENTRY – Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-16-06-2026
Attention Victorian Blues Musicians…
GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BY 30th JUNE
FOR THE 2026 MBAS BLUES CHALLENGE TO MEMPHIS!
2 WINNERS IN 2 CATEGORIES GO TO MEMPHIS TO REPRESENT THE MBAS AT THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE (IBC) USA IN JANUARY 2027!
So polish your act, work up your best 20 minute blues sets and follow the incredible success of MBAS-represented acts over the past 2 years – achieving outstanding INTERNATIONAL TOP 5 status at the IBC FINAL in MEMPHIS USA for CAM WALTER BLUES BAND (IBC FINAL Jan 2026), plus NICK CHARLES and NARDIA BAND (IBC FINAL Jan 2025).
BE IN IT TO WIN IT! MBAS QUALIFING HEATS:
• SOLO/DUO HEATS: Tues 14 & Wed 15 JULY
• BAND HEATS: Tues 11 & Wed 12 AUGUST
BLUES ACTS ENTER NOW – more info and Entry Forms:
www.mbas.org.au/club-events/mbas-blues-challenge
MBAS & MSG CHOIR presents:
An unmissable live blues and choral music spectacular!
2 SHOWS BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
THIS SUNDAY 14th JUNE – 1:30pm & 6:30pm
BRUNSWICK BALLROOM
SANCTIFIED BLUES – A Melbourne Soul & Blues Gathering
MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR
with PHIL MANNING, ANDREA MARR & IAN COLLARD
Blues grit meets gospel fire. This exciting first collaboration between the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) and the Melbourne Soul & Gospel Choir (MSG) brings together soaring soulful voices and deep authentic blues grooves, with some of Melbourne’s most celebrated, esteemed blues musicians.
Featuring a 60-voice SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR led by Dr DARREN WICKS,
with performances by multi-award winning blues royalty legends –
PHIL MANNING (guitar), IAN COLLARD (harmonica),
soul/blues/gospel diva ANDREA MARR (vocals), and rhythm masters
ROBERT B. DILLON (drums) with RON E. SMITH (bass).
2 SHOWS! TIX from $38 + bf • BOOK NOW
1:30pm SHOW – Almost sold out:
moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering/194815
6:30pm SHOW – Already selling fast:
moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering-2nd-show-added/195954
SANCTIFIED BLUES
MBAS BLUES CALENDAR – WEEKLY GIG GUIDE
Week commencing Monday 8th JUNE 2026
Brought to you by the MBAS with Matt Frederick’s Juke Joint Gig Guide.
Musos, venues, promoters and festivals – if you want your future Blues events included, email them in advance to MBAS on time for publishing
every Monday for the following week’s worth of gigs.
DEADLINE FOR GIG LISTINGS guaranteed to be included is 7pm FRIDAYS Email: [email protected]
NOTE: Ticketing links and admission pricing details are shown where known.
Gig guide listings subject to change/cancellation by venues and artists,
so always best to double check before you head out!
TUE 9th
• GYPSY KING JONES + Blues Jam, MBAS House of Blues @ Flemington Bowls Club, Flemington. Doors & Kitchen open for meals from 6:30pm, Feature act 8:00pm (Blues Jam 9:00pm – 11pm) FREE. Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026
WED 10th
• MISS LOU’S BLUES, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE
THU 11th
• ANTHEA JEWELS BAND + Blues Jam, Hume Blues Club @ Thornbury Bowls Club, Thornbury 8:00pm – 11:00pm FREE Bookings: www.humebluesclub.com
• MATT DWYER & THE MAGNATONES, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5
FRI 12th
• NICK CHARLES, Kelly’s Bar & Kitchen, Olinda 7:00pm FREE
• CALEDONIAN CASTAWAYS, Kindred Bandroom, Footscray 7:30pm $29 + b/f www.moshtix.com.au
• MICH MASH MAMMAS, Johnny’s Bar, St Kilda 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE
• MR BLACK & BLUES, George Lane, St Kilda 8:00pm
• LIAM KEALY TRIO, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 8:30pm – 10:30pm FREE
• PHIL COYNE & THE WAYWARD ACES + BEN J. CARTER, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5
• PAUL SLATTERY & THE UNFORTUNATE SONS, The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East 5:00pm –7:00pm $20 www.lomondhotel.com.au
• BLACK TULIP, 12 Bar, Belgrave 9:00pm FREE
SAT 13th
• CATCH 23 + THE DEAD PHAROAHS, The Old Bar, Fitzroy 4:00pm
• NICK CHARLES & MICK PEALING, The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East 5:00pm –7:00pm $20 www.lomondhotel.com.au
• DAVE MILES, Big Earl’s Roadhouse, Port Melbourne 5:00pm
• MR SIPPY + ALEX HAMILTON + HIGHWAY + CHELSEA HOTEL present Winter Warmers, Memo Music Hall, St Kilda 7:00pm $32 – $44 www.memomusichall.com.au
• STEAMBOAT WHISTLERS, Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE
• COLD SNAP, The Grand Hotel, Portarlington 8:00pm
• SALTY DOG BLUES BAND, The Painted Lady, Ballarat 8:30pm –10:30pm $10 Bookings Ph: 0422 799 481
• LIAM KEALEY COMBO feat CAM WALTER + KIER STEVENS, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5
• THE ELECTRIC RELFS, The Town Hall Hotel, North Melbourne 9:00pm
SUN 14th
• PHIL MANNING + ANDREA MARR + IAN COLLARD with MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR, A Melbourne Soul & Gospel Gathering @ Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick – 1st Show – Afternoon: 1:30pm – 4:00pm Tix $38 www.brunswickballroom.com.au
• FEATURE BLUES ACT, Blues Brews & BBQ @ Hop Temple, Ballarat 1:30pm - 4:30pm FREE
• JESSE VALACH & THE TESTAMENTS + MASKELL LOVE BAND, Way Out West @ Yarraville Club, Yarraville 2:00pm – 5:00pm $25 / $20 WOW Members Tix: www.wowrootsmusic.com
• ELWOOD BLUES CLUB (EBC) HOUSE BAND + Blues Jam @ Lyrebird Lounge, Ripponlea 4:00pm – 8:00pm FREE Bookings: 0419 599 871
• NICK CHARLES, Naughton’s Bar, Parkville 4:00pm FREE
• COLD SNAP, Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy 4:00pm – 7:00pm FREE
• KELLY AUTY & BRIAN FRASER TRIO, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 4:00pm – 6:00pm FREE
• ROD PAINE with resident house band THE BLOW OUT, Stingo Blues @ The Yorkshire Stingo Hotel, Abbotsford Jammers 5:00pm Feature act 7:00pm FREE. Table bookings: 03 9417 3088
• PHIL MANNING + ANDREA MARR + IAN COLLARD with MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR, A Melbourne Soul & Gospel Gathering @ Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick – 2nd Show – Evening: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Tix $38 www.brunswickballroom.com.au
TUE 16th
• THE BLOW OUT + Blues Jam, MBAS House of Blues @ Flemington Bowls Club, Flemington. Doors & Kitchen open for meals from 6:30pm, Feature act 8:00pm (Blues Jam 9:00pm – 11pm) FREE. Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-16-06-2026
NOTE: Gig guide listings subject to change/cancellation by venues and artists, so always best to double check before you head out!
MBAS MEMBERSHIP
The MBAS is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation which relies on the support of its financial Members and valued Sponsors. If you're not yet an MBAS Member or your Membership is due for renewal, visit our website for more information and easy online Membership Form:
www.mbas.org.au/membership.htm
MBAS SPONSORS
Thank you to the valued sponsors who assist the MBAS in its initiatives and operations by providing financial support, donated products, discounted goods and pro bono services. New sponsor enquiries welcome. Contact MBAS President, John Durr - Ph: 0425 776 613 or Email: [email protected]
LOVIN’ THE BLUES SINCE 1990
The MBAS look forward to seeing you the MBAS 'House of Blues' every Tuesday night for our FREE live music nights with feature Blues artist followed by Blues Jams. At FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB - Cnr Smithfield & Racecourse Rds Flemington VIC 3031. ALL WELCOME. Bookings recommended online via our EVENTS PAGE at: mbas.org.au/events
Enquires phone or SMS: 0425 776 613
www.mbas.org.au
Melbourne Blues Club for blues enthusiasts & blues musicians. Blues Music, Jam nights, Club membership, Blues music awards, Blues Challenge, Youth in Blues. Blues gigs, music venues.
