The RiotACT Gig Guide (21 - 27 February)

Photo of Boat Show supplied by She-Riff. Boat Show will be playing She-Riff Vol 8 this Thursday at Transit Bar, starting from 8 pm.

This week’s RiotACT Gig Guide features Boat Show, who are headlining this week’s She-Riff, a night dedicated to rock music written and played by women. Boat Show is a punk band from Perth who had a huge 2017 after the release of their debut album, ‘Groundbreaking Masterpiece’, which they toured around the country. They will be playing with locals Sodium Sunday and Violet Faye, from 8 pm Thursday at Transit Bar.

There is another big show at the Canberra Theatre, with legendary Australian band Sunnyboys returning, joined by Ups & Downs, a classic psych-pop band who have just recently re-joined and recorded a new album, ‘The Sky’s In Love With You’. You can also duck into The Phoenix for Piss Weak Karaoke, hosted by Chris Endrey, from 9 pm, which makes for a hilarious, laidback night of butchering classic tunes.

Local hip-hop star Genesis Owusu will take the stage again at Transit Bar on Friday, while the Ainslie Arts Centre hosts the LP launch of I Hold The Lion’s Paw, a Melbourne group merging the two unlikely genres of free improvisation and afrobeat. And on Saturday there are some big shows, including Bleach It Clean at Transit Bar and The Gypsy Scholars at the Polish White Eagle Club, who will both be playing with huge line-ups. Check out more details below!

Wednesday 21st

• Acoustic Pints: Jim Dusty, Beth Monzo, Bee Con and Kopasetic @ The Phoenix, 8 pm start
• Smith’s Varietal #108 feat. Ella Hunt w/ others TBA @ Smith’s Alternative, 9.30 pm start

Thursday 22nd

• Ommadawn and Équinoxe @ Commonwealth Park, 7.15 – 8.30 pm
• Sunnyboys w/ Ups & Downs @ Canberra Theatre Centre, 7.30 pm start
• She-Riff Vol 8: Boat Show, Sodium Sunday and Violet Faye @ Transit Bar, 8 pm start
• Unisounds: Jones the Cat ‘Wasted’ tour @ The Well (University of Canberra), 8.30 pm start
• Piss Weak Karaoke w/ Chris Endrey @ The Phoenix, 9 pm start
• Triple J’s Alex Dyson @ Treehouse, 9 pm start
• Brap Brap Vol 2 – Big Smokin’ Joe ‘Single Minded’ LP launch w/ DJ Daily @ Smith’s Alternative, 9.30 pm start

Friday 23rd

• Mylk and Jackson Howard @ Smith’s Alternative, 7 – 9 pm
• Charlie A’Court @ Harmonie German Club, 7 pm start
• I Hold The Lion’s Paw ‘Abstract Playgrounds’ LP launch @ Ainslie Arts Centre, 7.30 – 9.30 pm
• Genesis Owusu @ Transit Bar, 8 pm start
• Friday Night Fiesta – Latin Ska Reggae w/ Los Chavos @ The Phoenix, 9 pm start
• Triply w/ Rosie & Sam and Two Truths & A Lie @ Smith’s Alternative, 9.30 pm start

Saturday 24th

• GangGang Gypsy Jam @ Gang Gang Cafe, 6 – 9 pm
• Tate Sheridan ‘Angel Man’ EP tour @ Smith’s Alternative, 7 – 9 pm
• Bleach It Clean, Sarky Bastard, Click Cult, The New Party and Semen & Garfuckel @ Transit Bar, 8 pm start
• The Gypsy Scholars w/ String Elephants, An Inconvenient Groove and Ben Kelly @ Polish White Eagle Club, 8 pm start
• Key Grip @ Smith’s Alternative, 9.30 pm start

Sunday 25th

• Sunday Jazz Jam @ Smith’s Alternative, 1.30 pm start
• Groove Warehouse Sunday Session @ Smith’s Alternative, 4 – 6 pm

Monday 26th

• Beck @ National Convention Centre, 7 pm start
• Capital Club: Smith’s Band Rehearsal Night @ Smith’s Alternative, 9.30 pm start

Tuesday 27th

• BANG!! BENG!! BING!! BONG!! BUNG!! @ Smith’s Alternative, 7 pm start

Check out our Gig Guide for upcoming world-class live music showcasing local talents, Australian artists, and international musical acts at some of the best venues in the country. Find out about the latest gallery and exhibition openings, new restaurants, all-day cultural events, family-friendly activities, and so much more. There truly is something on offer for everyone, no matter what tastes and interests you have.

Our What’s On page details the shows, events, and activities taking place over the coming days. We make it easy to plan your week, with all of the vital information in one place: when, where, who, and why.

So, get your diary ready and start making plans. It’s time to explore Canberra’s lively events calendar, and get the most out of life in our wonderful city.