SHAYAN electro-acoustic
A new electro-acoustic project exploring the intersection between jazz, percussion and electronics. Featuring Jackson Fumberger (electric violin and electronics) Amanda Jones (drums) and Omid Shayan (saxophone and electronics)
Supported by: Beyond the Bathroom Community Choir
THE THURSDAY HAMMOND SESSIONS
"KICKIN THE B AT 303"
Doors at 8.00pm - Performance time: 9.00pm - 11.00pm
Formed from a common love of all things indecent in music, The Artie Styles Quartet delivers a boatload of high energy organ-driven jazz, funk and soul express to your eardrums. So if you are in need of deep satisfaction, pound your senses into sublimity with their sound. Featuring members from bands as diverse as City Calm Down and Clare Bowditch, they bring a vast wealth of experience and unpredictability that will keep you entertained and grooving.
The Leslie will be spinning and the tone wheels in the mighty vintage B3 style Hammond Organ will be grinding to the music from Australia's finest Hammond Organ players with their highly acclaimed rhythmn sections and surprise guest musicians. Tix - $20 on the door.
The Artie Styles Quartet take a break from gradually moving away from Melbourne and each other to come back and rock Northcote with two sets of jazz, funk, and soul featuring the resident Hammond Organ at Bar 303.
9-11pm
$20 tickets at the door
Featuring:
Cameron Fallaw - Hammond Organ
Maximilian West - Guitar
Daniel Beinke - Electric Bass
Sean Newell - guest Drummer
Friday 28th March
8:30 PM
Bar 303
$30 door / $25 online
Opa! Bato Balkan Brass performs at Bar 303 on the 28th March 2025 for an unforgettable show! Pumping out Balkan dance tunes and songs of love and war, melodies of laughter and tears, come and join the crew for 3 crankin’ sets of great drinking and dancing music. If you’ve never heard a Balkan brass band live this is a must see show!
Online ticket deal $25!
Doors open at 8:00PM, music till late. Tickets at the door $30. Cash only! (Sorry, no Eftpos)
The only Australian brass band ever to perform at the world's largest brass festival 'Guča' (Serbia), Opa! Bato are truly Australia's ambassadors of balkan brass.
We acknowledge that this evening will take place on Wurundjeri country and we pay our respects to the people of the Kulin nation. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Special guests this month -
FANTASTIC FKN BOOMBOTS - https://soundcloud.com/jnrboom/ffbb-aura
LO.TESS - https://soundcloud.com/lotess
AURAMECHANIC - https://soundcloud.com/auramechanic
8:30-1am
LIMITED FREE TICKETS SIGN UP VIA EVENTBRITE.com
ONLY VALID BEFORE 10pm
JassHub is an ongoing event every Monday night.
The Jass Hub features improvised and original music.
7pm- TBA
8pm - Anny Sugg Band
9:30pm -Tom Fryer Band
Only $5 cash entry.
The Yarra Banks Jam is back on for the first and third Tuesday of every month, featuring our totally pimped out house band of salty Melbourne sea dogs [not actually salty, or sea dogs...a little bit salty maybe]. Bring your horn, guitar, sticks or whatever else you can make noise with down to Bar 303 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, and scratch that soul, blues, jazz and funk itch you know you have, before it turns into a rash.
Jamming starts 8pm. Free
Julien Wilson's BlueSurprise
Featuring Stephen Magnusson (gtr), Brett Williams (organ), Yunior Terry (bs), Danny Fischer (dms)
$20, 8pm
Back to play the blues at 303 with this mighty band. Those who were at our first gig know what to expect. For everyone else ... BLUESURPRISE
w/ Stephen Magnusson - guitar
Brett Williams - hammond organ
Danny Fischer - drums
Yunior Terry - bass
Julien Wilson - sax
This will be the first show in a season of different acts curated by Julien Wilson at 303 on Wednesdays in April and May.
The following weeks will feature:
April 9th Rough Diamonds featuring Greg Sheehan + members of 12ToneDiamonds including Naomi Jean, Nick Delaney, Nashua Lee & Arron Light
April 16th Kyrie Anderson / Sam Anning / Stephen Magnusson
April 23rd STOCK (Fermanis/Hale/Harvey)
April 30th Open Thread (Peggy Lee, Theo Carbo, Dylan van der Schyff)
May 7th Trio w/ Sam Anning / Dylan van der Schyff
May 14th STOCK (Fermanis / Hale / Harvey)
May 21st Trio w/ Yunior Terry / Dylan van der Schyff
May 28th Open Thread (Lee / Carbo / van der Schyff)
For nearly three decades Julien Wilson has been an exciting and integral member of the Australian Jazz Scene. His tenor saxophone style can cover an incredibly broad stylistic and emotional range and is featured on over 80 albums. He has received a number of prestigious awards, both personally and as an integral member of a variety of critically acclaimed co-operative bands. In 2013 he formed Lionsharecords to release and distribute his own recordings. His work with the label was recognised by the 2015 APRA Art Music Award for EXCELLENCE IN JAZZ.
Jackson Combo – Take a Mardi Gras trip down to New Orleans with The Jackson Combo. Featuring Gary Jones on Hammond, Peter Jackson on vocals & percussion, Jeff Mead on Sax & backing vocals, and on the skins - Nick Mierisch. A very strong passion for the culture & people of New Orleans, but especially the very distinctive rhythm of the music is what you will experience from the band's performance.
Think of tunes by Dr John, Professor Longhair, Earl King, Neville Brothers & Fats Domino & you'll know what I mean.
Tix $20 (cash only) on the door.
The Calabrians & The Tbones live at TFIF
5pm, free.
BE THERE!
Powerful, dynamic and highly energetic; Mount Kujo is a Naarm (Melbourne) based act blending Funk, Jazz, Latin and Afro-beat. A vibrant collective of culturally diverse musicians from all around the world, playing original arrangements rich of colourful changes, eclectic rhythms with explosive horn sections.
With an extensive touring record in Australia, Mount Kujo have played numerous festivals (Dragon Dreaming, Port Fairy, Castlemaine Jazz, Renaissance) and night clubs (Night Cat, Toff in Town, The Gaso, 303, 24 Moons, Stay Gold) they are probably best known for their intimate shows in some of those beautiful hidden bars in the side streets of Naarm..
Supported by Music Victoria and the VicGov.
Pinko Collective is a community organisation that aims to help build a strong community and support postive mental health. It does this by connecting people through music.
The goal is simple. Join us to watch or participate in one of our six weekly gatherings where local musicians, both accomplished and amateur, get up to showcase a small set of songs infront of a supportive audience.
It was born our of the Westgarth Idol - a fundraising event for Westgarth Primary - over 15 years ago and is made up of people who are both directly and indirectly linked to local school communities.
Got a song you've always wanted to sing?
As it's a collective, we have a bunch of willing collaborators for any song you may have in mind, so please contact us if you have something in mind you'd like to do?
We're not an open-mic, or a karaoke session, but if you have a direct or indirect link to members of the Collective, you can contact us to play! We particularly encourage women to put their hands up!
Our aim is to build social connection across the community using music as a means to gather together regularly.
Free entry.
Drop in for a pint or for a squiz of the live music.
Come and enjoy the loungey, Saturday arvo vibe! xxxx
pinkosessions@gmail.com.
Low end pressure tun di night!
We are proud to announce @sorensen_dj will be headlining on the mighty Hyper Global Hifi. Sørensen absolutely blew up the dance at our micro-festival Get Loose last year with his high energy set blending bass music from across the Caribbean, Africa and the UK. We can’t wait for him to close us out at Bar303.
Also spinning pon di night:
Utensil
Dj Shinpad
Yo-see
Sketti
Plus lighting and visual FX from our good friend Mathan Ratinam
8pm—1am
Free entry!
Flyer design: @jamesfreebairn / @waynesmith.design
Booking link: https://events.humanitix.com/penelope-swales-and-the...
About the gig:
Penelope Swales and the Stranded Assets:
Penelope is an award-winning songwriter with 11 albums and 30 years of touring under her belt. Mal Webb is a well-known vocal adventurer and multi-instrumentalist and one of the finest proponents of beatbox (mouth percussion) in the country. Penelope and Mal have been musical partners in crime for over 30 years, their best-known collaboration being festival comedy band Totally Gourdgeous. They are joined by ex-Melbourne State Orchestra violinist, singer and songwriter Kylie Morrigan. They will be showcasing song from their new album Captains of Industry.
Described by Trad&Now magazine as “an album of modern day protest songs, skilfully tackling hard truths and emotional issues in the time-honoured folk tradition”, Captains of Industry captures the modern zeitgeist with topics ranging from disinformation to the impact of big business of climate change action to the Highland Clearances in 18th Century Scotland. She also offers wry commentary on love, sex and ageing. Despite the weight of the subject matter, Penelope’s delivery is exuberant and playful and encourages us to remain stubbornly hopeful in the face of uncertain times.
Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan:
Vocal adventurer, multi-instrumentalist and looping beatboxing songwriter Mal sings his brain provoking songs using all sorts of vocal techniques, guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, trombone, chromatic harmonica and a loop recording pedal called Derek. And Kylie (who's played with Orchestra Victoria and the likes of Stevie Wonder and Barry White!) provides violin and voice in a perfect balance to Mal's nutsness. Their arrangements are intricate and playful. Imagine Einstein, Dr Seuss and Paganini making pancakes.
Morrigan & Wilding:
Carly Wilding and Kylie Morrigan are a folk-fusion duo based in bayside Naarm (Melbourne). They combine Carly’s theatre and music background and Kylie’s classical and contemporary musical background and merge into a slightly mystical, slightly Celtic, slightly gothic and unique blending of voice and multi-instrumentation with all original songs.
With harp, violin, guitars, voices and live-looping, Morrigan & Wilding transport you with their experiential and story-oriented music.
“...lilting folk-like subtlety and stunning harmonies that blend effortlessly." -Heather Bloom, Australian Stage
Bohjass are a high energy, experimental free jazz outfit at the forefront of the Melbourne Music Improv scene.
"Their long standing residency at bar 303 has created a vital outlet for creative expression, not just for the many, many members of the band both past and present but for a whole community of musicians that have grown around the institution that is 'Bohjass'." (ABC.net.au)
$5 entry
Last gig of the year - End of an era. Seasonal shenanigans.
Featuring Craig Fermanis on guitar
Christopher Hale on bass guitar
Hugh Harvey on drums
Julien Wilson on sax
We still have a handful of GOLD LPs left with amazing gatefold artwork by Dale Cox.. Would make great collectors items/Christmas stocking fillers. CDs too.
Come and say hi/bye
2 sets from 8.30 - $20 at the door
Julien Wilson – tenor sax
Craig Fermanis – electric guitar
Chris Hale – bass guitar
Hugh Harvey – drums
Award-winning Australian saxophonist. Lionsharecords Director. D'Addario, TheoWanne & YAMAHA Artist.
$20 on the door
A true celebration of samba, where musicians gather in a circle to play, sing, and share the genre’s contagious energy. The vibe is vibrant and participatory, with everyone getting into the rhythm.
A deeply rooted Brazilian tradition, it takes place in bars, backyards, and cultural spaces, where samba singers take turns leading songs. Unlike a staged performance, a roda de samba is communal—people sing along, dance, and clap to the beat. The atmosphere is spontaneous and full of energy, with musicians feeding off each other, making every roda a unique and immersive experience.
aaalto
Flora Carbo | alto saxophone
Zac O'Connell | alto saxophone
Bernard Alexander | alto saxophone
Sam Anning | bass
Luke Andresen | drums
Bar 303
7:30pm
$15
https://www.trybooking.com/DABKU
Introducing the Shackmen. A very rare coming together of old friends who happen to make up one of the best rhythm sections in the country. The engine room of legendary Melbourne funk gods The Bamboos for 10 years, they are now the mystical unicorn of funk rhythm sections. Featuring Ben Grayson (Hammond), Lance Ferguson (Guitar), Yuri Pavlinov (bass) & Daniel Farrugia (drums). A special gig not to be missed! Tix $20 on the door
Ben Grayson - Hammond Organ
Yuri Pavlinov - Bass
Daniel Farrugia - Drums
Lance Ferguson - Guitar
8:30-10:30pm
The Putbacks are stone cold pros, grizzled veterans of all the tours and all the studios. As individuals, they’re the players behind so many bands it’s difficult to list. Featuring Simon Mavin on Hammond, Mick Meagher on bass, Tom Martin on guitar, Justin Marshall on percussion, and on the drum kit – Rory McDougall. Their collaboration with Emma Donovan elevates their music and Emma’s songs to another level, an enigmatic sound that can be heard on their most recent release Under These Streets (2021) written in the depths of lockdown, and prior to this Crossover (2020).
The Putbacks take their cues from the great house bands of the 60s and 70s soul studios - think of The MGs, The Meters and The Wrecking Crew, as well as film composers from David Axelrod to Adrian Younge and contemporary instrumental groups BADBADNOTGOOD and Khruangbin.
PUNTER IN MELBOURNE! AUSTRALIENATION LP LAUNCH WITH
VAMPIRE
CUTTERS
WHOSE REALITY
COMBAT ROCK AND ITS THEIR FIRST SHOW
BAR 303 / MAY 10TH / 15 BUX
LISTEN TO THE THING AT https://drunkensailorrecords.bandcamp.com/album/australienation-lp
@drunkensailorrecords AND @televisedsuicide
Bongongo is a newfound group comprising Pete Longhurst (percussion/electronics), Maisie Niven (bass/effects/saxophone), Harry Birch (bass) and Callum Mintzis (synthesiser). Their approach to music making might be analogised to a crew of sailors stumbling upon an abandoned vessel - they must learn the ways of the ship itself, their roles in sailing it, and ultimately, decide on their voyage. Like in sailing, conditions might change on any given day – but it is ultimately the challenge of the crew to understand their roles and come together in the common pursuit, of finding treasure.
From 9.30 PM
JassHub EVERY MONDAY night.
Only $5 cash entry.
This week:
7pm - Junction kings
8pm - Red Triangle
9:30pm Tom Fryer Band
JassHub supports local original and improvised jazz music. With the longest ongoing residency at Bar 303, the Jass Hub features many musicians, ensembles, groups and bands from across Melbourne.
Ur ultimate night of Naarm pop perfection. Join us at Bar 303 for an electrifying showcase of incredible local talent.
Featuring Ella Dunshea, Matilda Duncan, Ed Moon, and XANDRI, this lineup blends the best of pop—from heartfelt folk-pop storytelling (think Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers, Dodie) to high-energy, genre-bending anthems influenced by Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Paramore, and Remi Wolf.
Expect catchy hooks, stunning performances, and a night of pure musical magic. Don't miss it!
6:30PM - Doors
7:00PM - 7:30PM - Ella Dunshea
7:45PM - 8:15PM - Matilda Duncan
8:30PM - 9:00PM - Ed Moon
9:00PM - 9:45PM - XANDRI
Laurie Norwood & Friends playing original songs. Come and check the sweet vibes!
Dreamlight Events present their first & new official event in Narrm/ Melbourne: Drippin’ in Gold.
Come VIBE & participate with some of Narrm: Melbourne's passionate Filipino-Australian musicians! Showcasing a multitude of raw talent.
PERFORMANCES BY
SARA
HIRAYA TRIX
DR3MT
SAINTPOONS
Get your FREE tix here https://events.humanitix.com/drippin-in-gold-a-melbourne...
Capped at 100 so get in quick & share far & wide.
8pm - Billie and Matthew
Together, Billie Raffety and Matthew Elliot are an experimental a cappella duo that spins songs within songs, in a whirlwind of improvised theatrical flurries and delicious vocal textures. Drawing inspiration from the vocal landscapes of Meredith Monk, they craft spontaneous soundscapes that swing between stillness and joyful rambunctiousness, weaving intricate, emotive harmonies with nothing but their voices. Be prepared for a mix of nondescript languages, whimsical moments of uplift, and the occasional giggle of redemption. Every performance is a unique adventure—an ever-shifting blend of composed and improvised magic where calm moments of reflection meet the delightful uncertainty of chaos. Balancing what they can and weighing what they will not, Billie and Matthew thrive in that glorious state of confusion—because, let’s be real, they’re just as confused about it as you are.
9pm - CRXSH
CRXSH is an electro-acoustic duo made up of trumpeter Ashley Ballat and drummer / producer Odyssey Zelno. Melting together vignettes of crisp dance beats, dark melodies and industrial electronics, the pair present contemporary rhythms and textures with the flow and freedom of fluid improvisation. Odyssey Zelno’s influence from jungle, trap and D&B, mixed with Ballat’s background in experimental avant-garde and extended trumpet technique create a unique new sound on the Australian music scene.
Tickets $20, Concession $15 or pay as you can! Everyone is welcome!
SHAYAN ABC Quintet
SHAYAN is a forward-thinking, ever-changing jazz ensemble that blends jazz with Iranian folk melodies, pop, classical and electronic music . The group were one of 15 recipients of the 2021 ABC Jazz Composer Commission and composed a suite original music for a chord-less quintet, exploring the intersection between contemporary Jazz and Traditional Iranian rhythm and melody.
Supported by: Princess Hill Soul Revue
Open jam session
All welcome
Sign up from 8, play ‘til late
Dust off your instrument and come get involved in this amazing music community that gets together twice a month to have a play.
It's an open jam session, all are welcome.
Bring an instrument and get involved!
Backline provided.
Sign up from 8, play 'til late.
Bar 303 Northcote
JassHub is an ongoing event every Monday night.
The Jass Hub features improvised and original music with 3 bands each week.
$5 Entry
Mondays at 303 keeps on a fantastic tradition of exceptional music with attitude, edge and soul !
This week:
7pm -tbc
8pm - Shol
9:30pm -Tom Fryer Band
Rudi Soundsystem
FREE entry! Conscious roots reggae and dub selection dub club style.
Get ready for a night of roots, rhythm, and good vibrations! ALPA & Uncle B are bringing the reggae fire to Bar 303 on March 14 from 6 PM. Feel the deep bass, groove to the sweet melodies, and let the positive energy flow. Come down and soak up the irie vibes—one love, one night, one unforgettable experience!
Meet ALPA (Advanced League of Peoples' Artists), a Filipino reggae band blending traditional influences with contemporary rhythms. Inspired by pioneers like Bob Marley and Katchafire, ALPA incorporates indigenous instruments to create a distinctive sound.
Beyond music, ALPA harnesses culture and creativity to address social challenges, engaging with ethnic communities and sparking conversations. With notable performances at Filipino Community Festivals and Grazeland, ALPA builds bridges between cultures, inspiring audiences with their commitment to social and cultural advocacy.
UNCLE B is a rockin' reggae band taking Melbourne by storm! Born in Indonesia in 2003, Uncle B and his band have been spreading their infectious vibes across the archipelago for over 15 years.
Now, with a brand new band from Australia, UNCLE B is poised to take their sound to new heights. Fusing classic reggae with psychedelic blues, their music is a wild and unforgettable ride. Catch them live and experience the energy for yourself!
We’re back this Thursday at Bar 303, exactly one month to the day from our first gig there (or anywhere) last month. This time we’ll be joined by the supremely talented Hawker Heights band.
Hope to see you there!
—
Anomaly is a dynamic Melbourne-based fusion outfit featuring: Jeremy Poole-Johnson on Keys, Alex Hughes on Guitar, Owen Downie on Bass, and Thom Mann on Drums. An elite group of forward-thinking musicians, Anomaly explores virtuosic instrumental music with highly-organized arrangements and improvisational flair, drawing inspiration from jazz, progressive rock, funk and metal. Whether performing some of the great fusion music of the past and present, or their own innovative compositions, Anomaly crafts an immersive and enthralling sonic experience.
https://www.facebook.com/share/19HepAJKFJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
—
Neil Boland’s Hawker Heights was born out of the blues in 2017; then in 2024 it phoenix-ed from the brink of extinction as a new unit mostly dedicated to the grease and grind funk and soul from the USA’s Southern extremities.
Lineup:
Joel Smithard — organ/keys Craig Strain — bass
Anthony Stanislavski —drums
Neil Boland — vocals/guitar
https://www.facebook.com/hawkerheights
8pm, $15
Shayan/Fumberger/Jones
A new electro-acoustic project exploring the intersection between jazz, percussion and electronics. Featuring Jackson Fumberger (electric violin and electronics) Amanda Jones (drums) and Omid Shayan (saxophone and electronics)
Supported by: GuitarLow
Klub MUK is an Open Uke Stage the second Tuesday of each month at 303. All ukers welcome to get up and do their thang. Come early if you want to get your name on the list!
7:30pm, Free
The Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, M.U.K., is an open-armed gaggle of ukers of all ages and persuasions, each equipped with only four strings and the truth! With small egos and big dreams, they're on a crusade to bring the greatest glory to the humblest of instruments and put music back into the hands and hearts of the people.
www.facebook.com/melbourneukulelekollective
The first ukulele group in Australia, the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective is still boldly going where no ukuleles have gone before. The “muk” is open to all who wish to join her, regardless of experience, and they delight in crossing borders, smashing boundaries and raising the humble ukulele to new heights! They perform in Art and Music Festivals, pubs, race courses, parks, theatres, schools and on the streets. In 2004 they proclaimed that the Ukulele Revolution had arrived. They now proclaim its glorious victory!
2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH!!
Bohjass Jass Hub supports local original and improvised jazz music. With the longest ongoing residency at Bar 303, the Jass Hub features many musicians, ensembles, groups and bands from across Melbourne.
$5 Cash Entry on the door!!!
7pm - Rustic Chairs
8pm - Tom Fryer Band
9:30pm - Bohjass
Bohjass are a high energy, experimental free jazz outfit at the forefront of the Melbourne Improvised Music scene.
jazz meets rock
Ron Anderson - Alto , Tenor , Soprano saxophones and Flute
Mike Hirsh - Drums
Ben Harmsen - Bass
Geoff Spooner - Guitar
free entry
Join The Dozeytones at Bar 303 on March 7th for a night of swinging trad tunes, featuring VCA's trad jazzers. The night kicks off at 7pm with Tranefreak, followed by Ashling O'Trio. The Dozeytones hit the stage at 9pm—don’t miss it!
The Dozeytones are a 7 piece Melbourne based trad jazz group. They enjoy playing classic New Orleans trad tunes as well as Australian trad tunes from artists such as John Scurry and Allan Browne. The band is known for their energetic collective sound, and are super passionate about keeping this genre alive in the Melbourne scene. Catch the Dozeytones at the Castlemaine Jazz Festival in June!
Cornet - Yael Marks
Clarinet - Jamie Holmes
Trombone - Ashling O’Farrell
Piano - Saffi Campbell Walker
Washboard - Rupesh Bankar
Guitar - Samuel Mazzotta
Sousaphone - Josh Mackie
Rambal band leaders - vocalist Nardia Brancatisano & guitarist/vocalist Justin Yap put together "Nardia" (band) and won the MBAS Blues Challenge last year and took it all the way to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January this year! As one of five finalists (out of 400), Nardia was the only female in the band category and one of the only bands to ever make it in the finals for Australia. Featuring Charlie Rolfe on Hammond Organ and the legendary Rambal rhythm section of Jordan Pereira on drums and Sam Watts on bass, the band will be churning through some new tunes, their favourite cuts from their album ‘Hold Your Fire’, along with some classic soul and blues! Tix - $20 (cash only) on the door.
(Omid Shayan cancelled due to illness but will be back next week.)
(Omid Shayan cancelled due to illness but will be back next week.)
Callum Mintzis presents: Sleepless Nights at Bar 303 TONIGHT (Wednesday 5 March 2025) from 7.30 PM.
"Sleepless Nights" is a newly established band playing improvised expansive music. With an unconventional lineup of musicians from a diverse set of backgrounds, this band seeks to incorporate elements from classical, Jazz, electronic, film, african/srilankan, folk and experimental music in an improvised setting.
Abby Sundborn-Reeves - Cello and Effects
Callum Mintzis - Synthesiser
Dean Kalait - Saxophone and effects
Quinn Knight - Drums and Percussion
These musicians have each created their own wonderful solo projects and are now coming together to add their unique experience and singular devotion to intelligent and emotionally open storytelling in an electric and exciting improvised setting. Combined these musicians have played and recorded with some of Australia's finest musicians on some of Australia's finest stages.
With an emphasis on narrative based story telling, the group experiments with complex rhythmic groupings, diverse and unique tonal variety as well as stretching the confines of standard jazz and classical harmonies, playing with harmonic polyphony influenced by the likes of George Russell, Maria Schnieder, Andrea Keller and Igor stravinsky.
Lee Jones is a British jazz guitarist and composer, combining influences from modern jazz, fusion, blues, avant-garde and rock styles. Lee has regularly performed throughout the UK scene and recorded/performed/studied alongside Larry Coryell, Martin Taylor and Mike Stern.
Lee has released seven solo albums with former WEA producer Simon Tittley and is now based in Australia and also active within music education/research. Lee released his latest solo guitar project, 'A World Away', in late 2023.
Tonight, Lee will be joined by a stellar line-up of Melbourne's top jazz musicians performing original material from his three ensemble albums, 'Swish', 'Songs from the 13th Hour' and 'After the Pier' alongside some brand new material from his forthcoming release.
Astral Collective is back with their first headline show of the year at Bar 303!
Supported by FINNSPINS, Stoned Ape Theory, and Trubug, the night of February 28th boasts a big lineup of local jazz & funk fusion acts.
Kicking off the Friday night by spinning the decks, FINNSPINS is sure to get the room dancing with immaculately groovy tunes.
Next, get pumped for Stoned Ape Theory’s hard-hitting, funky-chunky music, put together by a group of four genius instrumentalists.
Following that, Trubug is sure to knock your socks off with their wild energy, instrumental mastery, and tight jazz-funk arrangements.
And finally, Astral Collective will deliver an electrifying performance, showcasing their excitement to kick off a new year of gigs. Debuting newly written tunes as well as bringing fresh energy to old favourites, the band will send the audience reeling and craving more of their danceable instrumental music.
It’s a big night for instrumental bands and good music - you’d be crazy to miss this one.
Tickets $20
SET TIMES
Doors: 7pm
FINNSPINS: 7.30pm
Stoned Ape Theory: 8.30pm
Trubug: 9.30pm
Astral Collective: 10.30pm
FINNSPINS: 11.30pm till late
Checkerboard Lounge Trio play the 303 Hammond night ‘Kickin the B’
$20 on the door
9pm start, 2 sets
Legendary underground institution, Checkerboard Lounge, deliver a dynamic, soulful well of emotion and playful abandon in collective improvisation over classic blues, soul and originals.
Singing drummer Carl Pannuzzo, guitar master Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal
Wednesdays in February at Bar 303 will be steered by drummer Ronny Ferella with a mixed bag of acts and artists. The theme for the month is re-new-all.
Week Four: 26th Feb
The Subprimes 8pm
Ronny Ferella drums
Tom Lee bass
Fran Swinn guitar
+ guests
Ask The Ages 9.15pm
Ava McDermott vox
Hugh Coollins sax
Lian Perry electric bass
Ronny Ferella drums
February edition featuring.. JPOD The Beat Chef (Canada)
Known for unique flavor and technical precision, JPOD weaves his skills through a variety of dance music styles. He is also notorious for remixing diverse genres such as gospel, bluegrass, folk, swing, blues, reggae and soul. His sincere enthusiasm and raw dancing energy tends to win even the most jaded of souls
JPOD has released music on his own label Swing Set Sounds and on other labels including Addictech, Omelette, ESL, Muti Music, Fort Knox Recordings, Simplify Recordings, Jalapeno Records and more. He has released 2 LPs and a variety of EPs. Every year he also creates a remix album in a series called Bliss Coast in honor of Bass Coast festival. There are currently 8 volumes.
JPOD has toured festivals and clubs in USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Costa Rica as well as across Canada. He guarantees to bring an interesting and innovative show with a little something you've heard before combined with something you haven't.
Listen here - https://soundcloud.com/jpodabides
http://jpodtbc.com/
Supported by RESIDENTS KODIAK KID & OLD CHINA
LIMITED 100 FREE TICKETS VIA EVENTBRITE. ONLY VALID BEFORE 10pm
$10 entry without x
The Tonalists Soul Blues Swampadelica is back @ Bar 303! The Tonalists first return for 2025, with more original and classic tracks for the repertoire of New Orleans and Memphis Boogie feels, feat. Mick Coll (Hammond, piano, vox), Jason Kain (guitar, lap steel) and Nigel Wright (drums, vox), with special guests Tom Williams (trombone) and Christian Foyle (sax). Come on down for a great night of blues grooves.
$15 Entry. pre-sale tickets
Ally Oop Mgmt presents a night of rock, funk, soul, jazz, reggae, blues and more with 4 incredible bands:
The Winfield Road Experiment
Embrace the rhythms, feel the heat, and melt into the music with a distinctive fusion of Soul, Latin, Jazz, and Blues. These musical virtuosos will ignite your soul one moment and serenade your heart the next. The Winfield Road Experiment has evolved into an eclectic and diverse group of musicians, now considered a must-see act within the vibrant Melbourne music scene. Immerse yourself in their energetic and jam-packed instrumental performances, featuring infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, flamboyant percussion, thunderous horn lines, and soul-stirring solos. With two released albums, notable festival appearances and the release of their sophomore album Soulsa Verde, the band are showing no signs of slowing down in 2025.
The Addictions
Influenced by many of music’s greats, The Addictions encapsulate a rebirth of retro techniques and a classic R&B sound, transforming them into a unique listening experience. Amalgamating styles of Funk, Jazz, Rock and Soul, The Addictions’ genre-defying catalogue is sonically captivating.
Circle the Sun
Circle the Sun fuses genres, occupying a space where rock meets funk and reggae, while adding a modern twist. Based in Melbourne, Australia and born from the collective passion and musical prowess that thrives on innovation, Circle the Sun boasts an eclectic sound. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Jamiroquai, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Stevie Wonder, Circle the Sun breaks free from conventions. Their music is a vibrant celebration of creativity, showcasing a seamless ability to blend diverse elements into a captivating whole.
The Rift
The Rift is an alternative/rock band from the Mornington Peninsula, featuring vocalist Scott Oakes, guitarists Calum Norton and Kyle Abercrombie, bassist Joe Fergus, and drummer Dane Toleman.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, the band’s music spans everything from heavy, head-banging riffs and funky dance grooves to soft, acoustic folk tunes, refusing to be confined by any single genre. Their sound is unpredictable—one song might have you diving into a mosh pit, the next might have you swinging to the beat, and another will pull at your heartstrings with its acoustic charm. At the core The Rift’s music is an extension of themselves, creating songs that reflect both the chaos and beauty of life.
After a decade-long break, The Rift has rediscovered their spark and is ready to take on the world once again. With their sights set on the road ahead, the band is eager to share their music with new audiences, play on stages across the globe, and continue evolving as both artists and friends.
The Details
Date: Thursday 20th February
Location: Bar303 - 303, High Street, Northcote
This eclectic lineup will have you shortly in need of a new pair of dancing shoes, with all 4 bands bring unique sounds and genres for an epic night of music!
$12 Tickets
Doors: 7:00
The Rift: 7:30-8:00
Circle the Sun: 8:20-9:00
The Addictions: 9:20-10:10
The Winfield Road Experiment: 10:30-11:30
