It's guitar mayhem at the Merri Bar this July, with soft ballads and chaotic bangers all featuring throughout the weekends.
Despite having opened up shop as recently as two years ago, The Merri Bar has already become a crowd favourite among the Preston community. With a carefully curated selection of drinks all week long and a consistent roster of music talent every week, they’re always one step ahead of providing you with a good time!
Open mic competitions are hosted on the first Thursday of each month, hosted by the charismatic visual artist and country folk musician Mr Alford. Sign up here if you believe you’ve got what it takes to make a splash!
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
On the weekends, live music runs rampant with enigmatic artists of all stripes. The following is a list of the acts that will take the stage as the venue’s entertainers this July.
Jared Healy
- Saturday, 6 July
- 7pm
First up, we have Jared Healy coming all the way from Bendigo with his chic shades and acoustic guitar to perform a lovely set of stripped-down blues, rock and country. His classy low-tone voice is the perfect set-up for an intimate cozy evening, as he picks and strums away to a sincere curation of originals and covers.
Tim Richards
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- Sunday, 7 July
- 4pm
Hailing from the neck and woods of Northern Victoria, Tim Richards will be coming to Preston next month for what is shaping up to be a sentimental night of artistry. This seasoned singer/songwriter has blessed Australia with his music for over 10 years, performing live with his guitar nationwide. Get yourself a cold one, sit back and relax for an evening of emotional ballads that will warm your heart in the dead of the winter.
3198
- Saturday, 13 July
- 7pm
Combining pop rock with a hint of blues and jazz in the mix, 3198 sings about the little mundane things and turns them into refreshing catchy tunes that’s guaranteed to make your head bop. With lovely plain sailing electric guitar riffs and repeating snappy melodies, this band seems to keep things simple in the best possible way. It’s pleasantly not rocket science and just a barrel of fun all round!
NJ Rijs
- Sunday, 14 July
- 4pm
If you’re a fan of Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, then you will love NJ Rijs. Originally from Tatura, his lyricism explores rural Australia by using the things found in its nature as way to express his feelings. It’s going to get as down to earth as folk music can get, with intricate finger-picking and sweet harmonica solos that’ll make you appreciate the small rays of sunshine in life.
Rory Newman & Rob Patton
- Saturday, 20 July
- 7pm
Bringing poetic introspective songwriting on top of a luxurious blend of Americana and rock ‘n’ roll, Rory Newman practices musical class and versatility to another level. The Queensland singer will be accompanied by the talented Rob Patton, whose groovy bluesy tunes bring out an unswerving combination of overdrive guitar tones and powerful vocals. Together, they’ll make for a fantastic combo that brings out the best of both worlds!
Oscar Ladell
- Sunday, 21 July
- 4pm
With gritty vocals, potent organ melodies and sparkling guitar riffs, Oscar Ladell is everything you want in a blues performer. His latest EP Live in Studio (S) was released earlier this year and features 3 tracks recorded live to tape that’s got the Colorado singer brilliantly balancing between tough and tenderness. It’s a wonderful trilogy that’s got all the rock-edged highs and lows!
Brett Franke
- Saturday, 27 July
- 7pm
Now, this where it gets wild. Singer/songwriter Brett Franke combines a 12 string acoustic guitar with aggressive percussions and ambience in his songs to create a menacingly fantastic sound. His music makes him a certified powerhouse, with a chaotic, yet beautiful mix of blues, funk and progressive rock that will make you go crazy with intensity and enthusiasm.
Jenna Campbell
- Sunday, 28 July
- 4pm
With just her trusty acoustic guitar and loop pedal, Dandenong artist Jenna Campbell creates a unique full-band sound that fuses country, roots-rock, folk, and blues. She doesn’t need words to tell her story! Layers upon layers of rhythm and melodies from her guitar skills will take you on an immersive adventure of lush ambiences and glistening atmospheres.
Check out everything else coming up and follow the Merri Bar here.
