Mick Thomas, ThornBird and The Vasco Era lead birthday festivities at beloved Sydney Road venue
Five years of barnstorming gigs is a fantastic achievement for any Melbourne venue, and the beloved Brunswick Ballroom plans to celebrate properly.
Brunswick Ballroom marks its fifth birthday this February with a run of shows befitting the Sydney Road institution’s reputation. Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission kicks things off on 18 February, followed by ThornBird on 20 February and The Vasco Era wrapping up proceedings on 21 February. Three nights of folk, roots, blues and rock from acts who understand what makes a room like this tick.
Brunswick Ballroom fifth birthday
- Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission with A.C Saunders, 18 February
- ThornBird, 20 February
- The Vasco Era with Leslie D King & the Trembling Shakes and Fenn Wilson, 21 February
- Brunswick Ballroom, Sydney Road, Brunswick
Check out our gig guide here.
Weddings Parties Anything frontman Mick Thomas brings his Roving Commission to the birthday bash fresh from another run of Christmas shows. The lineup features Squeezebox Wally on piano accordion, Ben Franz from The Waifs on bass, Tex Perkins drummer Dave Folley behind the kit, and rising talent Brooke Taylor on guitar and vocals. Expect songs from latest album GoComeBack alongside Roving Commission favourites and a sprinkling of Weddoes classics. Former Weddings Parties Anything violinist Jen Anderson may even make a cameo. A.C Saunders opens.
Two nights later, ThornBird takes the stage. The solo project of Vikki Thorn, one-third of iconic folk rock trio The Waifs, draws from three decades of touring and a life split between Utah’s desert landscapes and Western Australia’s salty shores. Her 2022 self-titled debut scored nominations for both an ARIA and a WAMI Award for Best Blues and Roots Album, blending Americana grooves with blues harp and stories of strong women, solitude and hard-won lessons.
The Vasco Era close out the birthday weekend with something unexpected. The Apollo Bay trio, fresh off releasing their long-awaited fourth album I Don’t Mind, will present a completely reimagined version of their ferocious blues rock catalogue. Think strings, reframed musical elements and arrangements that push beyond what audiences have come to expect from brothers Sid and Ted O’Neil and drummer Michael Fitzgerald. Leslie D King & the Trembling Shakes and Fenn Wilson provide support.
Brunswick Ballroom has carved out a distinctive spot in Melbourne’s live music landscape since opening its doors. The venue combines proper dinner service with quality programming, hosting everything from folk legends to rising local talent. Premium tickets across all three birthday shows include reserved seating and a meal from the Ballroom’s menu, while general admission offers the classic standing-room experience.
For more information, head here.
