Part of the Victorian government initiative On The Road Again – MoPo is a new concert series that showcases a wealth of Australian musical talent.
The series boasts a globally acclaimed lineup across four weekends, split across two spaces within the Clocktower Centre – The Clocktower Theatre, a 142-year-old venue in Moonee Ponds, and Club MoPo, a cabaret-style space located just downstairs.
Designed to support musicians following on from the devastation Melbourne lockdowns had on the music industry, concertgoers, in this setting, are considered vital in a symbiotic relationship established through live music.
The full MoPo live music series lineup:
- September 18 – Leah Senior with Madeline Leman, Club MoPo
- September 18 – Emma Donovan and the Putbacks with Maple Glider, Clocktower Theater
- September 29 – Our Carlson with Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice, Club MoPo
- September 29 – C.W. Stoneking & His Primitive Horn Orchestra with Freya Josephine Hollick, Clocktower Theater
- October 2 – Folk Bitch Trio with Stella Farnan, Club MoPo
- October 2 – Glass Beams with The Rookies, Clocktower Theater
- October 15 – Music In Exile with Chikchika + Mohamed Camara, Club MoPo
- October 15 – Grace Cummings with Georgia Knight, Clocktower Theatre
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Sunday September 18: Leah Senior, Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, Maple Glider
Club MoPo: The first Sunday of MoPo sees Leah Senior and Madeline Leman kicking off proceedings in Club MoPo, in what will be a celebration of the much-revered folk music of the ‘60s. Akin to Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, prepare to have your soul warmed as you relax into the soothing sounds of Leah Senior and arresting Americana from Madeline Leman.
Clocktower Theatre: Dart across to the Clocktower Theatre that evening and be greeted by captivating singer-songwriter Maple Glide. Her 2021 album release – To Enjoy is the Only Thing – is nothing short of a raw, honest and resplendent cluster of stories that evoke a deep introspection. The headliners almost need no introduction; the goddess of groove Emma Donovan and her soulful band the Putbacks will be headlining this event.
A soul-rhythm fusion that may ail a prolonged deprivation of dancing at the hands of countless Melbourne lockdowns in a single set. They have won awards, but nothing compares to the visceral and tactile cataclysm you can surely expect from attending their live performance.
Thursday September 29: C.W Stoneking, Our Carlson and more
Club MoPo: Over at Club MoPo, Our Carlson will be bringing his unique ‘epileptic dance music’ to the stage, challenging ableism through the energy he brings to live performances. In a discussion of the human condition and its many prongs, you can anticipate an honest account of ‘lived experience’. Complementing Our Carlson is experimental rock band Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice. There will be offerings of political and societal critique through their authentic high-octane guitar sounds and overall jarring and provocative perceived angst.
Clocktower Theatre: The last weekend in September holds a blues-inspired concert at Clocktower Theatre. Headlining the show is the charismatic and experimental bluesman C.W. Stoneking and his Primitive Horn Orchestra.
Not having played together for over ten years, you can expect to be tossed around by a husky combination of 1920’s blues and New Orleans jazz. Supporting the charm of Stoneking and his orchestra is singer/songwriter Freya Josephine Hollick, who is revolutionising the sound of Australian country music. Combining cosmic electric guitar licks and sturdy chord progressions, you’ll be tapping your feet in no time.
Sunday October 2: Folk Bitch Trio with Stella Farnan, Glass Beams, The Rookies
Club MoPo: The satiating harmonies of Folk Bitch Trio Folk Bitch Trio will be flooding the acoustics of Club MoPo on the same day, as Gracie Sinclair, Heide Peverelle and Jeanie Pilkington descend upon the audience auditorily through their balmy guitar sounds. Expect a consonant experience of melancholia and verdancy that will certainly invoke contemplation. They’ll be supported by the sweet refrains of folk singer Stella Farnan, who drew significant praise for her insightful lyricism on debut EP Come Stay At Mine last year.
Clocktower Theatre: The first Sunday in October will see Glass Beams at Clocktower Theatre. Prepare to be guided on a cosmic journey through the progressive and entrancing sounds of the band who remain masked on stage. Enigmatic and occult, Glass Beams draws inspiration from his father’s Indian heritage, establishing a sonic conglomeration that will have the audience swaying and mesmerised at the very least. In support of this sonic sojourn, The Rookies are providing their exuberant and undefinable jazz that bleeds improvisation and energy. Their disregard for genre conventionality will shine through in a trailblazing way.
Saturday October 15: Grace Cummings with Georgia Knight, Music in Exile
Club MoPo: Last but not least at Club MoPo on October 15, record label Music In Exile will be showcasing some of the artists they have signed – specifically, Chikchika and Mohamed Camara. A not-for-profit organisation that provides a platform for culturally and linguistically diverse people to tell their stories through music, they are reshaping how we relate to record labels. Chikchika brought their significant cultural stories to Dark Mofo and WOMADelaide in their quintessential percussive sound. Mohamed Camara will be sharing his take on songwriting and performance.
Clocktower Theatre: Rounding out the concert series on October 15 at Clocktower Theatre is Grace Cummings. Multi-instrumentalist and multi-faceted in her sound, Grace possesses a voice that lends to her original take on folk rock. A modern-day musician, whose artistry is comparable to Patti Smith, Cummings demands the attention of audiences through her rattling, boundless singing. Her 2022 release Storm Queen saw Cummings gain international acclaim, and rightfully so. This is sure to be an expansive and moving performance. She’ll be supported by the dark blend of indie rock, folk and grunge that comes with singer-songwriter Georgia Knight, who counts the diverse likes of Sparklehorse, The Dirty Three and Nina Simone among her influences.
Find out more about MoPo and grab tickets to each act by heading here.
