As the nights get longer and the weather warms up, there’s something for everybody this month at The Merri Bar. Whether you’re after heavy riffs or gentle instrumentation, the bar nestled in a cozy corner of Preston has you covered.
Although still a relatively new addition to Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Merri Bar has garnered quite the reputation as a beloved watering hole among locals.
As the beginning of daylight savings has us waving goodbye to being nestled around beer garden heaters, what better way to say hello to silly season then with a wide variety of local musicians and eye-catching drink deals?
Merri Bar:
- 15 Gilbert Road, Preston
- Tuesday Trivia @ 7.30
- Whisky Wednesday from 6pm (includes $8 Jameson amongst other specials)
- Happy Hour weekdays from 3-6pm
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Kickstart your weekend with $12 spritzes from noon to 5pm on Saturdays, setting the stage for a night of fun! Then, keep the vibes flowing all Sunday long with $12 Bloody Merri’s at the bar.
Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, October at Merri Bar offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the tunes, sip on a cold one and make the most of those long, balmy nights.
Ingrid Saker
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- Saturday, October 5th at 7pm
On the first Saturday of the month, Ingrid Saker will be taking to Merri Bar for an evening of swampy punk blues. Armed with an axe, a voice and a dream, the Naarm-based singer-songwriter is poised for a mesmerising set on the evening of October 5.
Joscelyn Wynter
- Sunday, October 6 at 4pm
Joscelyn Wynter is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer that channels a theatre of life stories and abstract worlds into her art. Since the age of 14, the brilliant songwriter has been developing her craft and an acoustic Sunday afternoon set will be the perfect opportunity to perch yourself up at the bar and soak in her talent.
CRUMBE
- Saturday, October 12 at 7pm
Meeting somewhere in the middle between Velvet Underground and Patti Smith, CRUMBE are raw, boisterous and contain a whole load of heart. With traits that characterise the very best parts of Melbourne’s live scene, the grit and refreshing lyrical honesty of the four-piece are bound to get you moving.
Floyd Thursby
- Sunday, October 13th at 4pm
The project of Floyd Thursby (the alter-ego of film composer, singer and guitarist Paul Gillett) focuses on the human experience of love, death and everything in-between. His gentle songwriting and refined guitar lines will be the perfect remedy for your Sunday afternoon.
Rory Newman & Rob Patton
- Saturday, October 19 – Rob Patton (7pm) Rory Newman (8pm)
A night of original folk, country and blues inspired tunes will fill Merri Bar as Rob Patton kicks off proceedings at 7pm before the brilliant Rory Newman takes to the stage at 8pm. Drawing from a wide array of influences, Newman’s blends his rich baritone voice with intricate fingerpicking that will undoubtedly leave you asking for more!
Oliver Downes & Loz Irwin-Ray
- Sunday, October 20 at 4pm
Sunday afternoon at Merri Bar will see singer-songwriter Oliver Downes instantly hummable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics join forces with Loz Irwin-Ray, a musician that explores not only the state of the world but the state of living within it. What better way to wave goodbye to another weekend by seeing two brilliant musicians come together for a whole load of Sunday fun?
Mijo Biscan
- Saturday, October 26 at 7pm
Already an established and respected artist for over a decade, Mijo Biscan has enjoyed a rewarding career as a solo artist, meshing together influences that range from Jeff Buckley to The National. As the co-creator of the critically acclaimed band Lamplight, this will be one performance you don’t want to miss!
Oscar Poncell
- Sunday, October 27 at 4pm
With a diverse background spanning Afro-Latin rhythms and jazz, Oscar Poncell intricately weaves together musical influences to create captivating soundscapes. Having performed at some of Australia’s biggest festivals alongside touring internationally, you will be in for a treat on the last Sunday of the month!
Keep up to date with Merri Bar by following their Instagram here.