What do a footy star, a fingerpicking maestro and a reclusive hometown hero have in common?
They’ll all be taking the stage in September at Memo Music Hall. The stunning St Kilda venue has booked a quirky cast of characters this month. Each act is special in its own way, bringing years of experience, incredible skill and plenty of stories from the road.
Almost every night, Memo will fill with light, sound and community, before emptying out and getting ready to do it all over again. Whether you’re looking for nostalgic bangers or some of today’s most impressive talents, here’s what’s coming up on the schedule.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The Joe Cocker Express: Mad Dog Vs The Englishman
View this post on Instagram
- 3 September
- Tickets here
This powerhouse tribute takes you through two sides of Joe Cocker’s career, starting with the soulful later years and then diving headfirst into the raw, gritty Mad Dogs & Englishmen era. Fronted by Jason Kafoa and a nine-piece band, you’ll get everything from Up Where We Belong and Unchain My Heart through to Feelin’ Alright, The Letter and With A Little Help From My Friends.
A Night with Tina presented by Fabio Cattafi
View this post on Instagram
- 5 September
- Tickets here
Drag queen Fabio Cattafi is back for a third time at Memo, complete with handmade Tina Turner costumes, six professional dancers and pure electric energy. It’ll be a high-glitz, high-glamour celebration of Proud Mary, Private Dancer, Nutbush City Limits and the rest of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest hits.
Into The Mystic – The Music Of Van Morrison
View this post on Instagram
- 6 September
- Tickets here
Joe Creighton steps into the spotlight with an eight-piece band to channel the spirit of Van Morrison, from the early hits right through the poetic depths of Astral Weeks. Special guests Lindsay Field, Steve Wade and Brett Garsed join the party for an afternoon that moves from the ’60s right through the decades.
Nathan Cavaleri – Growing Pains
View this post on Instagram
- 10 September
- Tickets here
Former child prodigy Nathan Cavaleri brings a deeply personal solo show that weaves story and song through the highs of sharing stages with B.B. King and the lows of burnout and mental health struggles. It’s raw, funny and ultimately uplifting — a soulful reckoning with identity, expectation and finding your way home.
Pinky Beecroft – Album Launch
View this post on Instagram
- 11 September
- Tickets here
Machine Gun Fellatio frontman Pinky Beecroft makes a rare Melbourne appearance to launch Lonesome Wolf, his first studio album in more than a decade. Expect pensive piano, banjo grooves, alt-country gems, a few old favourites and some deep cuts, all delivered with that signature unpredictable Pinky charm.
The Reflex – 80’s New Wave
View this post on Instagram
- 12 September
- Tickets here
The Reflex are serving up Hungry Like the 80s, packing the room with shimmering synths, infectious rhythms and the biggest hits from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Tears for Fears, ABC and more. It’s pure retro party energy designed to keep the dance floor moving all night long.
Woody Pitney – Live
View this post on Instagram
- 13 September
- Tickets here
After more than three years away from performing his own material live, Woody Pitney returns for a special hometown solo acoustic show. You’ll hear a curated mix of his most loved originals alongside brand-new unreleased songs in a stripped-back setting that puts the storytelling front and centre.
Soonkie
View this post on Instagram
- 17 September
- Tickets here
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Soonkie brings her heartfelt storytelling and melodic pop-alternative soundscapes to the Ember Lounge. Born in Sabah with Chinese roots and a background that stretches from Chinese orchestra to pharmacy, she’s carved out a unique space in the local scene.
An Evening of Fingerstyle Guitar with Elias Bartholomeo
View this post on Instagram
- 18 September
- Tickets here
Young Australian fingerstyle guitarist Elias Bartholomeo returns to the Ember Lounge with his blend of country, blues and jazz, delivered with serious technical skill and plenty of humour. Once described by Tommy Emmanuel as someone who’s got something to share with the world, this is a must-see for acoustic fans.
The Shuffle Club “Swingin’ Spring Ball”
View this post on Instagram
- 19 September
- Tickets here
Melbourne’s favourite good-time four-piece The Shuffle Club are throwing a Spring Ball with special guests George Washingmachine on jazz violin and Steve Sedergreen on piano. Dress vintage, dance hard and get ready for a night built entirely around joy, Lindy hop and pure swing energy.
Old Friends! Mark Trevorrow, Rupert Noffs & Music Director Bev Kennedy Live!
View this post on Instagram
- 20 September
- Tickets here
If you’ve loved Bob Downe at Memo, wait until you hear his creator Mark Trevorrow sing. Joined by Rupert Noffs and ARIA-winning pianist Bev Kennedy, this joyful afternoon mixes show tunes, pop classics, jazz standards and unexpected gems with plenty of laughter and genuine friendship.
Best Ever Footy & Rock Trivia Pie Night
View this post on Instagram
- 24 September
- Tickets here
Kick off Grand Final week with ex-Melbourne Demon Russell Robertson, Phil Ceberano and the Best on Ground Band, all MC’d by comedian Des Dowling. It’s footy and rock trivia with a live house band, hot pies, cold drinks and a dance floor ready for September fever.
The U2 Show Achtung Baby – 50th Anniversary Show
View this post on Instagram
- 25 September
- Tickets here
Australia’s number-one U2 tribute is celebrating the band’s 50th with a high-energy night of hits, rarities and intimate acoustic moments. From Where The Streets Have No Name and With Or Without You through to Sunday Bloody Sunday, One and Beautiful Day, the attention to detail is next level.
Feelin’ Groovy: The Simon & Garfunkel Project
View this post on Instagram
- 27 September
- Tickets here
Helen Catanchin leads a six-piece jazz ensemble through the gorgeous harmonies and poetic lyrics of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, with fellow vocalist Clancye Milne. From the satirical to the heart-achingly tender, it’s a fresh take on the classics that feels perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
To find out more about Memo Music Hall, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Memo Music Hall.
