Merri Bar brings an eclectic mix of folk, blues, and indie performers to the northside this July.
Preston’s beloved local venue, the Merri Bar continues to deliver an impressive lineup of live music this winter. Now they even have a new website, so you can track them all here (or on their IG). Tucked away on Gilbert Road, this cosy northside favourite offers the perfect setting for intimate acoustic performances, with free gigs every weekend throughout July featuring some of Melbourne’s most talented independent musicians.
Merri Bar presents Fireside Sessions every Wednesday throughout July, featuring Suzie So Blue performing intimate sets by the cosy fireplace. The acoustic sessions perfectly complement the venue’s Whisky Wednesday promotion, offering 20 per cent off the entire whisky range for a warming combination of live music and premium spirits.
With its welcoming community atmosphere and fantastic happy hour deals, Merri Bar has established itself as a go-to destination for quality live music in a relaxed setting. The venue’s commitment to supporting local artists shines through in its diverse programming, from weekly trivia nights to Sunday afternoon sessions that showcase everything from traditional Irish folk to contemporary blues-influenced songwriting.
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Trivia Night
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- Every Tuesday, 7.30pm
Preston’s Merri Bar hosts weekly trivia every Tuesday night. Free to play with prizes up for grabs, the quiz covers music, film and general knowledge questions. The popular weekly event has been drawing packed houses since it began, creating a lively community atmosphere perfect for testing your knowledge while enjoying the bar’s relaxed setting.
Open Mic Night
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- Thursday 3 July, 7pm
Merri Bar’s open mic night welcomes performers of all experience levels to take the stage. Whether you’re a first-timer with a guitar and a dream or a seasoned veteran, the event offers a platform for musicians to showcase their talents. Each night brings different performers and musical surprises, creating a unique experience where you never know what musical gems you’ll discover.
Daisy Kilbourne
- Saturday 5 July, 7pm
Geelong folk singer-songwriter Daisy Kilbourne brings her haunting vocals and evocative storytelling to Merri Bar. Drawing inspiration from the 1970s Laurel Canyon era with Joni Mitchell as her icon, Daisy Kilbourne weaves themes of love, loss, resilience and self-discovery into deeply emotional music. Whether performing solo in her signature stripped-back style or with her backing band, Daisy Kilbourne creates intimate moments of vulnerability and strength that captivate audiences across Victoria.
Troy Wilson
- Sunday 6 July, 4pm
Melbourne acoustic singer-songwriter Troy Wilson specialises in roots and blues music performed on resonator guitars. Troy Wilson combines vocals with resonator guitars and stomp box to deliver authentic acoustic blues that resonates with traditional sounds. His Sunday afternoon performance offers the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed weekend session at Preston’s favourite local venue.
Brendon Siemsen Trio
- Saturday 12 July, 7pm
Recently relocated to Melbourne, Brendon Siemsen brings his engaging guitar style to life in trio format. The Brendon Siemsen Trio delivers original compositions and creative takes on well-loved tunes, blending jazz, rock, blues, fusion and pop into vibrant instrumental music. With over 30 years of professional experience and training at prestigious institutions including Berklee College of Music, Brendon Siemsen creates an eclectic evening of genre-fusing storytelling without words.
Alister Turrill
- Sunday 13 July, 4pm
Queenscliff’s Alister Turrill blends authentic blues with complex songwriting rarely seen in contemporary music. The Melbourne resident has shared stages with Jeff Lang, Geoff Achison and Lloyd Spiegel, supporting acts like Charlie Parr, Tim Rogers and Ash Grunwald. Following his award-winning 2013 debut album Reverence & Resonance and recent EP A Toast To Better Times, Alister Turrill brings his distinctive style that Lloyd Spiegel calls “songwriting of the highest order.”
The Tipplers
- Saturday 19 July, 7pm
Melbourne-based Irish quartet The Tipplers perform traditional folk tunes and newer favourites on guitar, mandolin, cello and violin. The Tipplers deliver music shrouded in sorrow, sentiment and hilarity with a reproachful gaze at melancholy and watchful eye on optimism. Their performances capture the essence of Mother Ireland herself, guaranteed to get tongues tippling and toes tapping in Preston’s cosiest venue.
Freya & Tom McGowan
- Sunday 20 July, 4pm
Ballarat daughter and dad duo Freya & Tom McGowan bring their mellow blend of folk and country music to Merri Bar. The family duo draws influences from the folk and country traditions, with Tom McGowan previously performing at venues with band The Winter Berries. Freya & Tom McGowan’s Sunday afternoon performance promises intimate family harmonies and heartfelt songwriting in the perfect acoustic setting.
Fawkner Walking Society
- Saturday 26 July, 7pm
Melbourne’s inner north outfit Fawkner Walking Society employ melodic guitar lines woven with evocative lyrics that embrace urban living’s highs and lows. The band adds noise and humour to their sound, documented on their second album due for release in 2024. Fawkner Walking Society captures the essence of Melbourne’s inner north experience through their distinctive approach to contemporary indie music.
Nina Rose
- Sunday 27 July, 4pm
Nina Rose blends her velvety vocals and mellowing guitar rhythms, taking you on a folky acoustic carpet ride. Influenced by artists such as Tracy Chapman, Emmylou Harris and Nina Simone, her original songs tell tales of love, loss and everything in between. Whether she’s singing in bars, on the street, in nursing homes or to her little nephews, she brings a contagious energy that will get you grooving along.
Follow The Merri Bar on Instagram here.
