Merri Bar is making magic happen this April, with an eclectic mix of indie, roots and folk.
If you’re looking for a bar that is homey but still cool and as comfortable as your living room but a lot more lively, Merri Bar is your spot. It’s a good bar on regular day, but on the weekends it takes it to the next level, with free gigs in the afternoons and evenings.
This month, the progammers have absolutely spoilt us with a diverse lineup of talent you just won’t find anywhere else. Stop in for a quickie and you’re guaranteed to get sucked in by the talent of these impressive performers, dishing out vocal vibrato, guitar solos and blissful harmonies aplenty.
Check out our gig guide, our stage guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Open Mic Night
- Thursday 3 April, 7pm
Is your voice sent from the heavens? Do you have a guitar and a dream? Then swing on by Merri Bar’s open mic night, where the stage is set for performers to show off what they’ve got. From first-timers to seasoned vets, you never know who will step up to the mic, so each event’s a little different and full of musical surprises.
Candice Alisha
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- Saturday 5 April, 7pm
Slated for a double set this Saturday, Candice Alisha is a force of folk in Melbourne’s music scene. Whether she’s armed with an acoustic guitar or a banjo, you’re always in for a treat as her serene fingerpicking and buttery voice echoes through the halls. Grab a jug and a few bites and settle in for some sweet, sweet tunes.
Joshua Batten
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- Sunday 6 April, 4pm
There’s no better way to wrap up the weekend than with a Sunday arvo show and Josh Batten is headed to Merri Bar to deliver the goods. Known for his multi-layered guitar soundscapes and the passion that oozes out of every song, the roots rocker offers a unique perspective, sharing introspective stories of his experience with neurodiversity.
Grassy Strings
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- Saturday 12 April, 7pm
Indian musicians playing American-style music in Australia – talk about a multicultural experience! Hailing from Kolkata, this bluegrass duo performs classic songs in multiple languages, blending them together in a one-of-a-kind fusion. They’ve had a rapid rise over the years and in 2023 were even invited to perform at Bluegrass in La Roche, the biggest bluegrass music festival in Europe.
Lottie Coombes
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- Sunday 13 April, 4pm
Grab your cowboy hats and boots and come down to see Lottie Coombes. This blind singer-songwriter plays guitar and the mandolin to fully immerse you in the country spirit. By blending folk, country, and indie elements, Lottie will make you want to jig one minute and go on an emotional journey the next.
Temple of Groove
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- Saturday 19 April, 7pm
Temple of Groove are a high-energy jazz fusion band featuring Judd Neimann on the guitar, Bernard J Harmsen on the bass, and Gene Celiberti on brums. If you’re ready to get groovy with these fellas, swing by the Merri Bar.
Faces in the Street
- Saturday 26 April, 7pm
Born out of the Melbourne acoustic duo The Keynes Brothers, Faces in the Street (inspired by Henry Lawson’s poem of the same name) is a new indie folk project fresh off the launch of their debut album Bring Back Tomorrow. At this Merri Bar gig, they’ll be showcasing material from the record, a socio-politically driven offering tackling tough topics with impressive insight.
Rosario De Marco
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- Saturday 26, 7pm
If you’re feeling like a change in scenery, be transported to another world with Rosario De Marco. A highly skilled guitarist, he uses intricate melodies taken from Mediterranean influences to create a rich, earthy soundscape.
