The Merri Bar has packed its February calendar with some of the inner north's finest acoustic talent.
The beloved Preston watering hole on Gilbert Road continues its mission to bring quality grassroots music to the neighbourhood, with a diverse lineup spanning folk, Americana, French-influenced jazz and everything in between. Whether you’re after a lazy Sunday afternoon session or a Saturday evening pick-me-up, this month’s programming has something for everyone. The venue’s intimate band room has long been a launching pad for Melbourne’s independent music scene, and February 2026 sees that tradition continuing with gusto.
Beyond the weekend shows, The Merri Bar keeps things lively throughout the week. Trivia returns every Tuesday evening for those who fancy testing their general knowledge while sipping on craft brews. Open mic nights land on two Thursdays this month, giving local performers the chance to take the stage and show off what they’ve got. The venue’s relaxed atmosphere and welcoming vibe make it the perfect spot for emerging artists to cut their teeth.
The Merri Bar February lineup
- 15 Gilbert Road, Preston
- Free entry for all live shows
- Dog-friendly venue with beer garden
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Trivia Night
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- Every Tuesday, 7.30pm
The Merri Bar’s weekly trivia nights offer punters the chance to flex their mental muscles while enjoying a few drinks. Gather your cleverest mates, grab a table, and prepare for an evening of heated competition and questionable answers. It’s become a regular fixture for locals looking to kickstart their week with a bit of friendly rivalry.
Open Mic Night
- 5 February and 19 February, 7pm
- Sign up via www.themerribar.com
If you’ve been working on your acoustic rendition of that one song or scribbling lyrics in your notebook, here’s your moment. The Merri Bar’s open mic nights welcome performers of all stripes to take the stage and share their talents with a supportive crowd. Two sessions this month means plenty of opportunities to make your debut or become a regular.
Tall Timber
- 7 February, 7pm
This Melbourne folk duo brings an unusual instrumental pairing that sets them apart from the acoustic crowd. Formed during the 2020 lockdowns by Maxine Sutcliffe and Stephen Lebsanft, Tall Timber combines swing guitar with trombone to create something genuinely distinctive. The pair perform vintage and modern covers alongside original compositions, weaving wooden and brass tones with captivating vocal arrangements. Their lockdown origins speak to the creative resilience that has defined Melbourne’s music scene over recent years.
Girl Friday
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- 8 February, 4pm
Hobart-born and Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Tracey Hogue operates under the moniker Girl Friday, delivering folk, jazz and blues with a mellow voice and electric ukulele. Her sound evokes a sense of nostalgia that transport listeners to another era entirely. Hogue’s heartfelt lyrics and vintage sensibility make for a perfect Sunday afternoon session, offering the kind of warmth that pairs beautifully with a cold beer and fading daylight.
Martin Lartigo
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- 14 February, 7pm
Originally from the Basque country in France, Martin Lartigo has spent the past nine years calling Australia home while using music as his travelling tool. His style combines contemporary flamenco with fingerstyle techniques, creating the effect of a one-man band through entrancing compositions and looping sound effects. Lartigo has performed across New Zealand, the USA, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Spain and France, and his uncommon approach to guitar performance promises an evening of technical mastery and musical exploration.
James Fahy
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- 15 February, 4pm
James Fahy is a Melbourne-based musician and creative force who refuses to be pinned down by a single pursuit. His hypnotic post-folk sound features intricate fingerpicking and soulful vocals that have earned him recognition across the Australian folk circuit. Beyond music, Fahy hosts the podcast Wait Long By The River, where he delves into the minds of Melbourne’s artistic community. Expect an emotionally resonant performance built on honest songwriting and thoughtful arrangements.
Rhys Thompson
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- 21 February, 7pm
This Melbourne singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist blends the heart of Americana with the soul of folk music. Drawing inspiration from heavyweights like Gillian Welch, Kacey Musgraves, Justin Townes Earle and Jason Isbell, Thompson’s songs explore universal themes of love, loss and nostalgia with a characteristically raw and introspective lens. His debut single Nowhere to Be dropped in late 2024, establishing him as a rising voice in Australia’s folk and Americana scene.
Whisky & Wine
- 22 February, 4pm
Melbourne’s dynamic female acoustic duo brings smooth harmonies and an elegant vibe to proceedings. Whisky & Wine deliver favourite tunes with a heartwarming touch, making them perfect company for a Sunday afternoon wind-down. The pair’s unique chemistry and vocal blend create an intimate atmosphere that suits The Merri Bar’s cosy setting down to the ground.
The Monkey Pilots
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- 28 February, 7pm
Closing out February’s Saturday sessions, The Monkey Pilots bring their live sound to Preston for an evening of music and good vibes. The local outfit adds another dimension to the month’s diverse programming, rounding out a calendar that has covered plenty of stylistic territory.
Sanfona
- 1 March, 4pm
This five-piece Melbourne jazz outfit plays dynamic music with a distinctly French influence. Featuring trumpet, accordion, guitar, electric bass or tuba, and drums, Sanfona draws inspiration from artists like Richard Galliano and Sylvain Luc. The group’s original arrangements showcase virtuosic improvisation skills and deep musicality, making them equally appealing to jazz enthusiasts and Francophiles alike. It’s the perfect way to usher in autumn with some continental flair.
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with The Merri Bar.
