If you're looking for cheap happy hours drinks, a dog friendly beer garden, monthly open mics or free live music from Wednesday to Sunday, it's gotta be Baxter's.
The Fitzroy institution is the place to be if you’re looking to save a buck without sacrificing on good times. The beer will be flowing. The music will be live and loud. The crowd will be full of friendly faces and fellow fans of emerging talent.
This month, you can expect to find some of Baxter’s familiar crowd on the stage – Xander Cuming, Lewis Toms and Mya Rogers, to name a few – as well as new talent ready to set the room ablaze. Come early and stay late.
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Carla Tarquinio
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- 1 April
Theatre performer and musician Carla Tarquinio is launching Live & Local Wednesdays at Baxter’s with her signature flair and that killer stage presence. Hosted by Woody Samson, it’ll be a cracking set of tunes that’ll have the Fitzroy crowd fully locked in from the first chord.
Nathan Barrow
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- 1 and 8 April
DJ, saxophonist and guitarist Nathan Barrow is doubling down on those Live & Local Wednesday nights at Baxter’s, bringing his smooth vibes twice this month. Whether it’s his solo spotlight or sharing the bill, his sets are always a chilled-out highlight.
Luna The Moon
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- 2 April
Luna The Moon rolls into Baxter’s on with their fun ukulele vibes, ready to light up the room. These local legends know how to turn a weeknight into a party with their catchy combo of covers and originals. Don’t sleep on this one if you’re after something a bit different in Melbourne’s music scene.
Xander Cuming
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- 3, 5, 12 and 24 April
Xander Cuming is basically the king of the April calendar, popping up for Friday nights, Sunday Services and more with his impeccable tunes. Whether you’re after a wind-down Friday sesh or a relaxed Sunday arvo, his gigs always deliver that laid-back magic that fits Baxter’s vibe perfectly.
Lewis Toms
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- 4, 17, 18 and 25 April
Lewis Toms is going hard at Baxter’s this April, hitting Saturday nights solo and even teaming up with Woody Samson for one ripper double bill on 188 April. His high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing sets make every show a guaranteed good time.
Baxter’s Open Mic
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- 5 April
Baxter’s Open Mic fires up on the first Sunday of the month, with sign-ups from 5pm for three songs and a 6pm kickoff. It’s the ultimate spot to spot emerging talent or chuck your own hat in the ring while the crowd cheers everyone on.
Harrison Hughes
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- 5 and 11 April
Sunshine Coast-based artist Harrison Hughes is serving up Sunday Service vibes on 5 April and then slamming a Saturday night on the 11th at Baxter’s. His powerful delivery and stage presence always get the punters moving and singing along.
Lewis Ciavarella
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- 5 April
Multi-instrumentalist Lewis Ciavarella brings his heartfelt sound to the Sunday Service stage at Baxter’s. Expect an afternoon full of genre fusion and tunes that stick with you long after the set. It’s the perfect chill way to ease into the week while soaking up local greatness.
Bryce Gibson
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- 9 April
LGBT+ actor and performer Bryce Gibson slides into Baxter’s for set that’s bound to get the weekend started early. His confident personal style and flamboyant live energy make this a no-brainer midweek hit.
Woody Samson
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- 10 and 18 April
Woody Samson not only hosts some of the Live & Local nights but also delivers his own cracking gigs. His guitar work and charismatic performances are always a usual highlight at Baxter’s. Catch him while he’s on fire this April.
Joshua Rognoni
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- 15 April
Joshua Rognoni lights up the Live & Local Wednesday with his acoustic singer-songwriter sounds and folk stylings. Guitar in hand, it’ll be the kind of set that reminds you why Baxter’s is Fitzroy’s home of live music.
Ella Jackman
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- 15 April
Vocalist Ella Jackman brings her undeniable talent and energy to Live & Local Wednesdays. Her engaging live sets always leave the crowd buzzing and wanting more, perfect for a midweek escape into local music magic.
Finn Shine
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- 16 April
Finn Shine shines bright on his guitar-driven live music that’s full of heart and groove. Expect a night where the whole room gets swept up in the performance.
Mya Rogers
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- 19 April
Jazzy vocalist Mya Rogers teams up with Tejo D’Cruz for a Sunday Service special on 19 April that’s guaranteed to deliver dynamic, crowd-pleasing live music. Their combined energy and talent make this collab one of the month’s must-sees.
Tejo D’Cruz
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- 19 and 23 April
After the two-in-one showdown on 19 April, rock ‘n’ roller Tejo D’Cruz returns solo on 23 April 23, bringing that same high-quality live music vibe to Baxter’s. His individual sets are always packed with skill and soul that keep the crowd hooked.
Tim Richards
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- 22 April
Northern Victorian entertainer Tim Richards takes the stage with his authentic sound and easy-going charm. With over a decade of experience on the stage, it’ll be another top-shelf night of supporting local emerging artists right in the heart of Fitzroy.
Chesca
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- 29 April
Prepare for an intimate and exhilarating set from acoustic singer-songwriter Chesca. Best known for her signature fusion of indie, pop and alternative, she’s sure to captivate the room in support of her new debut single Sweet Tooth.
Helen of Troy
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- 29 April
Helen of Troy wraps up the Live & Local Wednesdays series for the month with her soulful live music. Dreamy, melancholic and sure to tug on the heartstrings, she’ll share her raw and touching lyrics with true flair.
Lily HallaWell
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- 30 April
Hailing from the Coffs Coast, Lily HallaWell brings her beautiful, skilled live performance to Baxter’s to round out the month in style. Known for her contemporary folk stylings, her set is set to be a heartfelt highlight. End April on a melodic high at Melbourne’s live music home.
For everything else you wanna know about Baxter’s, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Baxter’s.
