Merri Bar brings an eclectic mix of folk, blues, and indie performers to the northside this June.
Preston’s beloved local venue, the Merri Bar continues to deliver an impressive lineup of live music this winter. Tucked away on Gilbert Road, this cosy northside favourite offers the perfect setting for intimate acoustic performances, with free gigs every weekend throughout June featuring some of Melbourne’s most talented independent musicians.
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. Here’s the full lineup of acts taking the stage.
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Open Mic Night
- Thursday 5 June, 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.
Kingu Pouf
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- Saturday 7 June, 7pm
Naarm-based musician Kingu Pouf brings his solo guitar and harmonica performance to Merri Bar. Usually known for his work with Fun With The Microwave alongside local players Reuben Legge, Liam Gough, and Henry Smithers, this intimate solo set promises a different side to his musical talents.
Tall Timber
- Sunday 8 June, 4pm
Melbourne folk duo Tall Timber bring their unique pairing of swing guitar and trombone to the Merri Bar. Formed during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown by Maxine Sutcliffe and Stephen Lebsanft, the duo arranges and performs both vintage and modern covers alongside original compositions, blending wooden and brass sounds with captivating vocals.
Whisky & Wine
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- Saturday 14 June, 7pm
Melbourne’s dynamic female duo Whisky & Wine will charm audiences with their elegant vibe and smooth harmonies. Known for delivering favourite tunes with a heart-warming touch, this acoustic pair brings a unique charm to every performance, making for a perfect Saturday evening of music.
Josh Light & The Unfurling
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- Sunday 15 June, 4pm
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Josh Light brings his collective The Unfurling to Merri Bar. With a background as a drummer for acts like Xavier Rudd and Fats Wah Wah, Light now crafts elegant songs that blend country, Celtic, roots and folk influences, delivered alongside his talented ensemble.
Floyd Thursby with Dr. Decadence
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- Saturday 21 June, 7pm
Melbourne singer-songwriter Floyd Thursby performs alongside Dr. Decadence (Harry Lye) on vibraphone. Thursby’s deeply personal songs explore themes of love, longing and loss, with influences from his extensive travels. Expect an emotionally resonant performance with rich musical textures.
Szara Fox
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- Sunday 22 June, 4pm
Sultry songstress Szara Fox delivers her unique blend of indie-gypsy blues to the Merri Bar stage. The Dutch singer-songwriter draws inspiration from flamenco and Balkan gypsy music, weaving tales of travel and love with a theatrical performance style that promises to captivate Sunday afternoon audiences.
Oscar Ladell
- Saturday 28 June, 7pm
At just 23, roots singer, songwriter and guitarist Oscar Ladell brings a timeless vulnerability to his original blend of blues, soul and folk. Originally from Denver but raised in New Zealand, Ladell writes and performs with a depth that belies his young age, drawing inevitable comparisons to artists like Hozier and Leon Bridges.
Tim Richards
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- Sunday 29 June, 4pm
Tim Richards brings his exceptional guitar skills to Merri Bar. The talented musician from Northern Victoria has been entertaining audiences for decades with his versatile blend of Irish, alternative rock, country and pop rock influences.
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