Saturday in Sydney 16th June

Mental as Anything at Lizotte's Restaurant

A popular urban myth concerns a group of art students who passed themselves off as a band in order to con the local publican into giving them a gig in exchange for free beer. The deception worked better than intended, and the group came to be known as Mental as Anything. Nearly two decades later, they are still irritating the public with their highly listenable, idiosyncratic brand of garage pop. A self-explanatory single to reflect their success, The Nips Are Getting Bigger, rose through the charts as did their fundamental understanding of the old adage that "for every action there is a reaction". Ahead lay a very lengthy pub crawl which only the accomplished could survive.

Courtney Barnett & Roytson Vasie at Goodgod Small Club

Courtney Barnett lives in Melbourne, plays guitar and writes songs. She likes to think her music defies genre but it’s really just an amalgamation of all the tunes she digs mashed into one. Courtney Barnett launched her debut EP "I've got a friend called Emily Ferris" in Melbourne last month to sweet acclaim. Since then it's been blasted on Triple J, 3RRR, PBS and has been hoarding rad community radio vibes all around Australia. “I love the old school slacker rhythm guitar. I love the jangly riffs. I love the oh-so-cool bass. And I totally love the disarmingly charming lyrics…” Dan Buhagiar, triple j

Even + the Fauves at The Annandale Hotel

Two iconic names in Australian music, Even and the Fauves come together for the aptly titled Together At Last tour. Both bands have been tearing up stages around the country for the past 20 years (that’s right - they’ve been rocking crowds for longer than some of you have been alive) and both bands are gearing up to release new albums: Even with In Another Time and the Fauves with German Engines. Don’t miss these two legendary Aussie bands when they tour nationally this June - August.

Thursday in Sydney June 13th

Rage 15th Anniversary at Carriage Works

Since its first broadcast in 1987, rage has documented the history of music video while inspiring generations. The music television program on ABC TV is the world's longest running—if you don't count the Eurovision song contest. As part of Vivid Sydney 2012, an installation of donated TVs will fill Carriageworks, the contemporary art space in Redfern, to celebrate 25 years of rage on ABC TV. The display will feature archived footage of past celebrities, music artists and memorable hosts of the show - such as Nick Cave, Kylie Minogue, Metallica, Radiohead, Beck and Grandmaster Flash. Rage: Celebrating 25 Years is part of Vivid Sydney 2012 and will run at Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Redfern until June 17.

Matt Corby at The Metro

Following his completely sold out 'Into The Flame' tour, Matt Corby has announced a handful of dates for June at larger venues. The tour - which sees Corby visit Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney - will come after a few months worth of recording in the US and UK on his debut album. Joining Matt at all shows will be Melbourne pop outfit Alpine.

Busby Marou at Lizottes Dee Why
\ Busby Marou celebrate an amazing year since the release of their debut self-titled album with the I Still Don't Believe tour. The tour comes off the back of their first shows in the US and Canada and coincides with the deluxe re-package of the album. The quality of the songs, Tom Busby’s cheeky on-stage presence and Jeremy Marou’s freakish musical ability on all instruments combined to deliver a distinctly Australian way of sharing stories. Their unique songwriting brings cracking harmonies, breathtaking musicianship and a natural feel for each others guitars that will leave you wanting more. Busby Marou will be joined by Leader Cheetah (duo) and the Hello Morning, who’ve just released their cracking new EP Without You.

Sunday in Sydney 10th June

Future Now feat The Robert Glasper Experiment, Jose James, Taylor McFerrin at The Oxford art Factory

Niche Productions presents a cross-genre, cross-generational bill for the June long weekend featuring the future of Jazz, Soul and Electronic music. Whilst all three artists have a deep affinity and spiritual association with Jazz, they all refuse to be pigeonholed and on Sunday 10 June, all preconceived notions about ‘what Jazz is and what Jazz isn’t’ are going to be blown out of the water. The Robert Glasper Experiment makes its debut appearance in Australia off the back of their incredible new album Black Radio, which is out now on Blue Note (and debuted at #1 on the Australian iTunes Jazz Charts). Featuring a host of incredible guest vocalists and personnel,Black Radio is a concept that comes from Yassin Bey aka Mos Def (who contributes the album’s title track) who wonders why, if the Black Box is the only thing that survives a plane crash, do they not make the whole plane out of its material? Glasper himself is in a class of his own behind the keys and when joined by vocalists like Erykah Badu and Bilal as well as newcomers King and Chrisette Michelle, shines even brighter (if that’s possible). Nothing is predictable about a Robert Glasper Experiment performance and Australian audiences are about to get their very first taste. Watch a recent performance on David Letterman here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIXKbUCC-bU Jose James is equally hard to pinpoint, having released songs from the classic American songbook for Verve as well as fully-blown beat collaborations with Flying Lotus, Moodyman and Basement Jaxx. His debut album The Dreamer was a throwback to the classic-cool-quintet albums like Kind Of Blue and was followed quickly by Black Magic (both on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label), which featured the aforementioned heavyweight collabs, leaning more on a Marvin Gaye/Leon Ware 'I Want You' modus operandi. His new album No Beginning, No End will be available in 2012 and promises his heaviest lineup of players yet (Richard Spaven, Pino Palladino, anyone?). Taylor McFerrin returns to Australia after appearing recently with Shabazz Palaces in select shows around Oz. The one-man band (and son of Bobby) combines an incredible beatbox vocal ability, range, production prowess and gift for electronics… the apple does not fall far from the tree. Signed to Brainfeeder, McFerrin’s debut album is in the works. On his own he is mind-blowing, when he collaborates with his two fellow artists he truly embodies the spirit of Jazz: to improvise, innovate and entertain. Niche Productions could not be more proud to bring Sydney this ridiculously well-matched triple bill. A culmination of all of our influences on stage for one night only, Future Now is three artists who have consistently created some of the best moments of their genre and who have not even reached their peak. Join us for something truly special this June.

The 59th Sydney Film Festival

Bust out that credit card, you have SO many tickets to buy! The 59th annual Sydney Film Festival rolls around this June, and screenings do sell out quickly, so don't miss out while you wait for you indecisive friends. This year's festival is curated for the first time by South African born Nashen Moodley, and he's brought together a really impressive program of features, special screenings, shorts, and retrospectives. Notable mentions are the Focus on India showcase which will screen a selection of Indian art film, the Bertolucci and Nikkatsu retrospectives, and the world premiere of Australian Indigenous film Mabo. See our run-down, and the SFF website for more info.

Ivy Long Weekend at The Ivy

Ivy & Experience Entertainment are proud to present three of the most in-demand names in clubland - Ian Carey ('Get Shakey', 'Last Night'), Luciana ('I Like That, 'I'm Still Hot', 'Yeah Yeah') & Sebastien Drums ('My Feelings For You', 'Tweet it'). Joining this amazing triple international headline bill are over twenty local DJs and performers, in Sydney's most-anticipated long weekend party!

Saturday in Sydney 9th June

Mrs Bishop EP Launch at The Good God Small Club

 MRS BISHOP :: Debut EP Launch Saturday 9th June @ GoodGod Small Club 8pm | $10 | tix: http://bit.ly/JJesW5 w/ Rainbow Chan + Lion & The Lotus Brotherly dream-pop duo, Mrs Bishop, have recently released their eponymous debut EP and will launch it on 9th June at GoodGod Small Club in Sydney. Born in England, raised in Sweden…Royal Choristers at Windsor Castle, London. The now Sydney-based Mrs Bishop create lavishly charming and elegantly crafted melodies and are vastly becoming renowned for their blissful, angelic compositions and ethereal vocal harmonies reminiscent of Bon Iver and Jonsi with a tinge of Simon & Garfunkel for good measure. Stemming from their multi-instrumental and classically trained background, it’s not hard to see why they are acquiring much praise among musicians and music lovers alike. Mixed by Tony Espie (The Avalanches, Cut Copy, Architecture in Helsinki) the EP features five superbly woven songs, including the well received first single“Broken Wing”. "The five-tracker is filled to the brim with aural loveliness…an ethereal force to be reckoned with" – MUSIC FEEDS

Bugalo NIghts at Bunaglow 8

DJs Dave 54, Super C, Andy Benke and NAD bring the party vibe harbour-side Saturday nights alongside Cassanova drummer Warren Jackson. Free entry before 10pm. $10 cover after. Wrap your ear holes around their ‘Autumn Shaker’ mix tape by Dave 54.

Rash Ryder at ​Happy Endings Comedy Club

Jason Rash Ryder – A legend in Australian Comedy. Laugh per minute rate will have you gasping for air. –Edinburgh Comedy Fest, Carnegie Hall in London, Yankee Stadium NY. Published Author and over 100 appearances on Australian screens. With Aaron Counter Entertains his audiences with a self-assured, quick witted stage presence and flat out funny. Supported by Shayne Hunter 8.30pm Show - Tickets: $25 Bookings: www.happyendingscomedyclub.com.au or call 02-9300 9060 * Tickets are best booked in advance as Saturday nights tend to book out quickly. The venue is set up to accommodate couples or large groups which is perfect for any birthday, anniversary, bucks or hens night

Friday in Sydney 8th June

360 at Waves Nightclub

The rising star of Aussie hip-hop, 360, brings his intense tunes to Melbourne this winter to warm the hearts of those Hip-Hop lovers out there. Following the unprecedented success of his second album, Flying & Falling, and a string of recent sold out shows across the nation, 360 is back to showcase the talents which have seen him launch up the ARIA charts and into Australian hip-hop royalty.

Supporting the Melbourne maestro is Gossling, who will sing her part in the hit 'Boys Like You', as well as a few of her own gems on the side.

Felucca at The Rocks Pop Up Project

Agitated musical waters call for a strong seaworthy vessel, but this old Felucca will have to do. Plus special guests. places + spaces present an eclectic mix of music and sounds to inspire and engage. Consider it the Bald Archies of the music world. As our more expensive overseas cousins are singing up a storm in the Opera House, we have our own home made brew of intriguing and creative local musicians to bring the house down.

The Wharf Sessions: Brendan Maclean at The Bar at the End of the Wharf

The Bar at the End of the Wharf was well and truly christened when Faker cut it up on stage in the first Wharf Sessions of 2012. Next up is Brendan Maclean, a crooner specialising in his very own brand of pop meets folk (with some serious flamboyance). Sounding of a young Rufus Wainwright with a dash of Ben Folds, Sydney songwriter Brendan combines the fireworks of pop with a heart of folk to create an enjoyable and authentic live show.

Thursday in Sydney June 7th

Lisa Mitchell at St Stephen's Uniting Church

Last year the inaugural Heavenly Sounds tour of churches and cathedrals came to life with sold-out shows across the country featuring Seeker Lover Keeper. This June, Heavenly Sounds is delighted to announce the return of this unique and intimate touring concept featuring Lisa Mitchell with her band and a choir to celebrate the release of her brand new single, ‘Spiritus’. Set in the architectural splendour, rich acoustics and otherworldly ambience of the church setting, Lisa Mitchell will thrill with her delicate vocal style - revisiting captivating tunes from her AMP award-winning album ‘Wonder’, also introducing her new aptly-titled single ‘Spiritus’ as well as an exclusive sneak preview of other songs from her forthcoming sophomore album due out later this year. Sydney based duo Georgia Fair will be opening up. With their organic, low-key harmonies and sophisticated, acoustic folk-pop, they are indeed the perfect match to open proceedings for this unique musical experience in some of Australia’s most beautiful live settings.

Winter People at The Oxford Art Factory

Winter People's 'Gallons' EP clearly hints at what is to come from the bands ambitious debut record - it features another previewed album track (Valley Hymn), a delicate rendition of a century-old folk song (Man Of Constant Sorrow) and an outstanding acoustic version of the new single. The 'Gallons' EP highlights the depth of writing and literary spirit of Winter People and was mixed by Peter Katis (Interpol, The National). The EP will be launched at Oxford Art Factory on June 7. Get your tickets while they're still available!

Train at The Sydney opera House

Those pop lovers out there will get a little winter warmer this June, as Grammy Award winners Train make their way Down Under. The boys from San Francisco will be touring Australia's East Coast to promote their new album California 37. Expect a host of the bands hits including 'Drops of Jupiter', 'Calling All Angels', and 'Hey, Soul Sister', as they belt out hits off their new record, as well as some classics from their previous 5 studio albums. Fellow San Francisco resident Matt Nathanson will support Train on their Aussie tour.