Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society - MBAS

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 16th JUNE 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: THE BLOW OUT
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-16-06-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

THE BLOW OUT are authentic blues and roots straight from Melbourne Australia, the bohemia of the south. Led by harmonica blues stylist and vocalist SALTY TREVARTHEN, The Blow Out delivers original Australian blues with grit, groove and plenty of attitude. Featuring the powerhouse rhythm section of PETER BEULKE (bass) and PETE HODGES (drums), the band is driven by the scorching guitar work of MBAS award-winner CAM WALTER, with acclaimed keyboard maestro DARYL ROBERTS joining as a special guest.

From long-running residencies and packed club shows to major festival stages, The Blow Out has built a reputation for getting audiences up and moving. Think searing electric blues harp, fiery guitar, deep Hammond grooves, rock-solid rhythms and Salty's original blues that tell real stories from the road. Their latest album 'Version of You' spent more than six months in the Australian Blues & Roots Top 10 charts, confirming what live audiences already know — this is a band with its own sound, style and soul. Authentic blues. Deep roots. No compromise.
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ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.

TONIGHT at MBAS – GYPSY KING JONES + BLUES JAM!🔥🎸🔥 FREE ENTRY. Book by 2:30pm today for guaranteed table seating – walkups are welcome and doors open at 6:30pm for meals. Gypsy King Jones is on at 8pm + Blues Jam at 9pm. 🎶💙🎥NOTE: We LIVESTREAM the Feature Act from 8pm every Tuesday! Go to the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society - MBAS page to view.

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 9th JUNE 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

GYPSY KING JONES delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Drawing deep influence from Texas Country Blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these traditions with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s entirely his own. Winner of the 'Emerging Artist’ award at the 2025 VICTAS Blues Music Awards, and a fixture on Melbourne’s live music scene, GKJ delivers captivating performances full of raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling.

Channeling the spirit of blues ghosts from a bygone era, GKJ shows echo the soul and grit of southern juke joints and back porch sessions. Originally from the Grampians region of Victoria and now based in Melbourne, GKJ continues to draw inspiration from both the wide open landscapes of his home, and the vibrant city scene. His latest EP, “I Came Here to Groove” (released June 2025) reached #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with lead single “Struck Like Lightnin” hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart. Receiving strong community radio support across all Australian states, GKJ continues to carve out his place as a force among this country’s best blues and roots artists.
********
ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.

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MBAS Blues Weekly Newsletter 8th June, 2026

Hi. In this week’s issue…
• MBAS TUESDAY NIGHT ‘HOUSE OF BLUES’ – Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES + BLUES JAM
• MBAS 2026 BLUES CHALLENGE TO MEMPHIS – ENTRIES CLOSE 30th JUNE
• SANCTIFIED BLUES – THIS SUNDAY: 2 SHOWS!
• MBAS BLUES CALENDAR – OUR WEEKLY GIG GUIDE

TUESDAY 9th JUNE
MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' JAM NIGHT @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
FREE ENTRY – ALL WELCOME!
6:30pm: Doors & Kitchen open for meals
8:00pm: Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES
9:00pm - 11pm: Blues Jam
(Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
Entry FREE, but for guaranteed table seating, book now:
www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026

GYPSY KING JONES delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Drawing deep influence from Texas Country Blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these traditions with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s entirely his own. Winner of the 'Emerging Artist’ award at the 2025 VICTAS Blues Music Awards, and a fixture on Melbourne’s live music scene, GKJ delivers captivating performances full of raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling.

Channelling the spirit of blues ghosts from a bygone era, GKJ shows echo the soul and grit of southern juke joints and back porch sessions. Originally from the Grampians region of Victoria and now based in Melbourne, GKJ continues to draw inspiration from both the wide open landscapes of his home, and the vibrant city scene. His latest EP, “I Came Here to Groove” (released June 2025) reached #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with lead single “Struck Like Lightnin” hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart. Receiving strong community radio support across all Australian states, GKJ continues to carve out his place as a force among this country’s best blues and roots artists.

NEXT WEEK: Coming up at MBAS – 16 JUNE, book ahead for FEATURE ACT: THE BLOW OUT – FREE ENTRY – Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-16-06-2026

Attention Victorian Blues Musicians…
GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BY 30th JUNE
FOR THE 2026 MBAS BLUES CHALLENGE TO MEMPHIS!

2 WINNERS IN 2 CATEGORIES GO TO MEMPHIS TO REPRESENT THE MBAS AT THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE (IBC) USA IN JANUARY 2027!
So polish your act, work up your best 20 minute blues sets and follow the incredible success of MBAS-represented acts over the past 2 years – achieving outstanding INTERNATIONAL TOP 5 status at the IBC FINAL in MEMPHIS USA for CAM WALTER BLUES BAND (IBC FINAL Jan 2026), plus NICK CHARLES and NARDIA BAND (IBC FINAL Jan 2025).

BE IN IT TO WIN IT! MBAS QUALIFING HEATS:
• SOLO/DUO HEATS: Tues 14 & Wed 15 JULY
• BAND HEATS: Tues 11 & Wed 12 AUGUST

BLUES ACTS ENTER NOW – more info and Entry Forms:
www.mbas.org.au/club-events/mbas-blues-challenge

MBAS & MSG CHOIR presents:
An unmissable live blues and choral music spectacular!
2 SHOWS BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
THIS SUNDAY 14th JUNE – 1:30pm & 6:30pm
BRUNSWICK BALLROOM

SANCTIFIED BLUES – A Melbourne Soul & Blues Gathering
MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR
with PHIL MANNING, ANDREA MARR & IAN COLLARD
Blues grit meets gospel fire. This exciting first collaboration between the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) and the Melbourne Soul & Gospel Choir (MSG) brings together soaring soulful voices and deep authentic blues grooves, with some of Melbourne’s most celebrated, esteemed blues musicians.

Featuring a 60-voice SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR led by Dr DARREN WICKS,
with performances by multi-award winning blues royalty legends –
PHIL MANNING (guitar), IAN COLLARD (harmonica),
soul/blues/gospel diva ANDREA MARR (vocals), and rhythm masters
ROBERT B. DILLON (drums) with RON E. SMITH (bass).

2 SHOWS! TIX from $38 + bf • BOOK NOW
1:30pm SHOW – Almost sold out:
moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering/194815
6:30pm SHOW – Already selling fast:
moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering-2nd-show-added/195954

SANCTIFIED BLUES

MBAS BLUES CALENDAR – WEEKLY GIG GUIDE
Week commencing Monday 8th JUNE 2026
Brought to you by the MBAS with Matt Frederick’s Juke Joint Gig Guide.
Musos, venues, promoters and festivals – if you want your future Blues events included, email them in advance to MBAS on time for publishing
every Monday for the following week’s worth of gigs.
DEADLINE FOR GIG LISTINGS guaranteed to be included is 7pm FRIDAYS Email: [email protected]

NOTE: Ticketing links and admission pricing details are shown where known.
Gig guide listings subject to change/cancellation by venues and artists,
so always best to double check before you head out!

TUE 9th
• GYPSY KING JONES + Blues Jam, MBAS House of Blues @ Flemington Bowls Club, Flemington. Doors & Kitchen open for meals from 6:30pm, Feature act 8:00pm (Blues Jam 9:00pm – 11pm) FREE. Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026

WED 10th
• MISS LOU’S BLUES, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE

THU 11th
• ANTHEA JEWELS BAND + Blues Jam, Hume Blues Club @ Thornbury Bowls Club, Thornbury 8:00pm – 11:00pm FREE Bookings: www.humebluesclub.com
• MATT DWYER & THE MAGNATONES, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5

FRI 12th
• NICK CHARLES, Kelly’s Bar & Kitchen, Olinda 7:00pm FREE
• CALEDONIAN CASTAWAYS, Kindred Bandroom, Footscray 7:30pm $29 + b/f www.moshtix.com.au
• MICH MASH MAMMAS, Johnny’s Bar, St Kilda 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE
• MR BLACK & BLUES, George Lane, St Kilda 8:00pm
• LIAM KEALY TRIO, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 8:30pm – 10:30pm FREE
• PHIL COYNE & THE WAYWARD ACES + BEN J. CARTER, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5
• PAUL SLATTERY & THE UNFORTUNATE SONS, The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East 5:00pm –7:00pm $20 www.lomondhotel.com.au
• BLACK TULIP, 12 Bar, Belgrave 9:00pm FREE

SAT 13th
• CATCH 23 + THE DEAD PHAROAHS, The Old Bar, Fitzroy 4:00pm
• NICK CHARLES & MICK PEALING, The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East 5:00pm –7:00pm $20 www.lomondhotel.com.au
• DAVE MILES, Big Earl’s Roadhouse, Port Melbourne 5:00pm
• MR SIPPY + ALEX HAMILTON + HIGHWAY + CHELSEA HOTEL present Winter Warmers, Memo Music Hall, St Kilda 7:00pm $32 – $44 www.memomusichall.com.au
• STEAMBOAT WHISTLERS, Edinburgh Castle, Brunswick 8:00pm – 10:00pm FREE
• COLD SNAP, The Grand Hotel, Portarlington 8:00pm
• SALTY DOG BLUES BAND, The Painted Lady, Ballarat 8:30pm –10:30pm $10 Bookings Ph: 0422 799 481
• LIAM KEALEY COMBO feat CAM WALTER + KIER STEVENS, Blues in the Basement @ Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD 9:00pm – 11:00pm $5
• THE ELECTRIC RELFS, The Town Hall Hotel, North Melbourne 9:00pm

SUN 14th
• PHIL MANNING + ANDREA MARR + IAN COLLARD with MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR, A Melbourne Soul & Gospel Gathering @ Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick – 1st Show – Afternoon: 1:30pm – 4:00pm Tix $38 www.brunswickballroom.com.au
• FEATURE BLUES ACT, Blues Brews & BBQ @ Hop Temple, Ballarat 1:30pm - 4:30pm FREE
• JESSE VALACH & THE TESTAMENTS + MASKELL LOVE BAND, Way Out West @ Yarraville Club, Yarraville 2:00pm – 5:00pm $25 / $20 WOW Members Tix: www.wowrootsmusic.com
• ELWOOD BLUES CLUB (EBC) HOUSE BAND + Blues Jam @ Lyrebird Lounge, Ripponlea 4:00pm – 8:00pm FREE Bookings: 0419 599 871
• NICK CHARLES, Naughton’s Bar, Parkville 4:00pm FREE
• COLD SNAP, Rainbow Hotel, Fitzroy 4:00pm – 7:00pm FREE
• KELLY AUTY & BRIAN FRASER TRIO, The Drunken Poet, West Melbourne 4:00pm – 6:00pm FREE
• ROD PAINE with resident house band THE BLOW OUT, Stingo Blues @ The Yorkshire Stingo Hotel, Abbotsford Jammers 5:00pm Feature act 7:00pm FREE. Table bookings: 03 9417 3088
• PHIL MANNING + ANDREA MARR + IAN COLLARD with MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR, A Melbourne Soul & Gospel Gathering @ Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick – 2nd Show – Evening: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Tix $38 www.brunswickballroom.com.au

TUE 16th
• THE BLOW OUT + Blues Jam, MBAS House of Blues @ Flemington Bowls Club, Flemington. Doors & Kitchen open for meals from 6:30pm, Feature act 8:00pm (Blues Jam 9:00pm – 11pm) FREE. Guaranteed seating book here: www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-16-06-2026

NOTE: Gig guide listings subject to change/cancellation by venues and artists, so always best to double check before you head out!

MBAS MEMBERSHIP

The MBAS is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation which relies on the support of its financial Members and valued Sponsors. If you're not yet an MBAS Member or your Membership is due for renewal, visit our website for more information and easy online Membership Form:
www.mbas.org.au/membership.htm

MBAS SPONSORS

Thank you to the valued sponsors who assist the MBAS in its initiatives and operations by providing financial support, donated products, discounted goods and pro bono services. New sponsor enquiries welcome. Contact MBAS President, John Durr - Ph: 0425 776 613 or Email: [email protected]

LOVIN’ THE BLUES SINCE 1990
The MBAS look forward to seeing you the MBAS 'House of Blues' every Tuesday night for our FREE live music nights with feature Blues artist followed by Blues Jams. At FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB - Cnr Smithfield & Racecourse Rds Flemington VIC 3031. ALL WELCOME. Bookings recommended online via our EVENTS PAGE at: mbas.org.au/events
Enquires phone or SMS: 0425 776 613
www.mbas.org.au

MBAS - Home Melbourne Blues Club for blues enthusiasts & blues musicians. Blues Music, Jam nights, Club membership, Blues music awards, Blues Challenge, Youth in Blues. Blues gigs, music venues.

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 9th JUNE 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: GYPSY KING JONES
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-09-06-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

GYPSY KING JONES delivers groove-heavy, growling blues steeped in tradition and swagger. Drawing deep influence from Texas Country Blues, the Mississippi Delta, Hill Country grooves, and the New Orleans street sound, GKJ blends these traditions with a distinctly Australian edge, forging a sound that’s entirely his own. Winner of the 'Emerging Artist’ award at the 2025 VICTAS Blues Music Awards, and a fixture on Melbourne’s live music scene, GKJ delivers captivating performances full of raw energy, dynamic guitar work, and vivid storytelling.

Channeling the spirit of blues ghosts from a bygone era, GKJ shows echo the soul and grit of southern juke joints and back porch sessions. Originally from the Grampians region of Victoria and now based in Melbourne, GKJ continues to draw inspiration from both the wide open landscapes of his home, and the vibrant city scene. His latest EP, “I Came Here to Groove” (released June 2025) reached #17 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, with lead single “Struck Like Lightnin” hitting #2 on the AMRAP Metro Singles Chart. Receiving strong community radio support across all Australian states, GKJ continues to carve out his place as a force among this country’s best blues and roots artists.
********
ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.

🎉💙🎶THANK YOU to our 10,000 FB Followers!

MBAS – Celebrating over 35 bluesy years, and continuing to bring you 💯% volunteer-run blues-focussed activities:
⭐️ FREE weekly Tuesday night live Blues Music at the MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' with Feature Act and Blues Jams.
⭐️ FREE weekly newsletter MBAS BLUES WEEKLY with Blues Updates & Gig Guide
⭐️ Annual MBAS BLUES CHALLENGE competition sending 2 winners to the Memphis IBC International Blues Challenge
⭐️ MBAS Women in Blues Program & Youth in Blues Program
⭐️ Ongoing initiatives and events promoting and supporting local Blues Musicians

Recognising the ongoing support and encouragement of all in our Blues Community – THANK YOU! Keep connected via our FREE MBAS Blues Weekly newsletter – straight into your email inbox every Monday morning, for the latest MBAS updates and weekly gig guide for local blues music events. https://www.mbas.org.au/membership/blues-weekly

TONIGHT at MBAS – THE HORNETS + BLUES JAM!🔥🎸🥁🎸🔥 FREE ENTRY. Book by 2:30pm today for guaranteed table seating – walkups are welcome and doors open at 6:30pm for meals. The Hornets are on at 8pm + Blues Jam at 9pm. 🎶💙🎥NOTE: We LIVESTREAM the Feature Act from 8pm every Tuesday! Go to the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society - MBAS page to view.

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 2nd JUNE 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: THE HORNETS
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-02-06-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

THE HORNETS will soon be launching their 10th album Nothing Stays the Same, and their MBAS feature spot will feature preview tracks from this new release, plus songs from their entire 30 year career.

For the uninitiated, The Hornets are fronted by singer-songwriter, guitarist and celebrated author CRAIG HORNE, with ARIA Hall of Fame guitarist JEFF BURSTIN (Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Black Sorrows, Vika and Linda), ARIA winner, maestro keyboardist BRUCE HAYMES (Archie Roach, Renee Geyer, Paul Kelly), bassist YURI PAVLINOV (Bamboos, Renee Geyer, Cat Empire, Nardia), and drummer CHRIS TABONE (Bad Loves).

The band are a fixture on the Melbourne blues and roots scene, and a welcome, popular returning feature over many years at the MBAS House of Blues. They never fail to please, and all look forward to a great night – not to be missed! Just to get you in the mood, the band have released a video clip sneak preview of the track ‘Wasteland' from the new album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFw9AR21b30

"The Hornets are steeped in the blues, they rise out of the Yarra Valley delta meeting at the mythical crossroads where Chicago grit has blown in. This is an earthy blues band with a pedigree of outstanding musicians.” Warwick McFadyen, The Age

Photo credit: Sean Clohesy
********
ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.

With the first 1:30pm afternoon show now almost sold out, here we go again... You asked for it, you got it! 2nd SHOW ANNOUNCED – BY POPULAR DEMAND – EVENING 6:30pm SHOWTIME!

🎶💙⭐️ The Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society MBAS and MSG Choir presents: SANCTIFIED BLUES – A Melbourne Soul & Blues Gathering – Melbourne Soul & Gospel Choir with Phil Manning, Andrea Marr & Ian Collard. SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2026 • BRUNSWICK BALLROOM

Blues grit meets gospel fire. This exciting first collaboration between the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) and the Melbourne Soul & Gospel Choir (MSG) brings together soaring soulful voices and deep authentic blues grooves, with some of Melbourne’s most celebrated, esteemed blues musicians.

Featuring a 60-voice SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR led by Dr DARREN WICKS, with performances by multi-award winning blues royalty legends – PHIL MANNING (guitar), IAN COLLARD (harmonica), soul/blues/gospel diva ANDREA MARR (vocals), and rhythm masters ROBERT B. DILLON (drums) with RON E. SMITH (bass).

An unmissable live blues and choral music spectacular!

2nd SHOW details:
Showtime: 6:30pm
Doors & Kitchen open: 5:00pm
Tickets: $38 + b/f
Ticketing options for General Admission or Meal & Show (with reserved seating) BOOK NOW: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering-2nd-show-added/195954?skin=brunswickballroom

MELBOURNE SOUL & GOSPEL CHOIR (MSG)
For over 20 years, MSG has brought singers together as one of Melbourne’s leading adult community choirs, celebrating the powerful, uplifting sounds of soul, blues and gospel under the direction of Dr Darren Wicks.

PHIL MANNING
With an illustrious, prestigious career spanning over 5 decades, revered multi-awarded blues guitarist, singer and founder of legendary blues band, Chain – Phil Manning – will be performing both as a soloist and choir accompanist.

ANDREA MARR
One of Australia’s foremost performers and most powerful female Blues/Soul voices, respected award-winning artist Andrea Marr has graced stages from here to Memphis, and is no stranger to the gospel stage. She will be performing in solo mode, and with the choir.

IAN COLLARD
Acclaimed multi award-winning performer Ian Collard, is an honoured blues harmonica player, guitarist, vocalist, and founder of the ARIA-awarded blues act, Collard Greens & Gravy. He will be performing as a soloist and choir accompanist.

ROBERT B. DILLON
Longstanding and internationally regarded, Aria award-winning musician/sound maestro Robert Dillon, is the essential backbeat of the blues grooves, providing the authentic roots rhythms for the entire live music program.

RON E. SMITH
Originally hailing from the legendary music hub of Detroit Michigan, USA, Ron E Smith brings a deep seated American musical heritage. For the past 15 years, Ron has integrated his soulful, rhythmic bass grooves into the local blues scene.

TIX from $38 + b/f – BOOK NOW: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sanctified-blues-a-melbourne-soul-blues-gathering-2nd-show-added/195954?ref=RSS_rss_bb_events&skin=brunswickballroom

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 2nd JUNE 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: THE HORNETS
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-02-06-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

THE HORNETS will soon be launching their 10th album Nothing Stays the Same, and their MBAS feature spot will feature preview tracks from this new release, plus songs from their entire 30 year career.

For the uninitiated, The Hornets are fronted by singer-songwriter, guitarist and celebrated author CRAIG HORNE, with ARIA Hall of Fame guitarist JEFF BURSTIN (Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Black Sorrows, Vika and Linda), ARIA winner, maestro keyboardist BRUCE HAYMES (Archie Roach, Renee Geyer, Paul Kelly), bassist YURI PAVLINOV (Bamboos, Renee Geyer, Cat Empire, Nardia), and drummer CHRIS TABONE (Bad Loves).

The band are a fixture on the Melbourne blues and roots scene, and a welcome, popular returning feature over many years at the MBAS House of Blues. They never fail to please, and all look forward to a great night – not to be missed! Just to get you in the mood, the band have released a video clip sneak preview of the track ‘Wasteland' from the new album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFw9AR21b30

"The Hornets are steeped in the blues, they rise out of the Yarra Valley delta meeting at the mythical crossroads where Chicago grit has blown in. This is an earthy blues band with a pedigree of outstanding musicians.” Warwick McFadyen, The Age

Photo credit: Sean Clohesy
********
ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.