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• Bondi Cigars @ The Zeppelin Room

  • When
    17 Oct 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:45 PM
  • Location
    Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

  Register

  Canberra Blues Society proudly presents BONDI CIGARS.

  
  

  This award-winning quartet has well and truly established themselves into Australia’s musical heart since forming in 1989.

  When the Bondi Cigars were first gigging around Sydney, late 1989, they moved in a blues/R&B circuit which, while robust enough since the 60s, had then been sparked into new life by the ‘blues revival’ of the mid-80’s, spearheaded by Robert Cray, Joe Louis Walker, Stevie Ray Vaughan and similar crusaders. And while many of the Sydney bands from that era have vanished, become historical footnotes or undergone major changes, the Cigars – true survivors – have battled on, without ever compromising their distinctive no nonsense style, to become a leading force in Australian R&B.

  That original Cigars line-up brought together four like-minded experienced players, all veterans of Sydney inner-west blues venues, and from the word go, the Cigars have been the very model of the ‘no passengers’ band, a well-oiled machine plus soul: no room for slackers here.

  The Bondi Cigars have also built a solid reputation as one of the best live acts in the country.

  Always one of the country’s hardest working outfits (on the road more than off), the Cigars have kept their music tight, hard-driving and down-to-earth: the Australian bar band par excellence.

  Shane Pacey (vocals and guitar) - Alan Britton (bass and vocals)

  Eben Hale (guitar and vocals) - Frank Corby (drums)

  Special guest support: Divine Devilles Trio

  
  

  Tickets: CBS Members - $35, Non-members - $40, Door - $45

  Doors open 7 pm Show starts 8 pm

  Show details
• Canberra Blues Society October Pro Blues Jam - hosted by Judi Pearce and the Arrangement

  • When
    18 Oct 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

  Register

  Judi Pearce and the Arrangement hosts the OCTOBER Pro Blues Jam

  Judi Pearce and The Arrangement have been performing in the Canberra and South Coast regions for over twenty years.

  Judi has worked as a professional singer since childhood, recording jingles for EMI in Sydney from the age of 10.  As a teenager, Judi performed as a singer/guitarist around the folk scene before a move into rock and punk her early 20s.  From there, Judi fronted the blues and soul band ‘The Convertibles’. 

  After moving to Canberra, Judi performed with ‘The Blues Cowgirls’ and ‘The Business’, winning awards including:

  • ‘Best Female Vocalist‘ – Canberra Blues Society 2003
  • ‘Best Album’ – Canberra Blues Society, for Ask Any Woman, recorded with The Blues Cowgirls
  • The Chain Award for ‘Best Female Vocalist 2006’ for the album ‘Everybody Wants Some’, recorded with The Business.

  Forming ‘The Arrangement’ has provided an opportunity for Judi and the band to have fun re-arranging soul, blues, jazz and funk tunes, to create a sound with an emphasis on groove and swing.
  

  Judi Pearce and the Arrangement features:

  • Judi Pearce - vocals/percussion
  • Nicky King - vocals/percussion
  • Artem Grigoriev - guitar
  • Dean Edgecombe - bass
  • Murv Cowell - drums
  • James Hoogstad - tenor sax/harmonicas

  The host band will be followed by some of the finest musicians in the Canberra region and surrounds, jamming together for a fabulous afternoon of live blues music.

  And, as always; bring your friends, your instrument, your voice or just your dancing shoes!!

  CBS members: $10 / General: $15 / kids under 16: Free Entry

  • Jammers are expected to meet a competent standard of musicianship and be familiar with standard 3-chord, 12-bar blues songs.
  • CBS provides a lyric folder of classic blues songs if required.
  • If this is your first time, ask to speak to the Jam Session Coordinator to secure a place in a jam session.
  • Jammers are encouraged to have their names on the whiteboard by 1pm.
  • Late arrivals (after 1.30pm) cannot be guaranteed a spot in the Jam Session.
  • The coordinator will try to give everyone an opportunity to perform.
  • A rehearsed act may do a set as a band if it is prearranged at least 24 hours in advance of the jam by contacting the musicians representative via the contact us or the enquire now buttons.

  NOTE: This is a Blues Jam so it is expected that blues orientated songs will be played.

  Show details
• Kevin Borich Express @ The Zeppelin Room

  • When
    6 Nov 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

  Register

  KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS @ THE ZEPPELIN ROOM

  
  

  Canberra Blues Society proudly presents Kevin Borich Express with special guest support James Southwell.

  With a professional career spanning over 50 years, Kevin Borich has done it all.  Beginning with the LA- DE- DA’S in New Zealand, writing the classic hit ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, to his KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS and The PARTY BOYS, Kevin has performed at some of the biggest Rock events Australia has seen. 

  From the Historical SUNBURY Festivals - the ROCKARENAS in the 70’s with crowds of 60,000 people, featuring FLEETWOOD MAC, THE LITTLE RIVER BAND & SANTANA (with whom he was invited onstage to play with) to the New Years Event at the Sydney Opera House with 170,000 people telecast live nationally and internationally to Japan at that time, a first!  Numerous support shows for international acts, ELTON JOHN, STATUS QUO, JEFF BECK, BUDDY GUY & PETER FRAMPTON  to name a few.

  Kevin has carved out a revered reputation in the Australian Music Industry, performing his music with a youthful exuberance, - giving extra meaning to the word LONGEVITY.  Kevin has played and recorded with artists such as Renee’ Geyer `Blues License’ - Dutch Tilders `The Blues Had a Baby ‘- Richard Clapton `Prussian Blue’, Jamming with Carlos twice, also with Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), John Mayall, Taj Mahal & members of Living Colour. Overseas tours and tours with Jimmy Barnes, Renee’ Geyer, Mark Hunter, and being Co Founder member, and author of the Party Boys name have added spice to his career.

  Well known for his high-energy electric guitar style, his performance is hailed throughout the music industry as world class.  He also starred in the hugely successful 18 ‘Sold Out’ Australia wide ‘Long Way To The Top’ 2002 arena concerts.

  In recognition of His contribution to Australian music and blues culture, he was inducted into the Australian Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.

  Guest support: JAMES SOUTHWELL - a powerhouse performer who has been electrifying audiences across Australia and New Zealand for nearly two decades. Blending raw blues, funky grooves, and rock ‘n’ roll energy, James commands the stage with unforgettable performances. With a career rooted in a deep love of blues and a fearless approach to pushing musical boundaries, James has become one of Australia’s top blues and rock acts. James recently won the Sydney Blues Society Blues Challenge (band category).

  Pre-sales: CBS members $40 / General $45 (pre-sale ends 6 November @ 6:30pm)

  Door: $50

  Doors open 7pm Show starts 8pm

  Show details
• Learning The Blues - Effects Pedals & Tone Workshop with James Southwell

  • When
    14 Nov 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Keller Bar, Harmonie German Club
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  Join James Southwell for an interactive deep dive into the world of electric guitar pedals and tones. (We can also add bass and acoustic guitar if the interest is there. If you are interested in this please email contact@canberrabluessociety.com.au to register your interest.)

  Whether you're just starting to explore pedals and amplifiers or you're looking to better understand the gear you already own, this workshop will cover the practical and creative aspects of building great tone. Topics will include the different types of overdrives, fuzzes, delays, modulation effects, pedalboard signal chain, pedal power solutions, and how each part of your rig contributes to your overall sound - as well as common issues you may encounter.

  We'll also explore running one or multiple amplifiers and the options to consider, including dual mono, stereo, wet/dry, and wet/dry/wet setups, along with common issues such as phase problems and ground loops - and how to solve them.

  This will be a hands-on session, so attendees are encouraged to bring their pedalboards and pedals. Depending on numbers and available time, there may also be opportunities to look at complete rigs. The primary focus however, will be helping you better understand your gear and how to get consistent, great results through your amp AND virtually any backline amplifier you might encounter.

  This workshop is ABSOLUTELY also for players who are completely new to the thought of buying and using guitar effects pedals, and simply want to learn more.

  James will also be bringing his own pedalboards, a selection of pedals, guitars, and his Two-Rock amplifier for demonstrations throughout the workshop.

  For those wanting to go even deeper, a limited number of discounted one-on-one follow-up sessions will be made available exclusively to workshop attendees. These sessions will offer the opportunity for a more personalised exploration of tone, gear, and rig optimisation.

  Bring your questions, your pedals, and your curiosity-and let's make sense of tone together.

  All participants will be given a history of 'The Blues' from its beginnings to where it has developed to today.

  About our presenter James Southwell -
  

  James Southwell is an accomplished guitar player, singer, songwriter, who has established himself as one of Australia’s leading blues/rock performers. James has toured Australia and New Zealand extensively for over two decades, playing in excess of 2000 shows, including numerous festival appearances. James has recently started a new project ‘Southwell’, competing in the Sydney Blues Society’s Blues Challenge, winning the band category. The band will now be travelling to the USA in January to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
  
  Southwell is an evolution — a musical adventure born from a deep love of playing and a passion for being part of this incredible music community and the remarkable musicians and people within it. Rooted in the blues but never confined by it, Southwell is more than a band. It’s an invitation to look forward rather than back, and to be part of something bigger.

  James has also had an extensive studio and live career recording and performing with a number of wonderful artists, including touring with acclaimed Australian blues band the Bondi Cigars from 2024 into 2025, filling in for their front man Shane Pacey while he was recovering from surgery. Southwell also toured with Australian rock icon Angry Anderson (ex Rose Tattoo) for 10+ years as "Angry Anderson with the James Southwell Band".  James also had a popular festival band, "Manning (Phil Manning) Wilson (Chris Wilson) Southwell (James Southwell) Band", plus many more.
  
  Check out James on socials or at a show!
  
  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessouthwell/

  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JamesSouthwellMusic

  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jamessouthwellOFFICIAL

  MEMBERS: $15

  NON-MEMBERS: $20

  
  

  Show details
• Zevon Lee band (VIC) + ISEULA band (VIC) + Moondog (ACT) @ The Zeppelin Room

  • When
    5 Dec 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Location
    Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah

  Register

  
  

  Emerging from the heart of Melbourne’s dynamic music scene, Zevon Lee is a rising force in blues, soul, and pop. Seamlessly blending soulful vocals, electrifying blues guitar and sharp pop sensibilities, Zevon’s sound defies easy categorization - offering audiences a distinctive and captivating musical experience.

  Zevon was bitten by the blues music bug very early in life. He was gifted his first Stratocaster at age five and the first concert he ever attended was BB King with his father. It seems that his future was predetermined.

  After paying his dues in a rockin’ high school band, things gradually got more serious.  Beginning with Sure Shot Hunters, he begun to make a name for himself on the Melbourne music scene and gained popular residencies at venues such as Revellers Bar in Chapel Street and Cherry Bar in the city.

  In 2024, Zevon released three standout singles, each showcasing his dynamic range and knack for blending old-school vibes with fresh energy. In 2025 he released the highly anticipated EP 'The Only One’, including a blues-drenched collection that promises to capture the essence of his roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre.

  Zevon’s energy on stage is electric, drawing crowds with his no-nonsense, powerhouse shows that are all about music that feels real. With original arrangements powered by top-tier musicianship and a standout live presence, Zevon Lee and his super hot band are a must-see!!!

  ISEULA is a Melbourne/Naarm soul and blues artist with a powerhouse voice, blending soul, neo-soul, jazz and R&B.

  Drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted sounds of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and classic 1950's soul, ISEULA rose to national prominence as the lead singer of the Melbourne Blues Band 'Blue Eyes Cry', winning two Chain Awards and was named Female Artist of the Year for Victoria and Tasmania.

  (A bit of trivia - Blue Eyes Cry performed at our Winter Blues Party celebrating the 1st International Blues Music Day back in August 2013.)

  Since leaving that band ISEULA launched an active solo band project in 2021/22. Backed by an all-star band, she delivers groove-rich, emotionally charged performances that move audiences and leave a lasting impression.

  Special Guest Support - Blues powerhouse Moondog is a master of the blues harmonica and a formidable guitarist, singer and songwriter.

  He shares songs and stories of his many journeys into the heartland of the Blues, where he spent over 10 years exploring juke joints, speak easy and blues bars from Chicago through to St Louis, Memphis, Mississippi, New Orleans, Nashville and parts of Texas.

  In 2015 he represented Bridgetown Blues at the annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN and in 2016 he performed at Chicago Bluesfest on the Windy City Blues Society stage.

  This event would be ideal for your work or group Xmas Party celebration.

  Pre-sales: CBS members $40 / General $45 (pre-sale ends 5 December @ 6:30pm)

  Door: $50

  Doors open 6.30pm Show starts 7.30pm

  ZEVON LEE  - 'Sweet Cup' 

  

  ISEULA  -  'Bye Bye Baby'

  
  

  MOONDOG - 'Dimples'

  
  

  
  

  Show details