Canberra Blues Society upcoming events

Learning The Blues - Drumming Workshop (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Canberra Blues Society presents…

BLUES DRUMMING WORKSHOP

Saturday 11 July 2026 2.00pm ‘til 4.00pm

Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah (in the Keller Room)

This workshop is for drummers of all levels, with particular focus on demonstrating and discussing the fundamentals and foundations of Drum-set performance as it applies to the wonderful world of Blues & Roots Drumming.

Presented by long-time experienced Drummers, Gavin Kelly and Philip White, this workshop welcomes all musicians interested in learning more about Blues & Roots Drumming… it’s history, evolution, and its place as a most powerful and inspiring instrument.

Participants are encouraged to bring…

Practice Pad (or Cushion?) plus (Practice Pad Stand/Stool?)
Drumsticks (wooden spoons?)
Pen & Paper (note taking?)
Your enthusiasm! (Let’s have fun!)

Looking forward to seeing you all for a fun afternoon of inspiration and learning.

Gavin Kelly / Philip White

MEMBERS: $15

NON-MEMBERS: $20

Frank Sultana Blues Band @ The Zeppelin Room (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Frank Sultana blues band @ The zeppelin room

2023 Memphis International Blues Challenge winner Frank Sultana is bringing his band plus some very special guests to Canberra for what will be a killer night of swamp blues.

Beginning his career in 2011, Frank has released 12 albums and 4 EPs and performed his original blues here and abroad, earning a reputation for being a powerful, authentic and raw performer.

With 7 Sydney Blues Society Blues Awards on the shelf as well as an APRA nomination in 2023, for his song The Howling Dogs, he has certainly cemented his place on the Australian blues scene, and made serious waves in the US, where he has shared stages with everyone from Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Kingfish, Ana Popovic and many many more.

Pre-sales: CBS members $37/ General $40 inc bf (pre-sale ends 18 July @ 6:30pm)

Door: $45

Doors open 7pm Show starts 8pm

Canberra Blues Society July Pro Blues Jam - hosted by Wally and Eric Crew (19 Jul 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Wally and Eric Crew hosts the JULY Pro Blues Jam

Wally & Eric Crew have deep roots in the Canberra live music scene. They play traditional blues and related songs mixed with originals. Expect shuffles, boogaloos, New Orleans second line, 12/8 blues, swing, Caribbean feels and more.

Featuring:

John ‘JVB’ Van Buuren – Guitar & Vocal

John has been playing blues and roots music around Canberra for an awfully long time. Past bands have included: Long John, The 708s, Laughing Charlie, Bluesiana, LCB, and a bunch of cover bands. His musical influences include T-Bone Walker, Lonnie Johnson, Ry Cooder, Mark Knopfler, Willie Dixon and early Eric Clapton. He has appeared at a number of festivals including Goulburn, Thredbo, Lithgow, Manly Jazz and Canberra.

Steve Hartnett – Harmonicas, Vocal

Steve has been performing blues music around Canberra Since the 1980’s.Previous bands include: “Off the Wall” and “Big Town Playboys”, “The Gigsters”, “Backbeat Drivers”, “Wally & Eric”, “The Drivers”, “The JW House Band”, “Bluetone Duo” and “Bluetone Specials” and he has performed and recorded with “The Seventh Sons”. He has many harmonicas and a voice.

Brian O’Rourke - Bass

Brian has been laying down the low end in Canberra since the 1980s in bands such as Off the Cuff, Noisy Neighbours, Combo Combo and many others you’ve never heard of either. Motto: Keep it simple but very much in the pocket and remember, there’s no money after the 7th fret.

Jonathan Jones – Percussion

AKA Mr Hitty, he brings a wealth of questionable experience having played in award winning rock bands, a World Champion Pipe Band, Latin/Jazz/Blues /Folk Bands including touring the world with Eric Bogle. He has his name on over 80 records/Cd's and has taught and conducted drum workshops all over the world. His speciality is playing the Pizza Boxes. We will leave it up to the audience as to whether he has had a misspent youth. His motto is "Just Smile and Wave Boys".

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.

International Blues Music Day 2026 - Blues Guitar Roadshow and CBS IBMD Party (1 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Canberra Blues Society Presents INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY 2026

CELEBRATE International Blues Music Day with the Blues Guitar Roadshow and Canberra Blues Society IBMD Party. Two shows in one ticket!

THE BLUES GUITAR ROADSHOW: 3 pm - 6 pm

"The Ensemble Spectacular" is coming to Canberra for the first time for International Blues Music Day! THE BLUES GUITAR ROADSHOW Brings the thrill of a Music festival in one unforgettable show.

Headlining the Roadshow, Direct from the US, is the one and only ANA POPOVIC! An irresistible force in the world of contemporary Blues music. Hailed as "one Helluva guitar-Player" by Bruce Springsteen, the Blues guitar Roadshow is thrilled to have the Award Winning, hard Touring Guitar Slinger coming to light up the stage!

Also Featuring Australian Blues Legends, Geoff Achison (Vic), Ray Beadle (Sydney) The McNaMarr Project (Andrea Marr, John McNamara) (Vic), Simon Kinny-Lewis (Sydney), Corey Legge (NSW), Angus Burchall (John Farnham Band), Andrew Fry, Shane Gilbert, Richard Tankard & local legends and great friends of the Canberra Blues Society: Chris Harland and Liam Macalister!

Hot from Sold Out shows & Standing Ovations Don't miss this fast paced Celebration of Blues Music. Showcase sets and a Show Stopping All Star Jam that has to be seen to be believed.
Book your tix today to see Live Music at it's Very Best.

CBS IBMD Party: 7pm - 10.30pm

The Blues Guitar Roadshow will be followed by the CBS IBMD Party to keep you dancing late into the night!

Featuring:

Nick Charles (VIC)
Chris Harland Blues Band (ACT)
The SunBears (ACT)

Over 6 hours of live Blues music!!!

Great Raffle Prizes!!!

Doors: 2pm

Showtime: 3.00 pm - 10.30 pm

Venue: The Zeppelin Room (Harmonie German Club)

NOTE: PRE-SALES ENDS AT 2 PM 1 AUGUST. Tickets will then be available at the door.

TICKET PRICES

Pre-Sale

CBS Members - $85
General - $89
Children - $80

Door

All tickets - $95

Enquiries: events@canberrabluessociety.com.au

PAs and mixers for beginners - Live Sound Workshop (8 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Canberra Blues Society (CBS) is conducting workshops for interested musicians and performers from beginners to intermediate standard for anyone, especially CBS members or family and friends who would like to learn more about “The Blues”.

This workshop is an introduction to live sound production and will be held on Saturday 8^th of August 2026 from 2pm - 4pm in the Keller Bar at the Harmonie German Club Narrabundah.

The Workshop is being conducted by Patrick Keogh, the Digital Media Officer for the CBS. There will be an introduction to the various components that make up a live sound system, including the different types of mixers, speakers and cabling, and a step-by-step approach to setting up a Public Address (P.A.) for a typical band performance. You will get the opportunity to be "hands on" with one or more mixers, setting up live sound all the way from the sound source to the speakers.

Attendees will receive comprehensive notes on the items covered so you can refer to them after the workshop.

We look forward to your company in the Keller Bar and would appreciate you spreading the word.

MEMBERS: $15

NON-MEMBERS: $20

Lachy Doley Returns Home @ The Zeppelin Room (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Canberra Blues Society proudly presents Lachy Doley Returns Home @ The Zeppelin Room

LACHY DOLEY – RETURNS HOME TOUR

SEP 25 - The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, Canberra ACT

After spending most of his time touring internationally and performing alongside Joe Bonamassa, Lachy Doley is coming home for a limited run of special Australian shows.

The RETURNS HOME TOUR marks Lachy's first Australian headline performances in well over a year and will be his only Australian shows for 2026.

Known worldwide for his powerhouse Hammond organ playing, groundbreaking whammy Clavinet work, soulful vocals and unforgettable live performances, Lachy has built a devoted following across Europe, North America and beyond. Now he returns home for six exclusive shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Bundy Hall.

Expect an evening of Blues, Soul, Funk by world class musicians and special guests fused with the high-energy and passion that has made Lachy one of Australia's most celebrated live performers.

If you've been waiting to see Lachy back on an Australian stage, this is your chance.

Six shows. One homecoming.

Doors open 7pm

Pre-sales: $50

Door: $55