August gig guide: what's on in Illawarra live music

Winter is well and truly here, but there’s still plenty happening around the Gong, Thirroul and Towradgi to get you out of the house this August.

From intimate acoustic sets and indie tours to big tribute shows and early morning kids’ events, here is what’s coming up.

Gang of Youths

Thursday, August 6 | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 8pm

In a massive addition to the Illawarra calendar, multiple ARIA Award winners Gang of Youths have announced a rare, one-night-only intimate performance at Anita's Theatre ahead of their sold-out Sydney Opera House run. Expect a massive, emotionally charged set packed with anthems such as Magnolia, The Angel of 8th Ave, and The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows. Tickets will move very fast for this one.

Tickets: $99.90 via Ticketmaster

Kim Salmon's Smoked Salmon w/ The Melodrones // Expensive Music Band

Thursday, August 6 | La La La's | 7:30pm

Aussie punk legend Kim Salmon (the Scientists, the Surrealists, the Beasts of Bourbon) hits Globe Lane with his latest and greatest band celebrating their debut album, Smoked Salmon. Expect a mix of old career classics and cheeky newer tracks. A solid Thursday night out for fans of post-punk and local underground history.

Tickets: $34.66 via Moshtix

Montaigne: Glorious Heights 10th Anniversary Tour w/ Elana Stone // Rose Cole

Friday, August 7 | La La La's | 7pm

Montaigne is heading back to La La's to celebrate 10 years since releasing their award-winning debut album, Glorious Heights. If you were around for their early releases, this intimate show will be a fun hit of David Byrne influenced nostalgia topped with their usual stellar vocal performance. Show up early to support local acts Elana Stone and Rose Cole!

Tickets: $55.05 via Moshtix

CURRENTS w/ The Chordroys // Jeane // Solarr

Friday, August 7 | Towradgi Beach Hotel | 7pm

Yours & Owls are continuing their free Friday night series at TBH. Young local favourites (recently announced as part of Yours & Owls’ huge festival lineup) The Chordroys headline this one, with quirked-out Melbourne-heiled alt-indie rockers Jeane and fresh Shellharbour rock band Solarr opening the night. An easy option if you're pinching pennies but don’t want to miss out.

Tickets: Free / RSVP via Moshtix

The Australian Beach Boys Tribute Show

Friday, August 7 | Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul | 7:30pm

A full evening of surf-rock classics and vocal harmonies. A good choice for a simple, fun night out as a fan of feel-good '60s pop anthems.

Tickets: $69 via Ticketmaster

The Billy Joel Experience

Saturday, August 8 | Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul | 7:30pm

If the Beach Boys don’t float your boat, catch a live walkthrough of Billy Joel's massive 50-year back catalogue. Expect all the major singalongs such as Uptown Girl and Piano Man, and intergenerationally loved Vienna, tailored for lovers of classic piano-driven rock.

Tickets: $94 via Ticketmaster

Pamela.: 'It's Nice to See You Here' Tour

Sunday, August 9 | La La La’s | 6pm

Cap off the weekend with a Sunday evening with Sydney indie-pop duo Pamela. This pair returns from international shows touring their infectious, cinematic music. Catch these guys locally before they blow up worldwide.

Tickets: $22.45 via Moshtix

Emma Memma's Jungle Picnic Tour

Monday, August 10 | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 10am

One for parents and young kids. Former Wiggle and two-time ARIA award winner Emma Memma brings her interactive, dance-heavy show to Anita’s. It features Auslan integration and plenty of movement to keep toddlers entertained.

Tickets: $42.50 via Ticketmaster

Olivia Coggan: The Faultline Tour

Friday, August 21 | La La La’s | 7:30pm

Helensburgh-raised emerging alt-country artist Olivia Coggan brings The Faultline Tour to town, returning from huge shows in which she opened for Aussie sweethearts Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers. This one’s a must-see if you appreciate strong lyricism, storytelling and acoustic arrangements.  

Tickets: $29.57 via Moshtix

The Jungle Giants: Experiencing Feelings of Joy Tour w/ The Tullamarines // Tear Drive

Friday, August 28 | Waves (Towradgi Beach Hotel) | 7pm

One of the bigger shows on the calendar this month, The Jungle Giants bring their fifth album full of danceable indie-pop to Waves, joined by The Tullamarines and Tear Drive. Likely to be a busy one, so get your tickets ASAP.

Tickets: $96.80 via Moshtix

Sesame Girl: Butterfly Wing in a Silver Locket Tour w/ Binsad // YEARN

Saturday, August 29 | La La La's | 7:30pm

Locally beloved Canberra alt-indie band Sesame Girl return to La La’s following their latest EP release. Joined by Binsad and YEARN, this is a good Saturday option for long-time fans of the band, as well as those looking for something fresh.

Tickets: $22.43 via Moshtix

Josh Pyke: Kingdom Within Event

Saturday, August 29 | Wombarra Bowlo | 4:30pm

Intimate coastal bowlo session from a veteran Aussie songwriter.

Tickets: $34.70 (18+), $18.40 (U18) via Oztix

Illawarra Folk Club Presents: John Broomhall – A Tribute

Sunday, August 30 | Albion Park Bowling Club | 3pm

The Illawarra Folk Club hosts an afternoon session celebrating the life and music of celebrated folk figure John Broomhall, whose anthem Time is a Tempest became the beloved theme song of Illawarra Folk Festival during his life. Expect acoustic performances and shared stories from community musicians.

Tickets: Entry by donation, from $10 via Humanitix

DICE: Altitude Tour w/ Mid Drift + Ray and Paul (USA)

Sunday, August 30 | La La La’s | 7pm

Following last year’s fan-favourite Yours & Owls set, Perth indie-rockers DICE close out August with their energetic guitar tunes. Their east coast shows usually pack out fast, so grab tickets early.

Tickets: $49.90 via Moshtix

Coming Up in September

• Dear Seattle (September 6 @ La La La's) – Regional tour with US guests Seahaven & Lucky.
• Boy & Bear (September 12 @Anita’s Theatre) – Regional show as part of their national tour.