All ready to chill: Your June gig guide

The live music scene is heating up this winter, with venues across the Illawarra giving plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Whether you want to catch international talent touring your backyard, dive into a jazz jam or support the next generation of homegrown talent, June has you covered.

City Tidda: Sophia Rose Quartet

Thursday June 4 | Wollongong Art Gallery | 11:00am

Skip the late-night club frost and settle in with a cuppa at the gallery for a mid-morning performance from First Nations trumpeter Sophia Rose and her quartet (Nate Griffin on drums, Oscar Lubbock on piano, and Alex Parsa on double bass). City Tidda brings a musical reflection on Rose's experience as a First Nations woman living in an urban environment. Trained on Dharawal country at the Wollongong Conservatorium, the proud Wiradjuri and Barkindji musician blends First Nations storytelling with the spirit of African American jazz traditions. The result is a gorgeous program centred around resilience, freedom and cultural identity.

Tickets: Free, but bookings essential

CURRENTS with Molly Millington // Alma More // Rhodes

Friday 5 June | Towradgi Beach Hotel | 7:00pm

Central Coast country-pop artist Molly Millington is set to headline TBH Fridays. Based on the success of her debut album Frank Morgan released this year, this is a free gig you wouldn’t want to miss. Yours & Owls are stacking this line-up deep with support from genre-bending Sydney collective Alma More and Newcastle newbies Rhodes. 

Tickets: RSVP

Winter Wine Festival (in Gerringong)

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June | Crooked River Estate

If you want to have a relaxed sort of fun over the June long weekend, a quick trip to Gerringong promises a chilled-out festival at one of the region's favourite wineries. Saturday's headliner Matt Corby of Brother fame will bring slow grooves old and new. Catch semi-local legends The Vanns, Wollongong up-and-comer Jack Rose, or Melbourne-hailed Lotte Gallagher. Yours and Owls organisers bring it home on Sunday, with headline acts from Lime Cordiale and Sons of the East, among locally beloved acts such as Le Shiv, Rageflower and Chelsea Daghita.

Tickets via moshtix - prices vary

Meg Mac w/ Rupert Bullard

Friday 5 June | University of Wollongong | 8:00pm

One of Australia's most revered powerhouse vocalists makes her highly anticipated return to the Illawarra this month. Renowned for her soul-stirring lyricism and jaw-dropping vocal range, Meg Mac brings nostalgic singalongs and one-of-a-kind Australian indie-soul music. 

Tickets: $56.58

New Blood Wednesdays: Koatyl // Stino Marae // Electric X // Solarr

Wednesday 3 June | La La La's | 7:00pm

This long-running initiative by Yours & Owls and La La La's has spent three years cementing itself as the gold standard for nurturing homegrown talent. This mid-week show gives four emerging bands a shot at a professional stage and a chance to compete for major festival slots. This edition features high-energy sets from Koatyl, Stino, Marae Electric and X Solarr. Drop $10 at the door and support the scene before these rooms sell out. 

Tickets: $10

Jazz at The Servo w/ Woll Con Music

Wednesday 10 June | The Servo, Port Kembla | From 6.15pm

Shake off the winter chill and the mid-week blues with a night of homegrown jazz curated by the talented staff and students of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. The evening kicks off with smooth ensemble arrangements before moving into an open jazz jam session where local players can jump on stage and experiment. Go to this if you want an unpretentious night out with local musicians doing what they do best in an outdoor-friendly, community atmosphere.

Tickets: FREE ENTRY, see more info here

We Mavericks Band in Concert

Friday 13 June | Teddy's Bar (North Gong Hotel) | 7:00pm

Presented by the Illawarra Folk Club, internationally touring contemporary folk group We Mavericks are bringing their funky music to Teddy's Bar. Go if you’re looking for an organic, sit-down performance with a warm, community-driven crowd vibe. 

Tickets: Sliding scale free-$40 on Humanitix

Railway Session Open Mic

Wednesday 17 June | Thirroul Railway Heritage Hall | From 7:15pm

This open mic is hosted on the third Wednesday of every month by the Illawarra Folk Club. The night is completely open to everyone, whether you're a big-time musician testing out fresh material or a first-timer picking up an acoustic guitar. Whether you’re after a warm, welcoming community event to help you grow as an artist or just a fun night out cheering on your neighbours, this one’s for you.

Tickets: Free

Rachael Fahim: Who You Are Tour w/ Lachie Gill

Thursday 18 June | La La La’s | 7:00pm

Rachael Fahim brings her album-length performance Who You Are tour to Wollongong. This artist has built a strong following in the new country scene, and on this tour, she shares the stage with The Voice winner Lachie Gill.

Tickets: $30

Funk & Soul in Berry

18 & 21 June | Venues in Berry

If you're looking for a mini road trip, head south for the A Day Well Spent live music series. Part of the NSW government's UPTOWN grant program, it’s a brilliant initiative aiming to revitalise Berry as a live music destination year-round. Pop down and grab a healthy dose of funk and soul music.

• More Info: Extend the Weekend Berry

Coming up in July

• Fanny Lumsden (Friday 3 July @ Coledale Community Hall): The 2-time ARIA and 10-time Golden Guitar-winning artist is bringing her entirely unique, intimate, and theatrical SOLO Only Fans Story Club tour to the coast. Don't sleep on tickets for this one.