Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society - MBAS

03/06/2026

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.
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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.

03/06/2026

🎉💙🎶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

02/06/2026

Tonight's Feature Act - The Hornets.

02/06/2026

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.

29/05/2026

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

27/05/2026

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.

26/05/2026

Tonight's Feature Act - Southern Lightning.

26/05/2026

TONIGHT at MBAS – SOUTHERN LIGHTNING + BLUES JAM!🔥🎸🥁🎸🔥 FREE ENTRY. Book by 2:30pm today for guaranteed table seating – walkups are welcome and doors open at 6:30pm for meals. Southern Lightning 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 26th MAY 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: SOUTHERN LIGHTNING
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-26-05-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

SOUTHERN LIGHTING blues band has been performing in and around Melbourne venues for over four decades. Driving blues grooves honouring the material of blues greats has been the signature sound of this popular live act. Over their colorful, long history performing widely around Melbourne and thoughout Victoria, Southern Lightning’s prominence has seen them perform on stages alongside world-class feature artists BB King, Roy Buchanan, John Mayall, Canned Heat and more.

The band evolved with several personnel changes over many years, and has featured legendary players, drummer Gary Young and bassist Geordie Leach, in previous line-ups. The current 4-piece, which many consider one of the best line-ups in the band’s history, includes the magic mix of celebrated blues players DAVE HOGAN (vocals and harmonica), CRAIG HADLOW (drums), PETE MAVRIC (bass) and MANNY GAUCI (guitar). With Southern Lightning shows few and far between these days, this is a rare live music opportunity, not to be missed, at the MBAS House of Blues.
********
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.

21/05/2026

MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 26th MAY 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: SOUTHERN LIGHTNING
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-26-05-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.

SOUTHERN LIGHTING blues band has been performing in and around Melbourne venues for over four decades. Driving blues grooves honouring the material of blues greats has been the signature sound of this popular live act. Over their colorful, long history performing widely around Melbourne and thoughout Victoria, Southern Lightning’s prominence has seen them perform on stages alongside world-class feature artists BB King, Roy Buchanan, John Mayall, Canned Heat and more.

The band evolved with several personnel changes over many years, and has featured legendary players, drummer Gary Young and bassist Geordie Leach, in previous line-ups. The current 4-piece, which many consider one of the best line-ups in the band’s history, includes the magic mix of celebrated blues players DAVE HOGAN (vocals and harmonica), CRAIG HADLOW (drums), PETE MAVRIC (bass) and MANNY GAUCI (guitar). With Southern Lightning shows few and far between these days, this is a rare live music opportunity, not to be missed, at the MBAS House of Blues.
********
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.

19/05/2026

Tonight's Feature Act - Bill Barber & The Holding Cell.