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MusiKfest Kew

May 2 – May 30, 2025

Due to popular demand, MusiKfest Kew is back for it’s sixth year!

This is a community event designed to offer music lovers the opportunity to experience a huge range of musical acts in Kew’s many and varied venues. There is something for everyone – from kids to families to adults to seniors. 

With over 30 acts scheduled in these venues over the month of May, attendance at most events involves only booking a table or turning up! Those that do require a ticket booking are very affordably priced. We’re also super chuffed that Boroondara Arts has added to our celebration of music, booking some amazing acts in Kew Court House!

Read on for information on all events and we hope to see you at many!

Electrifying guitarist & singer - Fri, May 2

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Electrifying guitarist/singer/songwriter Kathleen Halloran has well and truly established herself as one of the country’s most exciting rising stars. Educated on stage alongside some of Australia’s biggest names, this triple threat is widely known for her swaggering fretboard flare and irresistible spirit.  
 
She’s shared the stage with the likes of Kate Ceberano, Jon Stevens, Katie Noonan, Felix Riebl (The Cat Empire), Mahalia Barnes, Ricki-Lee and Tania Doko to name a few. Kathleen is an artist that “whole heartedly delivers with conviction so strong you’re lost in each moment” now commences her journey from virtuosic side-woman to solo artist.
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Acoustic guitar goodness - Fri, May 2

Solo acoustic guitarist and singer, taking you through all the classic and pop songs you know and love!

No booking necessary 

No entry charge, no booking – just pop on in and enjoy!

Musical magic for little ones - Sat, May 3

Meet Miss. Green resident class leader at True Fairies Manor, professional dance and children’s entertainer. 
 
Your class will allow you to participate in playing percussion instruments, and singing nursery rhymes, while being guided by dance and music with our gentle fairy teacher. Meet new friends while learning to move and listen in a group, fostering a love for music at an early age.
 
We recommend this class for parents and children ages 0 – 6. Arrive early or stay on after your session for a coffee, food or a play in the Origami Play Cafe play area.
 
Tickets

There are two sessions of this ticketed event. Tickets are $5 (plus booking fee) for kids. Adults free (but please still book a ticket, so we know capacity) and non-walkers also free.  This is not a drop-off event. Parents are required to stay with their children.

Swinging jazz & cool lounge - Sun, May 4

The Jasmine Mahon Trio presents acoustic renditions of swinging jazz classics and cool lounge favourites along with a bit of down and dirty rock ‘n roll for good measure.

Book a table for food or drinks or just walk in

No entry charge, simply book a table by calling on 9853 0666 or walking on in!

Baritone soul & guitar rhythms - Sun, May 4

A seasoned acoustic guitarist and vocalist with a soulful baritone reminiscent of David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. His performances are a unique blend of rich vocals and intricate guitar work, creating an unforgettable experience. Winnie effortlessly transforms into every member of the band, delivering a one-of-a-kind musical journey that transcends genres.

Book a table for food or drinks or just walk in

No entry charge, simply book a table below or walk on in! Even better, it’s Happy Hour at Postmaster between 4pm – 6pm!

Vocal powerhouse - Wed, May 7

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Maggie Alley is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocal powerhouse with an unfiltered view of life around her. She has an engrained habit of shaking the world by its hairy, devilish horns when she has something to say – which is often.  
 
A preternatural song writing talent recognised early by collaborators like ARIA winner Matt Walker (producer of her first EP) and renowned Australian vocalist Dallas Frasca, long-time Melbourne music scribe Jeff Jenkins took to ABC radio to compare her to “a young Patti Smith” when she was just 20.
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Japanese shamisen virtuoso - Thu, May 8

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts 
 
Noriko is an ever-evolving creative force who continues to take her Japanese music to places few have ventured. She’s an award-winning, virtuoso of the Japanese shamisen and a traditional Japanese vocalist, who has performed internationally. 
 
A culturally diverse female musician and performer, Noriko seeks out unique collaborations and creative practises that extend well beyond her music into acting and theatre, sound art and composing. Her ability and drive to cross over between traditional and modern, has seen her perform with renowned musicians as well as traditional Japanese artists. 
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Bluesy soul to country - Fri, May 9

Captivating and electrifying, Midnight Jackson is are a talented duo act, they bring a soulful and versatile range of music genres including soul blues, soul, Motown and country. Their earnest and soulful performances are sure to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Don’t miss the chance to have Midnight Jackson bring their powerful energy and stunning vocals to your event. Book now and experience the magic for yourself!

No booking necessary 

No entry charge, no booking – just pop on in and enjoy!

Easy listening & a little Latin - Fri, May 9

An evening of live music featuring classic rock favourites and easy-listening tunes, that set the perfect atmosphere. Alongside familiar hits, Gaston will be adding a touch of Latin influence and his own personal style to bring something a little different to the night. Whether you’re enjoying a drink, catching up with friends, or simply unwinding, this set will have something for everyone.

No booking necessary 

No entry charge, no booking – just pop on in and enjoy!

Improvising violinist - Fri, May 9

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Annwen Roberts is an improvising violinist drawing influence from the jazz tradition, as well as her roots in Tasmanian folk. 
 
The quartet plays hers and her ensemble members’ compositions as well as jazz standards, with a high energy, interactive approach to improvised music.  
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Retro beats & dance vibes- Fri, May 9

Signed artist with Soapbox Artists, Australia. One half of Daft Punk tribute ‘Discovery’ 15 years in clubs, private functions, festivals and parties, vinyl, CDs and USB. Disco, hip hop, RnB, classic house, techno, 90s jams…plus anything cheesy 80s 😉

No booking necessary 

No entry charge, no booking – just pop on in and enjoy!

Classical piano fusion - Sat, May 10

Gareth Wiecko is a Welsh born pianist and producer currently living in Melbourne, Australia. He operates both as a performer and composer, having scored for an array of art forms over the last decade. Inspired by the fusion of his classical piano background and a passion for the electronic scene, he strives to meld the two into his own unique style.

No booking necessary 

No entry charge, no booking – just pop on in and enjoy!

Line dancing and country fun - Sat, May 10

The Dalton Gang are a 3 piece country band, playing mostly classic country and country rock. The repertoire is quiet extensive with 3 lead singers, and also plenty of harmonies which make for a big sound.

A special feature is the banjo and fiddle, this usually sorts out who had their weeties and who didn’t, not just the band but the dancers too!

The Dalton Gang are joined by a line dancing instructor who will be teaching you some fun moves, so you can hoe down the night away!

Tickets

This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $10 (plus booking fee) general admission. Food and drinks will be able to be ordered from Postmaster Hotel next door.

Intricate arrangements - Wed, May 14

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Apolline is an award-winning neo-trad band whose intricate arrangements and high-quality performances have stunned audiences since their debut. Known for their creative and nonconformist style, the band utilises a wide range of musical influences such as jazz, Scandinavian folk and a healthy dose of Eurovision to inspire an innovative sound like no other.
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

East meets West - Thu, May 15

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Transport yourself and cross borders with The Kismet Project. Ms Onur Kurt returns with her soulful voice and music that reflect her Turkish roots and Western influences. She founded The Kismet Project in 2019 performing a range of Turkish classical music, Anatolian folk & psychedelic as well as Romani gypsy.
 
She will be accompanied by Max Koenig on saxaphone, Tony Mité on accordion, Camille Feghali on qanun, Alex Petro on guitar and Ladva and Rosco Heck on percussion.  
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Immersive electronic experience - Fri, May 16

A Sound Of Arlo, the brainchild of the talented Liana Perillo on harp/vocals/loops and Fabian Aravalés on synth/drum machine/trumpet, offers an immersive electronic experience.

With a fusion of organic instruments, vinyl-sampled beats, ethereal soundscapes, and jazz undertones, they whisk audiences away to a realm of captivating sunset vibes, delivered through an elegant and eclectic performance.

Book a table for dinner 

No entry charge, simply book a table below.

Contemporary jazz saxophonist - Fri, May 16

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Elly Blackham is an up-and-coming saxophonist in the Melbourne jazz scene. Having recently finished her studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, she is excited to debut her quartet of original music at Kew Court House.
 
Specialising in contemporary jazz, her music is influenced by jazz luminaries such as Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek and Dexter Gordon, as well as artists closer to home such as Andrea Keller, Angela Davis and Sam Anning.
 
In addition to her own projects, she performs regularly around the Melbourne Jazz Scene in numerous big bands and local projects including the Woolgathering Wind Sextet, Kaleidoscope Quintet and the Will Jones Big Band.
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Bangin' Beatles - Sat, May 17

A group of local St Kilda musicians & friends reenacted 1969 Beatles Rooftop performance @ Edgewater towers about one year ago to this day. Since then, the band has built a large following with packed out audiences at St Kilda Sports Club, Abbey Rd, The Dogs Bar and private weddings… they became known as “Thee Rooftops”.

Book a table for dinner or drinks

No entry charge, simply book a table below or walk in on the night.

Jazz vocals & multi-instrumentalist - Sun, May 18

Dynamic jazz vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Susy Hull infuses every performance with vibrant energy and playful charm. Whether she’s diving into hot gypsy jazz, infectious Latin rhythms, lively swing, or vintage rhythm and blues, Susy effortlessly brings each melody to life with her unique flair and captivating spirit.

Book a table for food or drinks or just walk in

No entry charge, simply book a table by calling on 9853 0666 or walking on in!

Songs of country & soul - Wed, May 21

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Pirritu’s music is a gentle, honest, and melodic personal journey that entices you into the depths of sadness, love, and shimmering hope.
 
With two album releases under his belt, the songman’s work honours a cultural journey to connect back to land, language, and family with a continual thirst for deeper understanding of his people and country.
 
Pirritu’s music features folk instrumentation weaving amongst his unique vocals like the gentle wind and waters that the Ngiyampaa man sings of.  
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Acoustic journey across genres - Fri, May 23

The Inspector is a duo from Vietnam featuring Lạc and Buzzie. The music is diverse — playing an acoustic set across multiple genres, from jazz and indie folk to punk and rock. There will also be Vietnamese songs on the evening.  

Book a table for dinner 

No entry charge, simply book a table below.

Musica tradizionale Italiana - Sat, May 24

From the hot sun of southern Italy, through to the busy streets of New York’ little Italy, the sound of Italy’s beautiful, romantic and exciting songs are here. The Godfathers, with accordion, guitar and a little singing, bring the best of Italian traditional music to Australia. 

Book a table for dinner 

No entry charge, simply book a table below.

A Wicked sing-a-long - Sun, May 25

Get ready to DEFY GRAVITY as we stir up some mischief in this enchanting live performance. 
 
Meet Glinda and Elphaba as they perform 45 minutes of songs from popular musical theatre and Disney sing-a-longs. Expect high-energy beats, and plenty of sparkle as we celebrate with music, laughter, and a touch of mayhem. Inspired by the world of Wicked, this enchanted experience is full of fun, friendship, and magical mischief.
 

Dress to impress in pink, green, black, and as many sparkles as you can conjure!

Tickets

There are two sessions of this ticketed event. Tickets are $5 for adults and $5 for kids (plus booking fee). Non-walkers free. This is not a drop-off event. Parents are required to stay in the venue.

Dixieland vibes - Sun, May 25

For over a decade Shirazz has held a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most exciting dixieland bands, playing to packed houses and standing ovations across Australia and New Zealand.

Shirazz’s irreverent take on trad jazz classics, combined with their inventive reworking of pop tunes, saucy low down blues dirges and cheeky original material gives the band their unique appeal – jazz, but not quite jazz.

In Melbourne, they perform regularly at bars, pubs and parties. They have released five albums, including one nominated for an Australian Jazz Bell Award.

“A lively dance set with a sense of fun… they delivered in spades – with some mischief, humour and a couple of singalongs!” – Michael Stewart, Director, Newport Folk Festival

Book a table for lunch 

No entry charge, call 9853 8306 to book a table.  Booking a table is recommended as this event has been hugely popular the last three years!

Soul and RnB - Tue, May 27

Hailing from the vibrant roots of Zimbabwe, Vikaye’s musical journey began in the heart of her home, where she first belted out hymns at family gatherings. Fast forward to today, and she’s not just making waves performing her original music, she’s taking center stage singing soul & R&B with song and musical theater shows in Naarm.

Book a table for dinner

No entry charge, simply book a table below. Best of all, Tuesdays are $25 pasta and vino night.

A guitarists' guitarist - Wed, May 28

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
A Melbourne-born, and until recently London-based singer-songwriter, Andy’s music tells the tale of a world-wearied journeyman finding resolve and redemption in music and love, mostly reflecting in his own way, on the things that affect everyone, occasionally about the things that are more unique.
 
A guitarist’s guitarist; a troubadour for the ages; a commentator on the state of the world and an observer of heartfelt truths. Andy will have you one minute contemplating your past loves and and your future decisions, and the next dancing along, footloose and fancy free. 
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Meldoies of the diaspora - Thu, May 29

This event is part of Kew Court House Live, brought to you by Boroondara Arts
 
Estudiantina of Melbourne – translates to students of Melbourne.
 
This ensemble effortlessly intertwines the rich tapestry of Greece, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian influences, weaving each performance into a captivating musical journey. With a masterful combination of instruments including the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, accordion and guitar, their performances resonate with spellbinding innovation and timeless allure. 
 
Their music is not merely a performance but a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and communities and serves as a conduit for the diaspora to rediscover their roots, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage with pride. 
 
Tickets

Tickets are $20. Book at link below.

Smoky jazz - Fri, May 30

Experience the timeless charm of jazz with Jennifer Salisbury’s smoky vocals and Mark Morand’s authentic guitar artistry, bringing the American Songbook to life with elegance and swing

Book a table for dinner 

No entry charge, simply book a table below.