Upcoming Events & Experiences
Kathrin Longhurst, 'The Adventurer', 2023, oil on linen 182cm x 121cm - Image courtesy of FLG (Detail)
Burrinja Presents
Sunset Sessions | Celebrating Women
Fri 7 Mar | 6pm - 9pm
Join us for a special Friday night event in celebration of Women Painting Women and International Women’s Day. Experience an inspiring evening of live music, art, and conversation featuring talented artists and performers.
Event Highlights:
6.30pm - 7pm Artist Talk with Emma Jennings - Emma shares the powerful stories behind her two portraits in the Women Painting Women exhibition. Discover how her work connects to the creative recovery project documenting the impacts of the June 2021 storms in the Dandenong Ranges.
7pm - 8pm Life Drawing with Dagmar Cyrulla - Award-winning portrait painter Dagmar Cyrulla hosts a live drawing workshop—no experience needed! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this interactive session promises to be engaging and fun.
8pm - 9pm Live Music - Rebellious Bird fuses soul, jazz, and funk with social activism. Led by Erin Downie, their powerful sound inspires change. With deep, emotive tones and solid grooves, they amplify voices for justice. Passionate and driven, Erin sings with truth, igniting action and hope for a better world.
6pm - 9pm HM Gin Tastings - HM Gin is a father-daughter distillery crafting award-winning, smooth, and flavourful gins. Founded by Gavin and Amy, they create premium spirits with fresh botanicals, offering unique drinking experiences. From citrusy Orange Squeeze to bold Six-Eyed Scorpion Chilli Gin, each bottle showcases their passion for quality and creativity.
Don’t miss this unique fusion of art, music, and storytelling, celebrating the brilliance of women in the arts.
Burrinja presents
Live Indoors
Due to the extreme weather conditions forecasted for Saturday, we've moved this event indoors
Sat 22 Feb 12.00pm | Burrinja Cultural Centre
Featuring sets by Black Jesus Experience, Gusto Gusto, Malcura and Stewart and Neesy.
Live on the Lawn is more than just an event; it’s a vibrant celebration for the whole family. We invite you to enjoy a day filled with fun for all ages. Soak in the lively festival atmosphere with engaging kids' activities, an art market and delicious Jamaican street food.
Be part of Live on the Lawn 2025 – where the rhythms of culture meet family-friendly entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Proudly Supported by the Bendigo Bank - Community Bank Upwey and District
Tickets - $30 (Kids under 12 free)
The Lineup:
Black Jesus Experience - 3pm
A ten-piece explosion. An irresistibly danceable shot of deep Ethiopian truth riding on future grooves. The rhymes and chimes of Black Jesus Experience deliver the power and beauty of Africa through the vocal prism of Hip-Hop and the freedom of Funk.
★★★★ “Beautifully layered and organic, trippy and hypnotic. This is the good stuff, don’t waste a drop of it” Blues And Soul Magazine
“Ancient to modern sensibility. Rammed with more rhythm- stretching melody than its groove ought to have room for.” The Guardian - John Fordham
“Beautifully played, beautifully arranged and composed.” NPR John Morrison
Gusto Gusto - 2.30pm
Finalists for the 2024 Australian Folk Music Awards’ Artist of the Year, Gusto Gusto are dance floor favourites. Hailing from West Preston, the last two years have seen them storming stages including Glastonbury Festival (UK), Brunswick Music Festival (VIC) and Woodford Folk Festival (QLD).
Malcura - 1.30pm
Blending Spanish guitar, Latin rhythms, and Rock'n'Roll energy, this exhilarating Flamenco-Fusion band hails from Melbourne. Featuring Josh Voce, Jenna Campbell, Simon Wood, and Colin Andrews, their captivating sound is music for the soul—a feeling as much as a sound. Don’t miss Malcura’s dynamic, genre-defying performance.
Stewart & Neesy 12.30pm
With breathtaking harmonies and soulful songwriting, this captivating duo blends elements of folk, soul, and jazz into a sound that is uniquely their own. Long-time friends and collaborators, Stewart and Neesy weave their distinct talents together, creating music that flows effortlessly across genres.
Art Market
Discover unique treasures and connect with Burrinja artists as they share the stories behind their creations! Explore an array of art, cards, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, and commissions—ideal for thoughtful gifts or a well-deserved treat for yourself.
The Food
Savour authentic Jamaican street food with The Real Jerk, named one of Melbourne's best food trucks by Time Out Magazine. A flavour-packed experience you won’t want to miss!
Amber-rose Hulme, Resilience 2023 – acrylic and pencil on wood panel 70 x 65cm Image courtesy of FLG and Amber-rose Hulme.
Burrinja Presents
Women Painting Women
Sat 1 Feb - Sun 9 Mar | Burrinja Gallery
Women Painting Women is a landmark group exhibition that showcases the exceptional talent of women realist portrait artists. The fourth instalment of this celebrated series brings together award-winning painters from across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Inspired by the Women Painting Women movement in the United States and marks the fourth Australian edition of this powerful celebration of traditional realist painting. It honours the incredible talent and diverse voices of women artists, showcasing their exceptional mastery of portraiture.
Immerse yourself in the skill, depth, and beauty of art by women, where each piece tells a compelling story through the timeless medium of realist painting.
The Artists
Kelly Maree (NSW), Emma Jennings, Janne Kearney, Yvonne East (NSW), Alanah Ellen Brand, Vicki Sullivan, Kathrin Longhurst (NSW), Desiree Crossing (WA), Sarah Anthony, Liz Gridley, Amber-rose Hulme, Dagmar Cyrulla and Jaq Grantford.
In conjunction with this inspiring exhibition, Burrinja is thrilled to host a variety of special events celebrating the Women Painting Women showcase.
Live Portrait Demo - Vicki Sullivan & Liz Gridley | Sun 16 Feb from 10.30am to 4pm - Burrinja Gallery
International Women's Day 2025 Weekend Events - Join us for a weekend of activities.
Sunset Sessions - Workshops, artist talks & live music | Fri 7 Mar 6pm - 9pm - Burrinja Cultural Centre
Your Library Events featuring
Elizabeth Gould – The Artist Behind the Man with Heidi Bell | Fri 7 Mar 9.30am - Belgrave Library Free RSVP.
Botanical Folk Drawing Workshop with Elizabeth Gleeson | Sat 8 Mar 10.30am - 11.30am - Belgrave Library $10 Book here.
Self-Discovery and Vulnerability - Embracing Truth in the Creative Process - A Talk with Ramak Bamzar, Photographer | Sun 9 Mar 10.30am - 11.30am Burrinja Gallery Free RSVP.
PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL PRESENTS
Skerryvore - Festival of Folk
Supporting act to be announced
Thu 6 Mar 2025 8pm | Burrinja Theatre
The Scots are coming!
Skerryvore, three-time winners of Scotland’s “Live Act of the Year” award, stand as a powerful force in the country’s vibrant live music scene. With their unique blend of modern alt-pop and traditional Scottish roots music, Skerryvore have captivated a diverse global audience and redefined the genre for contemporary listeners.
Renowned for their unmatched sound, Skerryvore’s performances are epic in melody, rich in emotion, and deeply rooted in Scottish heritage while resonating with audiences around the world.
Featuring an exhilarating mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, and whistles, seamlessly combined with guitar, vocals, bass, drums, and keys, Skerryvore embodies the very best of contemporary Scottish traditional music.
“Skerryvore have crafted a world beating fusion, which takes pride in their heritage and above all else is a pure joy to listen to.” – Folk Radio UK
“A spectacular mix of traditional Scottish folk music and the most diverse rock elements.” – Süddeutsche Zeitung, GERMANY
Check out the offical music video for Angel Of Christmas on YouTube.
Doors: 7:30pm
Duration: approx 2.5 hours
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $58 ~ $53
Burrinja Presents
Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan | On the Wing
Sat 8 Feb - Sun 23 Mar | aerie gallery
On the Wing - An exhibition by Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan
Step into a world of intricate wall sculptures and freestanding pieces that celebrate the vibrant birdlife of the Dandenong Ranges.
On the Wing is a stunning tribute to the charm, beauty, and quirks of our beloved backyard birds.
Crafted from a rich tapestry of European, Japanese, and Australian antique ware, alongside hand-sculpted and painted ceramics. Each bird portrait captures their unique personalities, striking plumage, and lively spirit.
Here’s to their bold colours, curious ways, the rhythm of their wings, and the elegance of their strut.
Free exhibition - Wed to Sun 10am - 4pm
Chrysalis
Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Group Exhibition
Fri 21 Mar to Sun 27 Apr | Burrinja Gallery
The annual Open Studios group exhibition is designed to produce a cohesive and diverse range of artwork to showcase the creative energy and skill of each artist. This year’s theme is Chrysalis.
The Chrysalis exhibition invites artists to explore personal or collective evolution, the shedding of old identities, and the emergence of new perspectives. It encourages reflection on the cycles of change, resilience, and the beauty that often arises from moments of quiet introspection and metamorphosis. Through various mediums and interpretations, the exhibition seeks to highlight the delicate yet powerful process of becoming.
With 42 studios showcasing nearly 60 artists, the Chrysalis exhibition is the perfect place to whet your appetite with this ‘taster’ of the diverse talent the hills has to offer, before embarking on your journey to explore the studios.
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite piece in the People’s Choice Award.
Exhibition Launch: 7pm Thursday 20th March 2025 – everyone welcome
Belgrave Survival Day Committee presents
Join us for Belgrave Survival Day 2025
Sun 3 Mar from 12 pm - 4pm | Borthwick Park, Belgrave Wurundjeri Country | Free
Stand in solidarity with First Nations artists, leaders and friends at this iconic community event.
Featuring LIVE MUSIC - SMOKING CEREMONY - ART - FOOD - MARKET - YARNING CIRCLE and more.
This deadly event features a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, as well as live performances from First Nations artists (lineup to be announced soon).
Market stalls by First Nations artists and businesses, including:
CLOTHING THE GAPS
AMANDA WRIGHT
LURUK-IN
AND MANY MORE!
Food from Mullum Creations and Mr Chow’s Food Truck.
This is a free event. Please BYO chairs, rugs, sun protection products and your community spirit.
For more info and event updates, see our Belgrave Survival Day 2025 Facebook event.
This event is coordinated by the Belgrave Survival Day Committee and is presented in partnership with:
- Burrinja Cultural Centre
- Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place
- Yarra Ranges Council
Want to get involved? Help us celebrate and support First Nations culture by donating to Belgrave Survival Day—every contribution directly supports making this year’s event the best one yet.
We acknowledge that Belgrave Survival Day takes place on the sacred lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We honour their enduring connection to land, water, and community, which has been nurtured for countless generations. We recognise the strength, knowledge, and contributions of Wurundjeri Elders past and present, whose resilience continues to guide their people and enrich this land. We extend this respect to all First Nations people.
Belgrave Survival Day is held with a commitment to creating awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing histories, cultures, and sovereignty of First Nations peoples. We stand in solidarity and respect as we build a future shaped by truth, justice, and community.
Always was, always will be.
Burrinja presents
Self-Discovery and Vulnerability: Embracing Truth in the Creative Process
FREE Talk by Photographer Ramak Bamzar
Sun 9 Mar 10.30am - 11.30am | Burrinja
Photographer and visual artist Ramak Bamzar presents "Self-Discovery and Vulnerability: Embracing Truth in the Creative Process." Explore how self-awareness and vulnerability shape the creative journey, fostering authenticity and enriching artistic expression.
Ramak is a Naarm (Melbourne)-based artist whose staged photography delves into themes of ideology, body image, and femininity, influenced by her lived experiences in post-revolution Iran. Her work captures the tension between individuality and societal expectations for women.
FREE (RSVP required)
Burrinja Presents
Old Man Luedecke (CAN) - Festival of Folk
Supporting act to be announced
Thu 13 Mar 8.00pm | Lyre Room
Old Man Luedecke is one of Canada’s best loved and most intriguing roots singer-songwriters. Known for his masterful banjo playing, he was born and raised in Toronto and now lives rurally on the south shore of Nova Scotia. With a storyteller’s heart, his narrative-driven songs are playful, coy and soul-warming; his music appeals to anyone looking for new growth from old roots.
On his 2024 album, She Told Me Where to Go, Luedecke let go of the chains and abandoned his signature old-time Appalachian-based sound… and he went electric! ‘She Told Me Where to Go’ is a journey through the darkness and light of mid-life. The songs wrestle, long form, with the value of an artist in a time when music is ingested in fifteen second increments. There's hopefulness in ‘Guy Fieri’ but ‘Holy Rain’ and ‘Misfits in Old Clothes’ capture the ongoing struggle.
Old Man Luedecke is a 2-time JUNO and multi-East Coast Music award winner and Polaris Prize nominee. Equally at home on festival main stages, in theatres, or in living rooms, his honesty and charisma allow him to connect effectively with his audiences.
Check out Old Man Luedecke on YouTube.
Doors: 7:30pm
Duration: approx 3.5 hours
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $30 - $35
Jarrah Records Presents
The Waifs | Regional Tour 2025
With Special Guests
Tue 18 Mar 7.30PM | Burrinja Theatre
Following the success of their recent Australia-wide, sold-out fifty-date “Up All Night’ 25th Anniversary album tour, The Waifs continue to forge a proudly independent path with no sign of slowing down. The band are thrilled to add additional regional shows to their 2025 touring plans.
The original independent avant-garde folk heroes turned multiplatinum-selling, multiple ARIA Award-winning, international touring outfit have released eight LPs, self-titled The Waifs (1996), Shelter Me (1998) and Sink or Swim (2000), Up All Night (2003), Sun Dirt Water (2007), Temptation (2011), Beautiful You (2015) and Ironbark (2017), and two live albums A Brief History (2004) and Live from the Union of Soul (2009).
From bustling cities to regional and coastal towns, the Waifs continue to share their folk-infused, feel-good sounds with adoring, multi-generation audiences thanks to their enchanting live shows and affable natures.
Duration - approximately 170 mins
7pm doors open
7.30pm Special Guests TBC (45mins)
8.30pm The Waifs (105-115min)
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may is not suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $75
Burrinja Presents
Charm of Finches - Festival of Folk
Supporting act to be announced
Fri 28 Mar 8.00pm | Lyre Room
Australian sister duo Charm of Finches delivers intricate folk-pop that is simultaneously graceful and darkly bewitching. Their seamless blood harmonies traverse melancholy and wonder in equal measure.
They return performing songs from their latest album as well as exciting new material. The sisters, Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes, have toured extensively through the UK, Europe and Canada in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Their fourth studio album ‘Marlinchen In The Snow’ was recorded in rural Nova Scotia with acclaimed Canadian producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Oh Pep!), inspired by the frozen beauty of the landscape and their transient life on the road with their music. It was released on iconic Australian Indie label Spunk Records in April 2024, debuting on the national ARIA charts Top 30 Aus Albums.
Their third album ‘Wonderful Oblivion’ released in 2021 through New York-based label AntiFragile Music saw them win the Australian Folk Music Awards Best Folk Album (2022) and Music Victoria Best Contemporary Folk Act (2021).
They have been nominated twice for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.
“Wonderful Oblivion is a triumphant indie folk effort – nostalgic yet fresh, haunting, but at the same time serene. ” - We Found New Music
“Melbourne sister duo Charm of Finches are perched for stardom. For lovers of tight sibling harmonies, chamber folk, and those who long to be carried-away by a lullaby...” – Ariana Morgenstern KCRW Today's Top Tune
Check out the music video for Middle Of Your Mess on YouTube.
Doors: 7:30pm
Duration: approx 2.5 hours
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $28 ~ $33
Flying Saucer Presents
Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks
Sun 6 April 2025 4.00pm - 6.00pm | Burrinja Theatre
With special guest support, artist - Nikki Nicholls
Ross Wilson is hitting the road with his all-star band The Peaceniks to celebrate over “50 Years of Hits” including all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites you’d expect along with the latest offering from an almost 6-decade career, tracks from his latest EP on Bloodlines Records, “She’s Stuck On Facebook All The Time”, and everything in between.
From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and as a solo artist with no less than 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected, and well-known artists! From the legendary Band Daddy Cool whose number one anthem “Eagle Rock” and debut album "Daddy Who?" smashed all previous sales records in Australia an astounding 50 years ago in 1971, to the 1977 formation of Mondo Rock, delivering 80’s hits ‘Cool World’, ‘State of The Heart’, ‘Chemistry’, ‘No Time’, and ‘Come Said The Boy’ and into the 21st century as a solo performer, Wilson has never been out of the limelight. His latest release in 2023,n Facebook All The Time”, is a modern-day tragicomedy in the blues genre. Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson’s live performances are legendary.
Duration: 120 mins including interval
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $69 ~ $74
Alist Entertainment presents
Jimeoin - Pandemonium
Fri 11 Apr 7.30pm | Burrinja Theatre
Support Act - Bob Franklin - Award-winning stand-up comic, writer, director and actor
Direct from a sell-out season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, don’t miss Jimeoin’s hilarious new show Pandemonium.
A night spent with this comedy legend is not only funny but full of handy tips. Jimeoin will teach you how to make your bed with very little effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it and how to talk dirty in a nice way…. you’ll come out the other side having laughed yourself stupid and maybe with a life hack or two.
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside Jimeoin’s head? By the end of this show you’ll know that it’s absolute Pandemonium!
“What a fantastic performer, what a wonderful comedian” ★★★★★ Seedoeatreview
“Has his victims doubled up in agonising laughter” ★★★★★ The Herald, Edinburgh
“Wickedly Funny…Exhilarating” ★★★★1/2 The Age
Bob Franklin – 20 mins
Interval – 20 mins
Jimeoin – 75 mins
Duration: 115 mins including interval.
Age suitability: MA15+ for adult themes and coarse language. Event not suitable to babies due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $54.90 - $59.90
Burrinja Presents
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 2025
Sat 26 Apr 7.30pm | Burrinja Theatre
Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is hitting the road for a huge 27th year! Bringing together the brightest stars from the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering top-tier humour straight to your town!
Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces includes:
Sam Taunton (MC)
Alex Ward
Con Coutis
Robyn Reynolds
Janty Blair
This year’s Roadshow promises nation-wide happiness. So, grab your friends, lock in your tickets and prepare for a much-needed dose of laughter as the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow rolls into Upwey!
‘A seamless and ultra-hilarious evening!’ Scenestr
‘We were laughing from the moment the lights went down, to well into the drive home.’ Scenestr
Duration: approx 2 hours including interval
Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references and material that may offend. The show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.
Smoke machine/hazer may be used during this performance
Tickets - $19 - $39
Burrinja Presents
Daoirí Farrell (IRE) - Live in the Lyre
Supporting act to be announced
Thu 1 May 8.00pm | Lyre Room
A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his solo live career at Celtic Connections in 2016, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. He can boast numerous honours from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Folk Award nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades, with his music and live performances earning the acclaim of respected publications including MOJO, The Irish Post, Songlines and more.
Daoirí’s fourth album, ‘The Wedding Above In Glencree’, was released in 2023, made the RTÉ Radio 2 playlist in Ireland and reached number 11 on the Official UK Folk Albums Chart.
He has toured and played major folk festivals across the world, including at the National Folk Festival in Australia, in the USA as a guest singer for Lúnasa, and with Transatlantic Sessions across the UK.
‘He has the best Irish traditional voice currently around; if there’s better, I’ve yet to hear it.’ Folk Radio UK
‘The finest Irish male folk singer-storyteller this side of Christy Moore and Paul Brady.’ The Weekend Australian
Check out Daoirí Farrell on YouTube.
Doors: 7:30pm
Support (TBA) 8pm
Daoirí Farrell 9pm
Duration: approx 3 hours
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event is not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $35 - $40
Luna Live Presents
Ed Kuepper. Solo. At Last!
We haven't done this for years
Sat 3 May 2025 8.00pm | Burrinja Theatre
"We haven't done this for years… time flies. Surprisingly it's been some years since I've done any solo shows, so lo and behold... that is what I'm going to do in April/May. I'll be trying out some new songs, and deconstructing some audience faves and some older beloved tunes in a relatively loving and spontaneous way. Do join me, dear friends!” - Ed Kuepper
Doors: 7:40pm
Duration: approx 90 mins with no interval
Age suitability: at parental discretion. This event may not be suitable for babies and younger children due to content and/or noise levels.
Tickets - $59.90
Burrinja Presents
Garry Starr - Classic Penguins
Wed 14 May 7.30pm | Lyre Room
Warnings: Strictly 18+ years. This performance involves full nudity. There will be some audience participation.
Literature! Literature! Literature! It might not rhyme with anything but it’s still very important. Garry Starr is back and he’s hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written. In an hour. Mostly naked (but with flippers).
Comic wunderkind Starr takes us on a literary adventure through the world’s most iconic works of fiction. From The Little Prince to Moby Dick and everything in between, nothing is safe from being lampooned with the utmost nincompoopery.
‘A very funny man who is peculiarly averse to wearing trousers’ ★★★★★ Scotsman (UK)
‘Brilliantly ticklish… joyfully silly’ ★★★★ Guardian (UK)
Doors: 7pm
Duration: approx 60 mins with no interval
Age suitability: strictly 18 years and older.
