Gigs/Bands/Live

ARBA Presents: Winter Blues with Finnen, Whetter, Scott, Surmon & Rodda.

The Adelaide Roots & Blues Association presents Winter Blues, the latest in our acclaimed "seasonal" shows at the iconic Wheatsheaf Hotel.

The show will feature an all-star line-up of musicians that do not normally play together. This will be a one-off, never-to-be-repeated show! 

ALL-STAR LINE-UP!

Chris Finnen (guitar and vocals)

Evan Whetter (Keys & Vocals)

Anthony Scott (Guitar & vocals)

PLUS

Denis Surmon (bass)

Craig Rodda (drums)

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Sourdoughs + Los Cactus Trios

Leaning in with some songwriter wisdoms, The Sourdoughs will shove you around with ballad, protest and hope. Support act Los Cactus Trios

The Sourdoughs are a SA band, lightly kneaded into a delicious chewy loaf led by baker, Sue.

Sue Baker is a long-standing SA songwriter with 2 solo albums under her belt. She loves her little Maton acoustic guitar & leads on vocals. The other Sourdough slices are Ron Vanderzwan on drums, Nigel Sweeting on bass, Ashley Turner on fiddle & Adam Threapleton on harmonica. Bringing some folky acoustic roots, with hints of blues and jazz treatments of originals & covers.

Fresh or toasted, The Sourdoughs are a tasty treat!

COMA - In Dialogue (SA/VIC) + TL;DR (VIC)

NO WAVE POETRY - Curated by: TRAVIS LUCAS

Wheatgrass Jam!

Your search for an Adelaide bluegrass jam ends here!

Come on down to the Wheatsheaf Hotel on the first Thursday of each month from 7-9pm and swap some G runs.

Bring your instruments, share some tunes and connect with fellow players in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy an evening of great music, beer, company and celebrate the awesome of bluegrass!

Paul Ah Chee ‘Light The Fire Tour’ (NT) + The Briar Patch Band

Paul Ah Chee doesn’t just play music; he opens a door. His performances are soulful, grounded, and quietly powerful. His voice carries the richness of lived experience, and every lyric is shaped by memory, identity, and land. 

 Whether performing an intimate acoustic ballad or leading a full-bodied soul set, Paul connects instinctively with his audience. His songs are both deeply personal and strikingly universal, honest reflections on Country, healing, and belonging.

 The same depth and thoughtfulness flow through the visual storytelling of his videos, where music and imagery come together with quiet intensity and artistic clarity. He doesn’t just perform; he invites you in. And by the end, you feel as though you’ve walked through that door with him.

Emerging from the red heart of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Paul Ah Chee has spent decades creating music that bridges worlds. From his early days with renowned band Amunda, to his solo resurgence in recent years, he continues to honour his Arrernte heritage with his work.

 The Light The Fire Tour promises a rare opportunity to witness one of Australia’s most compelling voices in a stripped-back and emotionally charged setting.

TIX - $25 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Jupiter Saloon + Sister Moonshine

Jupiter Saloon is singer Eloise Addams and guitarist Nick Pipe paying homage to what pop was 50 years ago – taking inspiration from classic artists like Fleetwood Mac and Irma Thomas, and recent soul revivalists like Amy Winehouse and Saskwatch, to create their own brand of elegant and emotive indie-soul music.

Their 2024 debut Let Me Know is followed by sophomore single Be Your Lady: a Motown-inspired song of romantic hope, vulnerability, and heartbreak, laced with elegant horns and irresistible harmonies. It's another vibrant taste of things to come from this emerging duo – much like their commanding, electric live show, which draws on a super-tight band and plenty of raw energy to excite audiences wherever they go.

Here at the Wheaty they’ll be joined by Sister Moonshine, a young group also emerging in the Adelaide scene with a blend of soul influences and old-school rock sounds.

Meanwhile... Back at the Ranch

Meanwhile… Back At The Ranch delivers a contemporary version of the eclectic Western Swing style that swept through the south-western states of America in the swing era of the 1930’s -1940’s.

The band takes an entertaining approach to this rich genre that embraces elements of swing, country, hillbilly boogie, jazz, and jump blues. Sometimes also known as Texas Swing, it’s at its best when performed with guitars, fiddles, double bass and big hats!

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Beccy Cole's Family Jam - SOLD OUT

Our jam is BACK for 2025. Get in early and grab your tix, these nights are so much fun and do sell out!

The Wheatsheaf Hotel is our favourite pub in Australia, the beer is cold and quirky, the staff are warm and friendly, there's always something delicious to eat from the food truck out the front..you can even bring it in and munch as you listen to the family harmonies of 3 generations plus stories, laughs & special guests.

Formally called HOOTENANNY, we have a new name for 2025, reflecting the heart of this gathering - come and be a part of our special family for the evening.

Beccy Cole brings her talented family to the Wheaty every 2 months. Now in its 3rd year, these memorable, intimate musical nights have become an absolute ‘must do’ on the Adelaide live entertainment calendar. Join Beccy and family with occasional special guests for an intimate evening of harmonies, stories and surprises. 

TIX SELL OUT FAST!

Songs Are Spells #2 - A night of incantation, conversation & song circling - Featuring: Tom West, Grace Vandals, Swan Reach & Sunspots

Sharing the stage over two sets, join Swan Reach, Grace Vandals, Tom West and Sunspots as they share songs and stories in response to audience prompts. 

​​​​​​​Bring a theme, thought or question, and let's conjure up an unfortellable night.

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Hoverchords

Adelaide’s Instrumental Surf-Jazz Fusion Collective

Since forming in 2015, The Hoverchords have been riding a sonic wave all their own—fusing the reverb-soaked swagger of surf, the sophistication of jazz, the grit of funk, and the cinematic sweep of western and exotica soundtracks. Based in Adelaide, this six-piece instrumental collective has spent the past decade crafting an immersive, genre-defying sound that’s both laid-back and pulse-raising.

With guitar, bass, and drums laying the foundation, layered by lush keyboards and a horn section that moves between sultry and explosive, The Hoverchords create vivid musical landscapes that conjure sun-drenched coastlines and mysterious desert highways. Their music is hypnotic yet vibrant—like the soundtrack to a dream you didn’t know you were having.

Whether on a festival stage or in a late-night lounge, The Hoverchords deliver a transportive live experience. Their grooves are deep, their melodies are bold, and their vibe is unmistakably cool. It's a sound meant for warm evenings, long drives, and getting lost in the moment.

So grab a refreshement, kick back, and let The Hoverchords guide you into their world—where jazz meets surf, funk meets film score, and the ordinary fades into something extraordinary.

SALVI'S FREE MUSICAL SWAPMEET

Well it's on again!

Our Musical Swapmeet in the illustrious Wheatsheaf Hotel 'Back Shed' A great venue with lovely people, lots of musical gear, like pedals, amps, guitars and basses, keyboards, you name it, and of course their delicious beers on tap right there at the bar!

Just bring anything you want to sell or trade, or just rock up with an eye for a bargain.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy, buy, sell, trade or just talk music! It's all good.
Forget Gumtree and the risks involved, come along to this and be in a safe, staffed environment and peruse the musical stuff!

NO RETAILERS ARE PERMITTED TO TRADE AT THESE EVENTS. COMMUNITY ONLY! 

Why pay to sell your stuff? 
Enjoy!!

2:30-5pm

Jen Lush Band + Bridget Fahey & the Bone Rattlers

Jen Lush Band:  Adelaide singer-songwriter Jen Lush is known for her dynamic, intimate and adventurous new music. With influences ranging from Feist, Iron & Wine, Anais Mitchell, these are tender folk songs flung into evocative, experimental rock infused soundscapes with storytelling at the centre taking Jen and her stellar band to festivals and venues throughout South Australia, Victoria, NSW, WA and Tasmania.After a decade with folk band Cat Dog Bird, and her debut solo album of poem songs 'The Night’s Insomnia', Jen and her band-folk (James Brown, Paul Angas, Sam Cagney and Mark Seddon) released ‘Let Loose The Beating Birds’ (2021) and brand new album ‘Hum of the mettle’ in August last year. The band is currently working on new music that they plan to release before the end of this year.

Bridget Fahey and the Bone Rattlers:  The Bone Rattlers is gritty pub folk with a twang of alt-country. They have had the privilege of playing with Magic Dirt’s Adalita, Pat the Bunny, at A day of Clarity, Not Fest 7, Isolaid’s Folk unlocked, the Adelaide Fringe as well as the Adelaide Roller Derby.  For fans who love Beasts of Bourbon, The Kills and Courtney Barnett.

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Ryan Martin John 'Ways To Fall' Single Launch + Tin Town

Ryan Martin John begins the next era of his country/folk songwriting with the release of his new single 'Ways To Fall'. After honing the sophomore followup release to 2023's critically acclaimed self recorded debut LP 'Goodness Gracious Graceless', Ryan returns with a strictly minimalist folk-centric effort ALA Milk Carton Kids and Gillian Welch. Joined by esteemed guitarist Tom Kneebone, the duo weaves intricate acoustic guitars and lush harmonies around a single microphone. The single, 'Ways To Fall' is the first of many, and a surefire sign of the delicate, contemplative world to come in Ryan's next album. 

Joining Ryan is Tin Town, is the new collaboration between seasoned Australian artists Courtney Robb and Snooks La Vie. As a wife-and-husband duo, they deliver grounded, folk-country melodies and unfiltered storytelling. Robb’s vocals are arresting in their honesty, textured and expressive, carrying the weight of the lyrics without overselling them. La Vie’s harmonica is a vital thread in the Tin Town sound - melancholic one minute, cutting the next - adding colour and character in all the right places. The duo values space, clarity, and emotional truth. Their music is not polished to a shine, and that’s the point. Tin Town sounds like real life: a bit weathered, a bit tender, always authentic.

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

COMA Presents! Emerging Artists 2025

Nathan Cavaleri (NSW) + Amin & Lachlan Duo

“Raw but refined… from world-class stages to deeply human stories.”

A night of blues-rock, captivating stories, and spine-tingling moments.

As seen on ABC’s Australian Story, Nathan Cavaleri’s life has been anything but
ordinary—world tours at 8, playing with B.B. King, surviving leukemia, and stepping away from fame… only to return with more purpose than ever.

With New Blues With A Story, Nathan delivers more than a gig. Expect blistering guitar work, rich vocals, and stories that cut through—unexpectedly vulnerable, disarmingly real, and deeply felt.

​​​​​​​This is a show that leaves a mark.

TIX - $40 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Chards + Stuart Day

Award-winning, evocative, insightful, songwriter Paul Irving brings his band The Chards, (pronounced Shards) to The Wheatsheaf Hotel for a captivating performance. 

 The Adelaide based band first formed circa 2019 for live performances after recording their debut album "Ride On," Now in '25 the band is gearing up for the release their highly anticipated third album later in 2025. The new line up consists of Steve Staben on drums, Sean Timms on keys, Callum Campbell on vocals, "Catlouise" on guitar, Chris Lau on guitar, and Paul Irving on bass.

 Paul's songwriting draws from a wealth of experiences and observations that are thoughtfully laced into strong melodies reflecting his wide appreciation of music styles. With a line-up of some of Adelaide’s finest players Irving's songs and lifted to an even greater degree of sophistication. 

 On August 22nd the band will not only be playing the tracks from their forthcoming album but also tracks from their previous two albums. 

 Stuart James Day will be opening the performance with a solo performance of his own original material. The Wheatsheaf continues to support local quality original music.

Stev-O + Velvet Moth

VELVET MOTH (the name is a play on 60’s sludge-rock band Iron Butterfly) are an Adelaide-based quartet, with all members hailing from long-time surf/instro maestros, GT Stringer.

 Sometime back in 2013, an impromptu weekend jam shockingly descended to a rock 'n’ roll tour de force featuring a tough, classic Detroit-influenced sound with wacky overtones. Still together since that time, the band’s twin guitar attack shamelessly borrows from all the great rock bands you’ve heard before, but with the added edge of spiky, tongue-in-cheek lyrics & crazy improvisational outbursts. Definitely one to check out live…

With special Guests - Stev-O : If Devo came from Morphett Vale

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

ARBA Youth In Blues - Showcase Fundraiser

The ARBA Youth in Blues program aims to educate, nurture and foster the next generation of South Australian blues musicians.

The program, which has been running since 2018, is open to young musicians aged between 12 and 25. This special fundraiser showcase is being held to provide funding for our program.

The event will feature performances from ensembles made up of Youth in Blues Program participants.

The event will close with performances from our youth in blues mentor musicians.

There will be auctions and raffles held through-out.

This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the talents of some of our finest young musicians and to support the future of the local blues scene!

All proceeds go towards funding the ARBA Youth in Blues Program.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Big ol' Wheaty Pub Music Quiz - Featuring: Aaron Nash & The Double A-Sides

Ben Creighton Griffiths Jazz Harp (UK)

BEN CREIGHTON GRIFFITHS is an Internationally touring jazz and classical harpist based in Wales. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the Under 18 division. In 2006 he won the Under 13 Division of the Wales International Harp Festival before going on to win the 2008 Junior Lily Laskine competition in Paris, winning a concert harp in the process.

 Originally classically trained he now specialises in jazz both as a soloist and with his bands – the Transatlantic Hot Club and Chube. His career has taken him across the world including to America, Canada, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, India, Brazil, and across Europe and has seen him collaborate with musicians such as Catrin Finch, Dennis Rollins MBE, and Tatiana Eva-Marie. As well as a performer he is a composer, most recently developing a concert schedule for his own Concerto for Jazz Harp & Symphony Orchestra. He has taught workshops in jazz across the world and has been a guest tutor in the harp and trad music departments at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

 Upcoming appearances at the time of writing include a UK spring tour with the Transatlantic Hot Club, the Welsh premiere of his Concerto with the Cardiff Philharmonic at the BBC Hoddinott Hall, and his first performing trip to Australia in the summer.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Deep South Roots & Blues Festival presents: Fiona Boyes (VIC) + Nikko & Snooks + Special guests

Marina Anthea Single Launch + Grace Vandals

Join cozy, forest indie/folk pop artist, Marina Anthea and her band to celebrate the release of her second single, 'Violet'. 

Having many cross-genre influences from her intricate musical past (jazz, classical, folk, rock, pop), Marina’s music weaves raw lyrical honesty with a beautiful entanglement of complex harmony and gentle, melodic vocals. 

Marina will be supported by award-winning vocalist, Grace Vandals and her band, who have just released their debut album, 'What Can I Burn Here'. 

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Late to the Party: The ADHD HOMECOMING Show! Featuring: Jess & Eliza

StoneHutt Album Launch

StoneHutt is a home-grown band from the dry land and big skies of Kaurna country.  Watershed is StoneHutt’s first album, recorded by a misty mountain in Tasmania.  

 The songs are tales from city streets, prints on riverbeds, carvings in trees, graffiti on the walls, boots on the road, and stories of time and place.

 The album launch will be a rowdy celebration of the band’s unique trans-genre blend of honest rock, folk rock, and country - with lashings of fine vocals and harmonies.

 StoneHutt is  Verity Sanders (vocals, keyboard, sax, flute), David Vaughan (vocals, uke), Alan Richardson (bass and vocals), Brian Hales (electric and acoustic guitars), Gary Baker (electric and acoustic guitars), Mark Meyer (drums)

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Nigel Wearne (VIC)

Singer-songwriter, luthier, poet and gleaner, Nigel Wearne saunters after dark in the music of the night. In 2025, he marks a return to his roots as a folk songwriter with his latest album ‘The Lone Reckoning’. A raw, emotive, stripped back rendition of his 2023 award-nominated album ‘The Reckoning’. 

Self-produced by Wearne, ‘The Lone Reckoning’ features the same 11 songs as the full band album with 3 additional bonus tracks, all recorded in their original form; solo and acoustic. 

Nigel’s had a huge couple of years touring the US and UK, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (USA), MerleFest (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA), 30A Songwriters Festival (USA) and most recently Blissfest (USA) for the 2nd year running. 

Hailing from Gunditjmara Country in south-west Victoria, Nigel Wearne is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influences such as Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Ricki Lee Jones. Blending blues, folk and Americana-noir, he sings of human frailty, grace and the cosmos. A deep thinker and truth seeker with a penchant for all things peculiar; songwriting that cuts to the bone. 

“Tailor made for fans of Tom Waits… with fire and brimstone lyrics that recall Nick Cave” – Rhythms Magazine 

“Poignant and mysterious” – Maverick Magazine UK 

“Vocal swagger of Van Morrison and dark spirituality and intelligence of Nick Cave” 4 STARS – The Weekend Australian 

Johnny Seagull & the Hot Chips + Dangerman

Joshua Batten (VIC) + Shaun Holton

The Yearlings

Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective + Adam Moffatt

Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective are a dynamic live band known for crafting original music that blends the smooth sophistication of soulpop, the infectious rhythms of funk, the laid-back vibes of reggae, and the experimental edge of acid jazz. Fronted by the charismatic and soulful Annie Higgins, the band delivers a rich, genre-crossing sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

With Annie’s velvet vocals leading the way, the Groove Collective features a powerhouse lineup of musicians who bring deep grooves, jazzy improvisation, and vibrant energy to every performance. Their songs explore themes of love, resilience, and social consciousness, wrapped in lush harmonies and irresistible beats.

Whether performing in intimate venues or on festival stages, Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective captivate audiences with their classy style, musical depth, and undeniable groove. Their live shows are a celebration of rhythm and soul, inviting listeners to move, feel, and connect.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Nick Vulture + The Public Eye

The Honey Badgers

Local favourites The Honey Badgers have been pretty busy in the last few years. In 2023 they made the grand final of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee and became one of only two Australian bands at that time to have done so. Last year, the debut album, Shakin’ was released after being recorded over a three-year period and showcased the band’s development from SA southern vales favourites to an international level powerhouse that wowed the judges in the home of Stax Records, Sun Studios and the hallowed ground of the Beale Street clubs.

 Shakin’ peaked at #1 on the national blues charts and continued to chart for 9 months in 2024, and the same year the boys won the MusicSA award for people’s choice in blues and roots category.

 The follow up album “Live in Noarlunga”, released this year, reached #3 on the blues chart in May and continues to chart. The band writes original music that is rooted in blues and soul, with a three-piece horn section and the powerful vocals of Peter Hollow, the Memphis vibe runs deep in this band.

Peter Hollow – Vocals and Guitar

Peter Nixon - Bass

Nigel Bourn – Tenor Saxophone

Tim Frears – Trumpet and Alto Saxophone

Nick Southgate - Drums

Geo Heathcote – Baritone, Tenor Saxophone, Harmonica

TIX - $25 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Sharp (VIC) Album Launch + Doctor DeSoto

The Sharp return to The Wheatsheaf Hotel to launch their brand new EP 4. Hear all the hits plus fresh new tunes! 

 The Sharp are Charlie Rooke (guitar/vocals), Allan Catlin (double bass/vocals) and Piet Collins (drums/vocals). Formed in Collingwood in 1990, the three piece already had a strong live following but when they released an independent single “Love Your Head” the band quickly gained radio support on Triple R and PBS. 

Triple J were soon behind the band and a record deal with Warner Music was struck. Their debut album "This is the Sharp” went Gold and the band received Aria nominations, magazine covers and appearances on just about every TV/Radio show in Australia. Comedy program The D-Generation loved “The Sharp” so much they did a parody of hit single “Scratch My Back” and it became “Skivvies are Back” in reference to the now famous black skivvied uniform the band had adopted. 

Rigorous touring ensued before the band settled into the studio to record its second album “Sonic Tripod” with American producer Rick Will (Ziggy Marley, Diesel). A brief tour of Europe and the US saw the band back home exhausted but ready to take on more touring. 

Finally, after nearly five years in the limelight, the rigorous touring schedule brought the band to a crossroads and a decision was made to end on a high note. A collection of singles “Single File” was released as the band’s final album and a final tour “Thank you Goodnight” saw them playing to packed houses around the nation. When the band played its last shows in 1995, many (including the band), wondered when (or if) it could all happen again. 

Now many years later (and thanks to some persistent pestering from fans) The Sharp are back and sounding better than ever. 

Singer Bass player Allan Catlin is not involved due to personal reasons, but he is ably represented by Scott Owen (double bass) from The Living End with lead singer duties taken care of by the amazing Louie Lee Feltrin. Playing all their hits plus some rockin’ covers. 31 years after the release of their debut album “This is the Sharp”, The Sharp are back with a vengeance!!! 

TIX - $40 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

COMA - special event - STOZ (VIC)

Toby Beard (WA)

Toby Beard is more than a singer-songwriter from Western Australia — she’s a powerhouse performer and passionate storyteller. With over 20 years in the music industry, Toby has built a global career rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a deep love of connection through music.

Known for her soulful voice and electrifying stage presence, Toby brings raw emotion to every performance — whether it’s an intimate barn show or a 12,000-strong festival crowd. Her music blends folk, blues, roots, rock, and soul, with honest lyrics inspired by life, love, motherhood, and the road.

Her discography includes 10 albums, multiple EPs, and two live DVDs, reflecting her constant evolution as an artist. Toby has toured extensively across Australia, North America, and Europe, performing at major festivals like Summerfest (USA), Skagen Festival (Denmark), Bardentreffen (Germany), and Blues at Bridgetown (WA).

She’s supported international acts including Sheryl Crow, UB40, Gomez, and John Butler Trio, and collaborated with renowned producers like Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers) and Carey Williams (Taj Mahal). Her latest album Here With Me, produced by James Newhouse in WA, is a heartfelt journey through heartbreak, healing, and hope.

A career highlight came in July 2024, when Toby and her band opened for Carlos Santana in Germany. After an electric set, Santana invited them backstage, joined them in a jam, and introduced Toby on stage with heartfelt words before inviting her to perform with him — a dream come true for the artist who grew up dancing to his records.

Whether she’s performing in a local pub or on an international stage, Toby’s connection with her audience is immediate and powerful. Backed by a close-knit band known for rich harmonies and high energy, Toby Beard continues to shine as a world-class artist with a grounded heart.