December Gig Guide

Melanie Griffiths03 Nov '205 min read

claire fahie

What a wild year 2020 has been and a tough one at that for the live music industry globally. We’re incredibly fortunate that WA has been able to flex more freedom than other places to give our musos, venues and punters to come together. So I’m going to close out the year by celebrating the good whilst catching some great acts through our gorgeous city. If you haven’t been out yet, it’s the perfect month to relax and enjoy yourself a little. So a cheers to everyone and let’s head onto bigger and better things in 2021!

The Music of Aretha Franklin + Horn Section: presented by Claire Fahie

Ellington Jazz Club | Sunday, 6th December 2020 | Get all the info

In the beginning, there was Aretha Franklin. The grammy award winner and the first woman inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame has influenced generations of singers, musicians and music lovers. On Sunday, 6th December come pay your respects to the Queen Of Soul by heading to see The Music of Aretha Franklin presented by one of Perth’s most exciting jazz singers, Claire Fahie. Fahie, a WAAPA graduate has completed stints at Hong Kong’s prestigious Captain’s Bar and performs regularly in Perth. Having seen her Beyonce event recently, I can attest to her fun soulful vocal style. She’ll be back by her formidable band as they pay homage to one of the greats.

Thy Art Is Murder - Human Target Album Launch

Magnet House | Friday, 11th December 2020 | Read all about it

Fans of metal rejoice because Australia’s finest purveyor of deathcore, Thy Art Is Murder, will be tearing up the stage at Magnet House to celebrate their new album The Human Target. Known for their death metal riffs, breakdowns and electrifying stage show it will be the Sydnsiders first headline tour for this album. Along for the ride will be Dying Fetus, Fit For An Autopsy, Enterprise Earth and Aversions Crown rounding out what might be the metal gig of the year.

cosmos midnight

Cosmo’s Midnight + Cassian

Ice Cream Factory | Friday, 18th December 2020 | Tickets found here

If you’ve been sleeping on Cosmo’s Midnight, now’s the time to change that. Their new album, Yesteryear, released in October, was the perfect antidote to shake off winter and get ready for long, warm afternoons spent with mates. Big thanks then must go to the Factory Summer Festival crew for putting together not only what will be the biggest run of gigs in Perth this summer but bringing over the twins. This is my number 1 pick for the festival, Cosmo’s Midnight is a gorgeously captivating blend of EDM, bright house and pop. The event will also feature Cassian who is well known for being a first-class DJ/producer of infectious dance tracks, so grab your tickets before they sell out.

Libby Hammer & Ali Bodycoat Christmas Show

Ellington Jazz Club | Tuesday, 22nd - 24th December 2020 | Get some Christmas cheer

Like heading to the beach on Christmas morning, the Libby Hammer Quintet has become a loving must-go tradition at the Ellington. Music and jazz lovers will be very familiar with Libby Hammer who has been a staple of our music scene for years. Remaining one of the best performers around, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the silly season. Being a Christmas show they will be your old yuletide favourites but also expect lame cracker jokes, maybe some risque poetry and best friend Ali Bodycoat to make it feel really homely.

Melanie Griffiths is a music writer, reviewer and an ardent supporter of the West Australian music scene. With a career spanning several years, Mel is one of Perth’s most active reviewers contributing to several local and national publications. Concert highlights have included covering Paul McCartney and Prince as well as some ripper local bands including Methyl Ethel, Stella Donnelly and SUPEREGO.