Canberra Blues Society upcoming events

Canberra Blues Society Youth In Blues Jam (16 Aug 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Sydney Blues Society - Future of the Blues - host Canberra Blues Society Youth In Blues Jam.

Don’t miss the chance to witness tomorrow’s headliners in the making!

Future of the Blues are proof that the blues is not only alive, but evolving. Brought together by the Sydney Blues Society after repeatedly witnessing the same exceptional young musicians turn up to jam nights, this band was formed to showcase and develop the next wave of blues talent.

These players earned their reputation the real way - onstage, in front of live audiences, trading solos and locking grooves with musicians far beyond their years.

Under the mentorship of Australian blues icons Ray Beadle and Clayton Doley, Future of the Blues deliver explosive musicianship, deep-pocket grooves, and a fearless stage presence that commands attention.

Raw, tight, and overflowing with soul, they honour the tradition while pushing it forward. This is the sound of the blues’ future—don’t miss the stars of tomorrow making their mark!

The host band will be followed by some of the finest musicians in the region jamming together for a great afternoon of live blues music. Although this jam focuses on our upcoming generation of blues players, the young at heart are very welcome to join in also.

So bring your family, bring your friends and don’t forget your dancing shoes.

1pm till 4:30pm

CBS members: $10 / General: $15 / Children under 16: free entry

Jammers are expected to meet a competent standard of musicianship and be familiar with standard 3-chord, 12-bar blues songs.
CBS provides a lyric folder of classic blues songs if required.
If this is your first time, ask to speak to the Jam Session Coordinator to secure a place in a jam session.
Jammers are encouraged to have their names on the whiteboard by 1pm.
Late arrivals (after 1.30pm) cannot be guaranteed a spot in the Jam Session.
The coordinator will try to give everyone an opportunity to perform.
A rehearsed act may do a set as a band if it is prearranged at least 24 hours in advance of the jam by contacting the musicians representative via the contact us or the enquire now buttons.

NOTE: This is a Blues Jam so it is expected that blues orientated songs will be played.

Canberra Blues Society Jam Workshop 2 September 2026 (2 Sep 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Our popular Jam Workshops are designed for musicians who want to build their skills and gain experience playing blues in a real band environment. You’ll receive advice and mentoring from a house band made up of some of our finest players.

Three tunes are introduced by the house band before participants are invited to jump in and play. While these sessions won’t teach you how to play your instrument, they will help you understand blues structures, develop ensemble awareness, and learn how to play confidently with musicians you’ve never rehearsed with.

Our goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive space where players—especially those with less experience—can perform in a relaxed band setting.

The selection of tunes for each workshop is posted in the Workshop Facebook Group under Files.

Jamming at the Workshop

Note: Photographs of participants in CBS Jam Workshops are taken and posted on Facebook and other social media platforms for promotional purposes.

Canberra Blues Society September Pro Blues Jam - hosted by Moondog Blues Band (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Moondog Blues Band hosts the SEPTEMBER Pro Blues Jam

Blues powerhouse Moondog performs as front-man of the Moondog Blues Band. He's a master of the blues harmonica and a formidable guitarist, singer and songwriter.

He shares songs and stories of his many journeys into the heartland of the Blues, where he spent over 10 years exploring juke joints, speak easy and blues bars from Chicago through to St Louis, Memphis, Mississippi, New Orleans, Nashville and parts of Texas.

In 2015 he represented Bridgetown Blues at the annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN and in 2016 he performed at Chicago Bluesfest on the Windy City Blues Society stage.

Moondog Blues Band features:

Moondog - vocals/harmonica/guitar
Liam James - guitar
Crag Marshalsey - bass
Finlay Marshalsey - drums

The host band will be followed by some of the finest musicians in the Canberra region and surrounds, jamming together for a fabulous afternoon of live blues music.

And, as always; bring your friends, your instrument, your voice or just your dancing shoes!!

CBS members: $10 / General: $15 / kids under 16: Free Entry

Jammers are expected to meet a competent standard of musicianship and be familiar with standard 3-chord, 12-bar blues songs.
CBS provides a lyric folder of classic blues songs if required.
If this is your first time, ask to speak to the Jam Session Coordinator to secure a place in a jam session.
Jammers are encouraged to have their names on the whiteboard by 1pm.
Late arrivals (after 1.30pm) cannot be guaranteed a spot in the Jam Session.
The coordinator will try to give everyone an opportunity to perform.
A rehearsed act may do a set as a band if it is prearranged at least 24 hours in advance of the jam by contacting the musicians representative via the contact us or the enquire now buttons.

NOTE: This is a Blues Jam so it is expected that blues orientated songs will be played.

Lachy Doley Returns Home @ The Zeppelin Room (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Canberra Blues Society proudly presents Lachy Doley Returns Home @ The Zeppelin Room

LACHY DOLEY – RETURNS HOME TOUR

SEP 25 - The Zeppelin Room, Harmonie German Club, Canberra ACT

After spending most of his time touring internationally and performing alongside Joe Bonamassa, Lachy Doley is coming home for a limited run of special Australian shows.

The RETURNS HOME TOUR marks Lachy's first Australian headline performances in well over a year and will be his only Australian shows for 2026.

Known worldwide for his powerhouse Hammond organ playing, groundbreaking whammy Clavinet work, soulful vocals and unforgettable live performances, Lachy has built a devoted following across Europe, North America and beyond. Now he returns home for six exclusive shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Bundy Hall.

Expect an evening of Blues, Soul, Funk by world class musicians and special guests fused with the high-energy and passion that has made Lachy one of Australia's most celebrated live performers.

If you've been waiting to see Lachy back on an Australian stage, this is your chance.

Six shows. One homecoming.

Doors open 7pm

Pre-sales: $50

Door: $55

Bondi Cigars @ The Zeppelin Room (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Canberra Blues Society proudly presents BONDI CIGARS.

This award-winning quartet has well and truly established themselves into Australia’s musical heart since forming in 1989.

When the Bondi Cigars were first gigging around Sydney, late 1989, they moved in a blues/R&B circuit which, while robust enough since the 60s, had then been sparked into new life by the ‘blues revival’ of the mid-80’s, spearheaded by Robert Cray, Joe Louis Walker, Stevie Ray Vaughan and similar crusaders. And while many of the Sydney bands from that era have vanished, become historical footnotes or undergone major changes, the Cigars – true survivors – have battled on, without ever compromising their distinctive no nonsense style, to become a leading force in Australian R&B.

That original Cigars line-up brought together four like-minded experienced players, all veterans of Sydney inner-west blues venues, and from the word go, the Cigars have been the very model of the ‘no passengers’ band, a well-oiled machine plus soul: no room for slackers here.

The Bondi Cigars have also built a solid reputation as one of the best live acts in the country.

Always one of the country’s hardest working outfits (on the road more than off), the Cigars have kept their music tight, hard-driving and down-to-earth: the Australian bar band par excellence.

Shane Pacey (vocals and guitar) - Alan Britton (bass and vocals)

Eben Hale (guitar and vocals) - Frank Corby (drums)

Special guest support: Divine Devilles Trio

Tickets: CBS Members - $35, Non-members - $40, Door - $45

Doors open 7 pm Show starts 8 pm