Overview
There's an intrinsic connection between emerging bands and pubs. The neighbourhood pub is a testing ground; the crucible where garage bands find out whether they've got what it takes to make it in front of a crowd. Who better to help these local legends get their start in the live performing world than Rolling Stone? A household name in music. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has teamed up with Keno for Local Legends, a multi-state gig series that pairs up-and-coming bands with great pubs.
There are two gigs going down in May: the first at the Stock Exchange Hotel in Brisbane on Saturday, May 24, and the second at Hotel Steyne in Sydney on Saturday, May 31. Both events are free, with doors opening at 4pm before you wrap your ears around of a lineup of tunes from bands from all over Australia.
When the series comes to Manly's The Steyne, get in early for the 5pm opener — indie rock group MARVELL has been selling out shows and sharing stages with the likes of Lime Cordiale and The Grogans, so you won't want to miss it. Things will chill a bit from 6pm, with an acoustic-style set from local indie pop star Charli Lucas and Central Coast-born pop artist Molly Millington.
The 7.15 support act will bring the energy back up as New Zealand pop rock trio BORDERLINE take the stage. Having debuted in 2023, BORDERLINE brings a sound that takes inspiration from The 1975 and Coldplay, with pop tunes that often spin into rock and funk territory through their discography.
Then the headline act, Melbourne-based pop trio Blusher, will close the night with high-energy sounds that fit right in with A-listers like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. But unlike seething crowds and pricey tickets to see those two, Rolling Stone Local Legends is free entry, so you've got no reason not to check it out.
Rolling Stone Local Legends will take place at Hotel Steyne on Saturday, May 31, from 4pm. For more information, visit the Rolling Stone website.
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