August gig guide: the best live music events on the North Shore

Note: This is the August gig guide. For the July gig guide, scroll to the bottom.

Here’s your guide for gigs on the North Shore this August.

Did we miss something? Let us know: email [email protected].

Rufous Whistler

This Melbourne-based folk group takes its name from a small Australian songbird. They are currently touring their debut album National Panic across Australia and New Zealand, and stop in at Hornsby this month. Tickets $21.50, under 16s go free. 

When: August 21, 7pm

Where: 25 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby

On at the Orpheum 

Michael Paynter

Michael Paynter is an Australian singer-songwriter currently touring his latest release The Great Australian Songbook. See him live at the Hayden Orpheum this August. Tickets $75.

When: August 28, 8pm

Where: 380 Military Road, Cremorne

Toni Childs

Toni Childs is a singer hailing from Orange, California known for early 90s hits Stop Your Fussin' and I've Got to Go Now. Tickets $65.

When: August 21, 7:30pm

Where: 380 Military Road, Cremorne

James Morrison Quintet Featuring Patrick Bartley

Australian jazz trumpeter James Morrison joined by special guest Patrick Bartley on saxophone. Tickets $75.

When: August 29, 7:30pm

Where: 380 Military Road, Cremorne

Crows Nest Festival of Music

A small festival of classical performances at Crows Nest Uniting Church. Line-up includes trombonist Greg van der Struik, organist Mark Quarmby, violinist Sean Weatherly and brass trio the Baker Brothers. Tickets $30, those under 12 go free. 

When: August 16, 2pm

Where: 122 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft

Phil Jamieson

Frontman of Australian rock band Grinspoon, Phil Jamieson plays at The Whalers venue in Mosman, ahead of the release of his second solo album, 10Charlie. Tickets $50. 

When: August 1, 8pm

Where: 719 Military Road, Mosman

Tierney Brothers

Andrew and Mike Tierney, of Australian pop group Human Nature, perform as a duo at Hornsby RSL this month. Tickets $77.

When: August 15, 8pm

Where: 4 High Street, Hornsby

Regular Gigs 

You can also expect weekly live music at the following venues this month:

The Treehouse Hotel, North Sydney — Trad sessions, 5:30pm, first Tuesday of every month 

Kirribilli Hotel, Milsons Point — 8:30pm Fridays and Saturdays 

Blues Point Hotel, McMahons Point — 3pm every Sunday

KCs Honky Tonk, Crows Nest — 7pm every Friday

Rag and Famish Hotel — 10pm every Friday 

Crows Nest Hotel — 10pm every Friday

Li’l Darlin, Crows Nest — 7pm every Thursday, 8pm every Friday

The Orchard Hotel, Chatswood — 6pm every second Wednesday from the 6th

Foys, Kirribilli — 3pm every Sunday

July gig guide: the best live music events on the North Shore this month

Folk legends, jazzy evenings and Filipino favourites.

Anna da Silva Chen and Lee Dionne in recital

Did you catch our profile last week of Hayes Street Studio, the small Neutral Bay music venue putting on small shows? If you like what you saw, check out their next performance with violinist Anna da Silva Chen and pianist Lee Dionne playing a program of classical and modern pieces. Tickets $45. 

When: July 3, 8pm, July 5, 5pm

Where: 11 Hayes Street, Neutral Bay

Jason Bruer Quartet featuring Ruby Jackson

For the second installment of the Cremorne Orpheum’s Jazz Lounge, we have Jason Bruer on the sax, Steve Barry on the organ, Duncan Archibald on drums, and Ruby Jackson on vocals. Tickets $35.

When: July 16, 7:30pm

Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

Glenn Cardier

Glenn Cardier is an Australian folk rock musician who has been performing and recording since the 1970s as a solo artist as well as the frontman of Sydney pub band The Bel-Aires. Tickets $21.

When: July 17, 7pm

Where: 25 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby

Nandito Ako live in Australia

Ogie Alcasid is a Filipino singer playing at the Chatswood Concourse this month. The event is marketed as a “reunion of [Alcasid’s] music with the Filipinos down under”. General admission tickets $111. 

When: July 3, 6pm

Where: The Lounge, Chatswood Concourse

Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra & Spectra Jazz Orchestra

A double bill of jazz bands at the Chatswood Concourse Lounge venue. The program promises a range of jazz standards as well as works by Judy Bailey, Ellen Kirkwood and Katie Bombardieri. Tickets $52.

When: July 16, 7:30pm

Where: The Lounge, Chatswood Concourse

The Savoy Operas

A free tribute concert dedicated to the Victorian-era theatrical partnership of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, from local musician Graham Ball. 

When: July 29, 10am

Where: Lane Cove Library