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

Whether you’re into blues or classical, industry veterans or fresh faces, concert halls or open air performances, we’ve got something for you this month.

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Sam Fletcher

Voted as one of the best young folk artists of the year in 2024, Sam Fletcher will be taking the stage at the Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai Folk Club this month. A skilled guitarist, vocalist and banjoist, Fletcher’s hits include “West of the Mountains”, “Rat Race Blues”, and “Summer’s Here”. Tickets are $20, free entry for kids. See some of his past performances below.

When: October 17, 7:00pm

Where: Beatrice Taylor Hall, Hornsby

Bravo String Quartet

Presented by The Metropolitan Orchestra, this small event hosted at Mosman Art Gallery will see this four piece performing classical string music from across the centuries. Entry is free.

When: October 4, 3pm

Where: 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman

ACE Moonlight Mid-Autumn festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon festival, is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture. This month, the festival will be taking over Chatswood Mall Market, transforming it into a place of food, song, and dance. 

When: October 5, 10am–10pm

Where: Victoria Avenue, Chatswood

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra: Maestro

Led by conductor Dr Nicholas Milton AM, the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra will be performing the “First Symphony” of Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler at the Concourse Concert Hall. The concert will also be opened by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks. Adult tickets are priced at $83.

When: October 18, 7pm, October 19, 2pm

Where: 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood

Crows Nest Festival

As with last year, the Crows Nest Festival will have a dedicated music stage running all day along Willoughby Road, hosting young musical talent from the local Big Music School. 

When: October 19, 10am – 5pm

Where: Ernest Place, Crows Nest

Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins at Hayes

Praised by both The New Yorker and the Washington Post, American Cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins will be stopping by Hayes Street Theatre this month to perform a program of J.S. Bach, Kaija Saariaho, and Fanny Mendelssohn. Tickets are $40.

When: October 16, 7pm

Where: 11 Hayes Street

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks 50 Years Of Hits Live

Following on from his career in both Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, Ross Wilson, now backed by his own band, The Peaceniks, will be playing a “50 years of hits” show at the Cremorne Orpheum. Tickets are $50. 

When: October 24, 8pm

Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

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Glenn Shorrock…Reminiscing

Australian singer and songwriter Glenn Shorrock will also be playing a retrospective at the Orpheum this month. Supported by Hunter Valley musician Pat McMahon, tickets are priced at $65.

When: October 17, 8pm

Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace

Mothers of Rock

The Hornsby Inn is hosting a fundraiser for breast cancer this month, with local blues/rock band Mothers of Rock performing for the event. Entry is free. Check out the Mothers of Rock below.

When: October 17, 7:30pm

Where: Hornsby Inn

Regular gigs

You can also expect regular, 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 — 5pm every Sunday

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

Thumbnail: Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, Ross Wilson