September gig guide: the best live music events on the North Shore this month
Brazilian jazz, country nights, Brookie punk: here are the best gigs in and around the North Shore this month.
Huw Bradshaw
September 02, 2025
It’s warm again. Spring is here, the days are longer, the nights are louder. Let’s go see some good gigs.
Did we miss something? Let us know: email [email protected]
Country and Folk
Country Night — Hornsby Railway Hotel
Pull on those boots and tighten that bolo tie. On September 20, Hornsby Railway Hotel hosts a country music night, featuring performances from the Hawkesbury-based Zak Armstrong Band and Montana, a Southern country rock and blues band from the Central Coast.
When: September 20, 7pm
Where: Hornsby Railway Hotel
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club — Edward Nass
This month, Edward Nass performs at Beatrice Taylor Hall. See some of his music below.
When: September 19, 6:30pm
Where: Beatrice Taylor Hall, Hornsby
Feeling Jazzy
Choro Collective
Choro Collective, a Brazilian jazz jam band, plays a free show at the Greenwood Plaza rooftop this month.
Choro originated in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro in the 19th century and is known for its fast rhythm and emphasis on improvisation. See some of the band’s past performances below.
When: September 17, 6:30pm
Where: Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney
The Judy Bailey Band
Since the recent death of local jazz musician Judy Bailey, the Judy Bailey Band has reunited once more to play in honour of its founder. The quintet will be playing as part of the Lane Cove Festival. The event is ticketed ($20).
When: September 12, 5:30 PM
Where: Lane Cove Civic Centre
Image credit: Lane Cove Festival
Jazz at the Rowers
Tomorrow (September 3) Mosman Rowers Club hosts a free jazz night. See the resident band The Cool Brew Trio while enjoying harbour views and a drink.
When: September 3, 6:30pm
Where: Mosman Rowers Club
Tributes
Don’t Change — INXS Tribute Band
Celebrating 40 years since the release of INXS’ fifth studio album Listen Like Thieves, tribute band Don’t Change will be covering all the hits at the Hornsby RSL Club. $45.
When: September 13, 7:30pm
Where: Hornsby RSL Club
Image credit: Don’t Change Facebook
Taylor Swift Eras tribute
Attendees at this family-friendly concert are encouraged to “come dressed in your favourite Tay Tay outfit” and “get your friendship bracelets ready”. $18.
When: September 26, 6pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
Image credit: Lane Cove Festival
Classical
Swaranjali By Devaki Pandit
Indian singer Devaki Pandit’s performance includes songs from Marathi and Hindi movies, Indian classical music and popular TV themes. Tickets from $50.50.
When: September 21, 3:30pm
Where: The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood
Over yonder
While these gigs aren’t technically on the North Shore, the thriving music scene in Brookvale is only a B-line trip away.
Ghazza
Ghazza are a young local punk band that don’t take themselves too seriously, except when it comes to the music, which is tight and punchy. “A piss-taking twist on the antics of growing-up and living large on Sydney’s Northern Beaches,” is how they sum it up. Check out their latest track, Dirodi, below.
When: September 26, 7pm
Where: 7th Day Brewery, Brookvale
The Bitter End
Just around the block from 7th Day, you can see The Bitter End, a gothic influenced blues band, play at Bucketty’s Brewery. They describe their music as “an evening of murder ballads and twisted tales of love, lust and betrayal”.
When: September 12, 8pm
Where: Bucketty’s Brewery, Brookvale
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 credit: Zak Armstrong, Choro Collective