Gigs/Bands/Live

COMA Presents! Emerging Artists 2025

Nathan Cavaleri (NSW) + Amin & Lachlan Duo

“Raw but refined… from world-class stages to deeply human stories.”

A night of blues-rock, captivating stories, and spine-tingling moments.

As seen on ABC’s Australian Story, Nathan Cavaleri’s life has been anything but
ordinary—world tours at 8, playing with B.B. King, surviving leukemia, and stepping away from fame… only to return with more purpose than ever.

With New Blues With A Story, Nathan delivers more than a gig. Expect blistering guitar work, rich vocals, and stories that cut through—unexpectedly vulnerable, disarmingly real, and deeply felt.

​​​​​​​This is a show that leaves a mark.

TIX - $40 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Chards + Stuart Day

Award-winning, evocative, insightful, songwriter Paul Irving brings his band The Chards, (pronounced Shards) to The Wheatsheaf Hotel for a captivating performance. 

 The Adelaide based band first formed circa 2019 for live performances after recording their debut album "Ride On," Now in '25 the band is gearing up for the release their highly anticipated third album later in 2025. The new line up consists of Steve Staben on drums, Sean Timms on keys, Callum Campbell on vocals, "Catlouise" on guitar, Chris Lau on guitar, and Paul Irving on bass.

 Paul's songwriting draws from a wealth of experiences and observations that are thoughtfully laced into strong melodies reflecting his wide appreciation of music styles. With a line-up of some of Adelaide’s finest players Irving's songs and lifted to an even greater degree of sophistication. 

 On August 22nd the band will not only be playing the tracks from their forthcoming album but also tracks from their previous two albums. 

 Stuart James Day will be opening the performance with a solo performance of his own original material. The Wheatsheaf continues to support local quality original music.

Stev-O + Velvet Moth

Stev-O : If Devo came from Morphett Vale

With special Guests - VELVET MOTH (the name is a play on 60’s sludge-rock band Iron Butterfly) are an Adelaide-based quartet, with all members hailing from long-time surf/instro maestros, GT Stringer.

 Sometime back in 2013, an impromptu weekend jam shockingly descended to a rock 'n’ roll tour de force featuring a tough, classic Detroit-influenced sound with wacky overtones. Still together since that time, the band’s twin guitar attack shamelessly borrows from all the great rock bands you’ve heard before, but with the added edge of spiky, tongue-in-cheek lyrics & crazy improvisational outbursts. Definitely one to check out live…

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

ARBA Youth In Blues - Showcase Fundraiser

The ARBA Youth in Blues program aims to educate, nurture and foster the next generation of South Australian blues musicians.

The program, which has been running since 2018, is open to young musicians aged between 12 and 25. This special fundraiser showcase is being held to provide funding for our program.

The event will feature performances from ensembles made up of Youth in Blues Program participants.

The event will close with performances from our youth in blues mentor musicians.

There will be auctions and raffles held through-out.

This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the talents of some of our finest young musicians and to support the future of the local blues scene!

All proceeds go towards funding the ARBA Youth in Blues Program.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

The Big ol' Wheaty Pub Music Quiz - Featuring: Aaron Nash & The Double A-Sides

Ben Creighton Griffiths Jazz Harp (UK)

BEN CREIGHTON GRIFFITHS is an Internationally touring jazz and classical harpist based in Wales. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the Under 18 division. In 2006 he won the Under 13 Division of the Wales International Harp Festival before going on to win the 2008 Junior Lily Laskine competition in Paris, winning a concert harp in the process.

 Originally classically trained he now specialises in jazz both as a soloist and with his bands – the Transatlantic Hot Club and Chube. His career has taken him across the world including to America, Canada, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, India, Brazil, and across Europe and has seen him collaborate with musicians such as Catrin Finch, Dennis Rollins MBE, and Tatiana Eva-Marie. As well as a performer he is a composer, most recently developing a concert schedule for his own Concerto for Jazz Harp & Symphony Orchestra. He has taught workshops in jazz across the world and has been a guest tutor in the harp and trad music departments at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

JAMES HO is an award winning double and electric bass player from Adelaide, South Australia. He is an active member in the Adelaide jazz, rock and creative music scenes.James has played with numerous internationally and nationally renowned musicians, as well as having recently travelled around Australia with the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Some of these artists include: Jazzmeia Horn (NY), James Muller, Victor Gould (NY), Gordon Goodwin (LA), Wayne Bergeron (LA) and Mark Simeon Ferguson.James has also received tutelage under: Russell Hall (NY), Jorge Roeder (NY), Anna Butterss (LA), Eric Revis (CA) and Dr. Lyndon Gray.

KALLAN FRANCIS is a guitarist based in Adelaide, Australia. Currently studying at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Kallan has flourished as one of South Australia’s most in demand and exciting young musicians.As well as performing at some of South Australia’s Largest venues, such as the Festival Theatre, Adelaide Town Hall and Adelaide Entertainment Centre, he has also taken his music overseas, performing across Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo.The recipient of the prestigious James Morrison Scholarship in 2024, Kallan has worked professionally with incredible Australian musicians such as Jazzmeia Horn, Wayne Bergeron, James Morrison, Gordon Goodwin, Victor Gould, James Muller, Matthew Sheens, Thomas Voss, Lyndon Gray, Mark Ferguson, Ben Robertson, Darryn Farrugia and Lauren Henderson. Since coming onto the Adelaide Jazz Scene, Kallan has been involved in a number of musical performances and creative projects such as being selected to the Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big band in 2025 and being a featured performer with the Adelaide Guitar Festival and Perth International Jazz Festival in 2024.Described by Andrea Keller as musician with ‘a very deep understanding of what it means to be an improvisor’ and ‘a distinctive, original musical voice’, Kallan looks to be one of the leading young Australian guitarists for years to come.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Deep South Roots & Blues Festival presents: Fiona Boyes (VIC) + Nikko & Snooks + Special guests

Marina Anthea Single Launch + Grace Vandals

Join cozy, forest indie/folk pop artist, Marina Anthea and her band to celebrate the release of her second single, 'Violet'. 

Having many cross-genre influences from her intricate musical past (jazz, classical, folk, rock, pop), Marina’s music weaves raw lyrical honesty with a beautiful entanglement of complex harmony and gentle, melodic vocals. 

Marina will be supported by award-winning vocalist, Grace Vandals and her band, who have just released their debut album, 'What Can I Burn Here'. 

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Late to the Party: The ADHD HOMECOMING Show! Featuring: Jess & Eliza

StoneHutt Album Launch

StoneHutt is a home-grown band from the dry land and big skies of Kaurna country.  Watershed is StoneHutt’s first album, recorded by a misty mountain in Tasmania.  

 The songs are tales from city streets, prints on riverbeds, carvings in trees, graffiti on the walls, boots on the road, and stories of time and place.

 The album launch will be a rowdy celebration of the band’s unique trans-genre blend of honest rock, folk rock, and country - with lashings of fine vocals and harmonies.

 StoneHutt is  Verity Sanders (vocals, keyboard, sax, flute), David Vaughan (vocals, uke), Alan Richardson (bass and vocals), Brian Hales (electric and acoustic guitars), Gary Baker (electric and acoustic guitars), Mark Meyer (drums)

TIX - $20 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Nigel Wearne (VIC)

Singer-songwriter, luthier, poet and gleaner, Nigel Wearne saunters after dark in the music of the night. In 2025, he marks a return to his roots as a folk songwriter with his latest album ‘The Lone Reckoning’. A raw, emotive, stripped back rendition of his 2023 award-nominated album ‘The Reckoning’. 

Self-produced by Wearne, ‘The Lone Reckoning’ features the same 11 songs as the full band album with 3 additional bonus tracks, all recorded in their original form; solo and acoustic. 

Nigel’s had a huge couple of years touring the US and UK, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (USA), MerleFest (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA), 30A Songwriters Festival (USA) and most recently Blissfest (USA) for the 2nd year running. 

Hailing from Gunditjmara Country in south-west Victoria, Nigel Wearne is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with diverse influences such as Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Ricki Lee Jones. Blending blues, folk and Americana-noir, he sings of human frailty, grace and the cosmos. A deep thinker and truth seeker with a penchant for all things peculiar; songwriting that cuts to the bone. 

“Tailor made for fans of Tom Waits… with fire and brimstone lyrics that recall Nick Cave” – Rhythms Magazine 

“Poignant and mysterious” – Maverick Magazine UK 

“Vocal swagger of Van Morrison and dark spirituality and intelligence of Nick Cave” 4 STARS – The Weekend Australian 

Wheatgrass Jam!

Your search for an Adelaide bluegrass jam ends here!

Come on down to the Wheatsheaf Hotel on the first Thursday of each month from 7-9pm and swap some G runs.

Bring your instruments, share some tunes and connect with fellow players in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

It’s the perfect chance to enjoy an evening of great music, beer, company and celebrate the awesome of bluegrass!

Johnny Seagull & the Hot Chips + Dangerman

Joshua Batten (VIC) + Shaun Holton

The Yearlings

Exeter Blues + Patrick Andrew Coburn

Dave O'Leary sings it like it is, laconic and straight to the point with an honesty that gets under your skin. 

Beej Barker combines driving rhythms and grooves to make the sound that is Exeter Blues.

It’s raw and raucous, blurring the lines between early Mississippi delta slide guitar, modern punk funk and Cajun country sounds, these are story songs to move you built from a life spent on the road. Drawing on Six albums of originals and few cover interpretations from artists as diverse as Robert Johnson - Little Walter - Beck - Howling Wolf and Tom Waits.

Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective + Adam Moffatt

Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective are a dynamic live band known for crafting original music that blends the smooth sophistication of soulpop, the infectious rhythms of funk, the laid-back vibes of reggae, and the experimental edge of acid jazz. Fronted by the charismatic and soulful Annie Higgins, the band delivers a rich, genre-crossing sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

With Annie’s velvet vocals leading the way, the Groove Collective features a powerhouse lineup of musicians who bring deep grooves, jazzy improvisation, and vibrant energy to every performance. Their songs explore themes of love, resilience, and social consciousness, wrapped in lush harmonies and irresistible beats.

Whether performing in intimate venues or on festival stages, Annie Higgins & The Groove Collective captivate audiences with their classy style, musical depth, and undeniable groove. Their live shows are a celebration of rhythm and soul, inviting listeners to move, feel, and connect.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Nick Vulture + The Public Eye

COMA - Curated by Jesse Budel - Continental Drifts (VIC) + Abstract Human Radio (QLD)

The Honey Badgers

Local favourites The Honey Badgers have been pretty busy in the last few years. In 2023 they made the grand final of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee and became one of only two Australian bands at that time to have done so. Last year, the debut album, Shakin’ was released after being recorded over a three-year period and showcased the band’s development from SA southern vales favourites to an international level powerhouse that wowed the judges in the home of Stax Records, Sun Studios and the hallowed ground of the Beale Street clubs.

 Shakin’ peaked at #1 on the national blues charts and continued to chart for 9 months in 2024, and the same year the boys won the MusicSA award for people’s choice in blues and roots category.

 The follow up album “Live in Noarlunga”, released this year, reached #3 on the blues chart in May and continues to chart. The band writes original music that is rooted in blues and soul, with a three-piece horn section and the powerful vocals of Peter Hollow, the Memphis vibe runs deep in this band.

Peter Hollow – Vocals and Guitar

Peter Nixon - Bass

Nigel Bourn – Tenor Saxophone

Tim Frears – Trumpet and Alto Saxophone

Nick Southgate - Drums

Geo Heathcote – Baritone, Tenor Saxophone, Harmonica

TIX - $25 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Sturt Avenue + Koleh + Sophie Elster

STURT AVENUE:
Sturt Avenue is an indie folk/Australiana band led by SCALA award winning singer-songwriter Bryn Soden. The music of Sturt Avenue is built from a strong foundation of familial bonds and cherished friendships, covering themes of love, loss, and that intangible, indescribable feeling that comes to you at the end of a long night of singing, dancing, drinking, and laughing with the people you love.

KOLEH:
Koleh uses his music’s unique and refreshing blend of South-east Asian instruments, samples and contemporary Indie-pop to transport listeners to Borneo rainforests and village long-houses.

Embracing his heritage, the Kenyah Dayaks of Borneo, Koleh aims to carry on and share his tradition by playing the Sampe’, which is a traditional Dayak lute / guitar like instrument. This desire for cultural expression has a large influence on his music, as well as other contemporary artists such as D.D Dumbo, Bombay Bicycle Club and Beach House.

SOPHIE ELSTER:
First loves of Folk and poetry and a Conservatorium education in Jazz are combined by Sophie Elster as they write Aesop pop on Kaurna land. Raised on Bach, The Chicks, and Missy Higgins, their autobiographical music sings a message—to their past self, their future self, and their sometimes-audience.

The Sharp (VIC) Album Launch + Doctor DeSoto

The Sharp return to The Wheatsheaf Hotel to launch their brand new EP 4. Hear all the hits plus fresh new tunes! 

 The Sharp are Charlie Rooke (guitar/vocals), Allan Catlin (double bass/vocals) and Piet Collins (drums/vocals). Formed in Collingwood in 1990, the three piece already had a strong live following but when they released an independent single “Love Your Head” the band quickly gained radio support on Triple R and PBS. 

Triple J were soon behind the band and a record deal with Warner Music was struck. Their debut album "This is the Sharp” went Gold and the band received Aria nominations, magazine covers and appearances on just about every TV/Radio show in Australia. Comedy program The D-Generation loved “The Sharp” so much they did a parody of hit single “Scratch My Back” and it became “Skivvies are Back” in reference to the now famous black skivvied uniform the band had adopted. 

Rigorous touring ensued before the band settled into the studio to record its second album “Sonic Tripod” with American producer Rick Will (Ziggy Marley, Diesel). A brief tour of Europe and the US saw the band back home exhausted but ready to take on more touring. 

Finally, after nearly five years in the limelight, the rigorous touring schedule brought the band to a crossroads and a decision was made to end on a high note. A collection of singles “Single File” was released as the band’s final album and a final tour “Thank you Goodnight” saw them playing to packed houses around the nation. When the band played its last shows in 1995, many (including the band), wondered when (or if) it could all happen again. 

Now many years later (and thanks to some persistent pestering from fans) The Sharp are back and sounding better than ever. 

Singer Bass player Allan Catlin is not involved due to personal reasons, but he is ably represented by Scott Owen (double bass) from The Living End with lead singer duties taken care of by the amazing Louie Lee Feltrin. Playing all their hits plus some rockin’ covers. 31 years after the release of their debut album “This is the Sharp”, The Sharp are back with a vengeance!!! 

TIX - $40 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

COMA - SPECIAL EVENT - FEATURING: STOZ (VIC)

Hand Delivered - A Scofield Tribute

Hand Delivered pays tribute to John Scofield's iconic 1994 album Hand Jive with a focus on honouring the spirit of the original compositions and chemistry of the classic lineup - including Eddie Harris, Larry Goldings, Dennis Irwin, Bill Stewart and Don Alias. Compositions from this landmark recording as well as other Scofield tunes will be performed by a brand new lineup of Adelaide musicians:

Kallan Francis - Guitar

Adam Page - Tenor Saxophone

Dave McEvoy - Keys

Sam Riley - Bass

Blake Hammat - Drums

Heath Oetjen - Percussion

TIX - $20/15 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Toby Beard (WA)

Toby Beard is more than a singer-songwriter from Western Australia — she’s a powerhouse performer and passionate storyteller. With over 20 years in the music industry, Toby has built a global career rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a deep love of connection through music.

Known for her soulful voice and electrifying stage presence, Toby brings raw emotion to every performance — whether it’s an intimate barn show or a 12,000-strong festival crowd. Her music blends folk, blues, roots, rock, and soul, with honest lyrics inspired by life, love, motherhood, and the road.

Her discography includes 10 albums, multiple EPs, and two live DVDs, reflecting her constant evolution as an artist. Toby has toured extensively across Australia, North America, and Europe, performing at major festivals like Summerfest (USA), Skagen Festival (Denmark), Bardentreffen (Germany), and Blues at Bridgetown (WA).

She’s supported international acts including Sheryl Crow, UB40, Gomez, and John Butler Trio, and collaborated with renowned producers like Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers) and Carey Williams (Taj Mahal). Her latest album Here With Me, produced by James Newhouse in WA, is a heartfelt journey through heartbreak, healing, and hope.

A career highlight came in July 2024, when Toby and her band opened for Carlos Santana in Germany. After an electric set, Santana invited them backstage, joined them in a jam, and introduced Toby on stage with heartfelt words before inviting her to perform with him — a dream come true for the artist who grew up dancing to his records.

Whether she’s performing in a local pub or on an international stage, Toby’s connection with her audience is immediate and powerful. Backed by a close-knit band known for rich harmonies and high energy, Toby Beard continues to shine as a world-class artist with a grounded heart.

Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley (NSW)

Australia’s favourite country duo is going from strength to strength as they continue to wow audiences with their live shows and cement their music’s popularity with a string of awards & nominations.

Their extremely successful 2nd album release, UP DOWN & SIDEWAYS debuted at #1 on the Australian all genre ARIA charts and received a prestigious ARIA nomination for Best Country Album in 2023.

It has provided the platform for an amazing 9 Golden Guitar nominations across the 2023 & 2024 awards with terrific wins for Song of the Year, Apple Music Single of the Year and Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year.

Brooke McClymont is one third of top-selling, award-winning Australian country music trio The McClymonts. With over 200,000 album sales, 40 million streams, two ARIA Awards, fifteen Golden Guitar Awards, one CMA (USA) Award, one APRA Award and five #1 ARIA Country Albums, the McClymonts are a dominant female group in Australian country music with major success from hits such as ‘Kick It Up’, ‘Wrapped Up Good’ and ‘I’ve Got This’.  

Adam Eckersley has won five Golden Guitar Awards: the first in 2015 for New Talent of the Year; and then in 2016 in the Group or Duo of the Year category with The Adam Eckersley Band whose 2014 debut album, The First Album, debuted in the Top 5 on the ARIA Country Chart, with The Second Album debuting at #7 the following year. Adam has also been recognised for his songwriting, winning the APRA Award for Country Work of the Year (2015)

TIX - $50 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Bandaluzia Flamenco

October 18th Sydney acclaimed ensemble Bandaluzia Flamenco performs at The Wheatsheaf Hotel 2 shows 4:30pm & 8pm. Presenting an exhilarating display of original contemporary flamenco music and dance. A performance replete with a unique range of creative influences, from the great canon of the flamenco tradition, to inspiration from Debussy, Miles Davis, Radiohead and Contemporary dance. Bandaluzia subtly intertwines this inspiration into the flamenco language and story. Flamenco is a form of expression that explores the full spectrum of human experience, from the darker sides to the most joyous and translates this into something cathartic and beautiful. 

Bandaluzia Flamenco

October 18th Sydney acclaimed ensemble Bandaluzia Flamenco performs at The Wheatsheaf Hotel 2 shows 4:30pm & 8pm. Presenting an exhilarating display of original contemporary flamenco music and dance. A performance replete with a unique range of creative influences, from the great canon of the flamenco tradition, to inspiration from Debussy, Miles Davis, Radiohead and Contemporary dance. Bandaluzia subtly intertwines this inspiration into the flamenco language and story. Flamenco is a form of expression that explores the full spectrum of human experience, from the darker sides to the most joyous and translates this into something cathartic and beautiful. 

SnarskiCircusLindyBand

Prepare for two unforgettable shows as SnarskiCircusLindyBand take to the stage in Adelaide in full band mode for the very first time, launching their highly anticipated debut album “what’s said and what’s left unsaid”

Join them for a captivating journey through their brand-new album, along with some familiarfavourites - showcasing the powerful songwriting collaboration between Rob Snarski (The Blackeyed Susans) and Lindy Morrison (The Go-Betweens). Rob's evocative vocals weave through a rich tapestry of genres, from country-tinged ballads to post-punk-pop, bringing some deeply personal stories to life with gentle humour and beauty.

The band boasts a formidable lineup of musical talent – featuring Lindy’s iconic, idiosyncratic drumming, Graham Lee (Triffids) on his signature sweeping pedal steel, Shane O'Mara(Silversound) conjuring liquid mercury guitar and pop visionary Dan Kelly providing dynamic, melodic bass and the sweetest vocal harmonies.

This is a rare opportunity to witness the unparalleled artistry of SnarskiCircusLindyBand  as they perform the first shows of the “what’s said and what’s left unsaid” tour.

TIX - $45 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

SnarskiCircusLindyBand

Prepare for two unforgettable shows as SnarskiCircusLindyBand take to the stage in Adelaide in full band mode for the very first time, launching their highly anticipated debut album “what’s said and what’s left unsaid”

Join them for a captivating journey through their brand-new album, along with some familiarfavourites - showcasing the powerful songwriting collaboration between Rob Snarski (The Blackeyed Susans) and Lindy Morrison (The Go-Betweens). Rob's evocative vocals weave through a rich tapestry of genres, from country-tinged ballads to post-punk-pop, bringing some deeply personal stories to life with gentle humour and beauty.

The band boasts a formidable lineup of musical talent – featuring Lindy’s iconic, idiosyncratic drumming, Graham Lee (Triffids) on his signature sweeping pedal steel, Shane O'Mara(Silversound) conjuring liquid mercury guitar and pop visionary Dan Kelly providing dynamic, melodic bass and the sweetest vocal harmonies.

This is a rare opportunity to witness the unparalleled artistry of SnarskiCircusLindyBand  as they perform the first shows of the “what’s said and what’s left unsaid” tour.

TIX - $45 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)

Shaun Kirk (VIC)

Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Australia, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour, recognised for his exceptional gift as a born entertainer. His unique talent has earned him numerous industry accolades, and extensive praise from fellow artists, such as three-time Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito, who has declared his show as "One of the best one-man shows he's ever seen!"

Kirk's vocals exude a gritty, soulful depth that seems to transcend far beyond his
years, with critics continually acclaiming him as "one of the finest blues voices
Australia has ever heard" (Buzz Mag). Complementing his vocal artistry, Kirk's vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay tribute to the timeless influences that have shaped his musical journey, resulting in a distinctive sound that is fast becoming his own.

Shaun’s musical journey has taken him to stages all over the world, where he's not
only performed but consistently sold out shows, leaving audiences enthralled by his magnetic presence. From iconic festival stages like Bluesfest Byron Bay, where he's become a familiar name, to sharing the billing with legends like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, John Butler Trio, and The Teskey Brothers. Moreover, he's also had the honour of opening for household names such as blues maestro Joe Bonamassa, soul sensation Allen Stone, and the indomitable Beth Hart; further solidifying his place in the landscape of contemporary music.

TIX - $30 ON THE DOOR (IF AVAILABLE)