The Upwey-Belgrave RSL will welcome a true icon of Australian music to its intimate stage on Saturday, 21 June.
As part of their ongoing “Story Teller” series, the RSL will host award-winning singer-songwriter and Goanna band member Marcia Howard for her acclaimed show House of Song, a powerful and personal 90-minute performance exploring four decades of music, memory, and meaning.
For the people behind the show, it’s more than just a gig. It’s a milestone.
Upwey-Belgrave RSL committee member and entertainment coordinator David Brimacombe said it’s big deal for the RSL.
“To be able to host someone like Marcia is very special. It shows we’ve built some real momentum, and that’s not easy,” he said.
Mr Brimacombe is the founder of the Story Teller series, which began in early 2024 as a response to the creative stagnation many artists in the Hills felt after the pandemic.
“Some of them, despite being supremely talented, even thought they might never perform again,” he said.
“I wanted to give them an opportunity to get back in front of people again – to tell the stories behind their songs and to share their music with a room that’s genuinely listening.”
Marcia Howard’s House of Song does exactly that. Blending concert, singalong and storytelling, the show takes audiences through her life in music – from her formative years in the Goanna band during the 1980s, through solo projects and international collaborations, to her 2016 appearance on The Voice Australia, where she reached a national audience once more.
She’ll be joined by her son, Liam Gubbins, on bass guitar and vocals. The show explores themes of family, politics and place, shaped by her Irish heritage, deep connection to Aboriginal Australia, and upbringing in a household filled with music.
The performance begins around 8.30pm, and guests are encouraged to arrive by 8pm at the latest if not dining. For those enjoying dinner, the kitchen will stop taking orders at 7.45pm.
The event is supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria, delivered by Music Victoria as part of the 10,000 Gigs initiative.
Since its first show over a year ago, the Story Teller series has become a regular fixture in the Hill’s music calendar. Each month, a carefully selected artist performs an original set, framed by stories and reflection.
“All of the artists have been hand-picked,” Mr Brimacombe said.
“We’ve invested in quality PA and lighting to make sure they feel comfortable and supported.”
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences have embraced the format, and artists – both local and visiting have praised the venue’s warm, attentive atmosphere.
“It does feel good,” he said.
“When people come up to us after a show and ask who’s on next, you know it’s working.”
Coming up after Ms Howard’s performance, the RSL will host internationally recognised blues artist Geoff Achison on July 19. Later in the year, Keith Potger will present a show celebrating 60 years of The Seekers.
Also scheduled are highly respected singer-songwriters Glyn Mason and Sam See, and Van Walker, with more acts to be announced as the year unfolds.
“Honestly, we’ve got an incredible list of artists we’re still speaking to,” Mr Brimacombe said.
“There’s no shortage of talent. Our biggest challenge is just having the people power to run more shows – we’re sticking to one a month for now.”
For Mr Brimacombe and the team of volunteers who keep the RSL running, it’s about more than entertainment.
“We want to stay connected with the community. Music and the arts are such a big part of life in the Hills. This series helps us do that and it’s something we’re really proud of.”
