The Gasoline Pony

It begins. Marrickville Music festival is Go. Come on down.14 bands 2 stages.

It begins. Marrickville Music festival is Go. Come on down.

The Gasoline Pony will again be the place on Sunday when the Marrickville Music Festival takes over the suburb. The festival is a sprawling, noisey, colourful and occasionally chaotic celebration of our vibrant creative community. It brings together a diverse program that showcases the music, the food, the style and the up-for-it sass of the Inner West. Expect to see a plethora of artists across multiple stages and a huge variety of musical genres. Along with dozens of wandering musos, the Festival will have seven stages across the site, including the Gasoline Pony Laneway Stage, where a legion of local legends will be cutting loose!

FOOD AND DRINK

The Pony team have created a bunch of special treats designed to enhance the festival vibe. The inside bar is open from midday, serving beer, wine, bubbles, spirits, soft drinks and festival friendly food. There'll also be a pop-up bar outside near the Gaspo Laneway stage, directly behind the Pony on Central Ave which will be dishing out cold beers and special cocktails. And music. Did we mention the music? Check this out...

OUTSIDE STAGE

Meshky: 12:00pm: A gypsy punk courted a cabaret star and the result was Meshky. This eclectic troupe is best described as a passionate, danceable and delightful dalliance between interpretation, performance and spontaneity. Meshky

Patina: 1:00pm: Mixing the old with the new, Patina are a three-piece (or occasional duo) formed on Gadigal and Darug land. They have been tantalising audiences with their Klezmer, Tango and folk punk stylings, all presented with their unique sheen. Patina

Outback Traitors: 2:00pm: The Outback Traitors are from Sydney's Inner West. They like to think they’re from an authentic country music background but, really, they're just urban dwellers who love craft beer, good coffee and Subaru Outbacks - hence the name. They play an addictive blend of alt-country, Americana and bluesy originals, with a handful of covers from bands like Son Volt, Paul Burcher, Jimmy Murphy and Hank Williams. The Outback Traitors

Runners & the Young: 3:00pm: Runners and the Young take a modern aesthetic to a classic Australian sound, with dashes of earthy US alt-country, and classic British post-punk for good measure. Their music reflects the country they live in - panoramic, open, lush and diamond-hard in equal parts. Great songs underpinned by superb craft and beautiful arrangements. Runners and the Young

Smoking Ruins: 4:00pm: The Smoking Ruins write and play wry, moody pop music befitting a world in bits. Melodic hooks, savvy lyrics, synth swashes and dance beats are telltale signs of the band’s past musical exploits that include pel mel, Lighthouse Keepers, Love Gone Wrong, Suzy and the Snakepit, The Martini Shakers and more. The Smoking Ruins

Smashed Avocados: 5:00pm The Smashed Avocados are a hard-rocking 3-piece pub rock band from Sydney’s Inner West. Since forming, they’ve been busy performing, smashing, and gearing up to release their debut EP “Rockamole”. Their debut single “My Name is Jim”, is an absolute pub rock banger with an infectious chorus that will even have your Nan chanting by the end! The follow-up release ‘“Hey Ga”, is a nostalgic tune for you to get lost in. The Smashed Avocados

INSIDE STAGE

But wait, there's more, the Pony will also have a full day and night of live music on our inside stage featuring this lot.

Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well: 12.30pm: Sydney songbird Charley Castle's old-is-new brand of bluegrass connects elements of bygone folk and country with modern sensibilities. An infectious performer and devastating songwriter, half an hour in her world spans the spectrum from heartbreaking to holler-inducing. With a fresh book of songs and a penchant for soaring harmonies, she'll be backed by her trusty band The Boys in the Well. Charley Castle

Winter Starlings:1.30 pm: Raw folk/rock out of Sydney ... have double-bass will travel (in a big car or kombi van) Winter Starlings

El Guido 2.30pm: Squeeze box trio with unspeakably inarticulate circus skills!

Michigan Water 3.30pm: Two fellas called Mike bonded over pre-war blues and folk. A little later the Mikes were joined by a swinging rhythm section. Together they interpret down home blues classics in their own unique style, adding fresh energy to overlooked gems by Johnson, Carter, Tampa Red, & more. Not your typical blues band! Michigan Water

Mercury Blues 4.30pm: Blues from Elvis, Stones, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. Mercury Blues

The Night Packers 5.30pm: The Night Packers play new wave, post-punk, Indie Rock of the finest kind. The band has energy, attitude and swing. Their debut single, 'Australian Actors', is killer old school authentic underground rock'n'roll. Their debut EP, 'Loose Carry', is a near perfect package of post-punk gems. 'Right Head, Right Now' is the first joyous single from the EP. Think Flying Nun Records, think The Clean at their most exciting! The Night Packers

The Too Easy Band 6.30pm: Built around the singular, finely-crafted, song-writing of Bow Campbell (SXY XMS, Dead Marines, Front End Loader) – and featuring understated, simpatico, backing from Elmo, Ben and AJ – The Too Easy Band are a serious proposition. Melodic, intelligent, darkly humorous and more than a little melancholy. The Too Easy Band

The Moonlighters 7.30pm: The Moonlighters are a band with a single mission: to bring the groove to the people. We want to make you sweat, grind and party like it's 1999. The Moonlighters

Did you catch Australian Story this week? It was all about Gus and his life-changing mountain climbing experiences. Turns out this Gus is the same Gus who smashes out excellent pop punk rock’n’roll with The Smashed Avocados who, as fate would have it, are playing here at The Gasoline Pony Laneway Stage on Sunday as part of the Marrickville Music Festival. Check it out here: Watch the Australian Story:

Australian Story: Series 2024 Holding On - Gus Taylor Two rock climbing accidents dealt Gus Taylor devastating blows. But now he realises climbing is the best teacher he's ever had.

Here's what's rockin' this weekend

We're thrilled to present a bunch of great bands on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. Unfortunately there won't be any live music on Sunday afternoon, but we will be open for drinks and food from 3pm if you're keen to avoid all the footy Grand Final palaver....

Green Mohair Suits Album Launch! with Bower!
A quartet of expressive songwriters that take their four-part harmonies as seriously as their dedication to a good time. Green Mohair Suits (Brian Campeau, Richard Cuthbert, Jason Mannell, and Ben Romalis) hold a reputation for inspired showmanship and performances as brash as they are emotive. Their inspired musicianship and nearly 2 decades together has seen them amass a vast catalog of original tunes – a solid mix of heartbreak and hangover, humour and humility. Occupying a broad musical landscape somewhere between Gram Parsons, Beck, Buddy Holly and The Beach Boys, Green Mohair Suits’ style basks in the glow of their self-coined “Garage-grass”. Fans should expect happy sad songs (or sad happy songs) in a harmonious blur of booze-soaked good times. Tix: https://www.trybooking.com/CVSQP

The Martini Shakers + Sunset Orange
3pm Sat
Sounds like a couple of swanky cocktails doesn't it??... But its just another afternoon of great music with two beaut bands. The MARTINI SHAKERS play Tex-Mex, countrified Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Boogie & some super interesting & slightly obscure covers. Songs that you'll know & love! If you like your music to be unique & with a lot of life, energy & style, coupled with fabulous singing & passion. SUNSET ORANGE celebrate the music of iconic artists we all loved. Think 70s-90s covers, plus a few originals for good measure. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVFVM

Exploding Happiness @ Gaspo
7pm Saturday
A local funky jazzy collective who've been rocking the Marrickville delta since forever! Big on feel, big on groove and big on number of band members. With horns a'plenty, lots of keys, loads of guitar and tonnes of drums, they are a living, breathing funky multitude. Tix: https://www.trybooking.com/CVQHV

Read the full monthly gig list here: https://mailchi.mp/4f3a8963828a/the-grass-is-always-greener-at-the-gaspo

A quartet of expressive songwriters that take their four-part harmonies as seriously as their dedication to a good time. Green Mohair Suits (Brian Campeau, Richard Cuthbert, Jason Mannell, and Ben Romalis) hold a reputation for inspired showmanship and performances as brash as they are emotive. Their inspired musicianship and nearly 2 decades together has seen them amass a vast catalog of original tunes – a solid mix of heartbreak and hangover, humour and humility.

Occupying a broad musical landscape somewhere between Gram Parsons, Beck, Buddy Holly and The Beach Boys, Green Mohair Suits’ style basks in the glow of their self-coined “Garage-grass”. Fans should expect happy sad songs (or sad happy songs) in a harmonious blur of booze-soaked good times.
Tix: https://www.trybooking.com/CVSQP

Green Mohair Suits Album Launch! with Bower!

October is primed to go off here at the Pony. Fantastic bands with live music most nights of the week, plus the humongous Gaspo Laneway Stage event on Sunday 13 October, as part of the Marrickville Music Festival. Come on in, the water's fine!

Meshky, Orpheus @ Gaspo, Green Mohair Suits Album Launch! with Bower!, The Martini Shakers, Exploding Happiness @ Gaspo, Andsome Friends, Tadhg Kelly debut single release w' Milly McPherson, Patina, The Outback Traitors, Runners and the Young, The Smoking Ruins, The Smashed Avocados, Charley Castle, Winter Starlings, Michigan Water, Mercury Blues, The Night Packers, The Too Easy Band, Brendan Gallagher, The Moonlighters, The Corduroy Suite + Dusken Lights (in duo mode), Queen Porter Stomp, Thoughts & Prayers, Grace Barr, The Double Dole Stringband, Charlotte Le Lievre, Swansea Hit and Run, The Perfect Strangers, Winterfox, The Lamplighters

Here's what's rockin' this weekend... If music was sport, this weekend would be the grand final at the Pony. Loads of great bands playing so come on down and cheer along.

The Patsy Recliners + Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well
7pm Fri 27 Sept
As the name suggest The Patsy Recliners are all about country and western, with a generous serving Americana and bluesy pop on the side. Patsy would approve! Sydney songbird Charley Castle's old-is-new brand of bluegrass connects elements of bygone folk and country with modern sensibilities. An infectious performer and devastating songwriter, half an hour in her world spans the spectrum from heartbreaking to holler-inducing. With a fresh book of songs and a penchant for soaring harmonies, she'll by her band, The Boys in the Well. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVMJY

Paul Hayward & Sidekicks play Sat Arvo Instrumentals (Don't mention the umm..!)
3pm Sat 28 Sept
Join us for a lazy afternoon of original show tunes, spaghetti western and everything in between! Paul and co are excellent and experienced musicians with a deep love of cinematic sounds. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVQFX

The Keybroads
7pm Sat 28 Sept
They're back! And this time on a SATURDAY!!! so no lame it's a school-night excuses! All women, all red hot piano ticklers, all class, all night long. This time, in no particular order, we present: The Siren Of Silence (solo) Olivia Wallis, Marlena Watkins, Analise Wren, Sam Sly (it's her birthday so give her stuff) and Charli Simons. Turn up or they'll make you watch the football... Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVUGQ

Meshky and Friends
5pm Sun 29 Sept
Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVOIT
This eclectic troupe is best described as a passionate, danceable and delightful dalliance between interpretation, performance and spontaneity.
5pm El Guido
6pm Regardless
7pm Meshky

Full gig guide for the next month:
https://mailchi.mp/4ddfb7b7590a/changing-of-the-guard-farewell-fiona-welcome-angela?e=22594e8feb

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Farewell Fiona. Welcome Angela

It is with mixed emotions we announce that Fiona Cook, the co-creator/owner, licensee and manager, is leaving the Gasoline Pony after guiding it for the past 11 years.

With brother Elmo, the Fiona created the Pony from nothing and turned it into one of the best small bars / live music venues in the inner-west, if not all of Sydney. From the beginning, the Pony has been a place run by music nuts, for music nuts. Well-loved by fans and performers alike, the Gasoline Pony sits at the beating heart of Marrickville’s vibrant, creative community.

“Leaving the Pony was a tough decision as it’s been such a huge part of my family’s life for so long. But the time is right. Even though there have been tough times, like COVID, they are far outweighed by the years of good times - which will always stay with me. I have loved every minute,” said Fiona.

“I’d just like to thank all of the fabulous friends and creative Gaspo staff over the years who helped turn my crazy dream into a reality. I’m very proud of what we have achieved together.

“I’d also like to thank all the bands, choirs and artists who filled the air with music most nights of the week. And finally, I want to say a huge thank you everyone who turned up and bought a beer, had a chat, sang along, danced badly, made new friends, and became part of the extended family clan that is the Gaspo.

“Leaving something like the Pony is difficult but I feel okay about it because I know it is going to be in good hands. Angela will be an amazing new leader, and all the key staff including Elmo, Pearl, Joe and the rest, will be here doing what they do.

“As for me, I’m looking forward to having time to relax with family (mum is 90) and friends, starting the 11 year long list of hobbies / jobs around the house / travel and having a bevvie at the Pony – which will always be my favourite bar,” said Fiona.

WELCOME ANGELA!

I am incredibly excited and honored to be the new custodian of the Pony. After 25+ years of corporate life and the milestone of hitting my 40s… I decided to take the plunge and jump into the small business world, a goal of mine all along.

In my search, Gasoline Pony was a standout … a very cute and cosy venue with unrivalled support from the local community … Amazing.

Then I got to meet Fiona, Elmo and the amazing crew of staff, and many of you, our treasured customers and bands. I knew at that point I had found a new home.

I am a mum of two; with a daughter in her 20s, a son in his teens, along with a 2 year old Spoodle with separation anxiety (interesting times).

Fiona has been such a fantastic matriarch of the Pony and has been on hand for me across the transition process, who knew you could still learn so much…? In terms of what the Gasoline Pony looks like moving forward… same amazing crew, same fantastic music, same events.

There will be a few decor changes to the courtyard area that you will hopefully love, (our newly recruited artist is a Marrickville local), and some tweaks to the food menu and cocktails with our new chef and the change of season. Bring on Spring / Summer and extra daylight hours!

Fiona has done such an amazing job with the Pony since its inception, and I wish her and her family a very well deserved break. I have it on good authority however that you will continue to see her here at her favourite Sydney drinking hole and I very much look forward to joining her on that side of the bar for a drink or two!

And as for me, I will be here all the time, so please come and have a chat next time you pop in. Thank you so much for being part of the Pony family. Can't wait to meet you all. xx

Marrickville Music Festival Is Returning with a Lineup of Local Talent This October Celebrate Marrickville’s vibrant culture and diverse community at the free Marrickville Music Festival on Saturday, October 13.

Swinging Sixties SING ALONG
7pm Sat 21 Sept (tickets going fast!!!!)

As the lyrics are projected on the big screen, our small but perfectly formed houseband will provide an appropriately alluring musical backing.

Meanwhile, you'll be dressed in your fabulous Carnaby St clobber, sipping an elegant cocktail, and dazzling all with your best Shirley Bassey impression.

Then you’ll do your best Lulu, then Dusty Springfield, a Beatle, a Kink and a Rolling Stone. You know the drill.

These are some of the most singable songs ever, so come and sing them! This will be glorious and silly in equal measure.

Do you sometimes think that 'too much rock'n'roll' is barely enough? Yes? Excellent! We do too and to that end we have the perfect week full of frolics coming right at you. Feast your eyes and ears on all of this... http://eepurl.com/iZD1N-/

Who's Your Daddy?
7pm Fri 20 Sept
Who’s Your Daddy? are an excellent seven-piece party band who always deliver the unexpected, with buckets of panache. From twanging country, to wailing blues, to straight up rock’n’roll. Their eclectic setlist reflects the band’s own wide-ranging musical interests and their laser-like focus on having fun. If you’re looking for a good time band with plenty of heart and zero pretension, the Daddies will set your night on fire. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CUUJH Who's your Daddy?

MANGROVE SWAMP
3pm Sat 21 Sept
Cool, laid back, funky five-piece, offering enigmatic interpretations of soul, rock, country and blues. Perfect musical backdrop for an afternoon of leisurely lagers with fam and friends. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CVHFL

Swinging Sixties SING ALONG
7pm Sat 21 Sept (tickets going fast!!!!)
As the lyrics are projected on the big screen, our small but perfectly formed houseband will provide an appropriately alluring musical backing. Meanwhile, you'll be dressed in your fabulous Carnaby St clobber, sipping an elegant cocktail and dazzling all with the best Shirley Bassey you can do. Then the best Lulu, the Dusty Springfield, then a Beatle, a Kink and a Rolling Stones. These are some of the most singable songs ever, so come and sing them! This will be glorious and silly in equal measure. Familiarise yourself with the tunes here on Spotify Pre-book your tix here https://www.trybooking.com/CTBWC

The Fabulous Moriarty Brothers
5pm Sun 22 Sept
A jolly jaunt through The Gadflys back catalogue, influences and roots. This will be a rare and special performance. Not to be missed. Tix https://www.trybooking.com/CUUGV

Gaspo Quiz and Games night
6.30pm Wed 25 Sept
After the stunning success of our first two games nights, we're rolling the dice again. What to expect? Thrills, spills, joy, laughter and tears - and that's just our hosts Pearl and Joe explaining the rules. Stupid games, stupid answers, stupid prizes. Mockery, mimicry and unbridled merriment. Lack of general knowledge is not a barrier to participation and could, in fact, be an asset.