May’s best live music events in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Read about upcoming shows across the east.
Matthew Sims
April 30, 2026
From Aussie pop rock legends to an American blues singer-songwriter, here are some of the gigs to check out across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in May.
Like the look of our live music guide but think we’ve missed something? Let us know via an email to [email protected].
Ruthie Foster
With a career spanning back to 1997 and hailing from Texas, Grammy-nominated blues and folk singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster will be sharing stories from her musical journey while taking audiences through her hits and deeper cuts.
When: Friday May 1, 8pm
Where: Burrinja Cultural Centre, 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey
Cost: $83
Kris Mizzi
Named one of the recipients of the Solo Artist of the Year award at the 2021 Australian Folk Music Awards, Kris Mizzi blends precise fingerpicking on his guitar with a gentle vocal style.
When: Friday May 8, 8.30-11pm
Where: The Concert Lounge, Croydon Bowling Club, 212 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon
Cost: $25
Steve Kilbey
Steve Kilbey. Credit: Bruce Baker
One of the founding members of Australian rock band The Church – still touring and recording new material after first forming in 1980 – frontman and multi-instrumentalist Steve Kilbey has a significant solo catalogue of his own.
When: Friday May 15, 8-9.50pm
Where: The Round, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: $62.90
Rogue Traders
If you turned on the radio in 2005, Rogue Traders’ hits like “Voodoo Child”, “Way to Go!” and “Watching You” were inescapable.
The pop rock outfit, led by former Neighbours actress and TV personality Natalie Bassingthwaite, are celebrating the 21st anniversary of their breakout album Here Come the Drums alongside tracks off their upcoming album.
When: Saturday May 16, 8pm
Where: York on Lilydale, 138 York Road, Mount Evelyn
Cost: $49.90
False Morels
Indie rock outfit False Morels will be playing their first-ever show at Sooki Lounge later this month, with experimental synth-funk-punk project Electric Self as the support act.
When: Sunday May 24, 4pm
Where: Sooki Lounge, 1648 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
Cost: $19.40
The Choirboys
First founded in 1978, pub rock group The Choirboys still include founding frontman Mark Gable and bassist Ian Hulme, with lead guitarist Brett Williams joining the band in 1987.
The band will be taking fans all the way back to the beginning for a journey through some of Australian rock's best legends, tales and myths.
When: Saturday May 30, 8pm
Where: Karralyka Centre, 22A Mines Road, Ringwood East
Cost: $79