No Money Weekend: May 15

We've thrown together a few potential pennny savers to keep your boredom at bay this weekend, across the nation. You never know where you might end up with Pilerats in your pocket - Perth's all about the Parisians and Pissedcoladas, in Brisbane dinner's coming out of shipping containers, Melbourne's moshing to Middle Eastern rock and being lured by Lynch. Tasmania is drunk on tequila, as per usual.

(Cover: Dark Youth)

PERTH

ON YA ONRA

Red Bull Music Academy brings another electrifying show to Perth this Friday featuring globe-trotting producer ONRA, aka Arnaud Bernard. The Parisian has taken his exciting live shows all over the world, influenced from a wide range of genres such as soul, funk and jazz. ONRA and his experimental RnB beats will be joined by electronic soul extraordinaire Flako (UK), and supported by some of our favourite WA lads Lower Spectrum, Daniel Dalton, Ben Taffe and Andrew Sinclair. Entry isn’t cheap, it’s completely free granted you RSVP your spot, which you should definitely do if you want to get in. And get there early - it's sure to be packed, and your RSVP doesn't guarantee entry once its full. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Fri May 15, 9pm, Parker Nightclub, 133 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Free with an RSVP. Find out more HERE.

Above: Onra

POR QUE NO LOS DOS?

When you’re planning an EP launch show for your band, it can be a tough choice between having your gig on a Friday or Saturday night. Perth surf-punks Aborted Tortoise have found the answer – why not have two parties! Friday night sees Tortoise team up for a Mojos EP Launch with Pilerats Records lads HAMJAM, as well as Doctopus, Pat Chow, Thee Gold Blooms and Yokohomos. Following this on Saturday, the Tortoise lads link up with The Pissedcolas, PUCK, Kitchen People and The Darling Rangers at the William Street Bird. For two nights of 10/10 local music and the opportunity to buy the new Aborted Tortoise EP on 12” wax, look no further. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Fri May 15 - Sat May 16, 8pm-late. Mojos (Fremantle) on Friday, William Street Bird (Northbridge) on Saturday. Entry fee TBC. More details here. 

DREAM POP FRIDAYS

The William Street Bird hosts Perth dream gazers Flower Drums on Friday as part of the last leg of their nation-wide 28 Mansions Tour, in support of their new EP. If you’d like to learn a bit more about Flower Drums, Pilerats recently went on a field trip with Flower Drums as part of Pile TV’s A Day With series (you can watch that HERE). Fait (Elise Higgins), Leafy Suburbs and RKDA (Melb) will join them on the night. Apparently, there’s a cheeky after party lined up too (*smirk face*). – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Fri May 15, 8pm, William Street Bird, 181 William Street, Northbridge. $5 on the door + courtyard food.

NO SHOES ON THE GREEN

If you need somewhere to hang head to North Perth Bowls Club for a night of cheap pints, music and lawn bowls. Perth songstress Mei Saraswati is joined by Eleventeen Eston, Rat Columns and Spirit Level + DJs. Along with your entertainment for the night will be bowls, pool tables, dartboards, and as many cheap pints as you can drink. North Perth Bowls Club never fails to deliver, but don’t be reckless and forget to go barefoot on the green. Don’t pour beer on the green either, that doesn’t work out well for anyone. – Charles Douglas

When & Where: Sat May 16, 5-10, North Perth Bowls Club, Woodville Reserve, North Perth. $5 entry + $5 bowls + cheap drinks. Details here.

SYDNEY

BIRDS IN BEER

In celebration of Women in League Round, Hotel Sweeney’s will be hosting a tap takeover with the all-ladies Two Birds Brewing geniuses running the show. Arguably one of Sydney’s best rooftop bars, Sweeney’s is the best place to get your buzz on amongst the buzz of the city. Not only will the tap takeover allow you to meet the brewers, you’ll also be able to try their selection of fantastic locally crafted beers and tap into their wisdom with your own questions. The lineup includes, Taco, Sunset, Hop Harvest and many more. There will be samples and giveaways so don’t miss out. – Sam Garcia

 When & Where: Fri 15 May, from midday, Hotel Sweeney’s Rooftop Bar, 236 Clarence St, Sydney. Free entry. 

ART IN THE PARK

The second installment of Art in the Park is happening this weekend at Sydney Park. Once again there will be live music, artists and ample cartwheeling space. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the artists and fellow art-lovers; even get in on some drawing and painting if you feel so inclined. The aim of the series is to break down the barriers between artists and audiences so even if you aren’t an art snob, get involved and get informed. Artists Rohan Goode, Skyriac, Tsuki and many more will be there so bring some mates and a picnic for what will undoubtedly be a cracker of a day in the Autumn sun. – Sam Garcia 

When & Where: Sat 16 May, from 1pm, Sydney Park, Sydney Park Rd, St Peters. Free entry.

SUBSONIC SOUND

The launch party for Subsonic Music Festival 2015 is going down over two days of solid partying. From 2pm Saturday till midday Sunday, you can soak in not only your own sweat but also that of other’s, as you groove to some world-class local artists. The lineup includes Gabby (Finely Tuned), Matt Weird (S*A*S*H), Robbie Lowe (Spice), MSG (Subsonic Music) among others. Subsonic music promises a sellout event so get your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are cheapest after 6am on Sundayso if six hours of partying is enough for, $10 is all you’ll pay. – Sam Garcia

 When & Where: Sat 16 May, from 2pm, The Bridge Hotel, 119 Victoria Rd, Rozelle. Tickets here.

INFINITY AND BEYOND

73 'til Infinity has been injecting a fresh monthly dosage of groove into Sydney's nightlife for a while now, and May is no exception. All for nothing at Play Bar tonight, good music good vibes only reign. Headlining the bill will be Yelo Magic of the Love Bombs crew, who will be dropping rare heat across Boogie, Disco, Soul, Beats, Afro, Hip-Hop and everything groovy beyond that. Edseven and Benny Hinn are backing up to keep the party going all evening. - Brad Nash

When & where: Fri 15 May, 6pm-12am. PLAY BAR, Basement 72 Campbell St, Surry Hills. Free.

WHEELIN & DEALIN

To put no finer point on it, the Sydney Rock 'n' Roll & Alternative Markets are fucking amazing value. It's 5 bucks to get in and a whole world of stuff for you to do all day will open up a whole world of cool shit to do, part market, part music festival, part meeting place. You'll find fashion galore, a bunch of hand made knick knacks for all your money squandering needs, and a dope rockabilly vs. ska music line up that features bands and DJ's grooving all day. - Brad Nash

When & where: Sun 17 May, 10:30am. Manning Bar, Sydney University. $5

STYLISH SERIES

The good folks at SERIES are back with a huge art show, and this time it's all female. Many very talented ladies are displaying their styles, and many styles displaying very talented ladies. Add that in to some free drinks courtesy of Young Henry's, music by Sista Act and Lil' Queefy, and the visual feast being put on by some of Sydney's most talented female artists, and you'll see why this event is called "The Ladies". All power to them. - Brad Nash

When & where: Sat 16 May, 6pm. District 01, 7 Randle Lane, Surry Hills. Free

MELBOURNE

TOODLES TO YOU

If You’re Reading This It’s Not Too Late to change your plans and get to the Crxzy Sxxy Cxxl Drake Special at Laundry Bar this Saturday. Ladies leave your man at home, life-size cut-out Drake will be floating around the d-floor and if you play it right you’ll be takin’ him back to yours (seriously, they are giving him away at the end of the night). Local DJs Mimi, Jade Zoe, Glass Mirrors and Oliver Francis have got you covered with beats from Drizzy himself to TLC to Kendrick. I know you got no money but you’ll be actin’ like money isn’t everything, there’s gon’ be $5 Champagne Papi’s and free entry all night, soak it up. – Holly Bodeker-Smith

Sat 16 May, 10pm – 3am. Laundry Bar, 48-50 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Free.

Above: DJ Mimi

PARIS PLEASE

Red Bull has always been good at handing out free shit but this weekend they’re lifting the bar and bringing out Onra. The Parisian producer has gained worldwide acclaim; making sounds that at times bring to mind a dismembered Chinese woman talking over a 90s Disney instrumental score and a familiar hip-hop beat. Supporting the man himself will be a string of fine DJs including Julien Dyne, Melbourne’s Edd Fisher & Jimmy Dawg. Entry is free and it’s expected to be huge so get in early to guarantee yourself a spot. – Holly Bodeker-Smith

 When & Where: Sat May 16 9pm – 4am. Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy St, St Kilda. Free.

CHEAP VINTAGE TINGS 

I don’t know about you but it’s that time of year when I’m realising how strapped for cash and simultaneously “desperate” for clothes I am. Sometimes a lady has gotta meet her bank account halfway and soak up some good old second-hand lovin’, and this weekend is a great op-portunity for that. Yesteryear is one of the best vintage retailers in Melbourne, if you’re impatient like me you’ll be glad to know it doesn’t take hunting for hours to find an exceptional one-off piece. Prices start at $5 and they’ll be rolling out new stock all weekend for you, roll up your sleeves. – Holly Bodeker-Smith 

When & Where: Fri 15 – Sun 17 May 9am – 5pm. Yesteryear Warehouse, 200 High st Northcote. Free entry and prices from $5.

A TOUCH OF TEL AVIV

 Middle Eastern garage punk rockers The Shabbab, reknowned for bringing a touch of Tel Aviv to Shepparton, bring their high energy show to Old Bar this weekend, ahead of their first national tour in launch of their fresh new 7-inch, 'The Wind/Baby's Gonna Get Deported', a release mastered by Melbourne punk royalty Mikey Young (UV Race, Boomgates). They're joined by ex-Perth three piece Mining Boom, always adept at bringing a high quality level of hook-laden slacker chill rock to the table. Gorsha, JAALA, and Truly Holy round out what looks to be an excellent night at the Old Bar. - Dani Marsland

When & Where: Fri May 15, 8pm. The Old Bar, 76 Johnston St, Fitzroy. $10

Above: The Shabbab

BRISBANE

DESERT DREAMS

ADELAIDE

DON'T PRETEND

Pink Noise Generator, the dark alt pop band that boasts Adelaide music scene veteran Matt Vecchio will be dishing up a sweltering lineup of hot alternative bands for the launch of their four track single ‘Don’t Pretend’. And no, it is not an EP. It is a four track single. Along for the ride is dark alternative surf rockers The Fyoogs, the funky ass Flower Punch and of course the psychedelic Sons of Zoku. Pink Noise Generator haven’t dropped a release in almost two years. This is set to be a great example of delicious basslines and funky grooves.

When and Where: Fri May 15, The Crown and Anchor, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide. (Free Entry)

DAT INSTORE THO

If you haven’t already heard Adelaide’s Clarity Records is turning five this year. To celebrate the masterminds behind the store are taking over the East End of the City and with six (SIX!!!) free live music performances to make what will be the birth of A Day of Clarity. Slated as a mini festival each gig will feature some of Adelaide’s best bands in some of the most popular venues in the city. The utterly fantastic Sparkspitter will be playing in store at Clarity Records with Canidae and Glass. This unique event will surely be a hot contender for your Saturday. 

When and Where: Sat May 16, Clarity Records, 60 Pulteney Street, Adelaide. (Free Entry) 

BEER GARDEN PUNS

This West Thebarton Brothel Party is sure to be a Sincerely Grizzly event, especially since Slick Arnold is involved. These three bands will be gallivanting their Clarity Records A Day of Clarity appearance in The Exeter Beer Garden. The Exeter Beer garden is infamous for its tightly packed and rowdy shows, all the more since they don’t often transform the beer garden into a stage. What better than some fierce riffing, grooving and moving from some of Adelaide’s most beer loving bands. Kicking off at 5:00pm in the arvo it will be a great way to start your Saturday night. 

When And Where: Sat May 16, The Exeter Beer Garden, 246 Rundle Street. (Free Entry)

CHILL TIMES

Hooray for A Day of Clarity. This is literally the one day of the year where there are actually so many free gigs in one day that you have to pick and choose which one you want to go to, and the lineups are terrific, so you’re gonna be doing some noodle scratching. Over at the Crown and Anchor front bar you will be serenaded by Ben David of Hardaches, Heath Anthony, Nina & Rueben (of Hightime), Bec Stevens and Todd Fogerty. This one boasts the largest line up for A Day of Clarity! Will this be your night out?

When And Where: Sat May 16, The Crown and Anchor Front Bar, 196 Grenfell Street, Adelaide. (Free Entry)

NO MONEY RELAPSE

This Day of Clarity show features all bands who have already been graced by the No Money Weekend Guide. There’s St. Morris Sinners who supported the Shabbab not long ago, Stabbithia & The Knifey Wifeys who lauded the most brutal gig line up ever, and Julliette Seizure & The Tremor Dolls, who recently played at No Money Destination Ancient World! Performing at the Exeter Front Bar straight after the beer garden gig wraps up it should be interesting to see so many bands who boast intense performances kicking it in a small space. Get yourself amongst it!

When and Where: Sat May 16, The Exeter Front Bar, 246 Rundle Street, Adelaide. (Free Entry)

Above: Stabbitha and the Knifey Wifeys

CLARITY FOR DAYS

Yet another gig in the Day of Clarity lineup! This is shaping up to be one of the most awesome and unique bloc parties Adelaide will have seen in a while, and is sure to be a bustling hum jub of music fanatics in the East end of the city. In the Crown and Anchor Band Room we have the only Clarity line up featuring interstate artists, with Adelaide’s own God God Dammit Dammit and Beaver being joined all the way from Victoria by Clowns and Summer Blood Pro-Tools. If all this choice isn’t making you anxious then your Valium is totally working. 

When and Where: Sat May 16, The Crown and Anchor Band Room 

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW THE RAIN HAS GONE

The final gig on the Day of Clarity line up will be available to you at The Producers Bar. Oh did I mention to you that all of this gigs are within 50-200 metres of each other? Yeah you’ll totally be able to criss-cross your way through the town like a gallivanting cheapskate of the night. Here you’ll find The Weight, A Ghost Orchestra, Reactions, Worldview and Melchoir all performing free of charge for your sonic pleasure. Which gig will you go to? Who will you see? Will you spend your time wandering aimlessly and indecisively between venues? Find out on Saturday. 

When and Where: Sat May 16, The Producers Bar, 235 Grenfell Street, Adelaide. Free.

IS THAT THE REAL TOMORROW RISING?

Fresh from supporting Short Stack Adelaide pop punk kids Tomorrow Rising have teamed up with Washed Up Promotions to bring you a large line up of rock and prog acts. Along with Tomorrow Rising you will find For Millenia, Larsen and new kids on the block SIAMESE. In expensive turn of events this one will cost you $6 to get in. It’s in a small capacity venue and is an all ages event for all you less than legal cheapskates out there it’s time to pack away your homemade plastic bong and go to a live music show. (Or bring it to the show and rip one in the pit. I’ll give you a hi-five)

When and Where: Sat May 16, The Bluebee Room, 131 Pirie Street, Adelaide ($6 Entry) 

EXOTIC TROPICAL MADNESS

Stefinski Fitzpretzel (whether this name is on her birth certificate is yet to be confirmed) drummer of The Tangled Bark, Anya Anastasia and Bitchspawn is heading off to the United States of America, so her band mates and friends are throwing her a great big farewell party gig at the Crown & Sceptre. There will be cabaret, Latin grooves and experiential factors words cannot even describe. Anya Anastasia and Funk Latin Union will join The Tangled Bark in the free extravaganza. That’s it for me. I hope you’re feeling spoilt for choice. It’s just another week at the Pilerats No Money Gig Guide. 

When and Where: Sat May 16, The Crown & Sceptre, 308 King William Street, Adelaide (Free Entry)

All Adelaide editorial by Jonty Czuchwicki

TASMANIA

NOT ACTUALLY TOM WAITS

Not actually a Tom Waits concert, cause I doubt that would cost less than $10 unless it was 20 in 1985. Frankie's Empire is doing a "Season of tributes" to Tom Waits over the month of May and early June. It promises to be an evening of artistry and pathos combining nearly 40 misunderstood stories and rhymes. There have already been certain assurances made: that grown men will cry, that there will be more culture than a foreign language, and exclusive shows that will probably never be repeated.  - Tom Wolff 

When & Where: Fri May 15. Frankie's Empire, 129 Elizabeth St, Hobart. $10 entry (food extra, BYOG)

SOMETHING FISHY 

Despard Gallery down in Salamanca is currently exhibiting FISH, a body of work by Hobart based artist Sebastian Galloway that follows the life of a fish from life to death, using the traditional method of still life. That sounds a bit dull right? Well it ain't just any still life - the paintings convey a type of hyper-realism due to the incorporation of photography, collage and digital manipulation in the works. In addition, the contrast of striking colour with dark shaded backgrounds ensure the captivation of the audience in the seemingly uneventful life of a regular fish. He's a super talented guy, so get down and support local Tassie artists!- Tom Wolff 

When & Where: Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm (Exhibition runs till June 7) Despard Gallery, 15 Castray Esplanade
, Hobart. Free entry

SUCK A GOAT 

You may be wondering why I've named this suck a goat, and with good reason. Well being well versed in the Spanish language I can inform you that 'chupa' means suck and 'cabra' means goat. Now I can tell you that Chupacabra is here to make you dance. Additionally, I can inform you that Chupacabra are known to love sleazy horn lines, hot guitar and cumbia bass. And also chickens and rum. Going to see Chupacabra means anything goes. And hopefully that anything involves dancing because people that don't dance are, to be frank, sad, depressing individuals.  Turn that cold wintery Saturday night into a blur of tequila, cumbia and a few trumpets. And if that wasn't good enough, another local favourite Howlin' Jim and his Hot 3 are kicking off the vibe train early.  ¡Baila cabrones! - Tom Wolff

 When & Where: Sat May 16. The Grand Poobah, 142 Liverpool St, Hobart. (18+ only), 9pm. $5 entry. 

If you've got some great ideas for free things to do on the weekend, we'd love to include them in our No Money Guide. Just let dani@pilerats.com know the details before next Thursday. We're on the hunt for another Melbourne writer, too - if you're able to contribute a written round-up of three great cultural / music events in Melbourne each week, get in touch.