HeartBeats: April 2025 [Earth Edition]

Holy moly, our first birthday is coming up! 🎉

Which means that Confest season is upon us! Last year, HeartBeats ran its very first open mic (originally called 'The Eddie Michael') in Edinburgh Gardens one week after bathing in the magic that is Confest. If you're unfamiliar what this festival is about.. The first thing that people tend to say when they've never been to this incredible gathering is "the one where everyone gets naked, right?" That's like saying, "Ohh, Paris, is that the place where everyone eats croissants?" Confest is so much more than sunburnt butt cheeks - its essentially a playground of expression, creativity, community, education, connection, music, general good vibes, and yes.. sometimes bums. One of the most loved elements of Confest is the 'Open Stage', which is a nightly open mic event where all forms of expression are celebrated on stage in front of a cosy and supportive audience. One week after ConFest, we decided that the world needs more of that kind of magic, so we ran our very first event. 150 people rocked up and the vibes were high AF, so we knew that this had to continue and it became the monthly event you know today as HeartBeats. So far we've run 15 open mics in 10 venues across Victoria (including Easter Confest, which is technically NSW).

This month is going to be a very special 1-year bday celebration and we will be riding the wave of Confest, which is happening one week before. If you're wanting more of those vibes, or you can't make it to the festival, HeartBeats is where you want to be. We have been creating themed months this year, and since during the weekend of Confest it will be 'Earth Day' (22nd April), we decided to call this one the 'Earth Edition'.  This is your invitation to share music, poetry, or art in celebration of Mother Nature and what she means for you. That said, there's no pressure to stick to the theme - you're welcome to express whatever feels true for you.

This month, we have another delicious lineup of talented feature artists coming your way. We'll be welcoming The Redwoods, The Victor Scale, and Neeko. More on them below..

* This event will sell out as it's coming hot off the tail of Confest, and it's our 1-year celebration - so please buy your ticket early. We will also be continuing our trial of full refunds right up until the event, so you can grab a ticket early without the fear of losing your money if your circumstances change. 

** Early bird tickets end April 13th. If you miss out on the early bird tickets and need $10 off because you are not in a financial position to pay full price, please send us a message to receive a discount code.

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What is HeartBeats?

At its core, HeartBeats is an open mic - but it's really so much more. It's a space to feel welcomed and supported, to share what's on your heart with a present, appreciative audience.

Music, poetry, comedy, or whatever moves you - this is a night for open expression. With so much talent in the HeartBeats community, we recommend arriving early to pop your name on the list. We won’t be able to fit everyone in, and we're sorry in advance if you miss out on stage time - but that's just more reason to keep coming back. There is never any pressure for you to perform or share, you're always welcome to just kick back on a cushion and enjoy the afternoon.

(P.S. Everyone who jumps up on stage gets a free cup of chai.)

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Location:

The Quadrophonic Club

345 Victoria St Brunswick 3056

When:

Sunday April 27th, 2025

3-7pm

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You can keep updated with events and artists at @heartbeatslive on Instagram. 

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Featuring this month:

We're excited to be having something different this month with an artist mash-up at the end featuring The Redwoods & The Victor Scale together sharing songs from each of their projects.

- The Redwoods

The Redwoods is the solo project of Melbourne-based artist Joshua Moore. Blending heartfelt storytelling with indie-rock roots, his sound draws inspiration from legends like Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and Tom Petty. With raw acoustic energy and poetic lyricism, The Redwoods captures the ache of memory, love, and change - music for open roads and quiet mornings alike.

- The Victor Scale

The Victor Scale is a heartfelt tasteful work of art that plays for healing and connection through the universal themes in life. Victor and his band translate the depth of reality into music and open the heart of the dancefloor. Come witness and feel the medicine.

- Neeko

Neeko is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who takes you on a soul searching journey as she explores what it is to live the human experience through her raw vocals, captivating lyrics and lush harmonies. She invites creativity in with an open heart and does not conform to any one genre, yet there is a common thread that weaves together all that she generates. More than anything, the music presents you with an opportunity to FEEL.

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☕ Chai Tent & Food

This month we have the beaurtiful Amila Kaye back to serve her delicious chai/cacao blend, and bliss balls throughout the afternoon.

We are also excited to welcome back the crew from Elders Roots, who will be serving up some amazing food that incorporates their delicious, locally sourced culinary mushrooms. 🍄‍🟫 

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💆 Zen Thai Massage

We’re lucky to have Zenthai practitioners offering bodywork (for a donation) during the event to help you unwind, ground, and stay connected.

What is Zenthai Shiatsu?

Zenthai Shiatsu blends Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage, and Osteopathic techniques into a holistic, hands-on therapy. It works with the body’s structure and energy, releasing tension and inviting freedom of movement.

What to Expect:

Sessions are fully clothed on a cushioned mat, using gentle stretching, pulsing, rocking, and moments of stillness. Each session is tailored to your needs - whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or focused therapeutic support.

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🎨 Art Zone

The Art Zone is back! We’ll have materials on hand for painting, drawing, and creating whatever your heart feels called to express. Settle into your flow state and add your own creative spark to the night.

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🧺 What to Bring to HeartBeats:

• Water
• Instruments
• Your form of expression (music, poetry, performance)
• Cushions, sheepies, blankets (help us make it extra cosy)
• Your wholesome, wonderful self

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Thanks to Hayley Jessup from Yana Productions for putting together this beautiful event poster. Get in touch with her if you need to tell inspiring stories through content.

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* If you can’t afford a ticket, please send us an email with your name and we will put you on the ‘Pay it forward’ list. heartbeatslive111@gmail.com.

** This is a community event project that is constantly evolving and we are open to any feedback or ideas to make it the best it can possibly be. Please email us with any thoughts, ideas, constructive feedback, etc. heartbeatslive111@gmail.com.

*** Please note that this is an alcohol and substance-free event.

**** This is also a leave-no-trace event, so please dispose of any rubbish yourself.

***** Photo and video content will be shot at this event. If you would not like to be captured on the day, please speak to one of the crew, or the content shooters.

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HeartBeats acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our events take place. We recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and Country. As our commitment to this acknowledgment, HeartBeats donates a portion of profits to the First Nations led organisation Community First Development.