25/08/2026
TONIGHT at MBAS – NICK CHARLES + BLUES JAM!🔥🎸🔥 FREE ENTRY. Book by 2:30pm today for guaranteed table seating – walkups are welcome and doors open at 6:30pm for meals. Nick Charles is on at 8pm + Blues Jam at 9pm. 🎶💙🎥NOTE: We LIVESTREAM the Feature Act from 8pm every Tuesday! Go to the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society - MBAS page to view.
MBAS 'HOUSE OF BLUES' @ FLEMINGTON BOWLS CLUB
Tuesday 25th AUGUST 2026 • FREE ENTRY, all welcome!
8:00pm: Feature act: NICK CHARLES
9:00pm – 11:00pm: Blues Jam (Jammers to register by 8:30pm)
6:30pm: Doors open + KITCHEN OPEN FOR MEALS (6:30pm – 8:30pm)
FREE entry and walkups are always welcome, but attendees are encouraged to pre-book via the MBAS website for guaranteed table seating. Please 'BOOK' a single or multiple (group) ticket here: https://www.mbas.org.au/house-of-blues-25-08-2026
🎶🎥NOTE: The Feature Act is LIVESTREAMED on the night from 8:00pm via the MBAS page.
NICK CHARLES has long been recognized as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues” – as first quoted decades ago in a review by The Age. In the intervening years, Nick has amassed dozens of prestigious music awards in regignition of his sublime talent as a musician, songwriter and performing artist. The legend has grown with every US tour, now totalling 13, and every new acclaimed album – now more than 20. Locally, Nick has headlined at most Australian blues, folk and jazz festivals including 25 times at Port Fairy, and multiple appearances at many others.
Still riding high from an outstanding success in 2025 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis USA, where his world class talent placed him in the Top 5 worldwide in the IBC Final in the Solo/Duo Category. Nick was also honoured at the IBC with being presented with the Best Solo/Duo Guitarist Award. Huge achievements on an international stage from a staggeringly large competitive field, further highlight Nick’s standing. At a time in life where others are considering retirement, Nick Charles is still in demand, winning new fans, kicking higher goals and performing at his peak.
Classic blues and country fingerstyle underpins a vast repertoire, but the influences are diverse. They range from his ragtime guitar heroes Big Bill, Blind Blake and of course Robert Johnson but include obvious references to players as eclectic as Doc Watson, Merle Travis and the modern school of John Fahey, Leo Kottke and even the English icons Bert Jansch and others. Along the way you will hear a lifetime’s stories and songs from a vast career. A superb time is guaranteed for lovers of fine acoustic music!
Photo credit: Sean Clohesy
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ABOUT THE MBAS: Formed in 1990, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) is a not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer team of blues music lovers. MBAS hosts free Tuesday night live music events and jams at its clubhouse at Flemington Bowls Club, alongside producing special ticketed events and a free "Blues Weekly" e-newsletter. All MBAS initiatives – including the annual International Blues Challenge, Women 'N' Blues and Youth in Blues Programs – are funded by weekly raffle drives, Membership fees and donations. Thank you to President & Committee of the Flemington & Kensington Bowling Club for hosting all our live blues music events.
