Our first gig of 2026 was an afternoon set seeing Ixaras supported by Charli Lucas at Richmond’s Leadbeater Hotel. And by the way, I’d just like to solidly advocate for more afternoon sets across the industry moving forward please.
Anyway, Continuing our run of great support acts we’ve managed to catch of late, Charli Lucas opened the show strong. Her powerful vocals and infectious energy made for an upbeat set. She set a nice balance between moving through her set of songs at a good pace whilst also taking time in between to feel relatable and genuine enough that it’s hard to imagine anyone in the room being anything but a fan by the end of her set.
But beneath that likeable veneer and stage presence is also an incredible songwriting talent. As we know I’m a lyrics gal at heart, and there were several moments in her set where I found myself going “ooh, that was nice”.
It was great to then see Ixaras take the stage for her first headline tour. Being an all ages gig it was a younger crowd and the excitement was palpable at times.
Ixaras is at her finest on stage when performing her most loud and powerful numbers (THIS CITY, CAUGHT UP). She feeds off the energy in those tracks which then bleeds into the audience and creates an electric atmosphere in the room. As she grows, I hope she leans into this more as a way to further elevate her show, especially to hold that connection as she moves into larger venues. Although, there was definitely a beauty in some of the quieter moments too with the crowd singing lyrics back to her.
She nailed the balance of crowd interaction for a venue of this size! From taking the asparagus thrown on stage and placing it behind her ear (for song sprouts – IYKYK) to responding to the calls for a “fit check”, it’s creating those special lifelong memories for fans, it’s making them feel a part of something that won’t just connect them with her forever but to the beauty of live music. It was great to witness and know that there are up and coming artists working to preserve this connection which at times feels like it’s disappearing.
This one was definitely a show where you could feel the joy in the room and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Find out more about Charli Lucas here.
About Ixaras
Ixaras is a queer Indie Pop Rock artist & songwriter raised in Meanjin/Brisbane who champions her self expression through the art of music and live gigs. Alongside her melodic ear worms and thought provoking lyricism about the complexities of growing up and young love, Ixaras epitomises the meaning of youth, inclusivity and accessibility today with her all-ages, DIY event management and record label ‘Anti-Dismal’ – throwing sold out gigs in backyards, skateparks, community halls and houses.
Find out more about Ixaras here.
Another vote for more afternoon gigs.
Yay!! Let’s start a revolution!