Get ready to experience a festive day like no other at PBS' Country Christmas on Sunday December 22 at the Lulie Tavern in Abbotsford from 3pm, entry is free. Hosted by PBS presenters, Ernie (Swinging Doors, Thursday afternoons) and Myles (5Ft High & Rising, Saturday mornings), this free event will feature performances from Hana & Jessie Lee's Bad Habits, Loretta Miller Band and Jim Lawrie.
Alt-country darlings Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits have been touring across the country on the back of their highly anticipated 2024 album Say What You Mean. On top of taking out the award for 'Best Country Work' at the recent Music Victoria Awards, the band have played multiple festivals including Queenscliff, Gympie Muster, Dashville, Out on the Weekend, Luliepalooza and The Bend Classic, whilst also landing spots at Port Fairy Folk Festival and Riverboats in 2025. The electric combination of Hana's searing effortlessly dextrous vocals, Jessie-Lee’s unmistakable jangly ear-worm guitar lines, and the Bad Habits burning rhythm section, create an incomparable machine that is nothing short of magnetic.
Melbourne's own musical shapeshifter, Loretta Miller will be taking the stage with her six-piece band. Known for her ability to seamlessly blend genres, Loretta's unique style draws from country, soul, and pop, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Loretta also fronts New Orleans inspired, rhythm ‘n’ soul purveyors JazzParty and her family band, The Dusty Millers. Her first solo single, 'Long Haired Girl', is a cosmic country anthem that will have you feeling the wind in your hair as it transports you through a journey of Californian canyons, melancholy roadhouses, and rock 'n' roll rhythms. Loretta Miller has a powerful voice and magnetic presence and captures the essence of Melbourne's vibrant country and soul scene.
Jim Lawrie is not just a singer songwriter, but the alt-folk musician will also be demonstrating his multitasking skills, shaking up cocktails as well as DJing after playing a solo set.
DJs Dave DeBrincat and Denise Hylands (RRR's Twang) will be spinning tunes between sets, offering the perfect mix of festive and country classics. Upstairs in Full Moon Fever will be DJ Brat Paisley will also be on the wheels of steel. Expect some special guests as well as country Christmas melodies.
For any last minute gifts, there'll be PBS merch available, as well as five stacked Christmas hampers up for grabs via a raffle - courtesy of event sponsors, Heaps Normal, Bodriggy Beer, Itinerant Spirits and PBS.
Lulie Tavern's kitchen will be open throughout the day. This event also coincides with PBS FM’s 45th anniversary weekend of broadcasting. Come celebrate!
Lulie Tavern is an accessible venue. If you have any specific questions regarding accessibility, you can contact the venue via .
Photo of Hana and JessieLee by Laura May Grogan.
This event takes place on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung peoples and the extended clans of the Kulin Nation. We recognise and celebrate their connection to songlines and Country, ceremony and story, and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
