Front Bar / Free Show

‘My First Rodeo’ is an alt country/folk band currently residing in Naarm/Melbourne Australia and fronted by New Zealand born singer-songwriter, Connor Kerr-Newell. After years in Wellington fronting the heavy hitting ‘Sink the Bismarck’, Connor made his way to Melbourne. Since then he has returned to his country/folk/blues roots, releasing two solo albums ‘Live from No.5’ and ‘You Lucky Devil’. In December 2025 ‘My First Rodeo’ released their debut self-titled album showcasing Connor's progression into the leader of a close-knit group, bringing out the warm country tones that are foundational to his sound, while pushing forward into the thick textures of today’s folk landscape.

The Retreat Hotel would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Retreat now stands, and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that our venue operates on stolen land.