Aussie Tours: Ben Harper, Monkees, Neville Staples

Australian fans of Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals will be among the first to hear its first album in eight years, Call It What It Is.

Photo: Tao Jones

Bluesfest (Byron Bay), Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Tyagarah, Australia

Live Nation is bringing the band, which found major success Down Under before the rest of the world, for six dates Nov. 22-30. They are mostly outdoor shows, including the steps of the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane’s Riverstage, Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, a Sunday night headline slot at the Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria, and the Kings Park & Botanic Garden in Perth, and a theatre date in Adelaide. Australian duo Pierce Bros, just back from North American and European shows, open on all dates.

The Monkees’ 50th anniversary tour extends to Australia and New Zealand. David Roy Williams and Nice Classics Present has them at 10 theatres Nov. 29 to Dec. 13.

Neville Staples, previously with British ska band The Specials and FunBoy3, returns behind the release of his new album Ska Crazy. Big Apachee has him at seven East Coast clubs July 28 to Aug. 6.

After making their bow at 2012’s inaugural Hoodoo Gurus-curated Dig It Up! Tour, Feel Presents has seminal garage band The Sonics at six clubs Sept. 23 to Oct. 2, with the Yours & Owls Festival Oct. 1.