You see, today is National Slam Day – an event celebrating the small pubs, clubs and bars that are the lifeblood of our local scene.

The day was born out of the Slam Rally, in which more than 20,000 people marched down Swanston Street in response to the state government’s liquor licensing laws two years ago today.

A handful of specially curated Slam Day gigs will take place across the city and inner suburbs tonight, at venues including Yah Yah’s, The Toff in Town, Northcote Social Club and The Tote.

For more information and listings, visit the National Slam Day site.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Want to get your hands on a pre-loved piece of clothing signed by Moby, Kasey Chambers or Neil Finn? Then head to your local Vinnies Centre.

More than 40 autographed items donated by Australian and international music artists (and even former Midnight Oil frontman turned federal politician Peter Garrett) have been scattered at Vinnies stores across the country, waiting to be discovered and sold.

Fans can jump online and discover clues to help them track down particular items; visit signedfinds.com

MUST SEE

Melbourne’s Puta Madre Brothers is a live act like no other. Think three one-man bands (each with a drum and guitar) joining forces as one to sing in broken Spanish, and you’re halfway there. The trio launches its new album It’s a Long Long Way to Meximotown on Saturday.

D: Saturday V: East Brunswick Club

$: $15 plus booking fee

WITH A BULLET

It seems Gotye has a new career highlight every week. Fresh from topping Triple J’s Hottest 100, the Melbourne artist’s mega-single Somebody That I Used To Know last week hit number one in the UK singles chart (where it sits above the likes of David Guetta and will.i.am).

The duet with Kimbra has now reached number one in 11 countries including Germany, Poland and Ireland. Gotye – aka Wally de Backer – is currently on a sold-out tour of North America and Europe, which will wrap up with an appearance at Coachella in April.