Ballarat Blog #683

The Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival just rolled through town, with hotted up cars and rock’n’roll-clad men and women dressed to kill. The Rockabilly Babes Burlesque sold out for the fourth year running and the highlight of the weekend was the incredible Lance Lipinsky. The closest thing to Jerry Lee Lewis (since Jerry Lee Lewis) wowed the crowds with gigs on all four nights. ‘A Boy Like Me’ and ‘A Girl Like You’ is a great song and his cover of ‘Blueberry Hill’ was a real treat for those who managed to get along. Lipinsky is quite outspoken when it comes to having an opinion on the current state of music in the world. If you have a chance, get to his Facebook page and have a look at his video summing up modern music.
Finally, we have a new venue to support in Ballarat. The Lost Ones Contemporary Art Gallery and Basement Bar is in the heart of Ballarat at 14 Camp Street. The gallery is open between 11am and 4pm Wednesday to Sunday and the bar is open 2pm to 11pm Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 11pm Saturday, and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. The best news is that live music is a happening thing at this groovy little venue and Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys are playing on March 7. Don’t miss The Date Brothers, who will play on March 9, bringing their Gypsy Jazz to town. There are even Sunday sessions to help nurse you into the pending doom of another working week. The building itself is also quite special, and the place has been renovated with real thought.
Karova Lounge has Arian Lane playing on March 10. Lane was doing the folk thing with The Drowsy Maggies, but can now add rock chick to her resume. Teaming up with a few local musicians, the group has a distinctive sound with subtle ’90s influence, acoustic jams and just the right amount of teen angst. It’s $10 to get in with Ivy Streep and Sound Mountain the support acts.
The Athletic Brewery has just brewed another batch of its famous Pale Ale. It has been a long wait for locals who have an affinity for this beer. There is also a delicious New England Pale Ale on tap at the moment, which is also worth a try.
Written by Glen Anderson