What's on in Ballarat

Finally, the sun has come out in Ballarat and the locals have a pep in their step as the days are getting longer and there is plenty to get out and about to see.
Seven piece outfit from Melbourne Fulton Street will bring their original soul music sounds to the Goldfields. Having cut their teeth at the famed Cherry Bar, the band have also had some airplay on triple j and PBS. Influenced by the likes of Otis Redding, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, the band have the soul world waiting with baited breath as they record their first album this year. Karova Lounge will host them on 22 September. Doors open at 8pm and it’s $10 to get in!
Missbehavin’ have been a popular band that get around Ballarat often and will play their rock/pop covers down at Irish Murphy’s also on the 22nd September.
Cabaret Club will have The Little Brass Band – Jive For Five on Sunday 23 September, 2-4pm. It’s free to get in, so get ya jive on and get down there and have a swingin’ time!
If you are looking for something a little different, then head in to the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute to see some jazz as the JMA Jazz Ensemble will do their thing from 7.30-10.30pm on Friday 28 September. Tickets are $20. Made up of four of the brightest graduates from the James Morrison Academy, the band performs mostly original contemporary jazz written by its members. Special guest on the night will be double bass player Hiroki Hoshino. Sounds like a blast!
Cubby Haus Brewery have a live musician playing from 3pm on Saturday 29 September. Corey Hewitt will belt out covers and originals as you taste the local ales from one of our local brewers.
Good vibes are happening at The Lost Ones with the Bar Choir led by Mary Card. Apparently you need to book in advance as this has become a very popular event, inspiring people to head out and try out their windpipes. It happens once a month, generally on a Wednesday night. It might be best to follow their page on Facebook to avoid disappointment.
The George Hotel have recently changed their menu and yours truly ventured in to sample some of the gnocchi recently. Not your traditional parmi or burger to be found on the menu and there are plenty of interesting dishes. Wash it down with a pot of the house made beer GB Lager. Light in colour, but certainly not lacking in flavour – this is a really lovely beer to session on as we head into some warmer days. Bring on the sun!
Written by Glen Anderson