This Good Friday, The Western Hotel is throwing a Good Friday party; the inaugural Carpark Jam! The event offers five hours of awesome tunes, with ten percent of all ticket sales going to the Good Friday Appeal.
Headlining the show is Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats. Skyscraper Stan is a New Zealand born gem that ties elements of country, blues and garage rock together with vivid lyricism, wit and grit. He’s just put out a new single and new album is due out this May, so we’ll probably get to hear a few newies. His got his touring band the Commission Flats with him too, poised to tear the place up.
DJ Vince Peach is playing. He’s the host of the world’s longest-running soul radio show on Melbourne’s PBS, so I’d be trusting his sage advice on what tunes you want to be groovin’ to late on a Friday arvo.
Izzy Losi and the Auracles will be there, too. Izzy’s voice is massive, and its power can only truly be appreciated live. I’d get in on a chance to see her while she’s on the come up because you’ll be kicking yourself once her headline shows are only in major cities and are a hundred a pop. Trust, it’s gonna happen.
Immy Owusu is gonna bless us with his electric presence. Immy’s music is a sticky mess of Blues Rock, Roots and Afro Hi-Life. He unites a blend of interesting influences into a sound that’s just as raw as it is groovy, and he delivers it with charisma for days.
Grim Fawkner is kicking the show off on the day. Grim’s got fast placed folk and blues jams to get you movin’ early in the arvo, as well as a few slower numbers rich in earnest lyricism that’ll grip at your chest, it’s lucky he’s playing those ones before you’ve had time for too many pints or you’d be tearing up on a mate’s shoulder for sure.
If you can’t eat meat then come feel da beat this good Friday, for under thirty dollars, portions of which go to a great cause, you won’t see a line-up better than this. I reckon it’s a pretty ripper way to start your long weekend.
When & Where: Western Hotel, Ballarat – Friday April 19.
Written by Liam McNally
Photo by Lucinda Goodwin
