It’s the best time of the year here in the ‘Rat, with some beautiful mild days and cool nights. We must make the most of it though because soon the chill of the Sou`Wester will remind us all of what Ballarat is infamous for.
Friday March 23 sees Lowtide make their way to Ballarat. Southern Mind is their much awaited new album that will hopefully be available on the night. ‘Alibi’ has already been lifted from it and ‘Elizabeth Tower’ is the latest single to be released. Their dreamy pop sound reminds me of The Cure, with some guitar sounds thrown in from The Church. Pretty cool sound for a three piece and it’s only $7 to get in.
Amberyse are a metalcore band from Geelong who have just put out an EP – Born Too Familiar. Frontman Jayden Andrews has a real frenzied energy and their blend of heavy, melodic riffs will surely keep the crowd rocking when they come to town on Saturday 31 March. There will be several local acts to support on the night including Anticline, Upon World’s End, Nerve Band and Haunted Steel. Entry is only $10.
There are still tickets available for the Thundamentals gig on March 25 (Sunday). The band are doing a weekend double-header and the Saturday show is sold out already.
A couple of really cool things happening at The Lost Ones Bar & Art Gallery – one is a Scotch Malt Whisky Tasting Masterclass, and the other is a Wine & Pleasure Night. This is an exclusive five course dinner married with tailored international and Australian wines. The night goes from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on April 19. Tickets are available via www.tickettailor.com.
The Lane (down the side of The George Hotel) can sort you out from early in the morning until late at night. Making great coffee and cake for most of the day, you can then drink the afternoon away in the beer garden. It is a great little room for the solo acoustic performers that play there regularly, and Friday and Saturday are the way to go if you feel like getting amongst it.
The Sporting Globe has really kicked on since opening up over a year ago. Local hosts Anne and Richard will welcome you with open arms and pour you an ice cold froffy. If you can’t find your favourite sporting event on a screen in the place, you ain’t lookin’ hard enough!
By Glen Anderson