What's On Ballarat?

The sun is coming out in the `Rat and people are swapping their scarves and thermals for their dancing shoes, as winter becomes a distant memory. Now for Parmi lovers, I have managed to find the biggest and best parmi in Ballarat at Irish Murphy’s in Sturt Street. If you are able to leave no trace of food on your plate, your appetite is worth bragging about. Parmi night is still going gangbusters on a Wednesday.
Legendary blues man Lloyd Spiegel is about to hit the town and Babushka will be the place to be on the 19th of December. Entry is $15 and you will see one of Australia`s finest blues guitarists pump out tunes from his new album Tangled Brew. Spiegel has shared the bill with legends such as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. A must see gig over the summer.
You will receive the warmest welcome from two of the friendliest publicans in the West in Damo and Clare at The Royal Hotel in Meredith. Absolutely ’80s featuring Brian Mannix, Scott Carne and Dale Ryder head to Meredith on Saturday 19th of December playing all the hits that will take you back to when you were wearing corduroy and ciaks. Also back by popular demand is Meredith`s Got Talent karaoke nights, if you fancy singing through chicken wire.
The Apes bring their melodic pop rock to Karova Lounge on December 24th. The local lads have received some airplay on triple j recently and have had a fabulous year. New single ‘Pull The Trigger’ is a glorious garage-rock tune with its jangling reverb guitars, will no doubt bring the house down when the boys belt it out on Christmas Eve in their hometown.
The ever inviting Cider Bar at the St. George Hotel in Lydiard Street has live acoustic acts playing all your favourites from 9pm Fridays and 9.30pm on Saturdays. The Lane do brilliant wood-fired pizzas and The St. George Hotel has a fantastic range of wine by the glass and boutique beers on tap, which will help soften the blow of having to listen to Khe Sanh for the 500th time.
Finally, Heart Of The Rat Records in the City Centre Arcade in Sturt Street are doing a great deed for artists providing a space to sell your music. Just send the link to your music to [email protected].
Written by Glen Anderson