Yo, what’s popping Samhainophobia sufferers? I hope you’re reading this and looking forward to being relieved of the American holiday Halloween being finished so we can get back to being Australian now. If you’re still fearful I suggest you stop reading now. Here’s the guts of what’s to come in the next few weeks from the live original music scene in Ballarat.
Thursday, October 30 and first on the agenda is Babushka Bar hosting Jack Carty (pictured), an indie/folk musician originally hailing from NSW but now located in Melbourne. If indie/folk music takes your pleasure then get to Babs because Jack Carty is as good as any. Entry $12. Over at the Karova Lounge on this night, Dave Laney (or Davey Lane) will be playing with support from Sons of Rio and The Grand Rapids. Tix $12.
And the most organised venue owner’s website goes to … Babushka Bar, clueing me in well as to what’s coming up for them.
Friday, October 31, Babushka Bar will have DJ Kiss Me Deadly on stage for Halloween, possibly with House of Light also (yet to be confirmed). They’re having a dress theme of Steampunk Zombie with prizes for best dressed. Entry $10.
Halloween at The Eastern has been put together by Matt Malone and has the stage set with The Midnight Scavengers, Matt Malone and Edwood Mckay, plus burlesque dancers, machete jugglers, fire twirlers and “Spektraflash” vintage lighting. Entry TBC. To add to the entertainment on Humffray St Nth, the Halloween party at The Eastern will also be encompassing the after-party for neighbouring venue Wolveschildren Art Space’s “Creep Show” exhibition. Adorning the walls will be spooky art submissions to be browsed and purchased before bands and sneaky beers.
The Karova is also having their own celebrations with locally grown boys The Yard Apes taking the stage to coincide with their fifth anniversary. Supported by Shovels and Grindhouse. Tix $10
The Main Bar’s single entry for this fortnight takes place on Halloween but isn’t orientated around it. Geoff Achison will be playing some tunes to the audience while Ballarat goes bedlam over Halloween. He’ll be keeping it real on the Gibson at The Main Bar. Entry $20
Saturday, November 1 kicks on (if you’ve still got anything left in the tank after Halloween’s large line-ups) with The Eastern hosting Mark with the Sea’s celebration of their upcoming album release. The group will be sharing the stage with Jimmy Tait from Melbourne. So if you’re seedy from the night before it might pay to follow up last night’s sins with a nice tonic and gin!? (I’m sorry for that) and more kick-ass bands! Entry TBC. The Karova Lounge is having a Couchella/Midlife Covers Night based around a festival theme. Tix $5.
Sunday, November 2 has The Eastern opening up for a quiet sesh with the humble but elite Pat McCabe playing tunes in the beer garden.
Wednesday, November 5 has Babushka Bar opening its doors first after a big weekend, possibly with Benjamin James Caldwell playing. TBC.
Thursday, November 6 has Ill-Starred Captain playing at Babushka Bar. Entry $10
Also, the Karova Lounge has Twinsy and Gold Fields DJ sets rocking the house. Tix $10.
Friday, November 7 Babushka Bar will have Steve Tyson playing. Entry TBC.
Same night sees a gear change with The Eastern hosting the DEAD LP launch, co-headlined with Ithaqua from Japan and local band supports Shovels and Good Time Aussie Bogalars. They’re set to turn things up to 11! Entry $10/$15. The Karova Lounge will have Thelma Plum singing the night away with supports from Left. and Dalli. Tix $15
Saturday, November 8 The Babushka Bar will have resident favourite ALEK playing along with Melody Moon and Munro Melano. Entry $10. The Eastern has yet another huge line-up with Flyying Colours, co-headlining with Claws & Organs who’re touring to celebrate their latest EP. Entry TBC. The Karova Lounge will have Husky playing with support from Ali Barter. Tix $20.
Anyway, I’m way over my word count! Catch you soon.
Written by Daniel Lock
