Words by Chloe Waddell
It is no secret that winter in Ballarat is a particularly cold affair, but the Art Gallery of Ballarat is hosting a series of late-night encounters to get us out of the house, with live music, food, and drinks which are sure to warm things up.
With a different alternative band set to liven up the gallery over three Saturday nights, this after-dark series curated by OK Motels is an eclectic way to celebrate the weekend. There will be late-night Gallery activities, a Palm Springs-inspired installation by Callum Preston, the chance to explore the Kank Wolverang Record pop-up store, and you can check out the gallery’s latest exhibition, Lost in Palm Springs. All this while dining on a California-inspired supper by Pancho, and sipping on a range of bevvies, including cocktails and wine (at bar prices).
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Art Late is running on Saturday’s 11 May, 15 June, and 13 July, between 6pm – 9.30pm. The only thing left to do is choose which gig (or three!) to grab your tickets to. Read on to find out which bands will be rocking the gallery after-dark.
Saturday 11 May 2024: THE SLINGERS
Following their 2023 ARIA charting album Sentimentalism, and back with their brand-new emotionally compelling single ‘Darling’, The Slingers will be bringing their eclectic sound to Ballarat to kick off the Art Late series this May. Their catalogue encompasses country, grunge rock, electronica, ballad, and acoustic releases. Their indie/alternative sound has resonated with their fans over the last 5 years of musical releases and live gigs.
The Slingers have just wrapped up an East Coast tour of Australia, and have previously performed live at festivals such as Golden Plains, Boogie Fest, St Kilda Festival and BIGSOUND – just to name a few. The band were booked into Splendour in the Grass prior to the festival’s cancellation appearing on a bill alongside Kylie Minogue, Future, Arcade Fire and Turnstile. For those with an interest in Australia’s underground/alternative scene, or perhaps who were looking forward to seeing The Slingers at Splendour, you can catch them in the unique setting of the Art Gallery of Ballarat this May.
Saturday 15 June 2024: BANANAGUN
Five-piece band, Bananagun, released their debut album entitled The True Story of Bananagun, to critical acclaim in 2020. Since then, the group have toured Europe and the United Kingdom, and have been on Aussie festival line ups, such as Brisbane’s Nine Lives Festival.
Bananagun’s sound is fresh, yet reminiscent of 60s and 70s afrobeat. The band comprises Charlotte Tobin (djembe and percussion), Jimi Gregg (drums), Josh Dans (bass), and Jack Crook (guitar and vocals), and is led by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas van Bakel. The Melbourne band will be bringing their eclectic vibe to Ballarat in June.
13th July: NICE BISCUIT
If you are a fan of psychedelic rock, you’ve probably heard of Nice Biscuit. They have supported the likes of King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, Wet Leg, and have performed at festivals worldwide. Most recently, the Brisbane-based quintet toured Australia with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and will be heading to Ballarat for the July edition of Art Late.
Band members Billie and Grace are multitalented, also designing and sewing their own epic costumes. Creating a visual and sonic world on stage, Nice Biscuit’s gigs feature modulated guitar tones and powerful dual vocals.
If you’re looking for a different way to experience the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Art Late has you covered.
Art Late x OK Motels kicks off on the Saturday 11 May. Tickets start from $30, and can be purchased here.