Musical talent to be seen on local screens

AN ongoing series of gigs currently running at Ballarat Trades Hall is serving a dual purpose.

On the one hand, it’s giving everyone a showcase of primarily local talent playing original music in a boutique 1880s-era heritage venue.

On the other, it’s forming the basis for an exciting new project to be broadcasted onto screens throughout the region.

“It’s a bit of a stalking horse for a new tonight show here in Ballarat,” the program’s producer Rex Hardware said.

“We’ll work out what material the artists like and what we like and probably convene a house band and host at Trades Hall with video screens and film a tonight show.”

Since launching in September, more than a dozen acts have so far performed as part of the Live at Union Square concert series, which has been held at Trades Hall on Fridays and Saturdays every few weeks.

With groups like Dayfever, Skyscraper Stan, and Rhiz and The Sugarplums gracing the same stage, the series’ next concert will see Phil and Trudy Edgeley, and the Paige Duggan Duo performing on Friday 15 November followed by The Bedridden, Lilith Lane, and The Underminers the next evening.

Mr Hardware said the nine-month series is also serving as something of a callback to the large bills that used to be presented in the region.

“The idea was to have a mini-festival once a month,” he said.

“Back in the Live on Lydiard days, and at Grainery Lane Theatre, which was on Doveton Street, we used to do two-and-three-night events with three or four acts on each night.

“Someone asked if that sort of thing still exists in Ballarat and I said no, but it probably should. This is my recreation of that.”

The decision to compile the gigs into material for a variety show is also a revival for Mr Hardware, who’s spent decades archiving Ballarat’s performing scene.

The 2024 portion of the program will culminate on 6 and 7 December with performances from Darlings Family Trust and Mal Beveridge, and Roy Darby Trio, Trevor Ludlow, and The Hellraisers respectively.

Tickets to each show are $11.83 including booking fee and can be found at Trades Hall’s events website.