Piano performance promotes producers

TOES will be tapping throughout Ballarat lounge rooms when Sturt Street’s Piano Bar streams a performance live into homes on Friday, May 29 while supporting local producers.

Owner and “piano man,” Andy Pobjoy said the interactive show on Facebook will take the public’s suggestions and turn them into musical magic, while showcasing the best the region has to offer.

“Whether it’s me and a singer, or me on my own, or me with another piano player, we start playing song requests and its about being engaged online,” he said.

“The people in the comments section interact with each other a lot too, so it’s a nice way for people to get together on their couches, on their own or with family, and enjoy a bit of live entertainment.”

While drinks and tunes flow, Karon Farm Coffee from Gordon, and de’bee signature balms from Golden Point are set to be highlighted on the night.

“It’s a bit of fun, it’s light-hearted, and it spotlights the great stuff that people are still churning out even though we’re in lockdown,” Pobjoy said.

“We did a similar thing in Geelong which was very well received. We’ve just been trying to find the positives and shout out to people who are doing a great job.”

The Ballarat bar launched in March and was only open for three weeks, but it’s a “wonderful” space for Pobjoy to perform.

Previously Sutton’s House of Music, it has a history “steeped” in live performance, so he said it feels odd without the usual “strong” attendance.

“It’s very strange not having any punters in there. You’re interacting with a GoPro and a comments feed, as opposed to getting live requests and seeing people’s reactions in real time as they’re in the room.

“We’re used to it. It’s no substitute, but we’re very excited for when we can start to have 50 patrons in the venue, and hopefully the good news keeps coming,” Pobjoy said.

“It’s been amazing for us as performers to have something to do. It’s important to have the arts in life to make it colourful, rich and exciting.”

The Piano Bar team is currently live every night from 7.30pm, except on Sundays when their drag shows begin at 7pm. Keep an eye on facebook.com/PBBallarat.