Summer sounds to soar on Sundays

ANOTHER summer of live music and social picnicking in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is here.

Over four evenings in January, the City of Ballarat’s free Summer Sundays concert series will showcase local musical artists, and some from further afield, inviting residents to bring along camping chairs or picnic rugs and enjoy a diverse bill of talent.

Sixteen performers and bands including Tim Currie, Skyscraper Stan and The Commission Flats, The Sam Boon Quintet, D’Arcy Spiller, Grove, Shadow Feet, and The Soul Movers – featuring former red Wiggle Murray Cook – are booked to entertain crowds across the month.

Originally from New Zealand and now a Ballarat local, Stan Woodhouse is the man behind the Skyscraper Stan name, ready to have crowds, young and old, up and grooving.

“At the moment, we’re playing anything that will get people dancing, celebrating being out and about again,” he said.

“There’s music popping up all over the place and we’ve had a chance to jump up and tread the boards again, which has been so refreshing… just really life-affirming, wonderful experiences.

“I’ve been in Ballarat for a couple of years, and am really looking forward to experiencing what the place is like when it’s pumping. To get up on a stage here and have a bunch of people picnicking is going to be amazing. We can’t wait.”

Shadow Feet singer-songwriter and pianist Ellen Sørensen will share her original musical storytelling at the final gig of the series.

“I’ve been to Summer Sundays before and thought, I’d love to be up there performing, so to get the call was awesome,” she said.

“There’s something really attractive to me about saying to friends, I’m going to be at the park on Sunday for some live music in that open space.”

Cr Peter Eddy said the four evenings will be an opportunity for both performers and attendees alike to enjoy a “sensational” and supportive community atmosphere.

“Importantly for the artists, it’s a chance to get out, be recognised again, build their businesses and get some income, and for the city itself, it’s a fantastic summer activity,” he said.

“The talent that’s coming is as good as we’ve ever had, if not better, and they are excited to get out and perform, so it’s something everyone should come to, participate in, and enjoy.

“I’m a regular, and it’s a great place to get out and mix socially in an outdoor, safe environment.”

The stage will be placed in its previous location, diagonally opposite the conservatory. Food trucks and the Garden Bar will be available.

Four acts will perform at each event. Summer Sundays concerts will run from 4pm to 8pm on 9, 16, 23, and 30 January.