Concert series honours the King

WHILE Elvis fever continues to take over town, the King of Rock and Roll has inspired a live music series to be held across four Saturday nights.

Starting on Saturday, 7 May and aptly held at converted fire station The Engine Room, Burning Love combines touring contemporary musicians with a local Elvis Presley tribute band for a unique night of music, dancing, and romping fun.

Lior Albeck-Ripka, founder of Hear Them Holler, said a music festival had been previously planned in Bendigo in 2018 but was cancelled at the last minute.

“As soon as I saw the Elvis exhibition coming, I thought ’this is the right time’,” she said.

“At a time when there is a focus on Bendigo, particularly around a musician, we felt it’s really important to bring the music of Elvis, but also the impact Elvis has had on our local contemporary musicians.”

Four artists were chosen for the series, including soul singer-songwriter Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, blues artist Gabriella Cohen, country singer Freya Josephine Hollick and five-piece band Cool Sounds.

Each night, the touring artist will be joined by Elvis tribute band Burning Lovers, a local supergroup formed by members of the Cosmic Psychos, Bluestown Junction, Ramble Town, Benny and the Fly By Nighters and the Quarry Hillbillies.

Albeck-Ripka said the artists represent what Elvis was all about; soulful lyrics and melodies, and a larger-than-life stage presence.

She said the idea is for visitors to the Bendigo Art Gallery’s Elvis: Direct from Graceland to end their night with some music.

“We hope people make a weekend out of it and go to the show after getting their Elvis fill at the exhibition,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity to hear different influences and how Elvis has influenced musicians in different ways.”