Beach party in Geelong CBD

Little Malop Central will be enlivened by sound this month as part of a city organised program to reinvent the area.

Late last year, the City of Greater Geelong allocated funds for the installation of a large stage designed to accommodate live performances in the precinct.

And among those to first stomp on it is Geelong entertainer Andy Pobjoy who will perform at the city’s Summer Beach Party Fiesta event on January 17.

Locked in to begin at midday, the Piano Bar owner and his band will deliver hits from their catalogue while patrons sing along and wander through food stalls.

The group headlines a series of free live entertainment acts planned for Little Malop Central during January and February, as the city moves to activate the area as a safe and appealing meeting place.

Cr Pete Murrihy, chair of the city’s civic and central Geelong portfolio, said the council hoped the community will enjoy the summer program.

“We’re very lucky to have top quality performers making themselves available to play on the new stage, not least Andy Pobjoy, who is an absolute favourite in Geelong. His Summer Beach Party Fiesta is sure to be great fun,” Cr Murrihy said.

“It’s the council’s aim that these free shows and the other improvements will encourage people to visit the space and start to view it as an enjoyable place to spend time.”

Other improvements to Little Malop Central include the reinstatement of the street’s water features, festoon lights, children’s play equipment, new planter boxes and seating.

JANUARY SCHEDULE

Bebop Circus
Monday, January 13, 12-3pm
Learn how to spin a plate, juggle, hula hoop and other circus skills.

Marcus Hayden
Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 29, 12-2pm
A blend of American Folk with funky blues riffs.

Spider Jazz
Wednesday, January 15, 12-2pm
Jazz duo performing a vast range of styles and songs.

Tim Smith (Bright and Breezy)
Thursday, January 16, 12-2pm

Andy Pobjoy – Summer Beach Party Fiesta
Friday, January 17, 12-2pm
Acclaimed entertainer and owner of the Piano Bar.

Susan Ardern
Monday, January 20, 12-2pm
Piano accordion soloist who will make you dream of Paris.

Josh Dance
Tuesday, January 21, 12-2pm
Geelong-based bluesy rocker.

Kieran Tobin
Wednesday, January 22 and Friday, January 31, 12-2pm
Award winning solo artist from the Surf Coast.

Andrea and Friends
Thursday, January 23, 12-2pm
Andrea Robertson, award-winning singer/songwriter from Ocean Grove.

Possums on the Porch
Tuesday, January 28, 12-2pm
Folk music duo.

Krazy Koala Puppet Show
Thursday, January 30, 12-2pm
Delighting audiences with their catchy songs and krazy puppet dance moves.