Backyard Tasters are back showcasing the talents of emerging and celebrated artists with music that covers everything from funk and jazz to Latin and Afrobeat.

Mayor Samantha McIntosh said one of the highlights would be Aboriginal dance group Namarilly Bagarook kicking off the event.

“For those who haven’t seen the tribal dancing that will be something pretty special,” she said. “It’s really nice seeing local performers and also having the local food providers at the one place – and then to top it off we have the Backspace Gallery so it’s not just about the performing arts, it’s also about the visual arts.”

The first Friday features Namarilly Bagarook - Dancing Daughter, Ethnic Community Response, Caylee Sandwith, Jana Nikolic, Grammar Bluegrass Band, Afrobics and The Vests Duo: Geoff Hassall and Pat McCabe.

The second features Jam Packed, Captain Pugwash, Word of Mouth, Josh Woods, Kristine and Peter Allan, Michael Westlake Trio and Ballarat Ukulele Group.

The Backspace Gallery exhibition includes Dogs in Art and Thomas Chislett Photo Retrospective.

“The music and art that we are putting out there on stage is really celebrating our local contributors and it’s a great opportunity for family, friends and tourists to come together,” Cr McIntosh said. 

The free event will be held on Friday, February 17 and 24, from 6 to 9 pm at Alfred Deakin Place.