One of Ballarat’s phoenix venues has just reached its first anniversary.
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Born out of the collapse of beloved Sturt Street music house Sutton’s, the Cabaret Club has continued to host some of the best musicians to visit Ballarat.
Proprietor and host Dani Fry says she is thrilled to welcome a first birthday for the Western Highway venture.
She says hosting a club out of town has its challenges, but she has never been a person to shy from those.
“A highlight for me was seeing the room being used in such a versatile way,” Ms Fry says.
“Our recent Fright Night Cabaret and Comedy Night highlighted the room’s ability to produce great theatre as well as hosting a live music format.
“It’s been tough starting from the beginning again, trying to build a following and reach audiences, but we are now on track and the room and our events are becoming popular with crowds.
“We can sell out very quickly. People will see more announcements coming soon showcasing an excellent array of entertainment.”
Ms Fry says some of the acts featured in the past year include Beccy Cole, Rick Price, former Weddings Parties Anything frontman Mick Thomas, Lloyd Spiegel and blues-roots great Geoff Achison.
“I am challenged with location,” Ms Fry says, “but we offer a free courtesy bus service for most shows that transports people to and from the CBD to the venue.”
To celebrate the anniversary, Ms Fry has gone with a 60s-themed show featuring the fabulous Vonda Bouys and the Falsettos.
Ms Fry says when Vonda Bouys met the Falsettos, ‘there was an explosion of false eyelashes, spectacles and skivvies’.
“Playing 60s dance classics, Vonda and the boys lead a bevy of dreamy-eyed Go-Go dancers behind them,” Ms Fry said.
The band features Vonda Bouys (who may be Dani Fry) on vocals, Ian ‘Toff’ Riethoff on double bass, ‘Bangin’ Bryn Hills on trombone, Josh ‘Hot Lips’ Woods on Saxophone, Damien ‘Woodsy’ Woods on keys and ‘Ambling’ Al Lethlean on drums.
They will appear at the Cabaret Club this Saturday night, November 17.
On November 24 indie roots artist Jordie Lane will be appearing as part of his Dreamin’ the Life tour. Other acts proposed for 2019 are Grace Knight and Shannon Noll.
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