After sitting silent for more than two years, one of Ballarat's most iconic music venues is once again set to have patrons dancing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Piano Bar is set to enter the Sturt Street building, formerly known as Sutton's House of Music.
Piano Bar managing director Aaron Skinner said he is excited to bring music and entertainment back to the venue.
"We're obviously very excited to be bringing Piano Bar to Ballarat," he said.
"The fact that we've managed to secure this venue, with its really rich history of live music, is amazing."
Mr Skinner said the Piano Bar will operate the same as its other venues in Geelong and Colac, which have more than 20,000 combined likes on Facebook.
The venue will feature food and drinks, with performers taking requests from the crowd across the evening.
Mr Skinner believes having the crowd in control of the music provides great opportunities for storytelling and connecting with family.
"The ability for the room to control the music is fantastic because it can take them back to a time and allow them to share that moment with family and friends."
The bar, which is still waiting for its approval for a liquor licence, will look to showcase local performers, something Sutton's was known for.
SEE WHAT THE NEW HOME OF PIANO BAR LOOKED LIKE WHEN IT WAS BUILT (Source - Ballarat Revealed)
"We want to provide another open stage to Ballarat. That's one of key things in every area that we open Piano Bar... providing a welcoming stage for local talent is so important," Mr Skinner said.
"It doesn't matter what sort; pianists, guitarists, vocalists, comedians and anything in between - we want to showcase what locals have to offer."
When it comes to adding another venue to Ballarat's live music scene, Mr Skinner remains confident patrons will fill the new venue without taking away from others.
"We're very confident we can fill the venue, we don't want to steal patrons away from other venues, rather just provide them with another option and encourage them to get out of the house."
The venue will look to open some time in the next few months.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
