The Go North Arts Festival is just two weeks away, and Swan Hill Rural City Council in partnership with Creative Victoria has drastically cut tickets prices, in response to the rising costs of living.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Director, Ian Tully, said event organisers were responding to a significant community need for more affordable events, and had reduced tickets prices to just $15.
“We’re aware of the growing costs of living and as a result we have made changes to ensure our Go North Arts Festival is more affordable for our community and visitors to enjoy.
“We have opted to relocate the festival to the Swan Hill Town Hall PACC – and, as an added bonus, we will now not have the extra stress associated with impacts of weather forecasts on an outdoor event,” Mr Tully said.
Mr Tully said the Town Hall doors would open at 12noon on Saturday, 2 September for the main concert event, with music and workshops to commence from 12.30pm.
“The concert features music from indigenous singer-songwriter Benny Walker, a Yorta Yorta man from Echuca, who mixes Blues and Roots with contemporary guitar-driven soul, joined on stage by his band for a big Blues-Rock sound guaranteed to reach the soul. Multi-award-winning Melbourne contemporary folk duo
“The Maes, will perform their lilting folk songs featuring beautiful vocal harmonies, striking songwriting, and intricate instrumental arrangements.
“Singer-songwriter Simon Marks and his four-piece band will perform music ranging from folk to country, rock, roots, and ballads guaranteed to get the crowd moving. Followed by Elise Drake, an indie singer-songwriter from northern Victoria; Triple J Unearthed describes as her country/rock music as incorporating the darker sounds of the 90s indie rock movement, with sweet, harmony-laden pop hooks.
“There will be several art workshops throughout the day, alongside the main concert. No matter your level of skill there’ll be a workshop for you – sculpting, painting, drawing, spray painting, ukulele, and more.
“Artwork will be on display by ACRE Project artists and collaborating community groups.
“The event will offer something for all ages and skill levels – whether you chose to just sit back and relax to the great music, or get messy in fun art workshops,” Mr Tully said.
The Go North Arts Festival kicks off on Friday, 1 September with musician Delsinki at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery performing his show of iconic 80’s Aussie covers, “Straight to the Pool Room”. It features the music of Men at Work, Australian Crawl, Midnight Oil, INXS, Goanna, Icehouse, Olivia Newton John, Cold Chisel, Divinyls, Paul Kelly and more, played stripped back and acoustic for your listening pleasure by four talented musos.
“This will complement our current two Footy exhibitions – Home Ground and Beyond the Boundary,” Mr Tully said.
“Beyond the Boundary” captures the action, the heartache, and the emotion of Australian rules football through Michael Willson’s photography. Michael lived in Swan Hill and played for Lake Boga, before moving to Melbourne for his career as a highly respected sports photographer and Chief Photographer for the AFL.
“Home Ground” features the works of various artists in photography, ceramics, paintings, and prints, providing a contemplative and nuanced interpretation of players, supporters, and the game of Australian Rules Football. Immerse yourself in music and artwork celebrating Australia’s football culture and creativity.
“The festival will conclude at the Swan Hill Town Hall PACC on Sunday, 3 September when Nick Barker brings his charismatic stage presence, and masterful songwriting honed over 40-year career to the stage at Mully’s Place. He will perform an exclusive Swan Hill preview of his new album EXOSKELETON,” Mr Tully said.
Mr Tully said Go North Arts Festival was an annual event for the region.
This event is funded in collaboration between Creative Victoria and Swan Hill Rural City Council.
For more information please call the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery on call 5036 2430.
Event details:
Delsinki, “Beyond the Boundary” and “Home Ground” exhibitions, at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
Friday, 1 September
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
7.30pm
$15 per person – tickets are limited
Go North Arts Festival – Main Concert
Saturday, 2 September – doors open from 12.00pm
Swan Hill Town Hall PACC
Music from 12.30pm (until approximately 6pm)
Workshops from 12.30pm
General Admission: $15
Kids under 15 years – FREE
All ages. Local culinary delights. Licensed event..
Opening dance and Welcome to Country by the Wiran Dance Group. Food trucks will be on site. Alcoholic drinks will be available at Mully’s Place at bar prices – strictly no BYO alcohol.
This is an all-ages event. Children aged 15 years and under get free entry, but tickets must be reserved for children when you book your ticket. Wrist bands will provided at the venue.
Unplugged at the Bar – Nicker Barker at “Mully’s Place”
Sunday, 3 September
Swan Hill Town Hall PACC
3pm
$15 per person