Explore the Cosmos with ZÖJ: A Night of Neo-Persian Experimentalism at the Ballarat Observatory. 

Join us for a cerebral evening under the stars as ZÖJ, our acclaimed duo of Gelareh Pour and Brian O'Dwyer, weave their structured improvisations into the cosmic ambience of the Ballarat Municipal Observatory. Experience an unforgettable fusion of sound and space, followed by an exclusive stargazing session. Enjoy a selection of wine and hot beverages available for attendees.

Time: 6:30 pm doors, show at 7 pm.

8:15 pm onwards - optional telescope viewing for $10 pp.

Matt McFarlane has curated many successful open mic nights in Melbourne for many years, and now he's bringing the experience to Ballarat! This is your chance to unwind with a pint of Guinness, connect with local artists, and celebrate Be Hear Now in a relaxed setting. Locals are encouraged to participate!

Register here!

Nathan Curnow’s latest book launch with live music guest appearance by Geoffrey Williams.

A Hill to Die On explores the ancient, everyday experience of promise, followed by the return back into despair. It’s the personal account of a poet living in the profound joy and frailty of language. Drawing on narrative, myth and fable, Nathan Curnow’s first collection in eight years connects the ongoing saga of hope to the events of his own life, one that’s ever creative, lyrical and full of broken lines.

Come along to hear readings from Nathan’s work and a creative musical response from Geoffrey.

Hyper-local issues discussion about performing, recording and rehearsing in the Rat. Local venues, bookers and managers and you.

Breaking in to the business. get face-to-face with Unified Music, Music Vic, Bandcamp, VMDO, APRA AMCOS, bookers, venues, managers and more

Hosted by Will Evans, Bandcamp. Will Evans is Bandcamp’s Artist and Label Ambassador for Australia & Aotearoa/New Zealand. Bandcamp is an online record store and music community where passionate fans discover, connect with, and directly support the artists they love. In his role, Will works directly with artists and labels to enhance their experience using the platform and helps spread Bandcamp’s artist first mission to the wider industry.

Outside of Bandcamp, will has worked as an agent, venue booker, label owner, artist manager and festival director. He currently manages ARIA award winning jazz-psych band Mildlife.

Why are festivals still important and how can they be successful in a post COVID economy. Panel discussion with Music Victoria, festival bookers and representatives.

The Professional Business of Creativity

As a creative practitioner, we often stumble into business by accident. 

 While the kind of activities required in business aren't always those we're naturally inclined as creatives, there’s some fundamental steps to ensure you’re starting as you mean to continue when establishing commercial operations.

Workshop facilitator Angela D’Alton will guide you through those business basics and how to set yourself up for success as a creative in business during this 30 minute presentation.

What you’ll learn:

Do I need an ABN? What about GST?
What is my business structure?
How do I register a business name?
What insurance do I need?
How do I send an invoice?
Marketing yourself - A (very) brief overview

Who is Angela D’Alton?

With a career that spans over thirty years in multinational corporations and micro-business, Angela has experience in a variety of industries including Marketing, Communications, Events and Information Technology.  Drawing upon a background that includes roles at Etsy supporting the seller community, The Finders Keepers market and working as an agent representing artists, she is the head of education at Make Good Things Happen, a board director at Ballarat Evolve and the support curator of Craft Lab 2024. 

Janet English, bass player and singer from the iconic Spiderbait, will be interviewed by the amazing Nkechi Anele at the free Be Hear Now Live Music Conference.

Lock yourself in to hear how Janet cracked the big time, and what she would change if she had the chance to do it all again.

Be Hear Now Live Music Conference is a hyper-local sector development program for music makers in Ballarat and regions.

The brand new series LIVE AT UNION SQUARE is partnering with Creative City Ballarat's music series Be Hear Now to feature local groove merchants THE THING FROM SPRING - an original music project created by Sam ‘thingo” Buelke.

Starting in 2019, hailing from the Ballarat goldfields region of Victoria, the band takes inspiration from blues and soul, crafting a charismatic mix of blues, rock and alternative with a sprinkling of country. 

LIVE at UNION SQUARE is supported by Live Music Australia - an Australian Government initiative and H Squared Studios.

All tickets $10

Local emerging noise rock kids are helping kick off Be Hear Now at the iconic Kank Wolverang Records. Enjoy original music about train rides, unrequited love, and life’s trials. Buy a latte, grab some local band merch, and pick up a new Jimi Hendrix poster for your bedroom wall.

Under 18s welcome.

Free event