Overview
Earlier this year, we introduced you to Grant Street. A new bar, performance space and bandroom on Southbank, this VCA-affiliated venue has been trucking along through winter playing you with cheap drinks and hosting a bunch of quality local tunes. Now they're back for another season. Grant Street has just announced its second musical program for the year and not only is it great, it's nearly all free of charge.
Staying true to its loyal contingent of VCA students, Grant Street is all about being easy on the pocket. Most acts on stage are local, once a week they hold a dedicated night of student-only work, and after 4.30pm on Thursdays they offer $3 beers and BBQ. It's the dream. But don't be fooled by the price, everything they offer is quality.
Kicking off this new program on Friday, September 19, composer David Shea takes the stage. Specialising in dense experimental soundscapes, Shea puts on a real show by combining his layered electronic soundscapes with visual projection. A NY expat, Shea is now unleashing his sounds on Australia. At this Grant Street debut he'll be releasing his new album Rituals — a work five years in the making.
The next couple of weeks bring performances from local trio Windari and Evelyn Morris (Pikelet). Their first time at Grant Street, Windari will bringing the perfect sounds for Spring with their Brazilian-inspired compositions on September 26. And, in her second performance at the new venue, Morris will be sure to captivate on October 3. A Melbourne local, Morris has played with indie royalty such as Beirut, Dirty Projectors and Ariel Pink in the last few years. Her brand of psychedelic pop is the perfect flavour for the fledgling venue, and you really can't argue with the appealing price tag of free.
The last two acts to round out the program are Footy and IO. Both experimental in nature, these duos of local lads put on quite the show. Bouncing between pop, classical and jazz, Footy will be making use of Grant Street's grand piano on stage. And, delving into the full power of the synth, IO will drag you into the euphoric sounds of the future.
Either way, Fridays at Grant Street are definitely the place to be.
Grant Street is open from 8am - 4pm Mondays and Tuesdays, then 8am - 11pm from Wednesday - Friday. For more information, see their website.
