LIVE AT THE OPEN HOUSE

Geelong Arts Centre’s has announced a new live music program Live at The Open House, a run of handpicked, intimate gigs that puts audiences right up close to the music.
With a lineup that spans GRAMMY award-winners, folk icons and everything from world and folk to blues, country, jazz, reggae and more, the series celebrates Australian and international artists, their stories, and those magic, unrepeatable moments that can only happen in a small room. 

The series of shows kicks off on Thursday 5 March with American singer-songwriter and producer M. Ward and his band The Undertakers. 

Recognised for his long partnership with Zooey Deschanel as She & Him and his role in the acclaimed supergroup Monsters of Folk, Ward’s solo work offers soft and smoky vocals and an
analogue rich blend of folk and Americana. This is a rare chance to experience one of America’s most quietly influential songwriters up close.

In April, Australian indie-folk favourite Josh Pyke hosts a night of songs and stories spanning his 20-plus year career as part of his Feeding the Wolves and Other Stories tour (Friday 10 
April). Geelong local and Indie-Folk musician Madeliene Cope will open the show as the support act. 

Saturday 18 April will see Australia’s acclaimed Flamenco ensemble Arte Kanela Flamenco deliver an emotionally charged show of rhythmic guitar and powerful dance. Born in 
Melbourne’s Spanish quarter over two decades ago, the group is led by the highly sought after Tedesco brothers who have collaborated with the likes of Kate Ceberano, The Cat Empire and Puerto Flamenco.

Then on Saturday 2 May, Texan GRAMMY award-winning vocalist and guitarist Ruthie Foster brings her magnetic presence and musicianship to the stage. Often likened to Aretha Franklin for her emotional force and vocal command, Foster blends blues, gospel, folk and soul with a depth that stop audiences in their tracks. Geelong’s own Wayne Jury, a nationally respected 
blues and roots musician, will open for Ruthie Foster. 

This is live music at its best - and there’s plenty more to be announced across the year. Discover more about Live at The Open House at geelongartscentre.org.au

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
Quotes attributable to CEO and Creative Director Geelong Arts Centre, Rhys Holden 
“20 26 is the year of music here in Geelong. E very year we work hard to bring a diverse mix of acts, events and experiences, and we’re excited to be launching Live at The Open House which delivers great acts in an intimate experience. And there’s so much more to come with our new live music venue Church opening this year.”

ABOUT THE OPEN HOUSE
Tucked inside Geelong Arts Centre, The Open House is a truly unique theatre. It can shape-shift to suit almost any event, seats up to 250, and is all about closing the gap between 
audience and performer.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media assets can be found here. For interview opportunities, please contact: media@geelongartscentre.org.a