Writer and singer of retro-tinged, cinematic blues melodies Gemma Ray (UK), and poetic New York folk-rocker and acclaimed guitarist Steve Gunn are two of the musical highlights in the next season of NGV Friday Nights. The late-night art and music series runs alongside the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Van Gogh and the Seasons from 28 April to 8 July 2017 at NGV International.
The Drones singer and guitarist Gareth Liddiard, one of the leading Australian acts in the line-up, has recorded a cover of the Jonathan Richman song Vincent van Gogh in celebration of the winter exhibition, which can be streamed through the NGV website.
Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV, said, ‘The Friday Nights series continues to be one of the most popular events on the NGV calendar, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the gallery after hours, while introducing some outstanding musicians to the unique performance space that is the Great Hall.’
Also on the line-up for NGV Friday Nights are: Youth Group singer Toby Martin, playing with a 5-piece band featuring Arabic and Vietnamese instruments; acclaimed singer-songwriter Emma Russack; and breakout star from Arnhem Land, Gawurra.
‘Emotion punk’ 3-piece Two Steps on the Water will take to the Great Hall stage in June, as well as 1990s rockers The Fauves; Oregon-based ambient musician Liz Harris playing as Grouper; Australian alternative music legends The Blackeyed Susans; and prolific indie songwriter and performer Ben Salter, with band. The Panics, a band recognised for their poetic celebrations of the Australian landscape, will play a special performance on Saturday night of the closing weekend of Van Gogh and the Seasons in July.
NGV Friday Nights includes after-hours entry to the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Van Gogh and the Seasons, local DJ’s, art talks, and access to food and bars.
NGV Friday Nights full line-up:
28 April – Gemma Ray (UK)
5 May – Toby Martin (Youth Group)
12 May – Gareth Liddiard
19 May – Emma Russack
26 May – Gawurra
2 June – Two Steps on the Water
9 June – The Fauves
16 June – Grouper (US)
23 June – The Blackeyed Susans
30 June – Ben Salter Band
7 July – Steve Gunn (US)
PLUS Saturday 8 July – The Panics
NGV Friday Nights
NGV International
28 April – 8 July 2017
6pm – 10pm, headline act at 8.30pm