Straight To You: triple j’s Tribute To Nick Cave

Last night Ballarat was treated to an amazing night of music, from an array of up-and-coming Aussie artists, showcasing the songs from iconic Nick Cave. All the people in our town with good music taste, whether there as fans of Nick Cave, of the artists putting on the show, or a bit of both, was at Her Majesty's Theatre!

After driving for work for much of the day, I met Jenni for dinner and drinks at Portico on Sturt. Now, I didn't even know this place was here, and sat in awe of the eclectic collection of couches, and people, in a place straight out of Smith Street. Awesome. The tapas were so good, and it was lovely to catch up with Jenni. She's such a role model and inspiration for me!

After pre-gig wines, we soon walked the block to Her Maj, and took our seats in the Dress Circle. The evening was then introduced by Triple J morning DJ, before Kram from Spiderbait opened the night with a track behind the drums. Bertie Blackman and Muscles then joined up at the front of the stage for Do You Love Me?

Introducing himself as Chris from Muscles, and positioning himself on keys, he then surprised everyone who has listened to his album material and sang a solo Grinderman song, dedicating it to a kid he remembers from school.

Alex from Sparkadia teamed up Lanie Lane to give us an enchanting Where The Wild Roses Grow, before Abbie May was introduced to stage to do a song. White hip hop boy, Urthboy was amongst the cast for the night, as was Jake Stone from Bluejuice, and Children Collide's Johnny Mackay.

Dan Sultan appeared for Deanna, and one of the highlights of the night was Lisa Mitchell performing a beautiful and powerful Into My Arms. Just accompanied by Lanie Lane on guitar, this was amazing....until one of the lads from the cast come out and joined Lisa on stage to waltz her around, perhaps in some kind of themed notion - but totally unnecessary! He even bowed with her at the end, as if he was part of the magic of her delivery of the song. She was breathtaking!

Adalita arrived after the interval, and delivered Straight To You, Jake gave us The Weeping Song, and Lanie Lane Jack The Ripper, before the pantomime promised before the break was given within Stagger Lee by Urthboy, and assisted by the rest of the group.

Henry Lee, and The Ship Song featured, and then Bertie did The Mercy Seat, which she says she has been listening to a lot as she has been working on a new album.

The venue got a lot of positive comments from the artists, as Her Maj was perfect for this night. Showcasing one of our country's best songwriters, from his love songs, to his disturbed horror tracks, spanning over 35 years of music.

The girls really stole the show for me, with Lanie Lane captivating in her versatility - amazing vocals and stage presence, then on trombone and later guitar to back other's tracks, what a talent! Lisa Mitchell, who I had only really known from that horrible Dollar song, shone, and it was so exciting to see Bertie strut her energy and talent, reminding us of the anticipation of her new album. Such a great night of music.