Within the hallowed walls of the CBD’s Forum Theatre, The Blackhearts Club mixes the old world grandeur Hollywood’s Golden Age with the undercover frisson of speakeasies. The club will feature Melbourne’s best-loved cult musicians and DJs in a series of performances inspired by the festival’s programming.
At the club’s heart will be a Steinway grand piano, standing as the centrepiece of the festival’s music activities. Jazz lord Mark Fitzgibbon will be tickling the ivories as the club’s Player-In-Residence, leading the cocktail hour most evenings.
Kicking off with MIFF’s opening night party, The Drones’ Dan Luscombe will be taking to the piano for a rare stint on the keys. He’ll be followed by DJ sets from PBS’ DJ Manchild and RRR’s Woody McDonald. Other performances include Jane Clifton, The Dusty Millers and two feverish nights of J A Z Z P A R T Y as they cut loose with hot-house rhythm and blues.
Menu highlights include an ‘Apertivo’ night from DOC Gastronomia celebrating the very best in Italian eating and drinking ahead of Italian noir Suburra. Moreover, Blackhearts & Sparrow will be bringing in wine experts to discuss the Australian wine industry from grape to glass, topped off with a tasting from local vino artisans.
After more MIFF goodness? Check out their reality-warping Virtual Reality Program, and our conversation with Louis Theroux ahead of his cinematic debut.
