Immersive concerts and other experiences are lighting up Footscray.
Founded by Footscray-based not-for-profit art collective and record label of the same name, Stargazed is Melbourne’s newest festival of immersive experiences, audio-visual delights and live performances—some in unusual places. (Featured image: Tusik Only)
Supported by the City of Maribyrnong, Stargazed is taking over Footscray and surrounding areas from 1 May to 16 May with a series of diverse and experimental events.
First up, there is Shadowland (sold out) which sets up in Jack’s Magazine, a former ammunition facility, and takes guests on an exploratory journey of Footscray’s past through the use of projections, choral performances and aromas in almost complete darkness.
At night on 1 May, the Stargazed Records Showcase will see Kindred Studios be transformed into an audio-visual Eden with bands—Wybie (full band), SNSKRT (full AV show), and Genuine Fake (Cassette Launch)—performing new wave, dark electronic and experimental post-punk alongside video artists and DJs Dr Chicken Gristle and Priya.
The first of two Mystery Movie Nights takes place on 6 May at Seddon’s Uniting Church Hall where local filmmakers will curate a selection of their favourite films highlighting the loves, hopes and catastrophes of Australian women. The second Mystery Movie Night is on 13 May.
Sure to be a fun night is the Synthetic Dreams Dark Roller Disco with tunes being supplied by this sweet line-up of Premium Fantasy, DJ Manchild, Dr Chicken Gristle, and Fareevader. Costumes are encouraged and the theme for the night is Footscrazy, to be interpreted however you like. The Footscray warehouse will be converted into another world as you skate past video art, live projections and roaming rolling performances. There will be plenty more surprises on the night and one lucky person will be going home with a Footscray Market fruit and veg pack.
Other events include a late-night dance party happening at Pride of our Footscray, a variety night of music, performance and projections hosted by Good Moon Rising at Footscray Park Bowls Club, and an afternoon boat ride down the Maribyrnong River as Team Love woos you with their acoustic folk.
Stargazed Festvial from 1 May to 16 May brings together some of Footscray’s most unique locations for a curious blend of events brought to you by local musicians, artists and producers. Check out the festival line-up here and don’t miss out on a fun night of your choosing.