DOORS 1PM // KITCHEN OPEN // SHOW STARTS 2PM Winter Solstice Dark Cabaret featuring Jex Lopez Piano Songstress Janty Blair Comedy Winter Solstic Rituals Spoken Word First Nations Story Telling Didgeridoo Performance Tea Ceremony Affirmation Installation Comedy Politics The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event, marking the longest night of the year. This darkness has been celebrated around the world since ancient times. First Nations Wurdi Youang stone arrangement near Ballarat is evidence of marking the Winter Solstice for some 11000 years. This inaugral Winter Solstice Dark Cabaret is an invitation to celebrate this time of year with the intelligent lyrics and bold vaudevillian piano magic of Jex Lopez and the political humour of Janty Blair, proud Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman. They will be joined by a range of local artists taking you on a ceremonial journey with ritual, fire performance, didgeridoo playing, spoken word, First Nations story telling, a tea ceremony and much more. The Winter Solstice marks the new sun cycle and as such we invite the audience to make a new years affirmation which will be on display as an installation on the night. Please join us for a Dark Cabaret to remember. A true performer, JEX LOPEZ uses intelligent lyrics, dramatic, velvety voicing and bold vaudevillian piano magic to visibly move audiences with stories laden with truth and social conscience. From fairy tales to Latin divas, to circus arts, Lopez draws inspiration from around the world and shares art in many forms through music, costume, poetry and humour. Intrinsically tied to their identity as a queer Latinex with Portuguese Indian heritage, their music is courageous and timeless, reaching across generations and cultures as Jex responds to our times and strives to heal our collective grief. Their music has been called a ‘gateway drug to deeper spiritual growth.’ An injection of passion and emotion, Lopez is an artist like no other; the theatrical, satirical and unique delivery of these powerful songs is not to be missed. Jex is joined on stage at the Brunswick Ballroom by queer composer Tilly Jones on Cello and trans non-binary political folk songwriter Myki on guitar and soaring harmonies. These three sensitive yet powerful performers create breathtaking moments in art. linktr.ee/jexlopez JANTY BLAIR is a proud Butchulla, Mununjhali and Woppaburra woman based in Naarm. Janty is a gifted stand-up comedian, who won the Deadly Funny Grand Final 2022 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Black and proud, cheeky and loud, is her formula for making you think and laugh! jantyblair.com TICKETING INFO Please have a digital or printed copy of your ticket ready on arrival along with a valid photo ID. Acceptable ID includes a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence, State Approved ‘Proof of Age’ card or Passport. The Brunswick Ballroom strives to improve our practices when it comes to sustainability and to reduce our carbon footprint. We don’t sell or provide plastic water bottles. VENUE INFO THE BALLROOM MENU The kitchen will be serving The Ballroom Menu for this show. You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here. ACCESSIBILITY The Brunswick Ballroom is Accessible. The Brunswick Ballroom has made significant improvements to accessibility by installing an Acorn Chairlift. (Model: New Acorn Indoor 180 Curved Stairlift.) VENUE FAQS To find out more about the venue, FAQs can be viewed by clicking here.