This month, one of Brisbane's finest local musicians and comedians Ruth Gardner will host Brisbane Powerhouse's monthly Livespark show, Mixtape.
“The show is a mixtape, which is an extended, special version of the Powerhouse’s usual Livespark, live music Sunday afternoons.
“Mixtape is a little bit more of an in-depth experience with Brisbane musicians and songwriters. They do a bit of chatting [in between songs] and I’ll be the host asking the questions.”
Ruth will be joined on stage by local artists Adele Pickvance and Melissa Evans, presenting the audience with a mixture of unique collaborations, while also performing their own mixtape of original songs and covers.
Not only will they be performing music, artists are encouraged to share with the audience what music influences them and how they find their inspiration.
Ruth shares what music drives her. “I really like, love a lot of old '70s rock, American rock and blues. I enjoy some other, weirder type stuff like Kraftwerk, earlier electronic music.
“Anything to me that is authentic, innovative or is just a great song; [it] could be a simple country song or it could be the most complex piece of electronic programming on the planet.”
Ruth is very active in the Brisbane arts sector with many years behind her producing shows and events including the largest LGBT event in Queensland, Big Gay Day (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017) attracting over 3,000 attendees per event.
When asked if there were any shows that standout to her for this month’s Livespark sessions, Ruth praises the work of Kristy Apps and Nickolaine Martin and can’t wait to see the magic they bring to the stage (20 May). “I may be biased because I play in Kristy Apps band, but that’s alright.”
Brisbane Powerhouse's events calendar in May has been dominated by MELT festival. Ruth is looking forward to one event in particular that takes place in the Mosquito Foyer that will showcase work from the late Hillary Green.
“Hillary Green was an amazing photographer and a great friend of mine, and it’s wonderful to see her work.
"She photographed so many of us in the performing arts in Brisbane. It will be wonderful to see a full exhibition of her work.”
Fans of Ruth can also look forward to a new theatre production next month, which will also take place at the Brisbane Powerhouse, titled ‘The Sound Of A Finished Kiss’ (a tribute to The Go-Betweens).
“It’s a fantastic play/ musical about four friends share housing in Brisbane during the '90s; it’s set to music and has a live band, which I’m lucky enough to play guitar in.”
