Geelong’s favourite soul band the Sweethearts returns to Barwon Club this weekend for a night of upbeat, funky fun.
Based at Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, the all-girl outfit features 30 of the region’s brightest up and coming musicians delivering two sets of soul, funk and R&B classics along with Sweethearts original numbers.
Established three decades ago, the Sweethearts are renowned for their dynamic, dance-inducing performances, having played at major international festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival and Jazz à Vienne.
Last July the band wowed audiences at Porretta Soul Festival during their tour of Italy, which drummer and band captain Ella Carty said was “really excellent”.
“We played seven shows over seven days on that tour, and it was just the best experience of my life, absolutely,” Carty said.
“There was one gig where we walked down this gauntlet of Italian people just cheering us on. It was pretty awesome.”
Carty has been part of the Sweethearts program since year 7, first with the Young Hearts then joining the Sweethearts two years ago.
She said the band had offered her some amazing opportunities.
“Sweethearts has genuinely been my whole life for the five years I’ve been in it,” Carty said.
“It’s a really good way to find like-minded young women who like to play music and have strong aspirations for it as well.
“The connections that I’ve formed within the band are just so good, they’re my best friends.”
Carty’s original music project Ella Joan will open the night.
The Sweethearts are at Barwon Club Saturday, April 5. Tickets are available at sweethearts.com.au or at the door. Under 18 attendees must have a legal guardian present.
Matt Hewson
