Rocking on at Ruby’s

By Casey Neill
OLD-STYLE class mixed with new energy will burst into Belgrave on Saturday night.
Ruby Noir is set to take Ruby’s Lounge by storm from 8pm on 18 December, and on the third Saturday of each month in 2011.
Melbourne’s best big band ensembles will play jazz, afrobeat, Latin, swing, soul, funk, Cuban and more.
Event director Kye Garrett said the crowd would experience DJ Paper Krane’s amazing talent, mixing neo-swing to Motown, to fun, soul and electro pop.
It will be the second Ruby Noir event.
“Our first was in November with The Lowdown Street Orchestra and everyone had an absolute ball,” Mr Garrett said.
“I started Ruby Noir because I love big bands, soul, swing, funk, everything, but no big bands ever come out this way.
“So I’ve taken it over, and I work hard to get those big bands to come out this way for the hills folk to enjoy.”
Mr Garrett said his nights were an experience, with an atmosphere revellers wouldn’t forget.
Miss Shimmy Bliss and her Burlesque Troupe will perform, cabaret hostesses will circulate, and cocktail specials, card games and a custom light show will be featured.
“The dancers, the cocktails, the light show, and the stage set-up will make you forget you’re in Belgrave, and instead in a swingin’ prohibition-era speak easy,” he said.
“It’s Saturday night and you can either drag yourself the hour and a half to the city to either not drink, or leave early for the last train.
“Or you can head to Belgrave for the night of nights.
“At $10, it’s cheaper than a 10-minute taxi ride and you will be immersed in a world of glitter and glam, dance with strangers and not give a damn, swinging to the best and biggest bands in Melbourne.”
Mr Garrett runs KAGE entertainment and is responsible for the annual Party in the Patch music festival.
“In addition to Ruby Noir, Hills residents can attend our Party in The Pub gigs at Ruby’s, which help raise funds for the Party in The Patch,” he said.
Ruby’s Lounge is located at 1648 Burwood Highway, Belgrave.