Shine those dancing shoes and get ready to party like it’s 1928 with The Taste’s New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball – a special, once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate the 30^th birthday of The Taste of Tasmania on Monday, 31 December 2018.

As the Festival enters its thirties, revisit the world of the roaring twenties – an era iconic for its high-octane entertainment, carefree fun and wild parties – right in the heart of Hobart! The Speakeasy Ball is proud to present a line-up of dazzling performances, from top Aussie musicians, giant brass bands and bold burlesque!

The unforgettable night features a stellar ten-piece band, led by ARIA-winning composer and pianist, Barney McAll, with an incredible array of guest singers including: Tex Perkins (The Cruel Sea), Ella Hooper (Killing Heidi), Monique Brumby, Mojo Juju and Loretta Miller (Jazz Party).

An undeniable force on stage, Tex Perkins’ growly voice helped shaped Australian music and cemented him as one of the country’s Kings of Pub Rock. This is an unmissable opportunity to see the legend live as you’ve never seen him before, with a host of some of Australia’s best pop singers including Ella Hooper and Tassie’s own Monique Brumby.

Returning to the Festival is crowd-favourite, The Mighty Duke & The Lords, for a night of extravagance and fever as they play their calypso party anthems into the wee hours and blow up one hell of a tropical hurricane in the process!

Melbourne’s best-kept secret, Jazz Party, will take attendees on an express trip to New Orleans, infecting the crowd with an unshakable dancing bug as they bring a slippery mix of rhythm ‘n’ blues and soulful, rocking jazz to the Ball.

Local legends, Uncle Gus & The Rimshots, are bringing a fun-loving and energetic atmosphere that’s sure to get everyone buzzing. The seven-man band will have the crowd jump-jiving and swinging the night away with a hectic set-list of tunes to sing, dance and laugh along to.

Another local sensation is the trio-quintet, Django’s Tiger, who are bringing the distinctive and infectious sound of Gypsy Jazz to Hobart. Featuring a blend of violin, vocals, guitar and bass, this supremely talented bunch will grace the crowd with an eclectic and unique sound.

Saucy Jack & His Ripper Band are another Hobartian delight whose original songs are like stepping into a time-machine as they recreate the sounds of 1920 jazz, roots, blues and folk music.

After returning from three hugely successful back-to-back American tours, and after headlining burlesque legend, Dita Von Teese, the internationally-acclaimed dancer and 2014’s Miss Burlesque Australia, Zelia Rose, will perform a dazzling, high-energy show.

For those who need a little help getting into the swing of things, come down early when the gates open for Swing Dancing Lessons by TasSwing – a fun and friendly dance class open to all!

This flappin’ fun event is set against the stunning backdrop of Hobart’s waterfront precinct, promising only the best 20s-inspired entertainment for a night of tuxedoes and feather boas.

Tickets are on sale now at www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au

WHAT:                 The Taste’s New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball

WHEN:                Monday, 31 December 2018

WHERE:               Princes Wharf, Hobart, TAS, 7000