This Valentine’s Day, Seventh Gallery invites you to 'Valentine’s Piano Bar', a heartwarming evening celebrating love, community, and LGBTQIA+ songwriters.

Hosted by Clare Ellen O'Connor and accompanied by the brilliant Ashton Turner on piano, the event offers you a chance to take the stage in a supportive and positive environment.

Dreaming of serenading your partner with a live performance? Here’s your moment! Choose from a curated list of songs by queer artists and step up to the mic—whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply looking to share the magic of the night. It’s not about perfect pitch; it’s about celebrating queer stories through music.

Sing, listen, and immerse yourself in an evening of community and creativity. And yes, there's a bar.

Event Details:

Date: Friday 14 February, 2025
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Accessibility: venue is wheelchair accessible
Venue: Seventh Gallery, Richmond - if the weather is nice we'll be out on the lawn!

Do I need to bring anything?

When buying your ticket, you'll have the option to write a few song requests. These requests will help our talented pianist prepare and make your night extra special! Otherwise, feel free to request songs on the night from a curated list of songs by queer artists.

You don't need to bring anything except your ID if you're planning to drink. Please note that BYO is not permitted, as drinks will be available for purchase.

About Clare Ellen O'Connor, your cupid-in-chief host:

Clare Ellen O'Connor's work is driven by a passion for making the arts accessible and welcoming to everyone. Too often, creative spaces feel exclusive or intimidating, but Clare believes art should be a place for questioning, mess, and play.

With over a decade of experience as a professional singer and actor—performing internationally on cruise ships and across Australia in theatre and cabaret—she's excited to return to performing after a much-needed post-COVID hiatus.

This project is about celebrating queer storytelling and facing fears in all our imperfect glory. Together, we’ll create a space where mistakes are embraced, and everyone feels encouraged to take part.

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Image Description:The image features a person with their mouth open, expressing excitement and joy. Next to them on the right is a neon sign of a rainbow and the word valentines. The background of the photo is hot pink.

Image Credit: Danni Nix, design by Clare Ellen O'Connor

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This project is part of SHIFT: A Queer Symposia, a series of events at Seventh Gallery across January and February, to create a space for discourse, exchange, & solidarity within the LGBTIQA+ community. SHIFT is supported by the Victorian Government.

Please visit our website for the full SHIFT program.