By Cameron Weston
THE Williamstown Festival is a chance for Hobsons Bay residents to sample the best of the local arts scene, but for one performer, it is also a chance to know the locals.
Brent Gregson recently took over the Pludo Cafe in Ferguson Street, Williamstown, and will be playing at the festival with his band, Why Valerie…?
The lead singer in the band, Mr Gregson loves all types of music, and hopes the medium will be a touchstone with like-minded locals when he plays a set during the festival.
Mr Gregson is in the process of transforming the interior of the Pludo, replacing ’50s pop memorabilia with images capturing the guitar-heavy psychedelic rock of the 1970s.
“It was a retro ’50s cafe with all the old school memorabilia all over the place. But we’re trying to change things a bit, to make it more about the ’70s and ’80s,” he said.
“I’m a muso so everything is about music for me … so I think, why not work with it as well.”
And when it came to describing exactly what kind of music Why Valerie…? play, Mr Gregson had plenty of adjectives at hand.
“It’s kind of a modern rock type of cool, funky, new but old-school kind of metal,” he said.
Heavily influenced by the big riffing rock bands of the 1970s, Why Valerie…? were playing a residency at The Espy in St Kilda when festival director Fleur Arnold noticed them and, after learning of the Williamstown connection, asked them to join the festival bill.
Tasha Rogers, Mr Gregson’s business partner in the Pludo and part-time band manager, is also involved in the Williamstown Festival, strengthening the cafe’s ties to the local arts scene.
Why Valerie…? Will be sharing the bill with two other bands, and tickets for the performance cost $12. Tickets available at the Pludo or the Apricot Tree in Pier Street, Altona.
For more information about the Williamstown Festival contact the Hobsons Bay Williamstown Visitor Information Centre on 9399 8641.
