The Gallery Series

Take a quick break and let live music lift your lunch hour. This free pop-up performance series brings talented musicians into the beautiful gallery and public spaces of Hawthorn Arts Centre, creating a relaxed moment of music, art and inspiration in the middle of the day.

Perfect for a quick escape, a quiet reset or a shared cultural moment, these bite-sized performances take place every Wednesday from 19 August to 23 September.

No bookings are required. Simply drop in, settle in and enjoy the harmony of live music surrounded by art.

All ages welcome.

This event is part of our Art+ program. The program offers a mix of events and activities that invite you to experience the gallery in new and creative ways, including artist talks, film screenings, workshops and live music surrounded by art. 

Accessibility at this space

• accessible car parking
• automatic doors
• accessible toilets
• ramps
• clear signage
• tactile signage
• lifts
• wide passageways.

Events in the series

Date and time	Performer
19 August 2026 1 to 2 pm	Peter Baylor - Guitar Peter Baylor is a beloved force in Australia’s roots music scene, known for guitar playing and vocals steeped in swing, blues, country, folk and rockabilly spirit. Since 1980, he has toured internationally, appeared on more than 50 recordings and brought irresistible feel, flair and storytelling to countless stages
26 August  2026 1 to 2 pm	Vinod Prasanna – Bansuri Award-winning bansuri virtuoso Vinod Prasanna carries generations of Indian flute tradition in every breath. Born in Varanasi into one of India’s great musical families, Vinod performs with grace, colour and meditative depth across classical, world and devotional music. Now based in Australia, he shares the bansuri as performer, teacher and craftsman. For more information visit Vinod’s website
2  September  2026 1 to 2 pm	Brandon Lee - Koto Melbourne-based koto artist Brandon Lee brings the shimmering sounds of Japan’s ancient string instrument into fresh contemporary focus. Originally from Malaysia and trained in Tokyo with virtuoso Kazue Sawai, Brandon moves gracefully between tradition and new musical worlds, weaving elegant, resonant performances shaped by curiosity, craft and cross-cultural collaboration. For more information visit Brandon’s website.
9  September  2026 1 to 2 pm	Sophia Kirsanova - Violin Latvian-born violinist Sophia Kirsanova brings elegance, depth and international flair to every performance. Now based in Melbourne, she has performed across Europe, Australia and Israel as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player. Her acclaimed 2024 album The Morning Mist reflects the expressive, lyrical artistry she shares on stage. For more information visit Sophia’s website.
16  September  2026 1 to 2 pm	Con Kalamaras - Bouzouki  Con Kalamaras carries the smoky, soulful world of Rebetika into vibrant contemporary settings. A Melbourne-based musician, producer and co-founder of Greek Fringe and the Melbourne Rebetiko Festival, Con performs the music often called the Greek Blues with warmth, grit and deep cultural knowledge, connecting audiences from Australia to Greece and Japan.  For more information visit Con’s website
23  September  2026 1 to 2 pm	Erica Bramham - Double bass, vocals Erica Bramham creates intimate, luminous songs where folk, jazz and art music meet. With voice, double bass, guitar, piano and mandolin, she crafts richly textured performances that feel both finely composed and beautifully alive. A three-time album artist and Music Victoria Award nominee, Erica brings poetry, warmth and quiet daring to the stage. For more information visit Erica’s website.

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