Shannon Michael Cane : Someone Great — A celebration

A tribute and coming together in honour of Shannon Michael Cane.

Shannon Michael Cane was a maverick of the Melbourne arts scene of the early 2000s. While behind the desk of Polyestor Records and Outre Gallery, he was also throwing his infamous Witness Protection Program parties, and busy founding the groundbreaking gay zine, They Shoot Homos Don’t They?

In 2008, he pulled up stumps and moved to New York, where he revolutionised art book fairs during his time at Printed Matter, all the while, passionately lifting up emerging artists and moving arts culture forward with his passion, vision and humour. In 2017, Shannon passed away, leaving a huge void among friends and a vast network of collaborators.

So, in the year it would have been SMC’s 50th birthday, it’s fitting RISING’s opening night party will smudge outside the lines in honour of his work and memory.

For those who aren’t familiar with SMC, a perfect opportunity to get to know him and his favourite artists, friends and collaborators. And celebrate SMC’s positive force, which has inspired so many worldwide.

Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor is heading behind the decks in tribute. He’ll be joined by Gerard Frank Long (aka Sugar Plump Fairy) spinning disco. Expect joyous vinyl sets from the legendary DJ JNETT and the care bear of the Melbourne music scene, Andee Frost. Plus, Sydney’s gayest collaboration Stereogamous, featuring Jonny Seymour, is heading down south. Betty Grumble takes the lead on MC duties.

Over in the Howey Hotel, as part of Night Trade made easy by Up, is a multi-disciplinary archive exhibition to remember Shannon Michael Cane, featuring contributions from LCD Soundsystem, M/M Paris and Ryan McGinley. It includes a rich collection of counter-culture ephemera showcasing Shannon's contributions. These include zines, posters, photographs, t-shirts, video, flyers and personal items belonging to Shannon. Plus, an exclusive limited edition t-shirt—a collaboration between P.A.M, M/M Paris, Cali DeWitt—will also be on sale in the merch shop.

Pop culture fans won't know where to focus their attention with so much sensory stimulation on RISING's opening night; a celebration anchored in community and creative collaboration.

It’s a huge coming together in the name of friendship—those forged and those lost, but never forgotten.

Prepare for butt plugs, balloons, and general frivolity. Enter through the Stage Door via Night Trade.