Shannon Michael Cane was a beloved fixture of Melbourne’s arts and music scene during the early 2000s. Known for his Witness Protection Program parties and founding the gay zine ‘They Shoot Homo’s Don’t They?, Shannon left an indelible mark on the local community before moving to New York and bringing new life to the city’s art book fairs.

While Shannon passed away in 2017, his impact on arts and culture in Melbourne and beyond will be felt for decades to come.

To celebrate his life, his achievements and his parties, RISING festival has teamed up with close friends and collaborators of Shannon's, Mark Poston and Colin Carmichael, to put on one hell of an opening night party.

Oliver Coleman (guest hosting SmartArts) spoke with Mark Poston about the event, Shannon’s legacy and impact on the arts scene in Naarm-Melbourne and what people can expect when they roll up to the party on Saturday June 1st at Max Watt’s.

photo: Rising festival.