Live musicians On the Road Again

THE State Government is aiming to supporting live musicians as they jump back on the tour bus and head out to gigs across Victoria.

Last week, Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson visited Ballarat venue The Eastern to launch On the Road Again, a new program of 300 live music events worth $5 million, which will be delivered throughout the regions.

Groups including Australian Festivals Association, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Songlines, and youth organisation The Push will facilitate the gigs, which will present performers such as Kaiit, Baker Boy, Emma Donovan, The Putbacks, Isaiah Firebrace, Music in Exile, and Gordi.

Mr Pearson said On the Road Again will activate regional Victorian “bandrooms, front bars, back bars and beer gardens,” nurturing the arts industry which has been squashed over the last 20 months, while boosting hospitality.

“It’s about making sure live music can come back into our thriving and bustling regional and rural towns. We want more venues to come back to life,” he said.

“It’s going to be a joyous celebration. Victorians are entitled to great benefits for all the sacrifices they’ve made, and we want this summer to be a summer like no other.”

Radio and television personality Myf Warhurst hosted the launch event at The Eastern on Wednesday, where singer Kaiit also performed two of her songs.

“Growing up in a small town, I know having live music and performances brings so much to the area, and I can’t wait to see how this will filter out to communities,” Warhurst said.

“When you have a live band performing and people going along having a great time, it supplements the local economy, and there’s so much joy to be brought to communities through music.

“Get on the road, go and see some local bands, enjoy live music, your local pubs, clubs, cafes, and support communities.”