Barwon Club vying for state honours

THE Barwon Club Hotel has been lauded for its music and venue excellence, named as a finalist in this year’s Music Victoria Awards.

The Moorabool Street establishment is up for the Regional Venue or Presenter (Over 50 Gigs) title.

The Music Victoria Awards are an annual high-profile celebration to recognise, acknowledge and reward the best music from the past year.

The Barwon Club Hotel owner Matt McCartin said the award nomination was a great reward for effort for his team.

“The challenge in this day and age is still making pubs viable, but we are stoked to still be your traditional old corner pub.

“Luckily, one our main revenue streams is still our live music.

“We actually won the award three years ago.

“It’s the people who support us who make The Barwon Club Hotel what is is. They’re just mad about their music.

“The music scene has gotten tougher, but it’s still alive and well in Geelong.”

Venue manager Jason Stokes echoed Mr McCartin’s sentiment.

“We hold these types of awards in very high esteem, so it’s fantastic to be nominated,” he said.

“It’s great recognition for the continuous hard work our staff, the venue, our bookers and the band are putting in.”

During the past 12 months, The Barwon Club Hotel has hosted bands including The Chats, Magic Dirt, Hot Potato Band, and the Cosmic Psychos.

“Magic Dirt was an absolute ripper and was a full sell-out,” Mr McCartin said.

“The Models are coming through in a few weeks. They were massive in the ‘80 and will be great to see. The Chats, the Cosmic Psychos… the list goes on.

“We also host River Rocks, which has been going on for 14 years and is a two-day full venue gig with upward of 30 bands.

“We’ve still got some really exciting times ahead.”

Other finalists for the 2023 Music Victoria Awards include Immy Owusu (Best Musician and Best Regional Act), Leah Senior (Best Folk Work and Best Regional Act), local band Bones and Jones (Best Regional Act) and The Blues Train (Best Regional Venue or Presenter (Under 50 gigs).

Winners will be announced tonight!

For more, head to musicvictoriaawards.com.au