Music gigs get back on the road

LIVE music is coming back across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with the state government supporting a calendar of more than 300 events across the state.

On the Road Again is a $9 million initiative being brought to life through 34 grants to individuals and groups, including regional venues, promoters and artists.

Local music performances and events supported by the initiative include:

• Jack Botts at the Torquay Hotel on January 2
• Tex Perkins and Matt Walker at the Queenscliff Town Hall on January 15
• Bad Bangs, Sledgehammer and Sires at the Barwon Club Hotel on January 28
• Pierce Brothers at Birregurra Hall on February 12
• ThornBird at the Queenscliff Town Hall on March 11, and
• Julia Jacklin at the Queenscliff Town Hall on April 1.

Other artists on the bill for Victorian gigs include Baker Boy, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, Isaiah Firebrace, Kaiit, Gordi and Music in Exile.

The state’s music festivals are also set to roar back to life, with Ocean Sounds in Phillip Island and Gaytimes Festival in Gembrook some of the exciting attractions Victorians can enjoy this summer.

A 20-date youth music calendar of events will also provide live music for younger audiences.

Seven industry organisations are on board to deliver events and programs, including the Australian Festivals Association, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Songlines and youth music initiative The Push.

Details of the first On The Road Again events are now online, with further gigs and events to be added throughout the 2022 season.

There will also be secret pop-up shows at locations across Melbourne’s CBD from now into February, including Tones & I’s gig outside the Melbourne GPO on Thursday last week.

“With more than 300 incredible events and an awesome line-up of local artists, this summer offers plenty of reasons to take a music-fuelled roadtrip across Victoria,” Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said.

“On the Road Again is bringing performers back to local stages, supporting the live music industry, generating tourism and delivering economic benefits in towns and suburbs across the state.”

For more information including gig listings and ticket information, head to vmdo.com.au/ontheroadagain.