Virtual festival: Geelong and the Bellarine to star in this weekend’s Isol-Aid online concert

THIS weekend, the best of Geelong and the Bellarine’s music scene will be streamed around the world as the region takes part in the award-winning Isol-Aid online music festival.
Isol-Aid was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic, when it became apparent that musicians would be heavily affected by the cancellation of tours and gigs and the inability to play venues throughout Australia.
Every weekend, musicians play a 20-minute set streamed live via their Instagram accounts. At the end of each set, musicians pass to the next artist on the line-up, sending fans on a journey of new music discovery and community.
Geelong is the first regional centre to be showcased on Isol-Aid, and Saturday’s two-hour concert will feature eight local artists playing live at eight different venues across the region, all livestreamed for music fans to enjoy from home.
The line-up will be announced at noon tomorrow (Friday, July 16).
The City of Greater Geelong council says Isol-Aid proudly supports the region’s musicians and helps to foster a sense of togetherness and community, and is calling on people to livestream, listen, buy and donate whatever you can when the concert takes place.
“Geelong and The Bellarine is home to so many talented and passionate musicians from across different genres, whose livelihoods have been heavily impacted by the pandemic,” the city’s chair of the arts, culture and heritage portfolio Cr Trent Sullivan said.
“Isol-Aid will be a fantastic opportunity to support local artists and experience some amazing performances, while being connected with music lovers from across Australia.
“Make sure to give our local stars a leg up by livestreaming the event and donating if you can.”
The first Isol-Aid event was held in March and featured a line-up of more than 70 artists, including Didirri, Stella Donnelly, Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, Spacey Jane and Hayley Mary.
Several of Australian music’s hottest acts have since joined in to play on the following weekends, including Courtney Barnett, Sarah Blasko and John Butler.
Geelong and the Bellarine’s spot in the Isol-Aid lineup will be on Saturday, July 16 between 2-4pm.
For more information, head to isolaidfestival.com.