Live music venues get ready to plug in

LIVE music has been greenlit by the state government, albeit with several coronavirus caveats, causing venue managers and booking agents to reimagine live performance.

To assist venues during this transitory period, Music Victoria has published an article by Jon Perring offering some sage advice on sound control.

The owner of iconic Melbourne sticky carpet The Tote encouraged venue owners to go ahead with live gigs but to consider those around them.

“A lot can be achieved by approaching the task practically and pragmatically especially for a small audience,” he wrote.

“Don’t point your speakers at your neighbours. Point them away from residences, especially any habitable spaces. If you can position physically solid barriers in the sound transmission path, do so. This can help attenuate the sound.”

The article coincides with local venues such as the Torquay Hotel re-emerging with a fresh take on the gig experience.

Band booker Luke Hindson recently announced ARIA-winning country blues sensation C. W Stoneking would be playing at the Torquay Hotel and Barwon Heads Hotel on December 10 and 11, respectively.

“Seventy people outside, dinner and show, two sittings, one at 5pm and one at 8pm and each show is 90 minutes,” he said.

Stoneking will play four shows across two days with a total of 280 tickets for sale. The shows at Barwon Heads Hotel will reannounce the pub as a live music venue. The show will take place in the beer garden under the marquee with stunning ocean views.

“Being outdoors, we can’t have bands, but we are talking with agents now about more artists that would suit this style of show.”

The gigs are welcome news for live music fans throughout the Surf Coast and Geelong region as venues continue to adapt to the changing conditions.