The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victoria’s celebrated live music industry, delivering a new run of more than 100 live gigs to punters across Melbourne’s suburbs.
Kicking off this week, the $4 million metro leg of the hugely popular On The Road Again initiative will bring a wide range of live music gigs, festivals and events to venues in coming months.
One of the first events to start the metro tour Southside Live will present a free program of live music on St Kilda’s foreshore in June and July, featuring some of Victoria’s best-loved musicians including Mitch Tambo, Pania, Freeds and the Teeny Tiny Stevies.
City of Maribyrnong will produce a weekly live music program at emerging music venues in Footscray, Moreland City Council will deliver up to 85 events partnering with local businesses and venues and Moonee Valley City Council will host two new events – Illuminate the River and MoPo Winter and Spring Sessions.
City of Stonnington will present a block party at Prahran Square and Chapel Fringe Sessions, three nights of music performances in October featuring Victorian and Australian acts. Yarra City Council will host Leaps and Bounds + BEYOND 2022 Festival, a mini-festival that will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, African and LGBTQIA+ musicians.
Hobsons Bay City Council will deliver three music showcases that will establish Altona’s Civic Theatre as a new venue for live music in the west. Community Broadcasting Association of Australia will partner with community radio stations including Triple R, Joy FM and PBS to co-produce eight live music events across Melbourne.
On The Road Again kicked off in December with a $5 million program to support live music events in regional and outer suburban areas. This was followed by a series of pop-up performances and massive busking program in Melbourne’s CBD that presented more than 700 street performances.
In a further boost to the state’s music industry, the latest round of the Labor Government’s Music Works grants is open for applications. Grants of between $4,000 and $40,000 are available for activities including recording and releasing new music, presenting music events, marketing and business development.
To apply for a Music Works grant, visit creative.vic.gov.au/music-works. For more information on upcoming On The Road Again events, visit vmdo.com.au/ontheroadagain or check your local gig guide.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“On The Road Again has reignited live music in regional Victoria and on the streets of Melbourne’s CBD, and will now kick-start a huge line-up of live music events across inner Melbourne.”
“This massive line-up of events will appeal to every music fan, provide new opportunities for musicians and performers, support local businesses and get our live music scene pumping like never before.”
Quote attributable to City of Port Phillip Mayor Cr Marcus Pearl
“St Kilda is known and loved for its live music so we’re delighted On the Road Again funding will help us stage Southside Live, a live music program to warm up the colder months.”
