A MOVEMENT to grow the live music industry on the Mornington Peninsula is gaining momentum, with a call for industry leaders, musicians, venue operators and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to work together to be part of its revival.
The peninsula was once a thriving live music destination but has not yet bounced back to its pre-COVID glory days, according to industry professionals.
Musician Steve Myles is one of hundreds of peninsula residents who laments the slow decline of the live music scene, and says all players need to work together to make sure that live performances are available and accessible.
He is one of a team of people behind a live music forum on 1 March, that aims to being promoters, musicians venue operators and council representatives together to hear about the needs of the industry.
Myles said musicians were sick of “talk” of a live music revival when very little is actually happening on the ground.
He said the council’s Music 2025 document was a good idea and a great place to start, but more “action” was needed to make it work.
“That document was released two years ago, but is what’s happened since then being measured,” he said.
“I’m not blaming any one of the players. Yes, the shire has a part to play, but it’s going to take the entire industry working together.
“We all feel the loss of the live music scene, performers and audiences – there are some great venues that are still keeping it alive, but getting more venues to have confidence again and support it can be difficult.”
Dave Campbell, co-founder of the captain Spalding band, says there is an audience for live music and plenty of talent on the peninsula that venues have an opportunity to embrace.
He has regular gigs at the Canadian Bay Hotel in Mount Eliza and Hickinbotham winery in Dromana, but says the live music scene has still not quite returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“It’s a vibrant scene happily supported by some great venues but, of course, there is always room for more,” he said.
Myles, who is part of an act that plays most weekends, says many musicians are not so lucky and are struggling to find places to play. In particular, young people and those starting out were missing out on the opportunity to be heard.
“I want to be able to give these young players a chance to get on stage, and all musicians and venues to have the support they need to keep the industry alive,” he said.
“That may be in the form of grants or funding, but also in just getting people back.”
Myles said the forum would be a time to nut out some of the logistical and bureaucratic problems plaguing the live music sector, and discuss solutions.
The Live Music Industry Night will be held 6pm to 9pm Wednesday 1 March at the Peninsula Beer Garden, 215 Browns Road, Boneo. For details and to register go to chronogolf.com/club/15574/events/672886
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 14 February 2023
