An impromptu acoustic music concert will be held in Penola on Saturday despite the 2022 Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering being cancelled due to COVID-19.

The event’s committee organised the Rymill Hall event because despite the official event being cancelled, many people chose to keep their accommodation in Penola.

This prompted the committee to hold a smaller-scale event, which committee member Anne Miller said would be a fun way for people to get a taste of the gathering and get a feel for the variety of music.

There will be an open mic for acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities to take to the stage and perform two songs each.

Guests will include well-known musician Hank Groot, Celtic Folk band Shamrock and Fleurieu Folk Festival co-founder Annie Thornton who will sing sea shanties.

“There will be a huge variety of different styles of music,” Ms Miller said.

“It will be a fun night. We’re excited about it.”

Doors open at 6.30pm, music will begin around 7pm and attendees can bring their own nibbles and drinks.

The Bendigo Bank Youth Mentoring Program, affilivated with the PC Acoustic Gathering, will still go ahead during the second school term from May 16 to 19, followed by a ‘Stars of the Future’ concert on Friday, May 20 in Rymill Hall.

Tutor and accomplished singer-songwriter Nancy Bates will travel to schools to take classes and perform one-on-one tutoring.

Schools and students can register for the free program via the Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering website.

Ms Miller said although the gathering was cancelled this year, they would be back bigger and better next year.

Everyone is welcome to attend on Saturday with an entry $10 at the door.