A group of 28 local musicians brought live music to Mount Gambier’s Commercial Street businesses as part of the Homemade Jam Sessions from last Thursday to Saturday.
The Micro Music Fest started on Thursday afternoon for late night shopping including performances from Christy and Jason Wallace, Kiahna Little, Maixence Williams, Lilli Fullwood, Stokes, Anne Fraser, In the Lounge, Jeff Hateley, Ellyana Sims, Trish and Isaac, Jodi Swiggs, Fi and Frenz and Mikey McInerney.
Mount Gambier City Council Live Music Project Officer Monica Hart said local businesses had been supportive of the initiative.
“I have heard some interesting stories from local businesses about their experiences of live music,” she said.
“Trudi Shelton from The Book Place spoke about growing up with her father playing in a band called Shotgun and Patricia Corner from the Lifeline op shop reminisced about heading out with her mother and father in the 60s to one of the many live music cabarets happening on a Saturday night in Mount Gambier.”
A Homemade Jam for Lunch session was held outside the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre entrance on Friday.
The entertainment continued on Saturday with acts playing at Confession café, Aussie Disposals, Spot On Fishing and Tackle, The Book Place, McDonalds Furniture and Bedding, Daktari Sport, Arena Surf and Sport, Lifeline Op Shop, Attwoods Shoe Store, Bottega MBS, Dale Cleves Music and on the lawn outside the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.
“The COVID situation has had a significant impact on live performance in general, but to be a regional performer, means having to work a little harder to secure gigs and get your music out there, so I’m really excited that City of Mount Gambier is able to deliver a project that embraces innovation and opportunity for regional musicians,” Ms Hart said.
“In 2022, Homemade Jam will deliver professional development sessions for local music industry employees and musicians and an industry round table event, which will lead to the development of the City of Mount Gambier Live Music Action Plan.”
