‘On The Road Again’ Begins Metro Leg With Over 100 Gigs

The metro leg of the successful On The Road Again program has swung into action, with the Andrews Labor Government tipping in a further $4 million.

It already spent $5 million on the earlier legs that began last December, covering regional and outer suburban areas as well as a pop-up and busking program in Melbourne’s CBD that presented more than 700 street performances.

“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,” creative industries minister Danny Pearson said.

“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.”

One of the first of the latest 100 events, to start on June 24, is Southside Live, which has 22 acts performing for free on St Kilda’s foreshore until July 3.

Presented by City of Port Phillip, the music features jazz, soul, funk, orchestral, RnB, indie and rock with Mitch Tambo, Hiatus Kaiyote, Adalita, Isaiah Firebrace, Briggs, the Black Sorrows, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Bumpy, Kira Puru and Freeds.

An additional children’s program in the school holidays featuring Teeny Tiny Stevies and the Bluey Live Interactive Experience. 

“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,” City of Port Phillip mayor Marcus Pearl said.

City of Maribyrnong will produce a weekly live music program at emerging music venues in Footscray.

Moreland City Council’s plan is to deliver up to 85 events partnering with local businesses and venues.

Moonee Valley City Council will host two new events, Illuminate the River and MoPo Winter and Spring Sessions.

City of Stonnington’s presentation is a block party at Prahran Square and Chapel Fringe Sessions, three nights of shows 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 has plans for three showcases to establish Altona’s Civic Theatre as a new venue for live music in the west. 

Community Broadcasting Association of Australia is partnering with community radio stations including Triple R, Joy FM and PBS to co-produce eight shows across Melbourne.

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.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.