On the last weekend of August there was a mighty musical event at the Kangaroo Island Brewery. We presented a gaggle of talent unearthed from beneath the rocks, nooks and businesses of KI. We were so happy with the success of the event, the venue reaching full capacity, everyone dealing well with Covid rules and the wonderful decor designed and implemented by Jade Hinton.
Sarah and I devised a cunning plan to deliver a series of musical showcases featuring beginner and amateur musicians. These showcases aimed to give them a spotlight they might never have had the training (or guts) to experience without our assistance. And we would never have been able to offer that assistance without a supporting grant from the Australia Council.
The mission to nourish untapped local talent was a raging success. It included people who’d never played an instrument or sung before, as well as those who’d performed on stage (but never taken the lead) and those who’d picked up an instrument years ago but never developed those skills to performance level.
There was a huge diversity in the participants: project managers, business owners, baristas, tour guides, tradies, farmers, gin makers and brewers.
After 8 weeks of intense music & performance training these courageous fledglings developed into a flock of soaring eagles. We took the participants out of their comfort zone and into the danger zone.
As well as being a lot of fun, the project has resulted in the beginnings of an intimate, supportive and growing musical community of Kangaroo Island residents.
Click images in the gallery below to view photos of the Kangaroo Island Hillbilly Hootenanny.,
Thank you for the support
Sarah and I would also like to thank all the community, the groups and people that helped support, thank you so much to:
- Australia Council
- Kangaroo Island Brewery
- Kangaroo Island Council
- Junction Community Centre
- Jade Hinton
- Our wonderful students and all the community members who performed, participated, cheered and supported the development of a phenomenal music community on Kangaroo Island.
Keep your eyes peeled as there will be more events coming this summer.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
And if you think you might be interested in learning music, feel feel to get in touch.
