I’m a little staggered to think that 2016 will see the 6th annual Bendigo Blues & Roots Musical Festival!
It’s been a lot of fun along the way with literally hundreds of people putting in a lot of hard work to make it happen – not just over that weekend in early November, but all year round. There are too many to mention by name, however a big thank you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, committees, artists, local community and of course our festival and gig-goers.
Bendigo locals may have seen an article in The Addy a few weeks ago detailing the need for a date change for this year’s festival. We are now scheduled for 3-6 November. We were going to clash with the Bendigo Swap Meet which also draws in 1000s of visitors, which would have been a nightmare for people from out of town looking for accommodation that same weekend. It meant juggling a few things but we will again be hosting performances from well over 100 artists in many different venues across Bendigo. And Ulumbarra Theatre have already approached us about putting together a special show for the Sunday afternoon of our program – watch this space.
28th February at the Rifle Brigade Hotel in View Street sees our first Showcase fundraiser event of 2016. The Winter edition will be held at the Golden Vine Hotel on July 17th and we will have a special surprise event between then and November with thanks to our valued partners at Capital Venues and Events – again: watch this space.
Quality live music is on in Bendigo every week of the year. If you stand under the Marilyn statue in Rosalind Park you’re actually within walking distance of about 10 venues that host live music every week. We don’t push people to ‘support local live music’ as much as we remind people to ‘enjoy local live music’. Taking advantage of local events and enjoying art and music made by the people in your community is its own reward.
Thanks again for supporting live music at in Bendigo. You’re not just an audience member, you’re a participant.
