Boxing Day Bowlo: Organisers mark 10th anniversary of Hobart live music showcase at Taroona Bowls Club
For the organisers of the beloved ‘Boxing Day Bowlo’, live music and lawn bowls are a match made in heaven, with the popular event marking its 10th anniversary this year. How to get involved >>
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One of the best showcases of Hobart’s vibrant live music scene will mark its tenth anniversary this year in an important milestone for the grateful organisers of the annual ‘Boxing Day Bowlo’.
When Sam Nicholson and James Woodberry put together the first iteration of the event at the Taroona Bowls Club a decade ago, they didn’t expect it to grow into a fixture of the events calendar for local music-lovers.
Nicholson, who is the frontman of the Melbourne-based jangle pop group Quivers, grew up in Taroona and said he had long wanted to start a family-friendly “mini-festival” that could provide a platform for local bands.
“I grew up always playing music and organising shows, and really enjoy the community that forms around just putting events on and making your own fun,” he said.
“The thing I love about Boxing Day Bowlo is everyone there now kind of runs it – it’s the most relaxed mini-festival ever.
“Also, traditions keep growing over time. One is that every year people bring soccer balls, and a really casual barefoot game seems to happen.”
Attendees of past events have been known to follow the Boxing Day Test on the club’s TV in between sets, as well as sneak off for a quick dip at Taroona Beach.
Woodberry, who will perform at this year’s event as part of the duo Jim and Dan, credited the bowls club with enthusiastically supporting the ‘Bowlo’ and making life easy for the organisers.
“It’s really exciting to be organising this year’s event. Ten years is a milestone and has inspired me to make this year’s event extra special,” he said.
Local legends Tiger Choir will play a one-off reunion set, which Woodberry expects will “draw a good crowd”.
Stalwarts of the Hobart scene, The Native Cats, will also perform, as will Cathy Diver, Lune River, and tassieboi69, while Trackydax and Lomax will be spinning vinyl.
The Boxing Day Bowlo kicks off at 1pm on December 26 and will continue until 8pm.
Tickets are $25 on the door and $10 for Taroona Bowls Club members and entry is free for kids under 12.
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Originally published as Boxing Day Bowlo: Organisers mark 10th anniversary of Hobart live music showcase at Taroona Bowls Club
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