Toowoomba Live and Local music program launches to foster young talent with workshops, gigs

Some of Toowoomba’s brightest musical talents will be offered a big leg-up thanks to the launch a major live music initiative.

VOCAL SUPPORT: Toowoomba musician Meg Beth is excited to be part of the new Live and Local program, backed by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

After losing plenty of gigs thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toowoomba musician Meg Beth is keen to get back on stage.

“(2020) was my year to get into gigs, but it all shut down, so it’s really good to be getting back into it now,” the singer-songwriter said.

Ms Beth will be part of a new program that aims to boost live music across the Toowoomba region.

The Live and Local Strategic Initiative, funded by the Toowoomba Regional Council and co-ordinated with several partners, will hold industry workshops and special performance opportunities for up-and-coming musicians.

Ms Beth said she hoped to learn a lot through the program, which runs from this month until the end of the year.

“I’m a local artist myself, so it will be good to get that knowledge,” she said.

“There is the music side of being a musician, but there’s also the business side, and that knowledge is hard to come by, so I think these workshops will help.

“It would be really awesome to figure out that kind of stuff.”

Councillor James O’Shea said Live and Local was not only about industry development and job opportunities for musicians, but also a chance to support the region’s live music venues.

“There are already more than 50 live music venues across our region, showcasing a diverse range of emerging, established and touring musical artists,” he said.

“Live and Local will support these venues to host more live music more often, providing a great platform for local bands and musicians to showcase their talent to an even larger audience.”

The council is also developing a live music strategy, in line with other local governments across Queensland.

Mr O’Shea said spots were now open in the industry workshops, which would be held in June.

For more details, call 131 782 or head to tr.qld.gov.au.

Live and Local is delivered as part of the Regional Arts Development Fund partnership with the council, along with South West Queensland Regional Arts, Q Music, the Live Music Office and APRA AMCOS.