Former cafe owner plans to turn CBD street into music precinct

Newspaper has covered the windows of a Russell St building for months and now we can reveal what Toowoomba can expect to see inside. Find out all you need to know here.

It’s been less than a year since the former cafe owner closed the doors to her business, but not even that could keep Katie Eastaugh from pursuing her passion for Toowoomba’s music scene.

The former owner of Cafe Guitar, which closed in January due to storm damage, will start managing new store GS Discount Music to help the “untapped music talent” in Toowoomba.

Katie Eastaugh gets ready for the launch of GS Music Discount Music Store in Russell St. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Selling end of the line, entry-model and scratched instruments at a discounted price, Katie said the new store would assist artists to enter the music scene who may be struggling to afford full-priced items.

It’s a vision she is helping her husband Steve Eastaugh, the owner of fellow Russell Street music store Bandland, bring to life after 10 years.

“When I was running Cafe Guitar, I saw a lot of young musicians shine on stage and I would really love for anyone considering it to just get an instrument in their hands and give it a go,” she said.

“It might be your first guitar, it might not be the best brand in the world, but it will certainly get you on your way and who knows where you’ll go from there.”

Katie Eastaugh gets ready for the launch of GS Music Discount Music Store in Russell St. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With plans to restore the space which is on top of The Cash Shop on Russell St, Katie describes it as a “bare bones warehouse” with an exposed brick feature wall.

Passionate about collaborating with other Toowoomba music stores and giving young artists opportunities to perform, Katie hopes to one day transform Russell St into a music precinct.

Steve and Katie Eastaugh outside Cafe Guitar which closed in January and Bandland on Russell St. Picture: Nev Madsen

“Since the cafe shut, so many people have told me they miss the vibe Russell St once had and the live music,” Ms Eastaugh said.

“I would love to collaborate with other business owners and Toowoomba Regional Council to hold more block parties during the Carnival of Flowers and Christmas time, because Russell St really is the place to be.”

GS Discount Music will open in December and trades on weekends from 10am to 3pm.