If you have ever been to a gig in Bendigo, you would know the Music Man is the best place to catch something a bit alternative in terms of live music. However, it is sadly looking like they may be closing the doors. Forte had a chat to the venue’s owner Paul Tzountzourkas about some of the great events they have hosted, as well as how you (yes, you) can help keep the venue alive!
Music Man has hosted everyone from The Bennies to The Smith Street Band and King Parrot, and puts a heavy emphasis on creating shows for bands in genres not necessarily recognised by the mainstream.
“There have been heaps of memorable moments. Anything of decent quality [musically], it doesn’t matter what genre, it is something to get excited about. We try to make it a party no matter if there is one person there, or 200 people there,” Tzountzourkas says.
“The thing is it’s Bendigo. Bendigo is really big on the Blues Scene and we put on some blues shows, but we mainly try to open it up for bands in other genres that aren’t necessarily catered for. So we have been left with a big open market, but it is not always easy to get the punters. Everyone is happy listening to triple j Unearthed but they wont go out and step foot in a venue to see a band playing a show for their first time.”
The venue now has a Go Fund Me campaign online which has secured a solid six thousand dollars in three weeks and is still growing.
“I feel pretty bad about the whole situation. I feel bad that we are being forced to rely on people to help out. As a business, you don’t want that to happen but the support we have had from bands and punters and everyone has been absolutely amazing.”
As well as the campaign, the venue is putting on a “Do or Die” festival event at the end of the month, hosting over 90 bands over three days.
“We have about 70 bands so far including about eight or nine hip-hop artists as well. We have blues bands, rock bands, alternative bands and one floor that are pretty much all metal. Because it’s been overwhelmed with people who are wanting to get on board, we are going to do the Sunday as well so we will fit about another 20 bands, so it will get close to 100 bands. We are kind of putting all our eggs in one basket by putting on this last shindig.
“We will use the money from the floats and all our beer sales, anything to get close to the goal. We are determined to not let the venue close.”
Written by Alex Callan
Hit up gofundme.com/helpsavemusicman before October 1.
When & Where: Do or Die Festival, Music Man Megastore Bendigo – September 30 – October 2
