Help support live musicians

Entertainers unite to keep

live musicians working

Show your support by coming along

By SHIRLEY BROUN

SAFEGUARDING the livelihoods of live musicians is the motivation behind staging a monthly midday concert at the Gold Coast's Surfers RSL in Surfers Paradise. 

The event is returning on December 15 after the entire entertainment industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organiser Coral Roy-Jones who, with the late Kay Purser is responsible for establishing the popular midday music event said the first show was held in November 2019 and each month after that until the pandemic hit.

"Our last show was held in April and our show on December 15 will mark our return for the first time since then," she said.

"We now plan to hold it on the third Tuesday of each month (COVID-19 allowing) and everyone is welcome to attend what will be a wonderful day of great entertainment - performers and the general public."

Coral hosts the shows which are fun-packed, start at Midday and star a fabulous line-up of top Australian performers such as recording artist Lynn Rogers, backed by a fabulous live show band featuring the talents of Graham Lockwood on keyboard, Jose Travers on guitar, John Conley on bass and Rodney Ford on drums.

"The line-up can change from time to time and also features Russell Bayne on guitar and Joe Delalande on drums. Both were an integral part of the original players in the band and still remain part of the shows.

"All the musicians are true performers in their own right and have backed some of the world's leading artists, including top names such as Frank Sinatra, Normie Rowe and John Rowles," said Coral.

As a performer herself the reason for staging the event, which is to keep live musicians working, is close to her heart.

`We are at risk of losing something truly special'

"Once upon a time, all artists who performed on stage in clubs and other venues across the country always worked with live musicians but with the advent of modern technology, the days of an 8-piece band and live music are gradually disappearing.

"We are at risk of losing something truly special - we don't want to lose the feeling and extraordinary sound of a live band. They are such a great asset to any performance as you never know what might happen on stage, and they are able to adapt quickly and pick up wherever is necessary.

"They are also able to play just about anything ... and even at a moment's notice because many of the musicians are able to cross over to all genres of music from the old classics to country, disco, Motown, rock and jazz. These musicians grew up with it all and can back anyone. We need to support them."

All the money raised from the $10 entry fee goes towards paying the band on the day. Featured performers give their time freely in a united show of support for the event and their fellow industry members.

Coral said the management at Surfers RSL had been extremely supportive for which everyone involved was extremely grateful.

Anyone wishing to attend the December 15, 2020 event can call Coral on 0411 527 309 for tickets at just $10 each. Arrival time is 11.30 for a 12 midday start.

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