The live music scene in the Blue Mountains has received a boost after council was awarded state government funding for a “micro music festival” in Katoomba
The “Live and Local” event will be held in Katoomba’s Civic Centre arcade at a date yet to be determined.
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill described the project as an “exciting initiative that will foster young creative talent in our community”.
“It will make a significant contribution to activating the Civic Centre arcade and Katoomba’s night-time economy while working in collaboration with our local businesses.”
Upper House MP Shayne Mallard said council’s successful proposal outlined its plans “to turn Katoomba’s CBD into a live performance space by activating a number of local retail and hospitality businesses for local artists to show their talent”.
NSW arts minister Don Harwin said the initiative was another example of the government’s commitment to develop arts and culture across NSW.
“This is a great initiative where councils can offer local artists a platform to be heard. From school bands to rock bands, locals will be entertained by locals for free.”
Successful events have already been held in Parramatta, Camden and Wollondilly, with the Camden festival bringing thousands of music lovers to the centre.
Acting Camden mayor Theresa Fedeli said the event was brilliant.
“I have dreamed of seeing something like this in Camden,” she said. “Normally you have to go to places like Surry Hills or The Rocks for this kind of event but we had it here.”
Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle said she was “looking forward to seeing what they do with the Katoomba Live Music Project and seeing our creative community building on the already wildly successful music events like the Ukelele Festival, Blue Mountains Folk, Roots and Blue Festival and the Roaring 20s & All That Jazz events”.
“Council’s successful bid can be seen in the context of a local live music scene that is going from strength to strength with the support of established and energetic live music promoters such as Fusion Boutique Presents, and Music Hunter, Blue Mountains,” she said.
The funding is administered by Live Music Office on behalf of Create NSW and is used to cover the cost of fees for musicians, curators and technicians involved in the events.
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It will make a significant contribution to activating the Civic Centre arcade and Katoomba’s night-time economy.
- Mark Greenhill
