CULTURE CLUB Where might the budding musician start?

With Local Musician

Dr Michael Whiticker

As the coordinator of a number of regular shows and “booked” open mic events in the area (presently the Glasshouse Musos at Beerwah Hotel and Muzika at Maleny RSL), a colleague recently asked me if we had considered dedicating the first hour of our events to beginners. This got me wondering whether budding musicians are aware of the range of local events that are available for the novice musician. If someone is not very experienced and a little nervous, but still wants to play, then there are events that are set up for them.

I did a quick search online and found Jamnet which promotes open access or open mic events and their host Jon Brown is very supportive. That’s a place to start, and I found the Coast Acoustics Music Club which originated on the Gold Coast but now has regular sessions here on the “Sunny” Coast. At their get-togethers I understand people sit around a table and share charts and songs. Google goldcoastacoustics.com.au and then Upcoming Events and go on their email list.

For the beginner my feeling is they are best sharing with others at their level building their confidence and skills together. They can form duos and trios and share the different talents they “put on the table’. One may be a reasonable singer, another better on the guitar, another harmony vocal or hand percussion. After a period of rehearsing, they’ll probably be ready to perform before an audience if that is one of their aims, and that will be the right time to look for an open mic event. Another successful approach is to join a group under the guidance of a teacher or leader.

There are many choirs, ukulele just this and they can be found online. Most of them give public performances as well. For the novice who is dedicated to solo performing and song writing they might join a group such as the Songwriters Roundtable

They are a particularly active both via Zoom and in person and can be contacted through songwritersroundtable.com.

The tried-and-true method for a beginner is to work with a mentor who will guide them toward their goal of improving as an artist and performing on stage. The mentor will assist them with their weaknesses but also help them find ways to show off their strengths as an artist. Every artist is good in some areas and weak in others. To be successful as a musician requires so many different talents. No one has all of them, so part of working with a teacher is to help them identify where they need to put in most work.

Do have a fantastic and musical month.

Happy snaps for calendar

HOLIDAYS on the Sunshine Coast looked a little different pre-1990!

Maybe it was the fashions, knitted bathers in the ‘50s and flares in the ‘70s; the freedom, kids staying out until dark and coming back when hungry, group rides to the beach in your mate’s Holden ute or riding on a surf mat that gave you the most painful of rashes.

All these great memories are going to come flooding back as the community is invited to dust off family snaps from these golden eras of Sunshine Coast holidays and get them ready for the annual Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar competition.

The 2024 theme is is ‘Happy Snaps, holiday times on the Sunshine Coast’ so we’re calling for your camping, chilling at the beach, sailing and fishing trip photos from days gone by.

Sunshine Coast Coordinator of Heritage Services Peter Connell said the photos needed to be from 1990 or earlier to be considered for the Calendar. Entries close Monday, August 14, at 5pm. Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Are you ready?

It's August - which means Sunshine Coast bushfire season is here. Council is getting ready - are you? Learn how bushfires' behave and what you can do to prepare. Get to know Council’s Disaster Hub website at disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au - so when a disaster happens you know where to go and what to do.

It's time for a little sun, surf and soul

This year’s Caloundra Music Festival serves up six stages of live music over three days from 29 September at Kings Beach. Arrested Development (USA) join award-winning national artists including Kasey Chambers, Illy, Spiderbait, The Black Sorrows, The Temper Trap and Vera Blue. Head to caloundramusicfestival.com for tickets and more information.

How to stay safe from swooping birds

Some native birds, like magpies, can act defensively to protect their territory, their nests and their young. On the Sunshine Coast, this usually happens between July and November each year. Please be tolerant of these protected and iconic native birds if you walk or ride near nests. Search “defensive birds” on Council’s website for tips on how to protect yourself.

One for the calendar: Watch Council’s next Ordinary Meeting online or at Sunshine Coast City Hall Chambers – 24 August at 9am.

Major grants now open - don't miss out

Council is proud to support not-for-profit groups through its Community Grants Program. Community groups can seek Major Grant funding for projects or events that meet an identified need and provide local community benefit. The current round closes on 28 August. Visit Council's website to apply today.

Want to weed out the weeds?

Learn how to manage invasive species on your property, meet a conservation dog, find out the benefits of biodiversity and much more at Council’s Invasive Plants and Animals Workshop event at Obi Obi Hall on Saturday 2 September from 9am - 1pm. The event is free and registration is essential. Visit Council’s website to register.

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