Live music is set to make a comeback to Bathurst's venues, with a diverse roster of local acts booked for the coming weeks.
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First cab off the rank is Momentum, who will perform at B Town BBQ on Saturday night from 7pm.
The Bathurst Regional Council initiative has seen local musicians pair with venues to bring back the live music scene, with all performances set to be streamed online.
Momentum's Lauren Hagney and Dave Webb said they're excited to perform in front of a live audience again.
"These gigs were originally suggested before restrictions lifted on local venues, so it'll be a thrilling bonus to have a physical audience on hand," Hagney said.
"A live performance relies heavily on the energy of the crowd, so it'll be great to be back in a venue for the first time in months," Webb added.
Momentum has performed a host of live-streamed gigs during the COVID-19 period to plenty of success, attracting thousands of viewers throughout Australia and abroad.
For their first live gig at a venue in a number of months, Momentum said audiences can expect a stripped-back set with plenty of favourites.
"We've never performed at B Town before, so we're curious to see what the audience is like," Webb said.
"While it's not quite business as usual for us yet, we're thankful for council's desire to slowly bring live music back," Hagney added.
Bathurst hotelier Ash Lyons, who owns B Town BBQ, said the return of live music is a step in the right direction, and encourages visitors to enjoy the performance responsibly.
"We can't allow dancing at the moment in accordance with our venue restrictions, but patrons are more than welcome to groove along to the music in their seats," Mr Lyons said.
The initiative will feature a host of local musicians over the coming weeks, including Kris Schubert [Elephant and Castle, June 20] and Gabbi Bolt [Vine & Tap, June 27].
Mayor Bobby Bourke said local musicians play a vital role to Bathurst's cultural sector.
"They showcase their talent at various venues across the city every weekend, perform at our major events and represent our city when they play all over the world," Cr Bourke said.
"Everyone loves music and it's a powerful tool to bring people together."