Synergetic relationships between musicians and venues are, more often than not, the key to fostering engaging and vibrant live music scenes in communities both nationally and globally.
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And after a tumultuous two years for both the the music and hospitality industries, Bathurst representatives from both sectors are keen to help the two complement each other in the weeks and months ahead.
Live music will return to most Bathurst venues this weekend, and musician and local gig organiser Cletis Carr said it'll be interesting to see how gigs play out in a post-COVID world.
"I organise plenty of gigs at the Family Hotel and, prior to COVID, we'd have 200-250 people packed in here like a big, sweaty mosh pit on a Friday or Saturday night watching bands, but I don't think we're going to see that happen again for a long time," Mr Carr said.
"But with people more aware of physical distancing now, this opens up opportunities for smaller ensembles, sit-down live shows, even themed trivia.
"It's really important that musicians and venues collaboratively work that extra bit harder to win back audiences again."
The Family Hotel assistant manager Ryan Hopkins said the venue wants to do whatever possible to work together with musicians to reinvigorate live entertainment over the next few months.
"Everyone knows how much the hospitality industry has been impacted by COVID, but no one talks about the musician side of things," Mr Hopkins said.
"Musicians have been badly affected by COVID too, and for the next three months, we have two to three gigs booked over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as bigger events once a month, we're throwing everything we've got at it."
The 1880 Hotel co-owner Nicci Muller said she's also excited to see live music's return, echoing the sentiment that both the hospitality and music industries have felt the severe brunt of COVID.
"I hope we can provide a favourable avenue for local musicians to earn some revenue and get their name out there a bit more," Ms Muller said.
"Some musicians probably have other jobs, but I know others have dedicated large portions of their lives to their music career, and I'm sure plenty of punters have missed seeing their favourite musicians perform live.
"We're really going to push for live music on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons."
The 1880 recently launched the first stage of their outdoor renovations with a view in part to make the area accommodating for live music.
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