MICRO-MUSIC FESTIVALS COMING TO REGIONAL NSW Australian music legend, Shannon Noll will be an ambassador for live music in Regional NSW as part of a bold new push by the State Government to better support musos and bands from the bush. As part of this plan, $150,000 has been stumped up to allow councils across the state to team up with the Live Music Office and create micro-music festivals in new and creative places such as local streets, cafes, shops, parks and malls. Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said Mr Noll’s experience and talent will be a great asset in providing feedback to the government on how to best support local musicians, and creating performance opportunities through micro-festivals is a great start. “Shannon knows how tough it can be to get a start in the music industry, especially if you’re from a small country town, and we’re delighted to have him involved in this initiative,” Mr Grant said. “The program is modelled on the Western Sydney Live and Local Initiative recently launched by Government which has been highly successful with five councils running micro-music festival programs in 2017.” Shannon Noll said growing up in Condobolin in the state's west, he and his brothers struggled for years playing local gigs. “I was lucky enough to get a leg up through a TV show, but for the average country muso there aren’t a lot of opportunities. This is a great initiative and another platform to showcase regional talent”, Mr Noll said. In another boost for live music in regional NSW, the Government is also committing a $50,000 to a pilot program with Music NSW to help contemporary musicians build their regional touring skills and experience and deliver music performances to regional and remote NSW. This new program will also support local musicians by requiring applicants to engage local artists as support acts in each location. Regional musicians planning to tour regional NSW are also invited to apply. Councils wishing to apply for the micro-music festivals program should contact John Wardle from the Live Music Office on 0407 400 018. Media Release
