Charlotte Varcoe
RYMILL Hall will be filled with the sound of music next weekend in response to the cancellation of the annual Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering which was originally scheduled for the same weekend.
Wanting to keep visitors and local music lovers entertained next weekend, organisers made the decision to host a Impromptu Acoustic Music Concert rather than the three-day festival.
The evening will host a number of professional musicians before all other musicians are welcomed to an evening of open microphone performances.
Organiser Anne Miller said volunteers decided on the smaller, more intimate event after discovering guests from interstate and across South Australia planned to keep their original accommodation in town.
“A lot of people booked their accommodation around Penola and told us they wanted to keep it and still come to town,” Ms Miller said.
“They would then ask if we were doing something else so we thought we should.”
She said guests were welcome to bring their own food and drink for the evening and enjoy a night out with friends while enjoying live music.
“This will not be replacing the music concert each year but it is a nice, cheap night out for everyone to enjoy,” Ms Miller said.
“We wanted to keep something going for those who have kept their accommodation while also reminding people that next year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever.”
She said the evening should be an exciting one for all attendees despite needing to adhere to a small number of Covid-19 restrictions.
“We will need people to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking or performing,” Ms Miller said.
“Regardless it should be a fun night because it is amazing what talent we do get at open microphone events.
“Everyone is welcome to the event and we are hoping it will be a great deal of fun especially if they bring along friends to have a chat and sing along with.”
She said she looked forward to people travelling across the border to attend the musical event after tough border restrictions last year.
“We want people to get together and be able to enjoy live music again,” Ms Miller said.
“Music is so uplifting and it doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like, everyone is accepted and it is all about having fun.”
The event will be held on March 19 with doors opening at 6.30pm for the concert to begin at 7pm.
