Members of Music Victoria are now able to start taking advantage of a more musician-friendly baggage allowance thanks to an exclusive deal developed between Virgin Australia and national body The Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN).

In September 2011, AMIN and Virgin Australia announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing problems musicians face when travelling with musical equipment. The initiative has been well received by the music community who often have to deal with high and inconsistent excess baggage charges. The new Virgin Australia baggage allowances will have a major impact on the ability of Australian artists to tour more often and more cost effectively.

Virgin Australia is offering the music industry a baggage allowance of 32kg (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individual artists, with an additional 32kg able to be purchased in advance for just $15. Bands may also be able to ‘pool’ their baggage allowance across their travelling group. This baggage allowance is available on Virgin Australia-owned and operated domestic services only and must be booked or pre-purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Details have now been finalised and information on how to access this initiative have been announced. Musicians and companies can access the new baggage allowance either via specialist entertainment travel companies or by contacting a dedicated Virgin Australia music liaison with your itinerary. 

The deal is available immediately to financial members of Music Victoria. To join Music Victoria as a member, apply online at www.musicvictoria.com.au/become-a-member-of-music-victoria

Music Victoria is also offering members the chance to win a Virgin Frequent Flyer Platinum Velocity membership for a year.  All current members as well as new members who sign up and pay by 31^st December 2011 will be eligible to win.

Music lovers will have a new guide to help find venues, music stores and other music resources with the release of Melbourne Music City – a guide to the Live Music Capital of Australia.

Melbourne Music City maps Melbourne’s main metropolitan entertainment hubs as well as venues in regional Victoria. The guide also includes a Victorian music festival timeline, a plotted history of key music events in the state plus information on gig guides, media, public transport and music-friendly accommodation.

Music Victoria, the state peak body for contemporary music, is a partner of the Face the Music industry conference, the Australasian World Music Expo and Melbourne Music Week, all of which begin this week.

This free 60 page pocket-sized booklet hits Melbourne and Sydney cafes, venues and tourist hot spots from this Friday in time for these three key events. You can also view it online here.

Austrade (the Australian Trade Commission) will distribute the guide through its offices in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Toronto and Frankfurt, as well as through overseas embassies and consulates. The physical guide will be published annually and there are plans to develop a website and a smartphone application.

If you love music, then Victoria’s the place to be over the next fortnight. The Melbourne Music Guide will help locals and tourists alike discover some hidden musical treasures.

For information about event tickets or schedules, check websites:

facethemusic.org.au
melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw
awme.com.au

Touring just became a lot easier for touring artists with airline Virgin Australia announcing a new initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing problems musicians face when travelling with musical equipment.

After discussions led by national body The Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN), Virgin Australia have made an offer exclusively to the music industry that includes a baggage allowance of 32kg (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individual artists – with an additional 32kg able to be purchased in advance for just $15. Bands will also now be able to ‘pool’ their baggage allowance across their travelling group.