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Music for the Stages

Music for the Stages is about getting more live music into theatres around Melbourne.

Victoria has a strong network of Performing Arts Centres (the VAPAC network) who present a broad range of work from theatre, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, and more. They have existing infrastructure to present live music, and whilst some of these venues currently present contemporary music acts on their stages, many do not.

In March 2022, VAPAC and Music Victoria co-hosted an event at the Geelong Arts Centre to facilitate connection, discussion and explore potential opportunities for future collaboration. Over one-hundred industry professionals attended the two-day event, which included presentations and panel discussions from PACs and music venues, music festivals, booking agents, and artists.

Music for the Stages builds on this momentum and offers theatres across Melbourne both financial support and skilled expertise through the appointment of experienced music promoters to work with the venues on music programming.

Keep an eye on this page for announcements about music appearing at a theatre near you!

Music for the Stages is part of On The Road Again, a Victorian Government initiative delivered by Music Victoria to support the return of live music events across the state.

Events

ROUND SOUND - Ben Lee

On the eve of announcing his new solo album, “This One’s For the Old Headz” to be released on his very own Weirder Together Records later this year, Ben Lee returns for […]

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ROUND SOUND - Peppy Smears (Underground Cabaret)

Drag provocateur and drag queer Peppy Smears comes to Underground Cabaret. A creative culmination hailing from the worlds of opera, musicals and independent theatre who will make your dad ask questions. Born in […]

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ROUND SOUND - Industry Day

Round Sound Industry Day presents an opportunity for Melbourne’s East to connect and grow on Saturday 11th May. The day will feature a must-see showcase, by acclaimed artist Eliza Hull. Eliza Hull is a musical […]

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ROUND SOUND - Kate Miller-Heidke

Due to overwhelmingly popular demand, Kate Miller-Heidke adds extra dates to the already massive CATCHING DIAMONDS  National Regional Tour of Australia. Kate Miller-Heidke is an award-winning singer-songwriter who traverses the worlds of folk, pop, […]

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Resonate - Ziggy Ramo, Cool Out Sun + more!

Resonate /ˈrɛz(ə)neɪt/ verb / produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound. The Bowery Theatre presents a diverse jam-packed music showcase over two nights in May. FRIDAY 17 MAY […]

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Songlines Aboriginal Music

Songlines Aboriginal Music presents Bart Willoughby and Canisha Featuring floral installations from Alchemy Orange This special show will see Darebin Arts Centre graced with the presence of pioneering Aboriginal Reggae […]

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Resonate - THNDO, Halo Vocal Ensemble + more!

Resonate /ˈrɛz(ə)neɪt/ verb / produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound. The Bowery Theatre presents a diverse jam-packed music showcase over two nights in May. FRIDAY 31 MAY […]

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ROUND SOUND - Over Our Dead Body

Over Our Dead Body is a grassroots artist-run initiative, created by Alex Lahey and Sophie Payten (Gordi), with a vision to grow local fan bases for local artists by curating unique, intimate […]

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Our Carlson and Hextape

Are strobes on the nose? Hextape is a producer and classically trained musician. Our Carlson is a musician and a people's poet. Weaving storytelling, cello, bass-heavy tracks, sonic and visual […]

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Music Menu 2024

Music Victoria has partnered with Showcase Victoria to create Music Menu, an initiative to help musicians to get their work heard by programmers working in theatre venues and community halls across Victoria and beyond.

First run in 2023, Music Menu works with musicians who are tour ready and gets their music heard by members of the VAPAC network, bookers of theatres, and community halls who are actively looking for contemporary music to include in their programs.

Music Menu 2023 led to shows for Charm of Finches, Matt Joe Gow and others, with the Menu accessed by VAPAC members, venues presenting Live Music for Flood Recovery gigs and more.

The 2024 initiative is a part of Showcase Victoria (21-22 May at Darebin Arts Centre) and available as a resource for presenters who want to connect with what’s happening now in the Victorian music industry.
VIEW MUSIC MENU 2024
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