Local musician Bob Guy initiated the idea to bring a different atmosphere to The Arts Centre and getting new people through the doors - an objective it achieved in spades - while allowing local musicians to get together and play the type of music they love to play.

It was also a very successful fundraiser for Can Assist with $1900 raised for the charity which supports people living with cancer in our community.

“It was a fun night for the community and if we could raise a bit of money for a good cause we were glad to do it,” Bob said. 

Originating from a chance discussion with Ben Visser, Bob and the crew held their first Blues Night in October last year which was an amazing success raising more than $1000 for charity. 

Most of the funds were raised through the $15 cover charge with a few extra donations thrown into the kitty for ‘requests’ made of the musicians on the night. 

It was all-local line-up of musicians on the night with Ben Visser, Shayne Wilson, Pete Hartwig, Greg Quirk, Gordon Smith, Murray Izzard, Nicola Reinthal, Kip Novak, Rod Ward, Martin Izzard, Lil, Luke Burch and Bob Guy all providing great entertainment. 

The ‘Down and Dirty Houseband’ had everyone up dancing, while Luke, Pete and Bob played some old-style blues. Martin, Rod, Lil and Greg form the Wallendbeen-based band Stoney Hill, played a set of impressive original songs.

In addition to the musicians plenty of other locals helped to make the night a success. 

Murray Izzard did a great job organising the musicians, Luke Burch and Shayne Wilson organised the sound, Julie Smith helped with promotion, the Can Assist committee manned the door, and Andy Baber helped with the set up of the room and staging.

While no firm date has been set, Bob hinted that the recent event was such a success a follow-up will probably be held later in the year - watch this space!