After months of planning, I launched my very first Spotlight Event, at the Bendigo Hotel on Tuesday the 29^th of September.

My aim is to create a movement in the music industry in Melbourne, amongst all the major players. Connecting venues and the artists as well as everybody in between, I hope to make a difference, not just in the lives of industry people but also you, the general music loving public.

We had three amazing bands from all over Victoria for the inaugural event, the Strangers in Town, Don Frankenstein and the Life of Riley.

Coming all the way from Sunbury, the Strangers in Town have a loyal following. Proving that punk is certainly not dead, the band recently finished up a mini-tour of Adelaide, and is planning to tour the east coast of Australia very soon. They’re a great bunch of guys with a killer live show.

Having to juggle his day job with his passion, lead singer Joel Prouse rushed in last minute from work but jumped straight into the fray showing his professionalism. The guys are full of energy and enthusiasm, Green Day an obvious influence. Lucas Manitta’s drumming is furious and tight, while Dan Segrave makes the bass look fun on stage, dancing around like a maniac. Their songs are great fun, singalong anthems (one song even titled that as Dan joked, “all punk bands have a song called ‘anthem’”).

Don Frankenstein are a 4-piece blues band from the north-eastern suburbs that seriously rock. Seasoned musicians, the chemistry is undeniable between all 4 members. Lead vocalist/guitarist, Chris Basaranowicz, and rhythm guitarist, Neil, traded scintillating guitar licks while drummer, Tony Wilson, employs a jazz style when holding his drumsticks. Bill Ruffle on bass is the glue that holds it all together and you could tell they were having a ball on stage. A must watch for all blues lovers out there.

Our last act on the night have been described as the next ZZ Top with an infectious sound, much bigger than the sum of their parts. Putting their own twist on classic, southern blues and rocking it up a notch, the Life of Riley are a powerhouse trio with a seriously fun and exhilarating live show. Again the chemistry is undeniable and the sound is much louder than a trio would suggest.

Chris Riley’s raw vocals compliment nicely with Grant McDonough’s dirty, blues guitar while Riley’s son, Jayson, kills it on drums. There was also a bit of slide guitar thrown in for good measure and a nice cover of Paul McCartney and Wing’s, ‘Let Me Roll It’ to complete the night.

All in all it was a great night and a win for live music. Stay posted for the next event soon! Exciting initiatives to come!

The Life of Riley