Live music scene

[Russ1976 49]

Can anybody tell me what the live music scene is like in Hobart, or Tasmania? What are the best venues, most popular venues? Do many international bands come through?

[Parley 7,778]

1 hour ago, Russ1976 said:

Can anybody tell me what the live music scene is like in Hobart, or Tasmania? What are the best venues, most popular venues? Do many international bands come through?

I don't think you will get any big concerts down in Tassie. I expect people have to fly to Melbourne for the weekend if they want to see a big overseas act in concert.

[Marisawright 10,694]

I can respond to this as a performer. 

The distances in Australia are a big problem for bands and other performers. It's not like the UK or Europe because the cost of getting kit (and scenery and special effects for shows) from venue to venue is hugely more expensive.   That's why many bands and shows never make it to Perth (three days overland) or Hobart (road and ferry).  They won't go unless they're sure they'll get enough ticket sales to compensate for the transport costs.

Unfortunately, Hobart is a city of around 200,000 people and that's the only venue worth playing (Launceston has only 90,000 people), so it's never going to have high ticket sales.  it becomes very hard to make the numbers work.  You'll see big-name acts there if there's a festival of some kind, aimed at attracting tourists from the rest of the country, but that's about it. 

That said, there's a lively local live music scene.  It's all in and around North Hobart and Salamanca.  And remember, Melbourne is only a short hop away.  Tasmanians get used to budgeting the extra for an air fare and a hotel stay to see a show.  They make a weekend of it.

Edited November 14, 2021 by Marisawright

[Russ1976 49]

That’s good to hear, we love our music, but are aware that we may miss a few international tours when living in Hobart. @Marisawright do you perform in a band?

[Marisawright 10,694]

6 minutes ago, Russ1976 said:

That’s good to hear, we love our music, but are aware that we may miss a few international tours when living in Hobart. @Marisawright do you perform in a band?

No, I was a dancer.  When you're in the arts, you do mix with performers of all kinds though.

[Marisawright 10,694]

Worth mentioning that you don't go to Hobart to enjoy big-city living.  

It would be a bit like moving to Inverness, and then being surprised if you have to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow to see the big acts.  

[Russ1976 49]

38 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

Worth mentioning that you don't go to Hobart to enjoy big-city living.  

It would be a bit like moving to Inverness, and then being surprised if you have to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow to see the big acts.  

We are aware of that, but would still think it’s likely that there is a music and arts scene. Most places have something in offer.

[Marisawright 10,694]

1 hour ago, Russ1976 said:

We are aware of that, but would still think it’s likely that there is a music and arts scene. Most places have something in offer.

Yes there certainly is

[rammygirl 2,163]

Often when big artists don’t visit it gives the local artists a boost. There are plenty of local performers and artists playing small gigs and venues. Am dram is huge and very good with a lot of talented people.  In fact in SA I can’t remember when I last saw big professional theatre, but I have seen countless rep productions.
We had to seek them out but now know the venues and companies to look out for.  In fact we saw a great production of Oscar Wilde’s “a woman of no importance “ in the uni theatre last weekend a bargain at $15 a ticker.

We also went to a local brewery for their free Sunday session, often singer songwriters , for a great afternoon of music.

Edited November 14, 2021 by rammygirl

[Skani 5,382]

This  is a useful link for smaller, local gigs.  

https://tasguide.com.au/event-list

Larger concerts are advertised through the Wrest Point Entertainment Centre,  the Federation Concert Hall (attached to the Grand Chancellor Hotel), the Theatre Royal or MONA.