Published on Wednesday, 4 March 2020 at 11:34:48 AM
They’ve hosted world-renowned bands, been the stage for local musicians to launch their careers and fostered friendships and love stories between musos.
The Rosemount Hotel, Charles Hotel, Ellington Jazz Club, Hyde Park Hotel and North Perth Ethnic Music Centre are entrenched in WA music folklore. And now the stories behind these iconic Vincent music venues past and present have been captured and documented for generations to come.
The City of Vincent’s Local History Centre and the State Library of WA have been collecting stories about the history of these five live music venues and the people behind them. The result is Music in Vincent – a series of interviews with thirteen musicians, music programmers and venue owners associated with five current and former venues.
“Live music is part of our culture here in Vincent and our local venues are like second homes to our musicians and their audiences,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“Most of us in Vincent have a story to share of a gig at one of our favourites. The experience of live music is special – inspiring and good for the soul.
“Our venues are the platform for music in WA and are cherished and respected.”
Five short YouTube clips that feature snippets of the interviews will be screened at the launch of Music in Vincent on Thursday 12 March. The 13 filmed interviews, as well as edited transcripts, will soon be available through the City of Vincent and State Library catalogues.
“This is a fantastic project that captures music history using the stories behind five iconic venues in Vincent,” said State Librarian Margaret Allen.
“Most people would have fond memories of attending gigs at these venues over the years.
“Libraries are about more than just books. This is a great example of another way we can record history for future generations.”
The shorter YouTube videos will be available through the City of Vincent’s Local History Centre website over the coming weeks.
The Rosemount Hotel
Affectionately known as the Rosie, the Rosemount Hotel has been a vital part of Perth’s original live music scene since the 1980s. In recent decades it has established itself as a premier live music venue.
Interviewees: venue music programmer Andrew Ryan, musician Vanessa Thornton and former booking agent Luke Rinaldi.
The Charles Hotel - Perth Blues Club
The Charles Hotel has stood since 1955 hosting everything from cover bands to the Perth Blues Club from the early 1990s. It is has a reputation as a welcoming space for touring blues musicians, local veterans and keen beginners.
Interviewees: manager and part owner Chris Angelkov, musician Peta Lee and musician and Perth Blues Club president Rick Steele.
The Ellington Jazz Club
The Ellington Jazz Club has been at the heart of Perth’s jazz scene since it opened in 2009. The intimate venue gives music lovers a place to experience world-class jazz in a custom designed listening environment.
Interviewees: owner Bernard Kong, program director Cléo Schurrer and musician Ali Bodycoat.
The Hyde Park Hotel
The Hyde Park Hotel was a safe space for an eclectic mix of music lovers from the 1980s to the 2000s. It featured everything from punk rock to hip hop, with musicians playing on the floor surrounded by fans and singers often competing with the sound of the jukebox.
Interviewees: former venue owner and manager Paul Higgins, former promoter and booking agent Luke Rinaldi and musician and former bartender Tara John.
North Perth Ethnic Music Centre
The North Perth Ethnic Music Centre operated out of the North Perth Town Hall from the early 1980s until its move to Fremantle in 1996, when it became known as Kulcha. It celebrated the diverse cultural roots of the many communities who called the inner-city suburbs home.
Interviewees: former administrator Marion Granich, former co-ordinator Francis Fong and musician and NPEMC member Mark Cain
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