The Byron Bay Theatre, The Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah and Star Court Theatre in Lismore, have joined forces to create the Regional Venue Collective (RVC).
Nick Hanlon, from Rainbow Region Gigs, says the three venues, of similar size and heritage, in the adjoining LGAs, will host nominated shows and tours and ‘will incubate the creation of original works to tour the region and beyond’.
Hanlon says that by working together, rather than competing, the venues create a feedback loop that benefits the industry as a whole.
‘The RVC will tour and promote shows throughout the region and provide employment opportunities for artists, musicians, writers, technical wizards and visionaries.’
Allira Cornell, owner of The Regent, says, ‘As a founding member, The Regent is excited to collaborate with the RVC, bringing outstanding performers to the Northern Rivers’.
Owners of Lismore Star Court Theatre, SJ Loxton and Sharon Rigby, said, ‘Star Court Theatre is honoured to be working with both The Regent and Byron Theatre in bringing great shows to our region. It’s a very exciting venture, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds’.
Tanja Greulich, Venue Manager of the Byron Theatre added, ‘We’re thrilled to be part of this new initiative that aims to bring exciting new and emerging talent to the region’.
Inaugural tour
The inaugural collective tour for 2022 will commence in January, with three piece band, Wild Thyme. It comprises Arlene Fletcher on double bass and vocals, Katie Crane on guitar and vocals, and Laura Targett on fiddle and vocals.
It will be followed with Lior and Domini’s Animal in Hiding album launch in May, and then in July, For Sentimental Reasons: Pat Powell Sings Nat King Cole.
The Grigoryan Brothers are pegged for November.
For more info, visit www.byroncentre.com.au/whats-on, www.the-regent.com.au/live-events and www.starcourttheatre.com.au/events.
