Murray Mallee music returns after lockdown, with crowds hopping across the river to NSW for Queen’s Birthday weekend

SWAN Hill’s live music scene is jumping across the river to NSW this weekend to escape lockdown and the 50-patron cap on crowds.

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club (MDGCC) is hosting the lion’s share of live music, with Swan Hill racing carnival after-parties moving from Swan Hill Club to NSW to accommodate larger crowds.

Group CEO Greg Roberts said there was no live music booked at Swan Hill, but things would change if restrictions eased.

“Depending on the announcements, we are looking at the possibility of live music at Swan Hill Club,” he said.

Friday night music fans can enjoy acoustic artist Paul Lines, from 8pm at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.

Also on Friday night, acoustic artist Malcolm Scougall – AKA “Scoogs” – is performing at The Federal Hotel.

Moulamein Bowling Club is coming to the party, hosting Lachlan Downes with Andy Pearn on Saturday night, and live music by Daniel Barrett from 3pm on Sunday.

Saturday sees Code-5 playing from 8pm at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, after originally being booked at The Commercial Hotel.

“It was definitely a bit of a lifeline the club threw us this weekend to play,” singer/guitarist Joe Dorigo said.

“I haven’t played at Murray Downs for 15 years or more, so it’s nice to be playing a different venue.

“I hope people get behind it and enjoy some entertainment without the worry of lockdown over their heads.”

The never-ending rollercoaster of lockdowns and changing restrictions has played havoc with the band’s schedule.

“With the uncertainty, we just don’t know what’s happening week to week, and with our schedule it’s created a roll-on effect because some of the footy clubs and private clubs have had to reschedule their events, and it’s just created a big mess,” Mr Dorigo said.

The Exchange Hotel in Kerang has open mic on Sunday, from 2.30pm to 8pm.

To close out the big weekend at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, the Drowning Sorrows are playing on Sunday evening, from 8pm to 12am.

Band member Bruce Myers was happy that music could still go ahead, across the river.

“Everyone wanted to get back into live music,” he said. “We were really stoked to have the end of races celebration booked, and that’s still on, just in NSW.

“That’s another benefit of living in a border community.”

Swan Hill RSL has decided to cancel its weekend gigs due to lockdown restrictions.