A beloved Sunshine Coast live music location has been recognised as the people’s choice for best regional venue in the state at the prestigious Queensland Music Awards.
Solbar, on Ocean Street in Maroochydore, was presented with the award last week in Fortitude Valley.
The QMAs celebrate the state’s standouts in the music industry, promoting its musical exports Australia-wide and bestowing accolades on the artists, festivals, venues and industry professionals who are putting Queensland’s music scene on the map.
It comes as Solbar prepares to celebrate its 12th year this Easter long weekend with a three-day celebration featuring local and touring artists and DJs.
Local indie-folk artist Zane Harris, of the successful duo the Dreggs, said Solbar was a strong supporter in the band’s early days.
“We’re so stoked that Solbar won at the QMAs,” he said.
“Solbar was the first venue to give us a chance and they continue to help showcase new and established bands to the community. Solbar is a home to a lot of musicians and I couldn’t imagine a Coast without Solbar.”
Solbar entertainment manager Melissa O’Bryan accepted the award last week, saying it had been a difficult few years for the music industry as a whole.
“(We) just tried to do the best we could, offering the best experience for our guests, (to be) the best place to work and the best space for artists, and I’m so … proud to represent (Solbar),” she said in her acceptance speech.
Solbar’s birthday celebrations begin tonight with Perth indie-rockers Verge Collection and locals Betty Taylor and Cheap Date.
Saturday welcomes popular Gold Coast duo Bootleg Rascal with Sydney’s Lyall Moloney, plus DJ sets late into the evening.
Celebrations finish on Sunday with Melbourne punk rockers Cosmic Psychos, with Byron band Mini Skirt and The Cha Cha Chas, who are also from Melbourne.
For more information about Solbar’s birthday event visit solbar.com.au.
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