The Hon. Colin Brooks, Minister for Creative Industries (Vic), Media Release, 12 March 2024
More music lovers from across Victoria are on track to experience local music gigs like no other, with the epic live music and tourism extravaganza SOUND TRACKS set to transform Shepparton, Rochester and Echuca next month, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the 2024 edition of SOUND TRACKS, which will see a star-studded line up of live music bring to life Shepparton’s Star Bowl bowling on Saturday, 6 April before SOUND TRACKS hits the road for a music-fuelled trip in a restored steam train running between Melbourne and Echuca.
From Friday, 19 April to Sunday, 21 April, music lovers can hop on board for performances by some of Victoria’s most exciting talents– all while enjoying local food and wine. Tickets to last year’s debut event sold out in less than 24 hours.
The event, presented by OK Motels, brings together live music and regional hospitality – boosting local jobs, businesses and attracting more visitors to regional Victoria.
When Shepparton’s Star Bowling Alley becomes the OK Star Bowl on Saturday, 6 April – a lineup featuring including jazz, funk and soul band Surprise Chef and Barkaa will be complimented by live DJs and food by Shepparton Culture Kitchens.
SOUND TRACKS will then go on tour from Friday, 19 April to Sunday, 21 April when the restored overnight train departs from Southern Cross Station and arrives in Echuca, giving guests the opportunity to explore the town.
From Echuca, the train will travel to Rochester where music lovers can join crowds at local pubs and the Rochester Shire Hall for a feast of performances by legendary Australian band Magic Dirt, Watty Thompson and His Total Fire Band, Queenie, Troy Firebrace, DJ Milo Eastwood and jazz artist Sam Boon, with more acts to be announced.
Proudly backed by the Labor Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund, SOUND TRACKS support flood impacted areas across regional Victoria, boosting tourism, stimulating local businesses and strengthening local communities.
Beyond SOUND TRACKS, the Government’s Live Music for Flood Recovery program last year supported over 30 music events in flood-affected towns across regional Victoria, including Rochella at Rochester, a music festival that attracted more than 1500 people.
Tickets to OK Star Bowl go on sale Tuesday 12 March and tickets for the Echuca/Rochester weekend are on sale Thursday 14 March. For information visit www.sound-tracks.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
“Last year SOUND TRACKS was an enormous hit and we’re proud to once again support this unique cultural tourism experience that combines incredible music with local hospitality.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re backing SOUND TRACKS as part of our work to strengthen and support the state’s music industry and our commitment to supporting recovery in flood-impacted communities.”
