THE BRIDGE

I never really know what to do through winter. I could just chill out for a few months, though I find I begin to lose my mind. A full schedule keeps us busy, which is positive, though we can get caught up in the never ending current, not taking the time to refocus. Working within the creative industries comes with an interesting set of challenges. Kyza Presents has, for a good while, relied upon the success of ticketed shows. Rising operational costs have me questioning if I feel comfortable increasing ticket prices to account for rising expenses. And will those ticket prices become a barrier to the local audience accessing events? Concern within the arts industry relates to the fact that events are generally considered luxury items. By increasing ticket prices, do we potentially decrease attendance? For the time being, I’ll adhere to a tried-and-true formula, with the understanding that a need for evolution may lie a stone’s throw away. Hopefully I can tempt y’all away from Netflix and a roaring fire for a couple of quality winter experiences.

In 2022, we gave Blues and Brews a run at Lucky Bay Brewing. In July 2022 we were faced with average weather conditions and on the morning of the event, we decided to have a crack at slotting the portable stage under the verandah - it was a perfect fit. The addition of a temporary fence, hessian, and festoon lighting along the veranda’s edge created a cozy space to enjoy an evening of live music. Blues and Brews returns for 2023 on Saturday 8 July, featuring Ben Catley, Black Robin, The Cup Trumpets, Campbell Garratt, and Charles Antoine Favier. For all adverse to the logistics of getting back to town post-event, a return bus is included in the ticket price. Many thanks to Tim Green Construction and Drake-Brockman Building and Construction for sponsoring the evening. To grab your tickets, head across to www.kyzapresents.com (free entry for kids under 12).

Club 75 has run across Esperance’s winter for quite a few years. In 2023, I’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and OD Transport for their sponsorship of the series, which includes three ticketed events, supported by three contemporary music workshops. July's edition breaks from the norm, with a focus on our town's exceptional hip hop scene. Catch Dr Tasty, Nin the Kid, Nellzy, Slazy, and Udaya Sheree at the Cannery Arts Centre for Club 75 on Saturday 22 July. Lauren’s Larder will be cooking up epic food and the bar will be in full swing. Head to www. canneryartscentre.com.au to grab your tickets.

WINTER SUNDAY ROASTS

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRI & SUN OPEN THURS to MON 11.30am - 8pm (9pm Fri) luckybaybrewing.com.au