With a country and western song playing the background, I spoke with Harvey Bryce, founder and driving force behind the Country Music Days held on the second Saturday of each Month at Maleny’s Pioneer Village. These events are now run by the Hinterland Music Club, which still has strong ties with the Village’s Historical Society.
The Country Music Days were started about 10 years ago to expand the experience of music group members at the Pioneer Village, who as amateurs, could practice and improve, get stage experience and work with a backing band. Harvey thinks it is great to see how people progress so much and improve over the years.
The format for the day consists of Walk Ups, where artists nominate to perform and take their turn on stage to do two numbers each. A backing band (Bass, Lead and Rhythm guitars) is there for support and to give a fuller sound. Performers can play their own guitar, ukulele, fiddle, mandolin, accordion, harmonica, or just sing.
Those taking part have different motives. Some see it as a challenge to expand their musical skills, others are happy to play a few chords and have some fun. There is a friendly and supportive atmosphere, nobody is criticised but rather receives plenty of encouragement. Anyone seeking to improve can get tips and instructions from Harvey or other senior players to “kick along to the next level”.
In the past, Harvey also ran his annual Country Music Muster at the Pioneer Village each September, where visitors could from the region could camp for a week, sit around with mates and strum away, or get up on stage. It was a fantastic experience but had to be discontinued for not meeting camping codes. Harvey is hopeful that this can be overcome with a few site improvements. The club is self-funded. It doesn’t have “flash” equipment and is grateful to the Historical Society for use of the big barn with stage and lighting at the Pioneer Village. The biggest expense each year is public liability insurance. A few things can be afforded here and there, but a sound system upgrade is most needed.
It is a team effort to run the Country Music Day, with roles for the backing band, Master of Ceremonies, decoration, stage management, sound system, cashier, barbecue, and advertising.
The next Music Day is at the Pioneer Village on April 8 with everyone welcome.
Main image: Harvey Bryce on Stage at the Country Music Day.