Issue 4... From the Gnome,,, GET OUT THERE!

Hello! By now most of our subscribers know our motto. GET OUT THERE! is all about musicians taking the next step. And over the last few weeks, I've witnessed that effort from beginners through to professionals.

As a perfect example, this issue includes an inspiring 11 Minutes With... Rosie Oates! Rosie deliberately manages and prioritises music into her busy life. Know someone else who does that? Tell them about our 11 Minutes With... and let them share their secrets.

The Metro Gnome recently sponsored an event called "Hive Live" where students got the opportunity to play in a real band. I can't emphasise enough how great this experience was for the kids and adults alike. It was truly a GET OUT THERE! experience. You can learn more about Hive Live in this Press Release.

In March, I went to the first meeting of a new group of Weekend Warriors. Hosted by the Music Workshop in West Ryde and managed according to the international program recipe for success, I got to watch grown men (come on girls, GET OUT THERE!) who hadn't played with other people in quite a long time, nervously approach the amps and mics and play. It'll be great to see them again after a few weeks of rehearsals. What a buzz for them.

Also, in March, with a group of about 20 people from Sydney and Melbourne, I went to the Port Fairy Folk Festival and saw some incredible performers. You can read more about the festival in this our new section called REVERB.

Another GET OUT THERE! opportunity that came to my attention via the Musician's Forum is the PJ Gallaghers $30,000 Singing Competition. A great opportunity to perform whether you make it to the second heats or not. The preliminary heats are all through April, so check it out.

Since we last were together, I've seen Janis Ian, Bella, The Waifs, Dungeon, Nightwish, Stacey Morris (STOP PRESS: Stacey just hit #2 on the Scottish country charts - and last week she hit #7 in the UK - Go Stacey, Go!), Swanee, Weapons of Mass Distortion, the Stanaways, Telefunken, The LP's, The Grasscutters, Fourgery, The Little Riverview Band, Jon Stevens, Luka Bloom, Merchants of Menace, and Molly Rasher. Have you seen any music that you liked? Please tell us about what you're doing in the Musician's Forum.

Are you a Music Teacher? Get in touch with The Metro Gnome and let us know what you're up to. We want to promote you and your work. Just write to themetrognome@TheMetroGnome.com.au.

There's a lot going on from a services perspective here at The Metro Gnome. Our Gig Guide is easier to use now than a month ago and just wait until you see the next version! You'll be able to customise your preferences and ask us to notify you when your favourite bands are playing. You'll never miss another gig! And we will soon be introducing a classifieds section so you can find, buy, or sell anything and everything music.

There's so much more in this issue.... Take your time, and come back often to see what's happening in The Musician's Forum. It's getting busier and busier in there and I'm finding great information and people! You will too. See ya next time! Now....

GET OUT THERE!

~The Gnome