“The Fly will develop the Vic Hall for all emerging artists and community groups to present live performance, workshops, rehearsals, community meetings.”
The Fly by Night Musician’s Club has found a new home. BOB GORDON reports.
It’s been a tumultuous time for the folks at the Fly by Night Musician’s Club since the venue lost its home at the Artillery Drill Hall, but some good news has finally come their way.
The City of Fremantle Councillors on Wednesday night voted unanimously in favour of the Fly by Night Musician’s Club leasing Vic Hall. After a period of doom and gloom it’s a good feeling.
“It’s fantastic!,” says the Fly’s General Manager, John Reid. “There have been moments when the Club was concerned that the City of Fremantle didn’t value the significance of the Fly as an incubator for emerging artists, and that a partnership would be a challenge after the Club’s experience with the National Trust WA, but after many months of discussion and the city’s processes the council chambers was one of support and respect. I was floored!”
“The last six months have been an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions for all the staff, board members, and general public who have supported the Club for many years. The fact that a petition with over 8,000 Fly supporters got hoodwinked by the National Trust WA press release giving the lease to Sunset Events a day before the petition went to parliament without prior discussion with the Fly by Night Board was below the belt, but not surprising.”
It’s onwards and upwards for all from here on in as the Fly moves out from the Drill Hall next month and begins to nest in its new home.
“As always the Fly by Night will continue to deliver our great service to the community and be based in Fremantle, which is the Fly’s home,” Reid says. “The Fly will develop the Vic Hall for all emerging artists and community groups to present live performance, workshops, rehearsals, community meetings.
“The Fly programming will now also extend to the South West with our Partners Howling Wolves at Rivendell, and into the Swan Valley, and to continue our relationship with the Astor Theatre, as the theatre and Astor Lounge are also great spaces.
“The city has another fantastic venue bringing you live performance in Fremantle. Please join the Fly and get involved, it is your Club. Become a member today be a part of the new era of the Fly.”
