“Live music is the cornerstone of Penguin Beer Co, we’re all about bringing people together and I think nothing brings the community together better than enjoying a live show,” Scott says. “If you think when you go out to places, if you removed live music from that, it would be really dull, really empty and really two dimensional. It brings people in, people come in for an advertised gig, some people are literally just walking past the door and hear live music and they walk in. But most importantly I think it keeps people in their seats for longer. If they have something to look at and listen to, they will stay for an extra beer or two. “We are really passionate about paying artists what they are worth, they certainly deserve it but as far as the venue is concerned, to pay an artist what they are worth, you are never going to get your money back. But then if you put a ticket charge, even $5, it discourages some people, they just don’t show up. We have put a model in place now where we ask people if they are having a good afternoon and enjoying the show, contribute a bit towards it. That goes towards the cost of live music and allows us to keep putting gigs on week after week.”
music offerings, the Royal Oak features some form of entertainment every night. This ranges from first-time performances to ticketed shows for well-known local bands. “Live music at the Royal Oak is an everyday thing, offering different genres for different people,” Ari says. The Royal Oak is special because it’s where up and coming artists in Launceston find their feet and can gain a following. It is a really safe space for new artists to have their first performance. “Live music is an integral part of the Tasmanian hospitality scene... during Covid unfortunately live music in general was a bit underappreciated.” - Wolfe Brothers member Tom Wolfe “Music is something that connects people, it gets them up on their feet dancing, they’re happy, that’s the atmosphere we want to create here, just people having fun. The best thing about live music and different genres is it brings a different diversity into the pub. You see people of different ages come in and have a good time.
This view is shared by Ari Heslop, who is the manager of the Royal Oak in Launceston. Renowned for its live
“But there are definitely struggles, more financially.
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition
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