Peregian Originals event continues despite complaints
Sun 13 December 2009
Anna Jones, Bachelor of Journalism
The Peregian Originals event is still being flagged by unhappy residents, despite its growing popularity.
The event began when organiser Jay Bishoff and his wife moved to the Sunshine Coast from Byron Bay 10 years ago.
Witnessing the lack of an original music scene on the Sunshine Coast, they decided to create a venue to put together original music for the wider community.
“The first week we set it up there were 2 kids on bikes,” Mr Bishoff said.
“Then the next week, there were five.
“A few weeks later it had grown to at least 20, and then it just kept growing from there.”
Hence Peregian Originals was born, and increased interest in the event started to bloom with calls from local bands and wider areas flooding in.
The biggest draw of the event for avid goers is the originality of the music exhibited.
Fan Kirsten Kelly has been enjoying the event for some time.
“I can put a blanket under the trees with some friends...and listen to some real and original music,” Ms Kelly said.
Ms Kelly also said another draw to the event was the relaxed atmosphere and inexpensiveness of such a social event.
Currently, Peregian Originals takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month behind the Surf Club at Peregian Beach.
However, this new location is causing a stir after a stream of noise complaints from displeased residents.
Residents claim that the music and noise from the event travels up the street into their homes.
Mr Bishoff, however, does not believe these complaints are enough to justify shutting down such a great local event.
“A small group of locals have been complaining about sounds carrying up the street,” Mr Bishoff said.
“Sometimes it’s easier to shut something down than to keep it going.”
When asked if shutting down the event would impact on her ability to access live music here on the Sunshine Coast, Ms Kelly replied “Absolutely, I am unaware of any other regular live music events on the Sunshine Coast”.
For now, the event is continuing.
“Peregian Originals is still going ahead, but it can be tricky at times,” Mr Bishoff said.
“It’s more about the community, not so much the music.
“The music is still important but it’s become more than just the music.
“It’s about the whole community.”
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