A couple of Surf Coast venues and a local artist have been recognised at the prestigious Music Victoria Awards held at Federation Square on Thursday night.
The Torquay Hotel took out the award for Best Regional Venue to host over 50 gigs, with the venue having hosted some iconic Australian acts as well as international stars over this year.
Aussie rockers Jet sold out the venue for two nights in May, while legendary artist Daryl Braithwaite’s sellout show is slated for December 14.
The coastal venue is already starting to see gigs ramp up even more heading into the busy summer period, hosting Bodyjar, Confidence Man and Buzzcocks all next week.
It was a clean sweep for the Surf Coast in the regional venue category, with Anglesea’s ‘The Sound Doctor’ taking out the award for the venue to host under 50 gigs this year.
The venue took to Facebook on Thursday night to share it’s appreciation saying all nominees “are doing an amazing job bringing music to the regions.”
“And the biggest congrats to Torquay Hotel for winning best regional venue (over 50 gigs),” the post read.
“Together we’ve got music on the Surf Coast covered!”
The Blues Train in Queenscliff was also nominated in the under 50 gigs category, while the Barwon Club Hotel was nominated in the over 50 category.
Meanwhile, Geelong-based neo-soul artist Wild Gloriosa took home the Diaspora Award, recognised for ‘blending community connection with a passion for songwriting.’
She has supported acts like Jessica Mauboy and Telenova and continues to make her mark in the music industry.
With the award she’ll receive a rehearsal packers and performance opportunity with Bakehouse Studios and the Melbourne Recital Centre.
The Queesncliff Music Festival and Beyond The Valley based at Barunah Plains Homestead in Hesse were each nominated for Best Regional Festival.
Emerging local hip-hop talent Baraka The Kid was nominated in two categories on the night, for Best Hip Hop Work and Best Regional Act.
