A Decade Of Music And A Celebration of Humanity - A Q&A with Shani Saint-Aulbins

For ten years the North West Musician’s Club has been a driving force and advocate for live music and its Tasmanian music community along the north coast and the surrounds. Coming August 15th to The Pier Hotel in Ulverstone, the club celebrates its ten year anniversary with an all-original concert featuring musicians from the committee. In the lead up to the special event I speak with the club’s president Shani Saint-Aulbins about music, her time with the club and what we can expect to see at the show!

What can people expect to see at the NWMC’s 10 Year Anniversary Event?

“Original live music. Local musicians in their natural habitat. A celebration of community and a bucket load of fun!”

You have been instrumental in producing this event - What was the inspiration behind putting on this concert?

“The sense of community the Northwest Musicians Club has fostered, the support they have extended to their peers, and emerging artists of all ages looking to break into the industry or establish themselves locally. This is definitely worth celebrating.”

Following the concert is the ever popular Jam Sandwich – What’s the usual process and how can we get amongst the fun?

“You can register by putting your name and what instrument(s) you play in a bucket. Names will then get drawn into random bands, which are given approximately 10 to 15 minutes to come up with three songs to present to the audience. It can be equal parts terrifying and fun at first. It never ceases to amaze me the quality of the jams presented, given the constraints! It's a hit with the participants, as well as the audience members, and it is always well attended.”

Tell us about your time with the club?

“I didn’t know anyone when I first moved to the area and had been on a ‘musical break’ for a few years due to work and location. Keen to make musical connections, I saw a post on facebook for an open mic hosted by the North West Musicians Club and decided to take my guitar, rusty as I was, I sang one song and suddenly I had a band join me on stage - it was such a warm welcome to the area.”

“Meeting the club members helped me establish myself here on the coast and I am so grateful for that. It wasn’t long before I was welcomed into the committee as well. I have seen the club recreate this experience many times for musicians new to the area and for people wanting to start playing music for the first time.” 

How did you come to lead the team?

“About 18 months ago the club came to a crossroads, we had to evaluate how, and if, we should move forward. A small committee meant that if committee members got busy (which we all do), it became increasingly difficult to facilitate events. I volunteered and was supported to take on the President role and committed to investing 12 months into helping the club grow into something more sustainable. The team stepped up with me and here we are today celebrating our 10th year stronger than ever.”

Why would it be beneficial for others to join the NWMC?

“We will be offering member-only discounts and offers, as well as being first to know NWMC news and events. The club has been through a real growth-period in the last 18 months and now, with a strong committee of working musicians with diverse skills, experience and backgrounds, we are looking at ways we can do what we do bigger, better and more often! We need the support, input and feedback of both musicians and audience members - By becoming a member you help us to support both live and local music and the broader community of the Northwest.”

Shani then expresses her concern for the industry both locally and nationally in stating that music and the arts are “far more than entertainment; they are mirrors of our humanity”. Emphasising the way in which music and musicians enrich our culture, encourage and support communities out of the goodness of their hearts. The North West Musicians Club have reflected this stance in their charitable endeavours and strive to maintain their support of our community as circumstances and industry support wanes.

“When we invest in music and the arts, we are not just supporting creativity, we are supporting culture and community. Get out to your local live music and arts venues and events, humanity needs the arts to be kept alive.”

Thank you ever so much for your time and dedication to music and our community, Shani!  For Tickets Click Here To Register for the Jam Click Here