Buskers hit a high a note as live music scene returns to city streets  

For violinist Tahnaya Wynne, the opportunity to be back on the streets of Southbank and the CBD performing live music is “so good”.

“I love busking. You’re making someone’s day just by adding a little bit of music into their day,” she said.

“You see them just walking about, just going through their day, to suddenly have a smile on their face.”

Tahnaya is among hundreds of local talents who are performing in city streets and laneways over four weeks as part of a new program to support the music industry which has been hit hard by the pandemic. 

“It’s nice to be playing with all the hustle and bustle which is slowly coming back,” the 26-year-old said who performed next to the Ophelia statue in Southbank.

Tahnaya is a full-time musician by day, performing at weddings, corporate events, parties and more.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle to say the least, that’s why it’s so nice to be back performing. I’m just loving it.”

Another musician Simon Wood, who recently busked along the Yarra River in Southbank with his bandmate Matt Katsis, said it was a “really good feeling”.

“Obviously through a lot of lockdowns, we weren’t actually able to get together to play either to rehearse or to do gigs, particularly when we had tight restrictions,” he said.

We had a lot of fun … a bit rusty at the start, but as we got through the songs, they all kind of came back and we fell back into the groove.

Simon, 30, who forms a two-piece band called Timbakat with Matt, said doing paid gigs was a welcome boost.  

“It’s a great little kick-starter to get things going again. I’ve definitely missed it … not being able to get out there and put on a show."

“It’s a good feeling. It’s like the good old days.” 

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the busking program, which ends on March 14, would showcase “our city’s spectacular live music scene with surprise gigs by some of our best and brightest performers.” 

“Music is central to Melbourne’s identity, and we’ll continue to work with the industry to support and promote performers, producers and venues as they bounce back.” •

For more information: vmdo.com.au/ontheroadagain