BY MADELEINE JEVONS
I have always been a believer in the Matisse adage: ‘There are cathedrals everywhere for those with eyes to see them’.
I’ve held an almost delusional love for all music in all forms by all people for my whole life (save a few moody teen years). What is excellence anyway? What if it’s as simple as people sharing themselves?
On 25 October at 1pm, Put It On — a curated, diverse line-up of local musicians — comes to the Brunswick Ballroom in Naarm/Melbourne. Put It On explores intersections between musicians, places, audiences and expectations.
As a violinist, I especially love to include classical music alongside bands, solo acts, improvisations and group singing. After countless hours of discussion and listening in cafes, next to rivers, on regional train trips, I have created Put It On as a concert platform for all musicians of all genres. It is born from a love of all music, rooted in connectivity, encouragement and wonder.
This event is a culmination of two years of research and exploration as a Musica Viva Australia FutureMaker. I have spent this time deepening a collaborative listening practice over two residencies: one in the UK with Contemporary Music for All (with thanks to Tamara Kohler and team), and one over several trips to Barkandji Country (with thanks to Liza Lim, Vic McEwan and the wonderful folks in Menindee/Broken Hill).
These experiences have shaped me and my work in ways I could not have anticipated, and have pushed me to loosen many long-gripped internal systems.
We had our first show in Ballarat in August, with performances from local artists of all ages including a brass band, singer-songwriters, a baroque trio, and a rock band. The warmth and energy in the packed room was incredible.
We make the shows the same way each time. Artists submit an expression of interest via our website, then I work with my friend/producer Bron Belcher alongside a local organiser to ensure the curation process is collaborative, socially aware and reflective of the community presenting the show.
Accessibility is a priority, with assistance available for artists who may benefit from administrative and/or social support. All applying artists, regardless if they are programmed, are invited to be a part of the day.
The music is not curated to be homogenous. It is curated to provide variety and opportunity for both performer and listener, to experience a new context. With set times lasting around 10 minutes, each act is given the space to perform completely as themselves.
Live music is one of the clearest forms of community care we have: making a show is a powerful act of love for art and for one another. With Put It On, I am focused on adding joy to the landscape.
There is a space on our website to submit your interest for future shows. If you think your community might want to throw this kind of a party, please consider saying hi!
Until then, see you at the ballroom on the 25th – doors open at 1pm, the kitchen and bar will be open, and music starts around 2pm. Please come and celebrate our scene!
Melbourne/Naarm based violinist Madeleine Jevons enjoys a vibrant freelance career, and is a current and founding member of the Penny Quartet. As a lover of all musical genres, Madeleine appears regularly on contemporary recordings and live performances. She has performed extensively in many of Australia’s symphony and chamber orchestras, and collaborates at varied festivals across the country.
Put It On is the culmination of Madeleine’s two-year fellowship with Musica Viva Australia’s FutureMakers program, which enables brilliant early-career artists to become Australia’s musical leaders of tomorrow.
Images supplied. Credit Lauren Murphy.
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