Concert bands on show in Mooroopna for the OUTintheOPEN festival

Shepparton Brass and Wind secretary Leona Gibbs said Saturday night was the first time the two bands had performed together on stage.

“The Melbourne Rainbow Band are a group that have been in Melbourne since 1995 as a gay and lesbian safe space and a band that can support people in the LGBTI community,” she said.

“The Melbourne Rainbow Band wanted to make connections with regional centres and this was the first show they had done to come and play with a regional band.”

About 100 people were entertained by a night of great tunes, and Ms Gibbs said it was clear the family, friends and guests who attended enjoyed the performance.

Along with their own pieces, the two bands also came together to play a commissioned piece on the night.

Thanks to a grant that Melbourne Rainbow Band received from Creative Victoria, composer Matt Klohs wrote a piece titled The Road Returning which was showcased during the concert.

“The piece is about the country and the city people living in both places,” Ms Gibbs said.

“It was a really great night, it was good to have such a full band to play. The main comment from the audience was that it was great to have such big sounds on stage.”

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