PubSing Castlemaine recently brought their interactive show to Lockington Hotel. Pictured are Stephanie Carson, Briony Phillips and Peter Bodin.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Lockington Hotel’s beer garden came alive with vocal harmonies for an inclusive choir event led by PubSing Castlemaine members.
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On the afternoon of Sunday, August 3, Stephanie Carson, Briony Phillips and Peter Bodin guided the crowd of about 70 in a three-part rendition of Love Shack by The B-52s.
Each member of the group instructed participants in singing a high, medium or low melody, bringing all parts together to form a complete song.
Ms Phillips said the event brought people together, and that studies have shown group singing is beneficial to social and emotional health.
Similar events to PubSing Castlemaine operate across the globe, and Ms Carson said they helped to fill a gap in Western culture.
“Other cultures have singing through all parts of their life,” she said.
“Unless you’re part of a church or choir, you don’t really get to take part in group singing here.”
Stephaine Carson, Briony Phillips and Peter Bodin led the crowd in different melodies.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
The Castlemaine group has been running events in central Victoria for the past eight years or so, co-ordinated by Marion Yates.
Ms Carson said part of their initial aim was to get men singing, with a pub environment being less intimidating than joining a choir.
“As long as you’ve got people who are willing to give it a crack, then it usually gets the other people who are a bit nervous or hesitant to get involved,” she said.
“And it always sounds good — it never fails. That’s what I’ve found.”
Hotel guests committed to their melodies under the afternoon sun, with tables and chairs spilling on to the grass.
The free event was supported by Campaspe Shire Council, the Locky Ukers and Lockington Neighbourhood House.
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