As the days grow cooler, The Local Metung has drawn the curtain on another successful season of its Summer Sessions, a weekly live music series that has become a highlight for locals and visitors alike.
The series began as a collaborative experiment between venue owners Robin Dawson and Milu Evans and local musician Sean Lockhart, and has since grown into a beloved community fixture. Most performances are held on Saturdays, with occasional Sunday and Monday shows, kicking off at 5.30pm in the venue’s intimate laneway. A stage built from repurposed jetty timber sets the scene for close-up, relaxed performances that have become the hallmark of the sessions.
This year’s program featured a rich mix of local and visiting talent. Performers included Mike Elrington, Christine Watterson, Lyle McGloughlin, Honey Ducky, Electric Yeti, Organic Joe, Ashley Carmody, George Rebeiro, Loki and Framed. International artists also made appearances, including English musician Jaime Mack, Hamburg-based duo Sasha and Nele, and Australian singer-songwriter Naomi Keyte, a familiar voice on Triple J.
The final session of the season featured local artist Jake Carmichael, as The Local transitions into its autumn program with a fresh lineup of performers.
Complementing the music, The Local has become known for its wood-fired pizzas, paddock-to-plate toppings and house-made ice cream, reinforcing its reputation as a community hub for free live music in a relaxed setting. In the post-COVID era, the venue has been instrumental in reviving the region’s live music culture, providing musicians with a reliable stage to reconnect with audiences and restoring regular performances to local venues.
