rAMP Up The Rails
DARWIN RAILWAY AND Social Club – affectionately referred to simply as The Rails – has earned its reputation as one of the best live music venues in the Top End.
It’s a place friends meet for a cold one, play a [free] game of pool and grab a pizza, before settling in for a night of some of the best local and touring music going around.
But 2020 is set to be a biggie… The Rails has been able to make some key upgrades to improve the club for performers and live music fans alike.
The Rails’ Anna Stewart says the upgrades benefit the community on the whole.
“Music is important in any community. And if you don’t have good facilities to support the music community, I think that’s when you see young people leave town,” she says.
“We really appreciate what we’ve had, but technology has changed so much that it’s important to make improvements like this. We have a lot of young local bands hit our stage and the quality of sound is important.”
Upgrades to the lighting and audio system were made possible by a successful bid for the Community Benefit Fund. Other improvements, including the new stage and upgrades to the green room, were paid for by the club.
Rails Manager Kane Stewart says technical upgrades made way for others.
“Because of the upgrades to our lighting and audio, we’ve been able to get rid of a lot of things that were stored in the green room as they’re just not needed anymore. It’s now a dedicated space for bands to relax before, during and after their gigs. The walls have had a fresh coat of green paint and the air con’s brand new. It’s looking much more like a green room should.”
The local music community has welcomed the news with open arms. NOOK Events’ James Gough says the improvements are an important step in the right direction.
“It’s fantastic to see the club install this audio and lighting system that I hope drives an increase in the number of local, interstate and overseas artists performing in Darwin. Darwin’s not just an awesome place to live and visit – we also have high quality equipment, crew and hospitality in venues that are open for business.”
There are ways you can support The Rails to ensure live music continues to frequent the stage. Consider signing up as a member for $35, with benefits including discounted drinks, express entry to gigs and other goodies throughout the year.
There are also regular fundraising events, including this month's Rails Annual Music Quiz, with a chance to win four gold passes to almost all Darwin Railway Club performances in 2020 as well as other prizes.
Sound’s good.
Rails Annual Music Quiz
WHEN FRI 6 MAR | 7-10PM
AT DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB
COST $15
INFO darwinrailwayclub.org
Photo: Elise Derwin
