tunesday – line-up announced for inclusive melbourne gig groove tunes

One in five people in Australia live with a disability. Despite this, a whopping 64% of Australian festivals don’t publicly list their access information, according to the Australian Festival Association. This lack of key info is having an impact: a 2018 survey conducted by Melbourne accessibility consultancy Tibi Access found fear and lack of access prevent people with disability from heading to live music events.

To give music-lovers with disability the chance to experience a fun night out (and to showcase the work of talented musos in the community), Tibi is putting on Groove Tunes – a rad new inclusive event – at The Corner Hotel this March.

Local surf-rock trio The Grogans and Mornington Peninsula pop songstress Matilda Pearl are headlining the event, and are joined by three ace artists living with disability – Irene Zhong, Edward Roussac and Saint Ergo.

Tibi founder Dina Bassile, who uses a wheelchair and has experienced the Australian music industry’s gaps in accessibility firsthand, says she wants people of all abilities to enjoy the event and feel included. That's why there'll be support services including Auslan interpreters, printed braille tickets, in-venue access ramps and lowered bar access, accessible signage, a sensory zone and sensory packs, on-stage lyric videos, an accessible website and affordable ticket prices. “Groove Tunes will not only be a night of live music but an educational night for industry professionals,” Dina says.

Head this-a-way to nab a ticket for yourself, or pay it forward to someone in the disability community. Tickets are free for companion card-holders.