WOW – celebrating 20 years. And more.

In these still strange times, significant events such as major anniversaries can slip past.

So, belated congratulations to the Way Out West Roots Music Club in chalking up 20 years of gigs, 20 months ago.

In December 2001 ten mates tired of trekking across town to Carlton or Fitzroy or St Kilda to see bands chipped in $50 each to book a band to play in a backroom in Williamstown, in Melbourne’s west. Why not bring the music over here, they thought. (Never mind that the venue didn’t have a sound system/PA at the time.)

The first band was Melbourne outfit The Hornets, the first venue was a backroom of the local RSL.

This was the genesis of the Way Out West Roots Music Club, which has been booking bands ever since, from local legends Chris Wilson, Broderick Smith, Dave Graney, Nicky Bomba, Kelly Auty, Kerri Simpson and Fiona Boyes to international performers such as John Hammond, Big Jay McNeely,  Charlie Musselwhite and, very recently, The Milk Carton Kids.

The club has produced a very handsome, well-designed hardcover book that chronicles and celebrates its first 20 years. The club tells its story through fine photography of the many performers and no shortage of well-edited interviews and anecdotes about the stars. The book also makes sure that those who work behind the scenes are given due recognition: committee members, photographers, sound engineers, raffle-ticket sellers tell their stories too.

Nowadays Way Out West is based at the Newport Bowls Club*, hosting gigs all year round.

Music Is The Reason is the Way Out West motto. And a fine motto it is!

*Also home of the Newport Fiddle & Folk Club.