By Jamie Furness
The Forest Lake community is invited to gather at the Lake Stage on the first and third Sunday of every month to enjoy Live Music at the Lake.
The recurring event, which takes place between 3pm and 6pm, is hosted by local band The LakeHouse Trio, who provide live entertainment and offer aspiring musicians of all ages the opportunity to perform with them during the second half of the show.
In January 2021, The LakeHouse Trio drummer and leader Phil O’Connor was inspired to create the event to promote connections and combat the impacts of Covid on the community.
“A lot of people got depressed and anxious during Covid … everyone was indoors all the time,” Mr O”Connor said.
“I live across the road from the lake, and I was taking my dog for a walk every day. I kept walking past the stage and thought ‘we need to put something on here, and get people going.’”
Mr O’Connor presented the idea to Forest Lake Ward councillor Charles Strunk, who secured Brisbane City Council funding to kickstart the event.
“He has been a great supporter since it started, and has continued to fund and support all the live music we put on there each fortnight,” Mr O’Connor said.
Mr O’Connor said the event had been popular amongst families and people of all ages, with many people bringing their picnics, blankets and cushions.
“We play songs from many different genres and tend to jazzify them a bit to keep the volume down and make the music more pleasant to listen to,” he said.
Coffee and snacks can also be purchased on-site from Kerry’s Coffee Van.
Many new friendships have been forming as the event has continued to grow.
“For me, the most important thing is connection,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We encourage people to talk to each other … it’s a very light-hearted and informal event.”
Musicians who would like a chance to play as a guest on-stage are encouraged to contact Phil O’Connor one week in advance on 0409 361 288.
“I hope the people of Forest Lake realise what a unique event is right on their doorstep – free entertainment in the suburbs on a Sunday afternoon. I’ve been playing music for 50 years now and I have never played in an environment like this,” he said.
“I don’t know of any other similar event in all of Brisbane, so we’re very fortunate.”
More information about each event can be found on The LakeHouse Trio’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/ForestLakeMusic.
