Sharing some newly completed work by MICrame - Macrame by Michaela @fonzycool using ethically sourced, 100% recycled cotton. 

Michaela has been NEA's music events coordinator for the past 3 and a half years where she began @the_gallery_gigs. In the last year she started teaching herself macrame in her old studio at NEA's previous Bridge St address and has come a long way.

Michaela has spent the majority of this year remote learning with her 7 old twins whilst her partner worked full time, describing it as "not the most enjoyable experience to date" and is looking forward to freeing up some time (and hands) as restrictions ease .

For commissions drop a line to musicmic80@gmail.com.  Michaela's work is also available through Buy from Benalla - https://www.buyfrombenalla.com.au/shops/74391

"Last night's Gallery Gig was pretty epic! I'm still trying to find the words to describe it.... @tobymobbsmusic began the night perfectly with his original tunes and then @tim_mcmillan and @wanderingfrog took to the stage and we all lost our minds a wee bit! '...you audience lot are a good bunch for listening with great respect to three hours of live music - 'hype guy' as we've affectionately called him was verbalising everything that we were thinking! What a night! And a reminder as to why I've been doing this. Because music is important. And goddamn it IS a form of art! "   Michaela Alexander, Gallery Gigs Coordinator. on Facebook.

Michaela forgot to mention that the night ended with a stirring rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Michaela'... who turns 40 this week!  

Thank you so much for inspiring and producing such wonderful Gallery Gigs, Michaela.

This Saturday (March 7) we are so excited to welcome world class musicians and fine humans Tim McMillan and Rachel Snow to the #gallerygig stage at @northeastartisans 💫
@tim_mcmillan and @wanderingfrog will be bringing all of the songs and stories to your ears! Guaranteed musical magic.
😍
With local support act @tobymobbsmusic this will be a night to remember and we want all you lovers of live music to be there! Support live, original music in Benalla and keep regional towns alive with the sound of music 😜
​
Tickets - trybooking.com https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=594489&

Michaela Alexander, 
Manager, 'The Gallery Gigs' 

Here's what Benalla musician Adam Toms had to say about Scott and Corin  -

Last night I attended a little gig in my own town Benalla arranged by Michaela Alexander which was at North East Artisans. It featured two Canadian singer songwriters Scott Cook and Corin Raymond who have been touring around Australia for the last 6 weeks and are considered folk music artists. To be honest, I don’t know much about ‘folk’ music, but I know when I’m moved, I know when I’m listening and watching something special, I know when I’m being taught musical, songwriting, storytelling and entertainer lessons. Last night was one of those gigs. For me it wasn’t about a genre it was about entertainment and ear candy.

These guys captivated every single person in the room with their show including me. Each played a 45 min or so set and joined each other for a song or two. They had people singing laughing, relating, reminiscing and sometimes even singing their songs without ever having heard them. They told stories that made you think you were there and created lyrical cleverness like it was a walk in the park and could be mistaken as something that come easy to all songwriters. (Myth) 

To add to the coolness of this show they did not use a microphone for their voices and only one of them plugged his acoustic into the PA as it was a quiet guitar. Normally with 50 odd people in a room this isn’t possible but the silence, respect and appreciation for the artist doing their thing was nothing short of amazing. (I wish all singer/songwriter gigs were like this) when I looked around the room I saw everyone just digging what was in front of them. I wanted to take a photo or video during the night but I felt bad as I barely saw a phone out - nobody checking Facebook or snap chatting......just people in the musical moment. What a beautiful thing.

Huge props Michaela for creating these gigs and a culture of what ‘should be’ for gigs like this. I hope to play there soon and whilst my songs, style and ‘show’ will be different from last night I hope for the same vibe as what I was a part of last night. It’s a truly special thing as an artist to feel that intense buzz of appreciation bouncing back at you when you sing. I realise not all gigs are or can be like this but once in a while is really nice. 

​Adam John Toms
(Adam posted this on North East Artisan's Facebook site)

Great to see this article in the Ensign and music events coordinator Michaela's response. The Gallery Gigs have been such a success, have engaged many young musicians and music lovers and clearly have a growing following. Thanks to all involved, and to Michaela for  inspiration, energy and follow through!