A Pleasure and Privilege for Performers and Patrons:  We Mavericks in the Gunning Courtroom

Mandy McDonald, the Gazette’s strictly objective music reviewer, could not be at the We Mavericks performance in the Gunning Courtroom on Sunday, 11 August, so this report comes from one of the concert organisers – not the most impartial source for your news but a sincere one.

Classically trained musicians Virginia Virgenser and Lindsay Martin are a modern folk duo.  They are known for combining voice with guitar, mandolin, banjo and violin to create glorious harmonies and driving rhythms into one superb and singular whole.  All this was on full display on Sunday afternoon.

It was a delight to hear them, and both players said it was a pleasure and privilege to perform for us.  They loved the Courtoom’s historic charm, excellent acoustics, and the warmth and enthusiasm of the audience.

“You are very fortunate to have such a beautiful place for your concerts,” Lindsay said.  Gunning Focus Group certainly agrees.  And it is working to make the Courtroom an even better community space – particularly for music performances.

Pictured above are GFG’s Rosemary Spiller and Margaret Dougall with Benjamin BX from Bathurst, a first-time attendee at a Gunning concert and the first person to sit on the newly cushioned jury benches.  GFG has commissioned local upholsterer Colleen Primmer to make bespoke cushions to transform them into premium pews, complementing our comfortable individual seats.

Benjamin, who appreciated the comfort of Colleen’s cushion, joined a good-sized audience that included people from Junee, Canberra, Yass, and Boorowa, as well as locals.  GFG is pleased that the Courtroom is becoming more widely known by music lovers and musicians around the region as a great performance space.  It is an asset we can be proud is a part of the Shire’s cultural infrastructure.

This story is taken from the Upper Lachlan Gazette of 14 August 2024