By arts editor Helen Musa

Canberra’s live music scene will take centre stage at The ANU this weekend, with a festival bringing established Australian acts and emerging local talent together on campus.

After Hours, presented by ANU and the ANU Students’ Association will take place on Saturday, with up to 5000 students, staff, alumni and members of the wider Canberra community expected to attend.

The line-up features home grown rap superstar Genesis Owusu, Rum Jungle, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Chloe Parché and Lamb Legz, a 12-member student band formed at ANU that has twice won the Interhall Big Night Out Battle of the Bands.

ANUSA president Charley Ellwood says the event will celebrate local talent while making live music more accessible to students, who could purchase discounted tickets, noting, “Live music should be the beating heart of any campus and any city.”

“We know the sector is struggling, and the cost of tickets can be a significant barrier for students who want to experience live music.

Lamb Legz member Dylan Adams adds, “As a campus and Canberra muso, we have tried hard to connect with the local music scene and make sure music is open and accessible…The availability and cost of gigs have had an impact on that.”

Optimistically he says, “We hope After Hours gives the Canberra community a chance to celebrate the importance of supporting local gigs and the artists who make our music scene what it is.”

After Hours, Chifley Meadows, ANU, October 17 until late. Discounted tickets are available for students through Humanitix.

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