Gig Mates in Melbourne

Into music, but your friends don't share your taste? Not so keen on going alone? Us either! This could be just the group you're looking for!

We are a group for people interested in the live music scene in Melbourne. We don't have any particular genre or style that we go with - we are guided by the interest of our members.

How our group works:

HOSTING AN EVENT
Some members of our group put themselves forward to 'host' gigs that they are going to on behalf of us. All hosts are volunteers. Anyone can host once they have been to an event or two, so long as they are happy with the following...

To host members must have a ticket to the gig that they are listing as an 'event', and be prepared to:

• Organise a meeting point and time for the event
• Communicate via the app (not asking for mobile no's as this can make some feel very unsafe) with those who are attending about any changes
• Maintain a welcoming space for everyone - that is, be reliable, communicate, maintain our 'mates not dates' ethos and maintain an atmosphere of welcome.

If anyone is considering hosting, we welcome new hosts for any music genre that are happy with the above. If you have an idea for a gig and you would be happy to host it if others are interested, but haven't bought your ticket yet, you can check out interest in our discussion thread. There is always the risk that no one else is available to go, but you won't know if you don't ask!

If you are interested in hosting but are not sure what it involves, you can chat with Paul or I. We will happily co-host an event we are available for too if you want to try it out.

ATTENDING AN EVENT
We list gigs that at least one person is planning to go to and host. If you are interested in joining in, it's pretty simple. You just need to buy your own ticket to the gig and mark yourself as 'going' - updating your status if anything changes. This is important - your host may not want to go alone any more than you do, so communication is key!

The host will organise somewhere to meet and follow up with communication on the day. It's pretty straightforward, but don't forget 'going' is not a 'maybe' or 'I'm interested'. You should only mark yourself as going if you have a ticket - intend to be there.

SOCIALS
One of the things that makes our group great is our socials. These are events that usually have some music connection (sometimes at a stretch :D ) but are definitely social. We might head to a pub for a chat with or without some live music, catch some music trivia or a music related movie...or something quite random. Everyone is welcome to join our socials and they are a great way to get to know what 'Gig Mates' is all about before heading out to a gig with us. The same rsvp expectations apply as for other events, but remember that you are welcome - you really are.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
The idea is have a relaxed and friendly group to see live music with, but we do need you to keep a couple of things in mind:

• Please only mark yourself as 'going' if you really do have that intention and update your status/communicate if that changes. Things can change of course, but a) It is respectful to your volunteer host to let them know if you aren't going to be there, and b) the whole point of this group is to feel safe to attend a gig with company - if people drop out without telling us, that can have a big impact on this model. We have a 'three strikes policy' as a result.
• We are keen to build our options with more gigs from any genre - so come join and let us know what you'd like to go and see! Gigs don't have to be big names either - just music you'd love to experience live. If you are keen to see something happen - help make it happen!
• No one likes to be made to feel inferior - bring people in with your love of music, don't push them out by making them feel like they 'don't know as much' as you.
• Note that someone does have to be available to host. We are interested in your ideas, but can only make them happen if we can find a host.

Heidi