BY PAT CAVANAGH
SHED MUSIC FESTIVAL MC
THE INAUGURAL ‘Shed Music Festival’ promoted by Coolum Men’s Shed and Coolum-Peregian RSL was a day and night of non-stop music on Saturday, July 13 with hundreds coming along at various stages throughout the event, with everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoying the entertainment.
The festival was a celebration of “Mates Making Music” with musicians coming from Men’s Sheds across the Sunshine Coast and South Brisbane.
A very appreciative audience was entertained by thirteen performances throughout the day featuring Blues, Country, Rock, Jazz and Folk with a large stage setup within the grounds of the RSL on David Low Way.
Once the sun went down, along with the temperature, the event was moved indoors for the nighttime program.
Headline act Mike McClellan was well received, and a highlight of the festival was the jam session at the end when all the musicians joined Mike on stage to perform ‘Song and Dance Man’.
Mayor Rossana Natoli officially addressed the festival in the evening and stressed the importance of physical and mental health and the many connections throughout the community that events like the Shed Music Festival played in building and sustaining wider community relationships and partnerships.
“The inaugural Shed Music Festival has been a wonderful success,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Coolum Men’s Shed combined with Coolum-Peregian RSL Sub Branch to deliver a day of workshops, performances and fun with the aim to demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of making music – everyone attending tonight certainly agreed!”
Coolum Men’s Shed Co-Coordinator Bob Barford said that the festival gave the musicians the opportunity to come together, have fun, and promote the importance of being involved in an activity that promoted mateship and well-being.
Bob also wished to thank the many sponsors and volunteers whose support ensured the success of the festival.
After the success of the 2024 event, the two groups are already looking forward to the 2025 Shed Music Festival being even bigger!
Handmade items were also available to buy on the day with Anne purchasing Duncan’s ‘Lazy Susan’ piece. 
Pat and Sally. 
Bob Barford (Coolum Men’s Shed), Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Bruce Uhlhorn (Coolum Men’s Shed), Cr Maria Suarez and Coolum-Peregian RSL Sub Branch President Peter Lloyd. Photo: Wendy O’Hanlon 
Ian and Coolum Women’s Shed President Deilia. 
Local musician and Coolum Men’s Shed member Roscoe with MC Pat Cavanagh. 
Bernie and Sharron. 
Kev, Wendy, Lindy, Charlie and Wendy. 
Paul, Anne, Paul and Ginger. 
Many happy members from the Coolum Men’s Shed. 
Deb, Leanne and Virginia. 
Neil with Coolum Men’s Shed Secretary David. 
A very happy Coolum-Peregian RSL member Terry with a dark ale after a big day of selling raffle tickets.