Live music accessibility advocates, Tibi Access are back with Groove Tunes 2023 – an all-accessible event featuring KYE, Cool Out Sun, Voli K, plus more artists to be announced!
“Our first instalment of Groove Tunes was a wonderful success, we’re so excited to do it all again. Last year’s event was everything and more than I expected. We had such a diverse audience, everyone was on the dancefloor, enjoying live and inclusive music. “ – Dina Bassile, Tibi Access and Groove Tunes Founder
Independent accessibility consultancy Tibi Access returns to host its annual event ‘Groove Tunes’ on Saturday 3 June 2023 at The Corner Hotel in Richmond. The second instalment will demonstrate what an accessible live music event looks like from programming to marketing, to delivery, plus creating an opportunity for people with disabilities to attend a live music event, but also encourages the broader music industry to make live music more inclusive.
Hosted at Melbourne’s premier music venue the Corner Hotel, Groove Tunes not only supports the disability community but educates the creative industries about what accessibility can look like within any space or venue. Together headline artists KYE and Cool Out Sun, alongside artist Voli K who is living with a disability plus two more artists to be announced, will contribute to helping improve the recognition and removal of barriers faced by people with disabilities, with what promises to be one big celebration of music, dancing, inclusivity and diversity.
Tibi Access was created to change the landscape of live music, events and venues, by founder and Groove Tunes founder Dina Bassile, a person who uses a wheelchair and has lived experience of the Australian music industry’s gaps. At the core of Tibi is a spirit of inclusivity and a will to open up gigs and events of all sizes to everyone and for this year’s event. Groove Tunes will be bringing back Pay It Forward allowing members of the public to purchase a ticket for someone in the disability community, Companion Tickets, accessible signage, Auslan interpreters, an accessible website, an accessible entrance and lift, accessible + gender-neutral toilets, lowered bar, lyric videos, SUBPAC tactile vests, braille tickets (on request) and sensory zone.
Groove Tunes is super excited to have two SUBPAC tactile vests available at the event. SUBPAC is a tactile audio system that consists of a combination of tactile transducers, vibro-tactile membranes, electronics and textiles, designed to deliver a physical dimension of sound. SUBPAC will be available in a wearable format and delivers a complex and nuanced experience to create an accurate tactile representation of our audio input being used across the site. The SUBPAC vests have been described as being equivalent to a headphone for the D/deaf and hard of hearing community. Groove Tunes are proud to bring this technology to our event in partnership with the NSW government.
This year’s headline artist KYE formally introduced herself to the world a little over 12 months ago but has already won over audiences with her celebratory, sun-soaked sound that effortlessly bridges pop and R&B. KYE has amassed over 1 million Spotify streams and garnered playlist support from triple j, FBi Radio, and MTV. KYE’s relationship with music blossomed as a young child growing up in the UK. In between vivid memories spent singing through sickness and in health, gospel songs, talent shows, girl bands and more, her voice flourished with each deep embrace of her identity leading to her mantra of embracing openness and finding joy in it, with the world.
Bringing the party to Groove Tunes is the Naarm collective that needs no introduction, Cool Out Sun, the creative project composed of the superpowers that are N’fa Jones, Sensible J, and Nui Moon. The beats are provocative, the lyrics powerfully imaginative; a live act that is bound to have you dancing from the start through to the end of their set.
Warming up the stage ahead of Cool Out Sun is First Nations artist originating from Fiji, VOLI K with his soul-infused songs, which have been deeply influenced by his early exposure to soul and gospel influences as a drummer connecting within his community church. With lyrics inspired by love & hope, his dynamic live performances helped him land on tour with Tones & I. Hand-picked by Tone’s VOLI was selected to open up her inaugural “Music In The Park” Festival on the Mornington Peninsula, plus a performance as part of her ensemble at the “Tecate Emblema Festival” in Mexico City.
It wouldn’t be a Groove Tunes without supporting up-and-comers, so stay tuned as there are two more artists still to be announced.
Showcasing some of Melbourne’s best artists, Groove Tunes will provide access to musicians who live with disability to showcase their work, as well as give punters with disability and their friends and family the opportunity to experience an inclusive, anxiety-free night out.
Limited numbers of Early Bird Tickets are on sale now!
Saturday 3 June 2023
The Corner Hotel, Richmond
Performing artists:
KYE
Cool Out Sun
Voli K
+ more TBA
Doors: 7.30 pm
Tickets:
Early Bird: $25 + BF (Until sold out)
Pay it Forward (Buy a ticket for someone in the disability community): $25 + BF
Second Release: $35 +BF
Final Release: $45 +BF
Companion Tickets – free for companion cardholders
Tickets: https://tickets.cornerhotel.com/outlet/event/8dc59d57-5a8f-44aa-a8db-3b2696e6beaa
Inclusive Event Features:
Accessible signage
Auslan interpreters
An accessible website
An accessible entrance and lift
Accessible + gender-neutral toilets
Lowered bar
Lyric videos
SUBPAC tactile vests
Braille tickets (on request)
Sensory zone
Groove Tunes would like to thank event partners Creative Victoria, Heaps Normal, and Mountain Goat Beer for contributing and helping make this event possible.
Groove Tunes and Tibi Access Socials:
Groove Tunes IG: https://www.instagram.com/groovetunes.au/
Groove Tunes FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069899594578
Groove Tunes website/newsletter sign up: https://www.tibiaccess.com/groove-tunes-line-up
Performing Artists Socials:
KYE: https://www.instagram.com/getitkye/
Cool Out Sun: https://www.instagram.com/cooloutsun/
Voli K: https://www.instagram.com/volikmusic/
