Musicians have flocked to The Fig for 17 years
For musicians, and lovers of live music, The Manly Fig (The Fig) has long been a place where community and performers unite. And that was exactly what Robbie Elliot, along with her husband Steve, first imagined when they established the volunteer-run live music space in March 2009. There was just one rule for the audience – no talking during the performances.
“We mainly had two goals, to support live music and to help build community,” Robbie says. “The reason it started though was we realised that there aren’t many venues for singer-songwriters where they can play their music and have people actually listen.”
“You go to a pub or anywhere there is live music in Australia, and people just talk. They expect that it’s background music they can tune in and out of.
“And we thought it’d be really nice to have somewhere people can come and listen, and people are listened to. It’s respectful. But it goes the other way, it’s fabulous to sit and listen properly to music, as opposed to having all the noise around you.”
On the last Friday of each month, three acts of different genres perform at The Fig, which is held at the Seaforth Bowling Club from March to November. In the hotter months, January to February, the venue changes to the Balgowlah RSL.
The music runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, with doors open at 6.30pm and audience numbers can get up to 200 people.
Audiences enjoy uninterrupted entertainment by a wide variety of acts at The Manly Fig
While there is a $25 entry cost, this is to pay the musicians and to cover expenses – no profit is made from the events. “It’s volunteer run, we don’t do it to make money,” Robbie explains.
She says that over the years they have had a range of incredible acts and a mix of styles, with music ranging from singer-songwriter acoustic to blues, Latin, country, jazz and more. Ages of performers range too, with some HSC students performing alongside seasoned musicians.
Variety is important, Robbie says, adding that The Fig patrons are always looking for a new sound. They offer opportunities for artists to do their own material, including singer-songwriters, and scout for talent themselves at music festivals.
She says The Fig has ‘earned a reputation in the industry – for a venue that has an audience that loves their music, listens and offers respect and appreciation.’
Each show is also recorded and played at 7pm on a Sunday night on Radio Northern Beaches show RNB Live.
Robbie has many great memories of musicians over the years, including the time Canadian trio the Good Lovelies performed one Friday night while in Australia. “You could hear a pin drop,” she recalls of their amazing performance.
“That’s what live music is about – you just get some amazing moments that you’ll never get again.”
To book your spot and for more information visit: themanlyfig.org
