ALAN Mulraney has stayed in the groove sinced first picking up a guitar at school.
The Wedderburn musician and historian was captivated by the sounds of music growing up in Britain and the guitar has never been far from his hands.
Last weekend, Alan was again playing with members of the band 501 for the monthly music session at Inglewood Golf Club.
He was at home on the stage, just as he was 50 years ago when a casual session musician in Melbourne playing on television and backing jazz icon and entertainer Smacka Fitzgibbon who ran the hotel in Wycheproof before returning to Melbourne in the 1960s.
Alan said 501 was formed more than 20 years ago.
“Ian Leech and Peter Bucci are originals in the line-up. I have been with them around eight years and some of the others have come into the group in recent years,” he said.
It was Ian’s idea to start the monthly sessions that are already building up a regular fan base.
“Like most live entertainment, COVID put us out of action for a couple of years and we’re now striving to get back into the swing of things,” he said.
“The open mike sessions at the Inglewood Golf Club is not only a way to procure a gig but also a good way to help other artists get back into live entertainment.”
Alan said it was pleasing to see musicians and vocalists take the stage.
“Many of the walk-up artists that come along have never had the opportunity to be backed by a live band before,” he said.
Alan also has a monthly gig at a Bendigo motel.
“At Inglewood 501 works in conjunction with another band that I play with - Ernie Johns and the Avalanche band,” he said
“This band does a similar walk up night every second Sunday of the month at the Golden Hills Motel Bendigo.  Each gig is promoting the other one to help boost numbers at both venues.”
The 501 line-up is Peter Bucci (guitar/lead vocal), Kelly Wilkinson (guitar/lead vocal), Ian Leech (rhythm guitar), Peter Jobson (bass), Alan Mulraney (lead guitar) and Dave Gannan (drums).