Ian Beer
‘Brewing Porch Thoughts’
From time to time we learn that a family member, friend or colleague has reached some sort of crossroad and have taken a new direction in life in pursuit of fulfilling a life-long dream.
Three years ago, part-time musician Ian Beer was enjoying his career in print media industry. He had steadily worked his way up from being a typesetter to becoming a sub-editor at The Age before he began writing music reviews for EG section and then became a Project Manager in the technology department.
Although successfully combining his love of music and writing into a career, at 49, Ian’s heart began to sing a different tune. At his ‘before I turn fifty’ crossroads, Ian decided to give up his day job at to follow his love of acoustic guitars and great coffee.
With strings and beans firmly at the top of his business plan, Ian hit the streets in Melbourne searching day and night for the ideal venue, before creating the Acoustic Café in Collingwood’s artistic hub in Johnston Street.
Celebrating three years since brewing the first coffee, the Acoustic Café continues to offer Melbourne’s aspiring musicians a creative space to jam, write songs, learn guitar and perform live to intimate audiences through ‘Open Mic’ sessions and private functions.
Ian welcomed me along to join in on his celebrations where, over an ‘Acoustic Burger’ and coffee, he explained that the vibe and 70s décor of his Café Porch has not only become a regular hang-out for lovers of acoustic music, but has also caught the attention of film-makers, television producers and professional photographers.
At the heart of it Ian, what is the Acoustic Café?
It’s a café and bar that has solely been created around the acoustic guitar theme. My aim is to preserve the sound of acoustic music through live performances. We also play vinyl records, which is enjoying resurgence these days. I teach acoustic guitar workshops for intermediate students here and local musician and guitar virtuoso, whilst Rick Ralli handles the advanced shredders.
Would you liken the Acoustic Café as perhaps the result of something comparable to a mid-life crisis?
Absolutely! I have been playing guitar since my teens and having successfully pestered my parents for an acoustic guitar, I went on to teach myself to play. I joined various bands as lead guitarist in the 80s and performed in countless venues around Melbourne and regional Victoria – sadly most are now bottle shops, Pokies venues or trendy restaurants.
Why did this location appeal to you?
Collingwood has a great music vibe and Johnston Street is one of Melbourne's last standing piece of inner-city real estate that has yet to be gentrified. The layout also complimented my vision as it has been described as 70's house share. It has wooden couches velour trimmings, lots of interesting nooks and a wonderful retro courtyard, complete with old horse stables.
Your collection of vintage guitars to some extent reminds me of guitar museum. Where have they come from?
People bring in second-hand guitars to sell, whilst others I have found in Garage Sales and markets. Some guitars have been kicking around with me for years. They all have a story behind them and I am attached to each one, although I do sell them to avid collectors. The 1960 Gibson Hummingbird is my most prized acoustic guitar on display.
You are a singer/song-writer and recording artist yourself. Bruce Springsteen was playing earlier and now you’ve put on Paul Kelly. Would you say their unique style of music and story-telling has influenced your music?
My music is a mixture of folk, rock and country. I am drawn to lyrics, but equally I love good melody. My music has been described as story-telling in similar vein to the Paul Kelly with good mix of rock and country thrown in. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are probably one of the greatest examples of ensemble playing and subliminal song writing. Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams and Steve Earl have all been huge influences for different reasons.
Why has your ‘Open Mic’ night become so popular each Thursday night?
Audiences are able to enjoy eight free live performers in one evening. Musicians vary in age and are generally attracted to the lovely sounding room. The current Telstra Road to Discovery winner, Gena Bruce was one of our regular ‘Open Mic’ performers. She is now recording an album in Tamworth. We are also currently filming a pilot for Channel 31 ‘Live @ Acoustic Café’ which is pretty exciting that will hopefully be televised early next year.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“ Keep a pickin' and a grinning with great coffee…”