Piano accordionist Lucy Riddett was thrilled to again bring music to central Geelong with council’s Street Serenades returning this week, following the easing of lockdown.
The Wandana Heights local joined fellow musicians Christine Middleton and Tim Shea in Little Malop Street mall before roaming CBD streets and laneways with her accordion.
“It feels really good to be able to bring a smile to people’s faces, and my own,” the 27-year-old said.
“Music’s my passion – my creative outlet – so I really missed it a lot.”
Lucy’s love of playing began with a piano her parents inherited from a relative.
“That piano had always been in the house and as a kid I just smashed my fists up and down it, but I really wanted to learn how to play,” she said.
“And a friend from school started lessons, so I was jealous. I begged and begged my parents until they let me have some lessons.”
At age nine, she finally got her wish. But five years later, the “beautiful” soundtrack of French film Amélie led her in a different musical direction.
“I just fell in love with the sound of the piano accordion – I became obsessed,” she said.
Soon after completing high school, Lucy bought an accordion and began learning to play.
After only a few months’ practice, she began busking at Highton Village in 2014.
“I could only play four songs, but people just loved it straight away,” she said.
With Geelong’s Street Serenades back on, she encouraged locals to check out the scores of local musicians performing.
“It’s all free entertainment and it’s always something different,” she said.
Details: geelongaustralia.com.au/events
Luke Voogt
