Table of Contents
By Jiayuan Liang and Yue Luo
On Friday, visitors to Westfield Doncaster may hear classic songs such as Ye Lai Xiang and Unchained Melody drifting through My Colonial Cafe on the ground floor.
Running from 2:30pm to 5:30pm each Friday, the informal jam has become a regular meeting point for local residents, particularly older members of Manningham’s Asian community.
Allen, who started the gathering, and a fellow member who plays guitar are both retirees who enjoy music as a leisure activity. What began as a way to share their love of music has also grown into a weekly community gathering that brings people into the area and helps support local businesses.
Allen said he first asked for permission to play at the cafe because he wanted to share music with local residents while creating a relaxed space where people could gather. He initially began with instrumental performances before more singers and musicians joined in.
“I started with just instrumental playing first,” he said.
As people began to stop, listen and enjoy the music, the gathering gradually grew to include singers and other performers.
Allen is quick to point out that it is not a band.
“It’s not a band. It’s a group,” he said.
There are no rehearsals and no fixed set list. Instead, performers choose songs on the spot depending on their mood. The music can range from Mandarin, Cantonese and Minnan songs to English-language classics, reflecting the different backgrounds and memories of those taking part.
For many regular audience members, most of whom are retired and live nearby, the weekly gathering offers more than entertainment. It is also a chance to relax, meet others and enjoy familiar songs that can bring back memories of home.
Allen said the gathering is about sharing the joy of music while also helping create a welcoming community space.
“People can relax a little,” he said, adding that visitors can also support the local cafe by stopping for coffee, cake or food.
The gathering also operates under an Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) music licence, allowing music to be performed publicly at the venue. Allen said the group relies on donations to help renew the licence and keep the weekly sessions running.
Anyone is welcome to join the Friday jam, whether they want to sing, play an instrument or simply listen.
For Allen, the gathering remains simple: people turn up, choose a song and see where the music takes them.
