Word’s spreading there’s a new gang in town. 

For the past four months a group of men have been gathering at various locations, to spend an hour or two pitching their voices in song.

As with many musical compositions, this group came about through an idea. 

It began as a casual conversation between two mates, Simon Moule and Liam Jury, sharing their love of music and the fact that it seemed to be missing from their lives.

It struck a chord with these two who decided to do something about it.

“We watched a few videos of groups like pub choirs and thought we’d ask a few friends if they’d be interested in getting together, to sing,” explained self-appointed song master, Simon.

In no time at all, this interest grew to a small group, all men, who found themselves meeting in a few different locations every couple of weeks or so.

Such has been the response the Island Men’s Song Gang, as it’s now known, meets every second Wednesday evening at their new home, the upstairs room of the Woolli Tavern in Cape Woolamai.

“We didn’t want to call it a choir,” said Simon, “as it sounds formal and structured so we went for gang as that sounds more fun.”

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And fun it is.

Now numbering 18, this group is ever expanding and includes men of all ages and from all walks of life. There’s a plumber, a vet, several teachers, a chippy, a surfing coach, an accountant and a retiree.

It’s a way for men to do something for themselves, to connect with people they hadn’t met before and to simply enjoy the challenge of trying something new.

“I just came along for the hell of it,” said Michael Sorensen, who fronted up on his own and is now a regular singer, admitting he was somewhat sceptical in the beginning.

“It’s more fun than you think.”

It’s a perception Simon explains is common to most people who have never sung in public before.

“There’s a lot of nervous tension at first, but after five minutes or so you just get into it,” Simon said.

Each of the sessions is structured. 

Simon is careful to choose songs that appeal, that harmonise well and can be learnt within the timeframe.

And on a more appealing note, the evening concludes with a drink from the bar and conversation shared with like minded songsters.

The group welcomes new members who’d like to join. 

Simply turn up at the Woolli Tavern on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm and make your way upstairs. 

Simon says he has had considerable interest from women wanting to join so he’s planning an event for October 4 and if it proves popular, it will be called Island People’s Song Gang. 

The next date for the men is September 6.

Details can be found by joining the Island Men’s Song Gang WhatsApp group; or message Simon on 0479 134 130.