There are plenty of cows but not so many cowboys in Stanhope, but that has not stopped entrepreneur, Clare Jones from building from the ground up, a venue that is claimed to be Victoria’s first dedicated Country Music Hall, Neon Horse.
Originating from Melbourne, Clare wanted to get out of town when she can and chose Stanhope as a staging post. Since taking over the building, much of the work in getting it ready has been done by Clare, who will don work gear or dress up as the occasion requires. For the interview with The Adviser, she was frocked up yet still showing the signs of furniture stain on her hands where she had been working on the finishing touches to some of the outdoor furniture.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, she won’t open to the public as yet but does intend to stage some online streamed country music concerts performed in the venue. At the right time when restrictions lift, Neon Horse will be open on Saturday afternoons and evenings. The music will cover the spectrum of country and blues music and as Clare says, “Long live country music.”
