Mountain District Radio has featured more than 20 performers from across the Mountain District on The Hills Hoist!!, its weekly arts program, and is keen to sign up more.

Presenter Emma Johnson said the live music - which broadcasts from 1-3pm on Fridays - was supported by government funding and 3MDR sponsorships.

"Musicians are invited in to play three songs, have a natter and also to play a recorded song from another local musician and talk about it, in the name of cross-pollination.

"The Live Sessions kicked off on September 2 and have had 23 performances broadcast thus far, and are looking forward to many more. The project is currently funded until August, but everyone is keen to carry it on."

To appear on The Hills Hoist!!, performers must be residents in the Mountain District area, which includes Berwick, Pakenham, Emerald, Cockatoo, Upper Ferntree Gully, Olinda, Monbulk, Woori Yallock, Gembrook, Belgrave and Kallista.

So far, the show has featured solo artists, duos, trios, and poets, including Briony Mackenzie, Hilary Blackshaw, Lily and King, Jed Rowe, Joshua Buckle and Michelle Chandler.

Ms Johnson said a professional sound engineer sat in on the sessions to mix and record the live performance.

The station broadcasts on 97.1 FM. Details: 3mdr.com