Feeling funky? Grass Roots open mic is back, offering musicians under 30 a chance to show off on stage

The show emphasises that all music styles are welcome, along with both individual musicians and full bands. The only stipulation is that entrants must have their own instruments and be aged under 30 years old.

Musicians will be competing against each other in three different categories. The winner of the judge's choice category will take $250 in prize money as well as an opportunity to perform a set at the 'Day in the Orchards' music festival.

Other categories include 'Best original song' and 'Stand out performance,' which will both also receive $250 in prize money. In addition, the best original song winners will be offered a recording session at CAD Factory.

Ben Ceccato is one of the founders of Grass Roots, and says he's hoping it can really inspire some creativity.

"Grass Roots was a collaboration between myself, Luke Piccolo and the theatre to try and encourage youth, not only to perform but also give them a space to present original music," he said.

"There's plenty of open mic competitions out there, but I felt like where I wanted to encourage people the most was in songwriting and composition. That can be an electronic beat, or orchestral or anything that's your own piece of work is really encouraged."

Last year's competition had 20 entrants, and Mr Ceccato is hoping to match or exceed that this year, especially in light of COVID throwing creative industries into disarray.

The show will take place at 2pm on August 8, at the Griffith Regional Theatre. Registrations are now open through the theatre's website.

READ MORE

He's encouraging everyone to participate to create an unforgettable evening of music and create opportunities for young musicians.

"The main thing was to try and bring something that's not your average open mic."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: