Young bands to battle

MUSICIANS looking for their big break will get their chance in the BendiGLOW Youth Fest Battle of the Bands competition in September.

First prize is a studio recording pack from Bendigo Records and a paid gig at a music festival. Second prize is a $100 gift voucher from Muso’s Stuff and a paid gig, and the third placegetter will receive a three-hour studio rehearsal session at YeeHaa Studios.

Performances will be judged by a panel of prominent members of Bendigo’s music scene.

Sets by Select All and Junkyard Wizards will follow the competition.

Live Music Bendigo’s Keith MacQueen said young artists were the future of live music in the region and the festival supported the “vibrancy, vitality and life of our community.”

“YO Bendigo’s focus on young bands and artists is an important stepping stone for them to keep the strong tradition and culture of live music in our town alive,” he said.

Battle of the Bands is open to both solo musicians and bands of all genres and is free to enter.

All members of competing acts must be between 12 and 25 years of age, be based in Greater Bendigo and must perform at least one original song.

Community radio station Phoenix FM will broadcast live during the event and finalists will have an opportunity to be interviewed on air.

BendiGLOW – an initiative of YO Events, Greater Bendigo’s FreeZA team – is a celebration of young people, by young people.

It’s set for the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre basketball stadium from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday 21 September.

“The Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for musicians to demonstrate their true passions and win awesome prizes as a reward,” said Festival lead producer Zak Rivers.

Entry is free but donations to support YO Events will be welcome.

Entries for Battle of the Bands are open until Monday 13 August and can be submitted at yobendigo.com.au/BendiGLOW.