The Viceroys, The Roses and Ungraded are some of the local bands lining up for this year’s North East Battle of the Bands in Violet Town.
These young musicians will be in the first heat of the FReeZA-funded competition to be held at the Violet Town Memorial Hall on Saturday, August 17 from 6pm.
The North East Battle of the Bands is a collaboration between six municipal councils, each facilitating a music festival that is planned and event-managed by local youth.
One band and one acoustic act from each heat over coming months will progress to the regional final to be held in Wodonga in early December.
Strathbogie Shire Council administrator Peter Stephenson said this was a great competition that attracted young emerging and experienced soloists, duos and bands to perform an array of music genres, including rock, grunge and metal.
“This is a wonderful platform for young musicians, and I am so pleased our FReeZA team are so involved with these young people, and I understand they are still accepting competition entries from residents aged 12 to 25,” he said.
One of the highlights of the Violet Town event will be a reunion and guest performance by former Benalla-based youth band Believers in Fiction.
Crowd entry is free to the all-age music festival, and anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There will be food and music galore.
This a fully supervised and drug-, alcohol-, smoke- and vape-free event.
Whether competing, watching or volunteering behind the scenes, for many young people Battle of the Bands is a highlight on the social calendar.
The event gives musicians a platform to develop their stage performance in a safe, supportive environment, while the council-led FReeZA Crew gain skills and experience in planning and event management.
“This is an energetic celebration of music and social connection, organised by young people for young people,” Mr Stephenson said.
To enter the Battle of the Bands Violet Town heat, or join the FReeZA Crew, phone council youth development officer Annette Walton on 1800 065 933 or email youthservices@strathbogie.vic.gov.au