Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Calling All Young Musos

Local up-and-coming artists will take to the stage in three sets of heats starting in August for the return of Young Whitsundays Got Talent.

The showcase of local singers aged 19 or under will run in two heats: August 28 in Proserpine, September 25 in Bowen, and a grand final on October 23 in Woodwark.

The talent show, which started back in 2019, has gained a stellar reputation amongst the region’s young artists.

Local Paula Hovey created the identifier show as a performance platform for young burgeoning musicians in the Whitsundays. In its first year, it began as a partnership with the Airlie Beach Festival of Music – one which has continued to this day.

That partnership sees the winner of Young Whitsundays Got Talent head for tours of the festival’s main stage to rub shoulders with its nationally renowned acts, as well as perform on the Fish Jam Stage.

Founder of Young Whitsundays Got Talent, Paula Hovey, said they were looking forward to another year of top tier talent for the competition.

“We’re super excited to hear from the young local superstars registering already, and I’m super excited to get out amongst it to Bowen and Proserpine and see what they can bring to the table, Ms Hovey said.

“It always blows me away to see how much talent is on offer around the region.”

Heat one will see the competitors head to the Prince of Wales Hotel in Proserpine, and heat two will take place at The Grandview in Bowen.

From there, the best of the best will compete in the grand final at Northerlies.

Ms Hovey said the competition “gives young musicians a chance to perform in front of an audience in a supportive and encouraging environment,” as well as a chance for them to improve their skills with lead up events and exciting workshops.

Winners will receive a makeover and photoshoot as well as a backstage tour at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music during sound checks and a performance at the after party at Northerlies.

All finalists will be invited to perform on the Fish Jam Stage at the market foreshore during the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Ms Hovey said any prospective contestants should reach out to her through the Young Whitsundays Got Talent Facebook page.

Some of last year’s competitors will be showcased at the Great Barrier Reef Festival on Friday, August 5 on the Fish Jam Stage.

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