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This year the next generation of performers were well represented in acts like Daideo and the Blue Mosquitoes, the Fooks, the Foley Artists, Rawkus and Das Swing to name a few that feature performers we've known since they were little kids.
It's gratifying to see more and more young people participating in the festival events, especially considering the high quality of their performances, maturity and professionalism.
This year also saw another great program of kids events and workshops that were rapturously received by everyone from the youngest festival goers right up to their parents with outstanding performers such as long time legend Mic Conway, consumate story teller Andrew McKenna and the charismatic Nick Rheinberger to name a few.
Scroll down for a report on the Young Persons' Blackboard Competition winners.
Young Performers' Blackboard Competition
This year the judges, Mel Robinson and Steve Richter (Mr Sister) and Pietro Fine (the Black Swans of Trespass), were up to their eyes in astonishingly accomplished kids and, after agonising deliberation, the winners were:
Eleanor Meredith won a guitar donated by McCanns Music for a performance of her own composition with close to maximum possible points for star appeal, presentation and style.
Jarrah Forrer won a $75 voucher for McCanns donated by Lara Giddings, for a cornet rendition of Dave Brubeck's Take 5 displaying wonderful shading and nuances.
Asta and Coco Binney, won a $75 voucher for McCanns donated by Roger Joseph for their guitar and vocal duo performance of a great song, with an excellent intro and lovely stage presence. Unfortunately Asta and Coco couldn't be at the concert on Sunday and we don't have any photos of them, but we're sure they'll be performing in the future and we'll get snaps then!
Complimentary prizes donated by McCanns Music Centre were:
Peter Stone - for a Jack Johnson style, creative performance.
Tom Harrison - for his great vibe, good rhythm
Andrew Phipps - who displayed great rhythm and musicality in a guitar solo with clever looping.
Hugh McCrae - for his guitar and vocal performance. Hugh has confidence and deserves
encouragement and it was great to see him performing at the Blues Jam on Sunday night.
The Hon Lara Giddings, Acting Premier, presented the awards at the Sunday afternoon concert.
Winners who have not collected their prize need to contact the festival to leave their details so we can forward their vouchers on to them.
The Acting Premier, Lara Giddings, presenting Eleanor and Jarrah with their prizes after their performances at the Farewell concert on Sunday afternoon in the Town Hall.
