Former participants of a renowned music mentoring and tuition program are set to converge for a special festival.
Eumundi School of Music alumni and their bands will perform at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall on Saturday, August 31.
The program, which started eight years ago, has gifted scholarships to almost 250 young rockers from around the region.
It was founded by five-time ARIA award-winning songstress Katie Noonan, her national jazz award-winning husband saxophonist Zac Hurren and a host of Sunshine Coast musicians.
“The program has gone from strength to strength over the years, and is something we’re all so very proud of,” Ms Noonan said.
“Our young rockers have had opportunities to be mentored by and share the stage with stellar musicians and bands including Tim Rogers, Frente, Abby Dobson, Clare Bowditch, Jack Carty and Dallas Frasca.”
Eumundi School of Music bands have also had opportunities to perform at festivals including the Woodford Folk Festival, Horizon Festival, the Little Day Out and the Gympie Muster.
Many of the school graduates are now professional working musicians and studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and University of the Sunshine Coast.
“We’re excited to be celebrating the legacy of our musos with a mini festival this year, and it will be quite the reunion,” Ms Noonan said.
“We look forward to showcasing the stars of tomorrow and sharing our patch of creative paradise with you and yours.”
Bands performing include: Jam and Scones (featuring original 2016 ESOM rockers Oscar Long and Zach Hughes; Ampersand (featuring 2021 alumni Jed Green, Isi Semmler and Orlando Hamilton-Craig); Ultraviolets (featuring 2022/23’s Senti Scanes, Zyana Scanes, Nate Campbell and Nate Morgan); Unmuted (featuring 2022/23’s Rafael Estrada, Isaac Green, William Mc Wha, Nate Campbell, Lennon Hall and George Hillhouse); Whitt’s End (featuring original 2018-20 alumni Dexter Hurren with brothers Jarvis and Saxon Whittaker) and 2021 alumni Layla Havana and band.
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The mini-fest will also include performances from MOU, featuring the songs of Isaac Conomos and band, recent Carol Lloyd Award-winning siren songstress Jo Davie and band, along with the first live performances from 2024 ESOM bands (students in Years 3 to 12).
There will be almost 70 independent musicians performing from 1pm to 10pm.
There will be local food and drink options available and free craft workshops with the Mount Ninderry Art House crew from 3-5pm.
Tickets are on sale now ($40 adults, $30 concession, $20 children) via Eventbrite. Kids under five are free.
Eumundi School of Music is supported by Experience Eumundi, Eumundi District Community Association, Sunshine Coast Council, the Imperial Hotel, Mooloolaba Music, Fender Australia, Rode Australia, various local businesses and volunteers.
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