It is full steam ahead for a group of six young people who are hosting what was formerly known as the ‘Battle of the Bands’.
Three local bands will perform in the Push Start Comp this month following a new Latrobe Valley FReeZA HYPE committee and state-wide rebranding of the event.
headspace youth and community engagement officer Josh Cassidy, whose local committee has six permanent members, is gearing up for an exciting night.
He said after organising a few taster events, including an open mic night, the Latrobe Valley youngsters were ready to host a major Traralgon gig.
“They’re passionate about the arts and music; they want to give young people an opportunity to have something to do,” Mr Cassidy said.
“So they want to bring events that are relevant for youth to youth (in the area).”
Doors of the Premiere Function Centre will open for the competition’s 5.30pm start time on Friday, 12 August.
Three local bands – Hopeless & Heartless, Insider and The Avenue – will compete for their chance to head to the Push Start Comp semi-final.
Gippsland-based Ocean Sleeper will take to the stage before the winner is announced, with Brisbane punk band Columbus set to headline the night.
“The exciting thing about those two is that Ocean Sleeper and Columbus are both signed up to the Unify Festival for 2017, so it’s an opportunity for people to come and get a taste of these bands for free,” Mr Cassidy said.
“We’re really, really excited.”
During the year Mr Cassidy has been working with the FReeZA HYPE committee members so they experience first-hand the roles, responsibilities and requirements of event management.
The Latrobe committee is open to young people aged between 15 and 25, who have an interest in musical and cultural events.
The upcoming Push Start Comp is the result of the committee’s hard work, and Mr Cassidy expects a crowd of 400 to 500 people to turn up.
The group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at the headspace Morwell headquarters, but commitment is flexible.
If you would like to join the FReeZA HYPE committee, phone headspace Morwell on 5136 8300 and ask for Josh Cassidy.
