THE first Ocean Grove Open Mic Festival is on this weekend, June 5, 6, 7 and 8.
The festival, being organised by Ocean Grove Arts Network, will cover many genres and age groups, solo acts and bands.
“Local musicians need a stage” said John Bowman, owner of the Piping Hot Chicken Shop and one of the 4 venues involved with the Festival.
“We want to get them out of their bedrooms and provide them with stages.
“They would all like to be able to perform in public and bars and cafes provide a great atmosphere.
“I’ve spoken to the kids in the street and asked them if they are getting ready for the open mic. ‘We’re rehearsing’ they said, which is great.
OGAN received a $1,500 grant from Regional Arts towards the event which is supported by the four venues.
“It will be a great community event.
Most of the participants so far booked in are from Ocean Grove and the Bellarine areas as well as a few from Geelong and Torquay.
“The region is alive with talented musicians who have emerged from their make shift studios to help confirm our cultural identity; there is more to Ocean Grove than football and surfing.”
More than 50 individual musicians and bands will perform across the weekend starting with Bellarine Secondary College’s VET Music students on the Friday night. Headline acts include Chris Wilson, Stewart Guthrie and popular youth band Sambrose Automobile will be shared around the venues: the Nectar Bar, BarDeli, Zebra Bar and Chicken Shop. Other highlights will be a Drumming Workshop and performances by local primary school students.
The Festival is supported by the City of Greater Geelong and Regional Arts Victoria who acknowledge the quality cultural and accessible experience that will be provided for locals and holiday makers alike.
For more information about the Festival including a detailed program phone John Bowman on 52551566 or email oganopenmic@gmail.com More entries are welcome.
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