TEN years ago, Palm Beach’s Ian Grace was wondering what could be done to help build self-esteem and confidence among kids finding it hard to fit into the community.
Coming from a musical background, Ian and some colleagues came up with the Youth Music Venture (YMV) and now, 10 years on, the organisation is gearing up for a special celebration at its annual Showcase Concert.
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The milestone event marks not only the 10th year of the YMV’s operation on the southern Gold Coast but also its expansion north having two program now running at Helensvale.
media_cameraReady to rock it out at the Youth Music Venture Showcase Concert at Currumbin RSL on Sunday are 2019 participants Matthew Lee, Kobi Nightingale (in front), Ben O’ Toole, Flynn Edwards and Robert Stackpole who will be performing as Rockin’ Horse.
Catering to kids from 11 to 17 who have some musical ability, the program has seen more than 400 kids gain confidence in themselves, learn how to be part of a band and foster an interest in music which they can develop in their lives.
The Youth Music Venture isn’t so much about encouraging kids into a career in music but learning from their experience being part of a band — the need to work with others, having faith in their ability and the courage to perform in front of a large audience — to take forward in their lives,” Grace said.
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“It has been extremely rewarding for everyone involved to see our participants grow as people and as performers.
“To think where we have coming from to seeing our kids performing in the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Preshow and playing at the Athletes’ Village are among the highlights and to have singers appear on The Voice is a credit to all those involved.”
The 10th annual Youth Music Venture Showcase Concert will be held at the Currumbin RSL on Sunday from 2pm — 5pm featuring six bands comprising ‘students’ who literally didn’t know each at the start of the program in May. Now they will be doing sets in front of more than 300 people.
The concert will be MC’ed for the fourth year in a row by Bridget Daley from 92.5 Gold FM and this year is sponsored by Gold Coast Student Hub.
And not content to rest on its laurels, Grace said the YMV now had big plans, hoping to secure funding, to become a full-time organisation, enabling it to reach 10 times the number of young musicians that it is doing currently.
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“We have had an amazing group of volunteers over the 10 years, including international class musicians Michael McCartney, Dean Fuller and Isaac Stewart, the Head Mentors; Senior Constable Kurt Foessel, Officer in Charge, Elanora Police Beat and Mark O’Donnell from Red Heeler Business Essentials, previous participants, now mentors, Bryce Francis, Zane Blayney-Gray and Damien (Damo) Lobb. and our secretary Lisa Jacobsen, mother of Bayley, who sang at the Opening Ceremony Preshow,” he said.
“And of course, our amazing sponsors who have been with us for the journey: — Roland, Rotary Club of Currumbin — Coolangatta — Tweed, Tugun Community Bendigo Bank, Currumbin RSL, McGrath, Queensland Mining Industry Conference, Minister Karen Andrews and huge support from Gold Coast Sun.”
Tickets to the showcase concert are selling fast are only $20 per adult (16 years +) with 15 years and below free.
The Tickets will be on sale at the door:- Currumbin RSL, doors opening at 1:30pm or phone Ian Grace at:- 0424 143 140, Lisa Jacobsen at:- 0414 791 320, or e-mail:- [email protected]
Originally published as The Youth Music Venture’s showcase concert
