newy.com.au – Hunter school band STOMP will headline a free, all-ages music festival at Speers Point Park on Saturday, 26 September, after winning this year’s NSW YouthRock school band competition.
MAP mima Rocks begins at 3pm at the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, with five bands and a DJ on the bill. STOMP will close the show with a 50-minute set starting at 7.40pm.
Glycerine, Smacked Youth, The Janes and Empress will also perform, with DJ Big Rex completing the line-up.
STOMP’s four members are friends from Hunter School of Performing Arts. Alongside their YouthRock win, they have performed their debut single at Star Struck with backing from a full orchestra. The annual school band competition counts Silverchair, Alex Lloyd and Hayley Warner among its alumni.
Band member Thomas Gagliano-Buckley said audiences could expect more than a collection of songs when STOMP took the stage at Speers Point.
“Expect a story to be told throughout the gig,” he said.
“We play experimental music that’s very arty.”
Gagliano-Buckley said the festival gave diverse local bands an opportunity to perform in new places and get to know the community, while allowing audiences to become familiar with their music.
Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager of arts, culture and tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said it was important to nurture creativity locally.
“MAP mima Rocks is about creating opportunities for emerging musicians to perform in a professional setting while connecting with new audiences,” she said.
Food trucks and a licensed bar will be available on site, and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and low-back chairs.
