Youth series to provide outlet for musical talent
Youth in Pictou County will have a chance to show their musical talent thanks to an event planned for July and August called Stars of the Future.
“During community engagement sessions youth had said they needed a place to go to, to further their career in music, and they wanted to be able to have a stage to do that,” says Jake Chisholm, who is helping to organize the event as program and events assistant for the Town of New Glasgow.
Out of that was born the idea for a youth coffee series during which youth could compete for prizes that would help them in their musical careers.
The series will be held July 6, July 20 and Aug. 10 at 135 Provost St. and Aug. 24 at Glasgow Square Theatre.
“It’s kind of like in a way our American Idol.”
The competition is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. They can perform as solo artists or as bands.
There will be prizes for the top three performances. First prize is for a four-hour recording time with Shoebox Studios. Second place is a photo shoot with Nicefella Photography and a poster by Jay MacLeod. Third place will receive a $75 gift certificate for H&R Music.
As a special bonus prize, out of the first two coffee houses either a solo artist or band will be chosen to play on the youth stage for the 2017 Riverfront Jubilee.
Another will be chosen from the winners to perform on the youth stage at the Jubilee in 2018.
“We’re really excited because the youth wanted it,” Chisholm said. “It’s theirs to have fun. Every night will start at 7 p.m. and probably go to 10 p.m.”
There will be specialty coffee and small snacks on sale at the concerts.
Some judges who have already agreed to take part are Karen Corbin and Shaun McLean.
“We wanted people on the guest panels that could provide the youth with really good critiques or advice,” Chisholm said.
He hopes that these people can become mentors for the youth as they pursue their own musical career dreams.
Another initiative to help bring music to the downtown area is a downtown mini concert series to be held every Friday during the summer months from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring some of the same artists performing in the Stars of the Future competition.
The location will alternate between Murdock Park and in front of the New Glasgow library.
“It’ll be a free concert for everyone to enjoy and listen to some tunes downtown,” Chisholm said.
For more information on how to take part in the Stars of the Future competition youth can visit the Town of New Glasgow website or call Jake Chisholm at 902-752-4800.