LOCAL musicians showcased their talent at open mic night and they were a big hit with music lovers at Red-C Events on the Jordan Esplanade.

Six local bands and six solo acts aged from fifteen to over sixty played a broad range of music from rock ballads of the 70s, 80s, 90s, Jazz, Blues, Country Rock and original songs.

House band ‘Pleasing George’ opened the stage with a repertoire of rock and blues classics from Cream, Muddy Waters and BB King and then handed the stage over to the emerging talent who played twenty minute sets to an enthusiastic audience.

‘Ted Danson’s Forehead’ brought the house down with their rendition of ‘Free Fallin’ as Jacob Fitzpatrick sang the notes and stroked the keyboard like a young Elton John whilst Gal Reilly played the drums with a ferocity and finesse that captivated the audience.

‘Minus in the Basement’ are a quartet of fifteen year old school friends who closed out the show with their own original songs and left the crowd asking for more.

‘Pleasing George’ frontman, George Wilson provided some background on the appeal of open mic and how it started.

“I moved here two years ago and noticed the Coffs Coast needs more music venues for emerging talent so I approached Red-C and they were really supportive,” said George.

“That was over a year ago, it was really slow at first but now we get 150 to 200 people every week and this week we have six local bands and six solo acts playing.

“It’s about giving local musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent,” explained George.

“For example, Minus in the Basement are four 15 year old lads who write their own music so they get a chance to play a live gig and they were a big hit closing out tonight’s show, Ted Danson’s Forehead ooze raw talent and they are an up and coming band,” said George.

“If music is your passion, open mic can be a great platform to perform or get started because sometimes finding an opportunity to play on stage can be the hardest thing, finding a start can be tough in this industry and as a result we’ve had musicians from Grafton to Nambucca play here,” said George.

“Music is all inclusive, all styles are welcome, we’ve had Jazz, Rock, Folk, Originals and even Bagpipes, we always welcome new varieties because people love live music.”

Director at Red-C Events Jane Reidy echoed the purpose and spirit of open mic night.

“We love the way George and the guys from Pleasing George encourage the other performers and bands that play.
They have made it an awesome night for newcomers and experienced musos alike.

“We are proud to be involved in hosting the night as it directly relates to our not for profit community values, and we love the way the audience really gets into supporting the performers,” said Jane Reidy.

 

By David WIGLEY