Young musicians to shine at showdown

By Jaci Hicken

Sep 6, 2024

Last year’s Showdown at the Soundshell runner-up Imogen Anderson and winner Indi Gilmore. Photo by Contributed

THE GARGARRO BOTANIC GARDENS PRESENTS THE ANNUAL SHOWDOWN AT THE SOUNDSHELL, A YOUTH MUSIC COMPETITION FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 18.

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“It came out of the idea that there is not much opportunity for young people in the area to perform,” Showdown at the Soundshell committee member Lisa Smith said.

“There is a lot of music in Girgarre, but it tends to be with older people.

“So we decided to do something for younger musicians.

“We did it for the first time last year, it is called Showdown at the Soundshell.”

Each young person submits an application, including a link to a video of a previous performance.

If selected, they can perform one song or musical number.

“Every young person submits their application, then they perform a song,” Lisa said.

“Then the three judges do their thing.

“And the finalists come back for a showdown, they perform one final song.

“And out of the performance, the judges work out who the winner is.

“Last year, we had 19 performers.

“I think the youngest was 13, and we had singers, a band, a saxophonist, guitars, ukulele players, duos, everything you can imagine, keyboard players.

“The talent was from Moama, all the way down to Gippsland, down to Bendigo, across to Shepparton and even Melbourne.”