Original sing, a major musical event for emerging artists

You might not know it, but right here in the Northern Rivers we are sitting on a goldmine of untapped musical talent, which next month will provide a splendid display, when 11 graduates from Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Contemporary Music course open their final performance exams to the public.

This not-to-be-missed three-night event, titled Original Sing, will launch on the public holiday Monday, October 5, at 6pm, and continue over Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Each night will be full of variety featuring three to four acts performing 45-minute sets with their bands, in a mix of contemporary genres ranging through world, electronic, pop, rock, funk and jazz. Most of the singers are choosing to showcase songs they have written themselves.

For most of the students, these performance exams will be their final step in completing their Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree. The 11 ‘soon to be graduates’ of Original Sing have all majored in vocal studies, under the wing of highly respected jazz vocalist and University lecturer, Leigh Carriage, who has been teaching at the University for over 10 years.

“Every now and then a group comes through that is so inspiring, individual and talented, that I think ‘I don’t know why they bother paying me!” a very proud Leigh said of her students.

“Of course, her students would have to disagree,” says Belinda Kelly, one of the performers in the event. “The progress we have all made over the past three years is largely due to having such an experienced teacher as Leigh available to us.”

The final performance exams have earned a reputation for a high standard of musical excellence amongst the students’ peers, so this is a rare chance for the community to finally be part of this major musical event in the Northern Rivers.

The event will be held in the recently refurbished concert space in theatre D-129, at the University’s Lismore campus.

Audiences are advised that the event is not catered. Suggested arrival time is no later than 5.40pm for a 6pm start. Entry is free. The show starts at 6pm each night.

For more details, including who plays when, directions and where to park, visit www.myspace.com/originalsingscu or email original.sing@gmail.com or phone Amie Stuart on 0412 728 242.

Photo: Original Sing cast includes: Front row (seated L-R): Toni Knapman, Maximiliano Deichler. Back row (L-R): Belinda Kelly, Kyra Smith, Charlotte Lock, Charlotte Marshall, Amie Stuart, Ruthann Brown, Lydia Storey, and Teagan Russell.