Screaming Jets guitarist set to Rock the Black Dog!
Agents of Peace and Screaming Jets founder and songwriter/musician Grant Walmsley, is set to be one of the judges in the upcoming "Youth Rockin' the Black Dog 2010" band competition.
Youth Rockin' the Black Dog is a new and innovative musical arts competition in the Hunter designed to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people. The winners will receive a three-track professional recording session and 500 produced CDs among other prizes.
Launched on 1 February, the Youth Rockin' the Black Dog event is a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute, and the local music industry. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people, while giving local musicians a platform to showcase their talents.
The event is the brainchild of Newcastle-based music producer and performer Gareth Hudson. Gareth organised the successful 2008 Rockin' the Black Dog concert in Newcastle, which also aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues.
"The competition aims to use music to engage young people and increase their awareness of mental health issues," Gareth said. "While the music does not have to explore these issues, there will be other opportunities through the audition rounds and the grand final for young people to obtain important information."
The competition is open to young people aged 15 to 21, and entries close 19 March, 2010. Entrants need to submit two songs (one original) to be judged by a panel of acclaimed local musicians.
Six finalists will then battle it out live during a night of great music at the Loft Youth Venue in Newcastle on 21 May 2010 before a winner is announced.
Tickets for this event will go on sale on 1 March 2010, and can be purchased from The Loft Youth Venue.
More information about the event and to download an entry form visiting www.himh.org.au/YRBD or become a fan of Youth Rockin' the Black Dog on Facebook.
