Supporting Live Local Music at The Coffs Con
As the year comes to an end we get to reflect on all of the amazing musicians that we got the pleasure of housing in The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.
We have seen performances from our own students in our showcases as well as having our annual Sunday Series, fundraisers, local theatre, festival side shows and our very own Conversation Series.
Most recently, we had our final instalment of our Conversation Series. A start-up performance series where we find local, talented musicians and give them a spotlight to showcase their beautiful, original works to a attentive and devoted crowd.
Musician Abbi Yeo reflected that she was,
“Super appreciative of the people that were there and really got into listening to the stories. It’s not often I get to play the songs I wrote! Definitely keen to come back.”
A few months ago, we got to chat to Jayden Hubbard aka Joe Terror who highlighted the importance of supporting live local music.
“In order for the artists to thrive, they need people around the art – especially in regional towns,” he said.
The Enns of The Earth further comment.
“Just go to gigs and clap when the songs finish. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the good ones so I guess just bring a friend along too,” Ryan Enns said.
Here at The Con, we feel so grateful to have beautiful, wildly talented, LOCAL musicians put their hand up to perform at a new event in an amazing venue. I wonder who we will get to see next year in our Conversation Series – any suggestions?
At the start of the year, we had the fabulous Quintet from our Academy students tour a fundraiser show in hopes to raise money for their European tour.
Musical theatre is such an integral part of the music scene here in Coffs Harbour. This year, we’ve been able to showcase a multitude of shows from The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (HIT Theatre) to Once Upon This Island (Naidu Theatre/Woolgoolga Performing Arts) and everything in-between.
Jade Naidu from Naidu Theatre and Woolgoolga Performing Arts highlighting that it is an “inspiring time” for live theatre in Coffs Harbour.
Lewis Hackfath from HIT media commented that in regard to live theatre.
“Other than the Conservatorium, there are no real venues in Coffs Harbour suited to live theatre…[Musical theatre] is the shared breath between artist and audience is what makes theatre electric,” he said.
We have had student success stories that appear straight out of our Performance Hall walls, specifically with Evie Noble. Evie Noble performed in our Vocal Showcase, debuting her original single ‘Perfume’ and has taken the scene by storm since.
“I was so shocked to be announced the winner of the competition and titled ‘Song Of The Month’ with my original ‘Perfume’ that I played in the showcase earlier this year at The Con!” she said.
Our Sunday Series saw some amazing artists walk the halls, showcasing a wide variety of professional music making to the Coffs Harbour Region.
Our standout show was Arte Kanela Flamenco with attendees commenting;
“Please come back again!”
“Wow is right! Standing ovation!”
We still have two showcases left for the year, our Studio Soloists Showcase and our Ensemble Showcase. Tickets available below.
