Over 200 Griffith residents were treated to an afternoon filled with the sounds of local talent, as 14 performers took to the stage on Sunday 4 August for the Grass Roots Open Mic at Griffith Regional Theatre. Contestants showed off their skills with a mix of covers and original songs.
Bonnie Owen, from ARTFARM and one of the Grass Roots judges, expressed her delight with this year's event.
"We are so pleased with this year's outcome. Every year we see the Grass Roots program welcome more competitors and larger audiences, all keen to see the up-and-coming talent in our region. How lucky we are to have such talent from the competitors, such enthusiasm from our audiences, skill and support from the staff and our partners, and an exceptional venue like Griffith Regional Theatre in our region," she said.
Belle Madden was awarded Best Original Song in the Open category, and won the opportunity to undertake a recording session at CAD Factory. Jaymi Clancy took out the award in the Under 21 category and will now participate in a one-on-one mentoring session with Song Makers.
Dwayne Broome was recognised with the Judge's Choice Performance Award in the Open category. He won the honour of performing at the Griffith Regional Theatre season launch later this year. Laylah Bains took home the same award in the Under 21 category, and will have the opportunity to show off her voice at the Piccolo Long Lunch Event in October.
Voted by the audience, the People's Choice Awards went to Belle Madden in the Open category and Maria Piccolo in the Under 21 category. They both received a $250 voucher at Custom Music.
