On the evening of Jan. 21 there was a youth upRising at the Chatelech Secondary School Theatre.
This "uprising" showcased the original artistic talents of Sunshine Coast youth musicians in a landmark CD release concert. Fifteen young artists performed their previously recorded songs for a near sold-out crowd. Original pieces by Crystal Spence, Note to Self (Chelsea Sleep, Brett Wildeman and James Law), Lara Matiation, Supermodel Side Project (Liam Bryant and Dylan Quarry), Daniel Kingsbury, Erin Robertson, This Epitaph Reads Regret (Matt Cotton, Liam Bryant, Cody Hilstead and Mark Sloan), Tyson Poole, Chris Hodgson and Mitch Dennis, Brett Wildeman and Trevor Vitale charmed, rocked and wowed the crowd. Ken Dalgleish, Dave Christensen and Gaeten Bergevin provided musical support for three of the compositions. The other artists featured on the CD who were not available to perform were Sara Fitzpatrick, Simon Jaeger and Kill The Silence (Matt Cotton, Ryan Hendricks, Riley McGuire, Tyler McGuire and Spencer Ralston).
The performances ranged from foot-tapping Celtic to ear-pounding punk, melodic acoustic guitar to strong reggae rifts, screaming rock to sweet harmonies, poetic and political lyrics to touching love songs, passionate rap to funky instrumentals. All the songs were a taste of the musical genres that influence, inspire and compel these young artists to pursue their dreams.
The Sunshine Coast Lions Club sponsored the production of the album in collaboration with many local businesses and organizations. The musicians, between the ages of 12 and 26, recorded their songs over the past two months at Driftwood Studios in Davis Bay. The 19 tunes were then mastered by Gaeten Bergevin and Ken McBride for the release of this professional and dynamic musical anthology. The CDs will be available at a variety of locations on the Coast for $15. All proceeds from the sale of these CDs will go towards a fund to further the advancement of local youth in their craft.
A reception after the concert gave the audience a chance to socialize with the artists. Amidst signature requests and mouthfuls of pizza, brownies and sticky buns, family, friends, music teachers and donors in the crowd talked about the sure future success of these young people. As tribute to the diverse, passionate and creative musical talent of youth on the Sunshine Coast, watch for an upRising near you.
