THE Local Emerging Artists Program (LEAP) has given a number of Bathurst musicians the opportunity to perform live for the very first time.
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LEAP sessions were held at three local venues, Tommy’s, The Hub and Mad Season Cafe, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday respectively.
Sophie Jones, who helps coordinate LEAP, was a performer in the program once herself and said it presents a great opportunity for musicians to network with each other, experience live performance and secure future work.
“I feel like a lot of the gigs I got in Bathurst was from being part of the LEAP program,” she said.
Many of this year’s artists are under 18 years of age, but they all offer an incredible amount of talent.
Ms Jones said that there is little technical difference between them, as many sing and play guitar, but they all have something about their style that makes them stand out.
There was also a good crowd at each session to encourage them.
“The audiences are great; they come down to the venues for a coffee or lunch and don’t realise there is anything on and then they stay to watch,” Ms Jones said.
Three more LEAP sessions will be held this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the same venues.
Visit the Inland Sea of Sound Festival website for a full schedule.
Eight of the LEAP artists will also perform at the festival on November 4 and 5 at Mount Panorama.