Emerging Sounds is a dynamic, multi-media musical concert held during the annual Sechelt Arts Festival that features youth in performance. The shíshálh Community Hall (behind McDonald’s in Sechelt) is the place to be on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Produced by Steve Weave of The Sound Space studio, this event takes it up a notch this year using the water theme of the Arts Festival by showing water-themed visuals by local artist Mieke Jay. Look for a big stage, sound and lights from Soundwerks, shadow jam zone, glow-in-the-dark painting wall and a rotating line up of five bands for a musical mash-up.
“It’s no typical recital,” Weave points out. “This is a wide-spanning, eclectic mix of sounds and songs written and performed by kids and teens aged 11 to 16 who play drums, guitars, ukuleles, electronics and sing. It’s rare that there is an all-ages gig on the Coast where families can come together, rock out, be inspired and dance,” he said.
The first two previous concerts saw packed houses, held at a smaller venue, and last year in the community hall attendance was closer to 75. “We’re anticipating a big turnout this year,” Weave said, “as there was such a buzz about the event last year.”
Many of the performers this year are first timers for performing live. This year Daniel Bate will perform a challenging medley of songs by Queen on the piano, Tiana Hoile will rotate between drums, piano and ukulele and join musicians Conrad Synkar from Staggers and Jaggs along with Steve Weave on original songs. Hoile is a Sound studio veteran, having written songs, recorded and performed live with local kids’ band Circuit Bored. Matea Bellevance will surprise and inspire with her voice and perform solo and with a group. Spouse, featuring Teagan Marshall and Kai Todd-Darrell on drums, will perform their original songs that blend influences from groups such as the Smiths and Radiohead, while remaining uniquely indie and original. Marshall is a great example of someone who has written and recorded original material and will be performing live as a guitar and drums combo on her third year as part of the event.
Closing out the evening is a dance party featuring Malachi DeFries, Baeden Shendebray and Steve Weave. The three are attempting a challenging feat – remixing top 40 music live (21 Pilots, Major Lazer, George Ezra and more), rotating between guitars, bass, drums, samplers and more. Balancing live performance and pre-recorded tracks, they will bring the dance party to life going beyond what traditional DJs are known to do.
This is an all-ages event that has a liquor license for 19 plus. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door and you can get them online at secheltartsfestival.com with a credit card or at the Sechelt Visitor Centre with cash. See secheltartsfestival.com for more.
