Sharp Eleven was established to support professional musicians, nurture emerging young talent, and treat audiences to a diverse range of quality live music events. “Sharp Eleven Presents…” 2022 Concert Series and Youth Development Program
“Sharp Eleven Presents…” is a series of monthly live music events featuring a diverse range of professional performers. The series will be held at the historic
Eumundi School of Arts Hall. DATES:
• Sunday 16 January – Swing Central (swing)
• Sunday 13 February – The Kitty Kats (jazz, cabaret)
• Sunday 6 March – West Texas Crude (rockabilly)
• Sunday 3 April – Betty Smokes and the Forgetaboudits, featuring Sahara Beck (blues, rock)
• Sunday 1 May – Mr White and the Flying Dutchman (groove, jazz)
• Sunday 12 June – Pantastic Steelband (Caribbean)
• Sunday 17 July – Doc Span Blues Band (blues)
• Sunday 14 August – Shenzo Gregorio Quartet (gypsy jazz)
• Sunday 11 September – Band Of Frequencies (roots)
• Sunday 9 October – Youth Gala Performance
• Sunday 6 November – Nightfly (music of Steely Dan)
• Sunday 4 December – Louie Shelton (world-renowned guitarist - 2007 Musicians Hall of Fame)
There is a wealth of professional and emerging musical talent in the region, a vibrant and diverse local community with an appetite for the arts, but a paucity of live music events. By initiating our “Sharp Eleven Presents…” concert series next year, we will be supporting professional musicians and nurturing our emerging young talent while our audiences feast on a smorgasbord of musical diversity. Because of the broad range of musical genres featured throughout the series, and with performers ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians, the events will appeal to multigenerational audiences. The series will present established professional artists, with showcase appearances from emerging performers, at a ticketed event once a month on a Sunday afternoon at the Eumundi School Of Arts. Audience members will be required to check-in with our QR code and comply with any governmental directives to ensure the venue is COVID-safe. Professional musicians have been severely impacted by the effects of the recent pandemic. Aside from cancelled work and loss of income, the pandemic has exposed a perception that a career as a performing artist holds little value in the greater community. It has also taken its toll on young performers, with cancellations of performances, music exams, eisteddfods, music camps and tours. The series will encompass a Youth Development Program (YDP). Emerging young performers will perform a showcase of 3 items during each event and receive mentoring from professional musicians prior to their performance. A full day workshop will be held during the Spring school holidays on Monday 26 September with all participating students and mentors. The YDP will conclude with a YDP gala event in October, featuring all of the young talent showcased during the year. At least one feature performer must attend a secondary school on the Sunshine Coast;
2. all performers must demonstrate Grade 5 AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) standard (or equivalent);
3. an audition video of 3 items, one of which must either be an original, or include improvisation, must be submitted;
4. all performers under the age of 18 must have parental consent to perform at the relevant event. There are numerous performance opportunities for beginner musicians on the Sunshine Coast ie: open mic nights, busking competitions, talent quests etc. Contrastingly, “Sharp Eleven Presents…” will provide a professional performance environment for the more advanced music students who are working towards a career in the music industry. From our discussions with music educators here on the Sunshine Coast there is concern the level of music literacy is generally unsatisfactory. Music literacy is vital in order to pursue music as a profession. “Sharp Eleven Presents…” aims to restore the value of music in the community and inspire our young musicians to develop their craft.
