Bello Winter Music organisers are thrilled to announce the winners of the third Youth Mentorship Program, where emerging artists are mentored by established artists on the festival bill.
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It was a tough decision by General Managers from both Mullum Music and Bello Winter Music festivals to judge this year’s entries, with applications from across the region streaming in. This year’s exceptional winners are a very special group of young artists who will benefit greatly from the coveted program.
It was a unanimous decision that mesmerising 12 year-old Yamba entrant Ryan Kemp won the singer songwriter category, earning him the chance to work with 2017 festival patron and artist Jack Carty.
Ryan’s song ‘Be Not Afraid’ showcased an emerging talent well beyond his years, setting a very high standard from someone so young.
Fourteen-year-old Bellingen singer Leah Besley also shone with her entry winning the Under 15 yrs category, showing an impressive vocal range and thoughtful, emotive songwriting skills.
Leah will be mentored by Ben Wilson of The Button Collective.
Akasha Leopold’s stunning natural and effortless vocal has landed her the opportunity to spend time under the guidance and support of the wonderful Sara Tindley for this year’s program.
And Bellingen sisters Nadia and Paloma Birch have won the band category with their beautiful harmonies and musicianship, for which national festival favourites Hussy Hicks will share their expertise and experiences with the local duo.
This year’s winners will each receive a rehearsal session with their mentor, a 20-minute performance at the festival with their mentor backstage, the opportunity to watch their mentor perform from backstage, and passes to the festival. A big thank you to Bellingen Shire Council who proudly sponsor the Youth Mentorship Program.
“The Bello Youth Mentorship program is brilliant! There’s great experience for our youth in applying, which is really easy to do, and the winners get to play in front of a real festival crowd who just love it. Best of all, they get to meet, hang out and be mentored by some extraordinary performers. The benefits and impacts I have seen for our young people have been amazing." - Dean Besley (Bellingen Youth Hub)
For details and winners performance times visit www.bellowintermusic.com
The Bello Winter Music Youth Mentorship is proudly supported by the Bellingen Shire Council and the Bellingen Youth Hub.