The Grass Roots Open Mic Competition gives the Riverina’s local artists like Belle Madden (pictured) much-needed opportunities to hone their performance skills – and the local community the chance to discover talent in their backyard. Photo: Ginette Guidolin.
When musician Belle Madden moved to the Riverina, she had been “out of the game” so long, thoughts of performing in public released a kaleidoscope of butterflies in her stomach.
That was until she stumbled on a passionate, supportive community of artists working to bolster the local grassroots music scene. Their vehicle of choice? An annual open-mic event that Belle credits with jump-starting her return to the scene.
Having been a contestant in the Grass Roots Open Mic Competition twice now, Belle is back this year as MC for this year’s competition, to be held next month at Griffith Regional Theatre.
She does not doubt this year’s contestants will include local musicians with those same butterflies.
“When you’ve taken a step back so long, you wonder if you’ve even still got it,” she says.
“The idea of stepping back into the spotlight can be quite terrifying. But the Grass Roots crowd is so nice. When we were backstage getting ready to walk out, everyone was so supportive and excited for me – it was like a big warm hug before going on stage.”
In 2023, Belle entered with two covers and won a paid gig to play an opening set at the Day in the Orchard festival at Piccolo Family Farm.
“I got there early and watched them set up. As a long-time festival-goer myself, it was really cool to have the chance to see what goes into it,” Belle says.
Bolstered by the win, in 2024 she won “Best Original Song” and the People’s Choice Award in the competition’s open category.
Belle says the competition has been the “ultimate icebreaker” for her return to the scene.
“Such a big part of success in the grassroots music scene is about connection with other musos,” she says. “This competition ushered me back into the fold, and those connections with people in the local music scene have served me so well.”
Initially set up as an under-30s open-mic event, the Grass Roots Open Mic Competition is now open to all ages, with separate categories for under-21s and all-age participants.
Co-founder and judge Bonnie Owen says while there has always been a lack of opportunity for young musicians to upskill in the area, the common struggles are no longer restricted to young people.
“If anything, it can be more daunting for an adult who hasn’t grown up with music to give it a go for the first time. Where do you start?” she says.
For the same reason, while the competition has always focused on original music, both the under-21s and all-ages competitions offer opportunities for artists wanting to perform covers.
“We noticed a real need for a platform where artists could play original music for people to appreciate,” Bonnie says.
“That said, grassroots is as much about the opportunity for people to gain performance experience as to showcase original work. The chance to get up on a professional stage in the state-of-the-art Griffith Regional Theatre, with professional lighting and even the chance to experience a sound check – it’s all vital to their journey.”
Prizes focus on “continued upskilling”, which is why Best Original Song in the under-21s stream wins a mentorship with an industry professional, while Best Original Song in the all-ages stream can have a song recorded, mixed and mastered by Grassroots co-founder Ben Ceccato himself.
The best performances in both the under-21s and all-ages streams win paid gig opportunities at Griffith Regional Theatre and an event at Piccolo Family Farm. The Judges’ Choice gong recipients in both competitions win vouchers from Custom Music in Griffith.
But Bonnie says one of the best rewards is the networking.
“It’s my greatest belief that your contact list is how you get things done. That’s how we’re going to grow our vibrant music and arts scene,” she says.
“It’s why we have spin-off events throughout the year – to foster year-round connection for continued impact.
“I expect to see some familiar faces return to the competition this year, as well as hopeful newcomers to the Riverina’s music scene. But also members of the entire community, there to discover and, I suspect, be pleasantly surprised by the talent in the Riverina. I promise you’ll hear something new and wonderful, and I reckon we’ll reignite your passion for support for the local artistic community.”
The Grass Roots Open Mic Competition takes place at Griffith Regional Theatre on Sunday, 10 August at 2 pm. Register by Monday, 4 August to perform. Tickets to watch the performances are on sale from the theatre now.
