It’s eight years since Eumundi School of Music (ESOM) began – a program that has now gifted scholarships to almost 250 young rockers from across the Sunshine Coast.
Saturday 31 August will see a mini festival held in Eumundi featuring various alumni and their bands. Music lovers of all ages are invited, with tickets now on sale.
ESOM was founded by five-time ARIA Award winning songstress Katie Noonan, her National Jazz Award winning husband saxophonist Zac Hurren, and a host of amazing Sunny Coast professional musicians.
“The program has gone from strength to strength over the years, and is something we’re all so very proud of,” Katie said.
“Our young rockers have had opportunities to be mentored by and share the stage with stellar musicians and bands including Tim Rogers, Frente, Abby Dobson, Clare Bowditch, Jack Carty and Dallas Frasca.”
ESOM bands have also had opportunities to perform on festival stages including Woodford Folk Festival, Horizon Festival, The Little Day Out and The Gympie Muster.
Katie proudly shares that many of the school alumni are now professional working musicians and studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Sunshine Coast University.
“We’re excited to be celebrating the legacy of our musos with a mini festival this year – and it will be quite the reunion,” she said.
“We look forward to showcasing the stars of tomorrow and sharing our patch of creative paradise with you and yours!”
Bands performing will include Jam and Scones (featuring original 2016 ESOM rockers Oscar Long and Zach Hughes; Ampersand (featuring 2021 ESOM alumni Jed Green, Isi Semmler and Orlando Hamilton-Craig); Ultraviolets (featuring 2022/23 ESOM alumni Senti Scanes, Zyana Scanes, Nate Campbell and Nate Morgan); Unmuted (featuring 2022/23 Rafael Estrada, Isaac Green, William Mc Wha, Nate Campbell, Lennon Hall and George Hillhouse); Whitt’s End (featuring original 2018-20 alumni Dexter Hurren with brothers Jarvis and Saxon Whittaker) and 2021 alumni Layla Havana and band.
Alongside these rockers, the mini-fest will include performances from MOU, featuring the songs of Isaac Conomos and band, recent Carol Lloyd Award-winning siren songstress Jo Davie and band, along with the first live performances from 2024 ESOM bands (students in Yrs 3 – 12).
There will be almost 70 independent musicians performing across the day from 1pm -10pm in the beautiful Eumundi School of Arts Hall.
There will be great local food and drink options available and free craft workshops with the Mount Ninderry Art House crew from 3pm – 5pm.
TICKETS: $40 adults/$30 concession/$20 children through Eventbrite. Kids under five free.
Seating is first come, first served.
ESOM is supported by Experience Eumundi, Eumundi District Community Association, Sunshine Coast Council, The Imperial Hotel, Mooloolaba Music, Fender Australia, Rode Australia, various local businesses and a fabulous team of volunteers. More information at eumundischoolofmusic.com
