The sounds of local talent filled Griffith Regional Theatre on Sunday 10 August, as 11 performers took to the stage for the annual Grass Roots Open Mic. From solo acts to bands and original songs to covers, the event showcased the depth and diversity of the region's music scene, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 150 people.
Now in its latest edition, Grass Roots continues to provide a platform for both emerging and established musicians. Contestants competed across categories for opportunities including live performance slots, mentoring, studio recording time, and vouchers to support their musical development.
The 2025 judging panel featured founder and local musician Ben Ceccato, ARTFARM director Bonnie Owen, and educator and local musician Lachlan Pendlebury. The event was emceed by Grass Roots alumni J.R.V.U (Jesse Aviu) and Belle Madden, who opened the afternoon with their original song "House of Stone".
Bonnie Owen said, "We look forward to Grass Roots with great anticipation every year. This year was another stunning showcase of regional talent."
Tevita Namoa & Dusty McIntyre won the Under 21 Best Original Song and People's Choice Awards, they earned a one-on-one mentoring session with SongMakers and a $250 Custom Music voucher. Mersey Road, led by Ago Furore won the Open Best Original Song and received a studio recording session with Ben Ceccato.
Siblings Thea and Jared Bianchini were awarded the Open Best Performance, a performance opportunity at the Piccolo Long Lunch in October. And The Sonix (selected Year 6 to 11 students from the Griffith Combined Schools Band) won the Under 21 Best Performance, with an opportunity to perform at the Griffith Regional Theatre Season Launch in December.
The White Crosses (Aston and Eli Whytcross), took home the Under 21 Judge's Choice Award, and The Defibrillators (Peter Jones, Jamie Ceccato, Roy Agostino, with missing band members Cheryl Tucker and Lance Gilbert), claimed the Open Judge's Choice Award.
Notable mentions went to Oph3n (Seth Bartrop), Just A Girl (Debbie Hone), Sophie Torresan, The Ghoastz (selected Year 4 to 6 students from Griffith East Public School Band), and 9-5, a jazz quintet led by Flynn Bunn.
"We are now looking toward Grass Roots 2026, with big plans to expand the program and give even more opportunity to aspiring artists," Bonnie said.
Grass Roots is presented by Griffith Regional Theatre. Supported by ARTFARM and SongMakers APRA AMCOS.
