Emerging talent took to the stage as Flame. Arts presented Local & Vocal

Emerging rock band Hidden Pillars headlined Local & Vocal 2023 alongside up-and-coming Cairns talent.

Townsville band Hidden Pillars headlined Cairns Local & Vocal with a set of original songs from their new EP.

Local and Vocal — the biggest, loudest original youth concert in the Far North — showcased nine music acts over two stages on Saturday night.

Cairns artists Chris Whitchurch, Tayen “Tenni” Henderson and Tausala Rea lead the stellar line up of musical talent along headline act Hidden Pillars.

Emerging Townsville rock band Hidden Pillarsl showcased six original songs in their live performance at Tanks Arts Centre.

Drummer Jayden Bauers said the band jumped at the chance to perform at the popular venue as they had been involved in the Cairns music scene via Cairns FM.

Townsville band Hidden Pillars headlined Cairns Local & Vocal with a set of original songs from their new EP.

“We saw they shared a story about Cairns events and how to apply to perform. I wasn’t sure if it was only for Cairns-based muso’s but we applied anyway,” Mr Bauers said.

“Then we got an email a few weeks later asking us to headline and it was a no-brainer. Not many bands can say they started their careers playing at the Tanks.”

Mr Bauers said he had heard many good things about the venue and was excited to get an insight into the Cairns music scene and young talent while building their roots.

“Seeing as we’ve done most shows in Townsville, we recognise our audience and know who we’re playing for so we interact a bit differently,” he said.

“Now we’ll be playing to a completely different audience so we have to step up our game so the first impression is that much better.”

Doors opened at 5pm and the first act took the stage at 6pm.

Originally published as Emerging talent took to the stage as Flame. Arts presented Local & Vocal