Musicians battle it out for fun

WITH their 'folk punk' sound, musicians Michael Hastie and Safia Maher will be 'having a lot of fun' at tomorrow's Battle of the Bands.

WITH their ‘folk punk’ sound, musicians Michael Hastie and Safia Maher will be ‘having a lot of fun’ at tomorrow’s Battle of the Bands.

They formed Activity Pack about six months ago, but the Byron Bay-based duo is not expecting to take out first place.

“We’re just stoked that we’ve got an opportunity to play somewhere,” Michael said.

“The band is only fairly new, but we’ve known each other for a while.

“Battle of the Bands will be a lot of fun.

“It’s good that young people have this kind of opportunity, because it’s really hard to crack into the music scene.”

The Battle of the Bands is just one of many activities being held this weekend as part of Youth Week celebrations.

It will be held at the Ballina Amphitheatre in Missingham Park tomorrow, from 1pm until 4pm.

Seven local bands will perform on the day, with the winning band scoring studio time and the chance to record one song at the world-renowned SAE studios in Byron Bay.

The event is also supported by Planet Music and the Sound Lounge.

And there are plenty of other Youth Week events happening across the Northern Rivers.

Head to the Goonellabah Youth Plaza in Oliver Avenue from 10am today for a whole day of fun activities.

There will be beginner, intermediate and open skate competitions, and a professional skate demonstration.

Enjoy entertainment from youth bands, a free barbecue and a youth service expo, as well as other activities in the Goonellabah Sport and Aquatic Centre, such as face painting, circus and dance demonstrations.

One of the region’s biggest youth events is Crankfest, held at Riverside Park at Evans Head on April 24.

There will be skate and BMX competitions, bands, workshops and much more.

YOUTH WEEK ACTIVITIES

Lismore: Skate competitions and bands at the Goonellabah Youth Complex today from 10am; final of the Young Songwriters’ Competition on Friday at the Lismore City Hall from 7.30pm.

Ballina: Battle of the Bands at the amphitheatre, Missingham Park, tomorrow from 1pm.

Kyogle: Free screen printing workshop at the Kyogle Youth Centre at 1pm on Tuesday; graffiti art and jewellery making workshops at the youth centre from 1pm on Wednesday; Live It Now dance party at the Memorial Hall on Friday from 6pm.

Originally published as Musicians battle it out for fun