Kiama musician Mark Thornton has teamed up with Kiama bar and restaurant owners John and Sam West to kick off an open-mic competition at the newly renovated Kabari Bar on Surf Beach Kiama, starting this week.
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Mark runs his own tuition school as well as playing in three bands and decided to use some of his spare time to promoting a local jam night for musicians of all ages.
I caught up with Mark to talk about his motives behind the night and why he saw a need for it.
He reminded me of the Kiama Golf Club's Get out of the Garage Jam nights and the open-mic nights at Kiama Bowling club that were held in order to encourage musicians of all skill levels to share the stage with other keen musos.
These nights finished around 10 years or so ago but stemming from them were lasting friendships and the formation of a number of bands.
Kabari Bar owners John and Sam West have already hosted well-known local performers such as Sean Emmett, Woody and Quini since they opened the bar in late 2014.
The jam night will run for eight consecutive weeks every Wednesday night from 7pm, with finals in October.
Prizes include vouchers from Kabari Bar, Haworth Guitars and Mark Thornton Music.
The nights are open to all ages with a full back-line supplied so all you need to do is bring your guitar or best set of spoons ...
All musicians are welcome. Register at kabaribar.com.
Glenn Haworth runs Haworth's Music Centres in Shellharbour and Fairy Meadow. Check out haworthguitars.com.au
