Ways to have safe fun
Drug- and alcohol-free events for under-18s are rare in Sydney, but WAYS’ upcoming BLYMP concert provides a live music event for young people in a safe environment.
A staple of the local music scene for more than 15 years, Bondi BLYMP will be held Saturday, May 28 from 7pm to 11pm, at Bondi Pavilion High Tide Room.
Part of WAYS’ youth music development program, BLYMP provides an important opportunity for musicians aged 11 and up to practice their skills and gain experience away from ‘typical’ – but age-inappropriate – live music venues such as pubs.
“BLYMP gives young artists the chance to perform in front of an audience,” says WAYS youth worker Dave Bembrick. “There’s few places in Sydney for young bands to play in a safe, drug and alcohol free environment.”
Six bands, made up entirely of local musicians, will be playing at BLYMP, including April Falls and Dystopic. Bands The Frogs, Your Way Sucks, Oscar & Friends and The Lucid Jeffery’s are making their debut performances.
“We like having bands from all over Sydney,” says Bembrick. “So BLYMP bands aren’t always locals, but they are this time. This means their friends can come and watch.”
The bands selected to play at Bondi BLYMP events are often those that use WAYS’ Band Room, a safe, free space offered for young bands to rehearse.
“We have an email contact list of these bands,” says Bembrick. “When we have a BLYMP coming up, we send out a mass email. We also advertise BLYMP on Facebook, which has been a great tool for us to get the message out.”
There are five BLYMP concerts each year.
“There’s also a Battle of the Bands competition at the end of every year,” says Bembrick.
“The winner of Battle of the Bands gets to play at Bondi Blitz, a huge annual concert we hold on Bondi Beach.”
BLYMP gives priority to bands aged 14-17, but all young bands are encouraged to apply. “We’re always looking for new talent,” says Bembrick.
Tickets $7 are available at the WAYS office or from the bands performing on the night. To volunteer with WAYS, call 9365 2500 or visit http://www.ways.org.au.
