Melody Ruhrmund knows Forbes has plenty of talented and creative folk, and she is asking them all to come forward and show it, for the upcoming Kalari - Lachlan River Arts Festival.
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Described as ‘a biennial celebration of country creativity and resilience’ the arts and cultural event will be held on October 29, 30 and 31. Ms Ruhrmund hopes the ‘Forbes Has Talent’ quest is one of the top attractions.
‘Forbes Has Talent’ was a new addition to the 2013 festival and the organising committee are looking for recruits for this year’s event.
Ms Ruhrmund said auditions are being organised by her fellow festival committee member Lyn Ford, and performers of any age are invited to register their interest at the Splash Gallery in Templar Street (next to Esme’s Coffee Shop).
The committee are looking for singers or musicians, or anyone with an entertaining act, to perform on one of two festival stages.
“We have two stages - one at ‘Frog’s Hollow’ or the art alley area,” Ms Ruhrmund said.
“We are also looking for buskers, whether you are singing or playing an instrument.
“It’s for all ages - it’s not exclusive, just come along and sign up, or enquire at the Splash Gallery,” she said.
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Meanwhile, one of the most popular attractions at the 2013 festival will return, on a much bigger scale.
The drumming ensemble that performed at the close of the last festival is being assembled for another performance in late October.
Coordinator of the drums ensemble Peter Kennard said this year’s event will feature more than 200 participants, a five-fold increase from 2013.
“This year’s event will see us drumming to accompany a 150 voice choir in full flight in the final song,” he said.
“We will also be working with Bedgerabong School in a spectacular dance sequence involving their unique J-pipe street percussion instruments, together with indigenous dancers and contemporary dancers from Red Bend Catholic College.”
Peter Kennard said some of the 2013 group are unable to perform this year, so he is hoping for some new recruits.
“I am keen to find a few more people, and it looks as though we have drums for them,” he said.
Rehearsals for the drum group will begin tomorrow (August 30) and continue weekly until festival time.
“It is an exciting and musically rewarding experience. The rhythms that are being used in this year’s festival are powerful, yet simple and will be quick to learn. Previous drummers and new recruits that are interested in being involved are invited to come along,” he said.
While those who were part of the 2013 festival drummers will find it easier, Peter said anyone can learn to play the drums and take part.
“It will be easier for the people who have drumming experience from the last festival, but some of them probably won’t have picked up a drumstick since the last festival, so I think we’ll all be in the same boat really,” he said.
Mr Kennard said this year’s performance will involve more than drumming, with five choirs from Forbes and district to sing, and dancers and musicians from two local schools also participating.
“It’s quite a large cast and crew… it’s terrifying really,” he said of the task of coordinating the whole project.
Peter will be assisted by fellow musician and another former Forbes man, Rob Shannon, with one of the two to visit Forbes each Sunday until the festival. The first session will be held from 1pm to 3pm at Forbes Band Hall, 165 Rankin Street, tomorrow.