The 2022 Youth Discoveries – The Road to Summerfolk competition is live and accepting online performances from youth.
The competition launched April 1, and youth ages 14-22 are encouraged to send in their submissions. The performers selected, will get to perform at an in-person finale on May 28 at the Owen Sound Legion.
Twelve finalists will be selected to perform, and up to five winning acts will get to play at the Summerfolk festival at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park on Aug. 19 to 21.
The Youth Discoveries program started over a decade ago as a competition for young performers to win a chance to play at the Summerfolk music festival. Since then, the project has grown to include mentorship, industry networking opportunities and various workshops on top of the annual competition.
The program was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but this year the program is operating off a hybrid model, allowing performers to submit their recorded live performances online.
Youth Discoveries Committee Coordinator Kimmer Trombley says they have seen some incredibly talented young performers come through the program over the years and have since seen some of these youth accelerate their music careers.
“It’s a wonderful gift to see these young artists gain experience and confidence on their musical journey,” says Trombley. “Even those who do not advance to play at Summerfolk, still benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities and workshops offered throughout the year. We are very excited to see what our young people have been working on in the past two years and are eager to get this program up and running again.”
Young performers who are interested in sending in their submissions can visit the Summerfolk website. Submissions will be accepted until April 30, with the finalists announced May 15.
All ages are welcome to attend the finale show where each act will perform two songs. The winners will be announced that day.