The young solo and group musicians who won their respective categories at last Saturday’s Urban Quest competition at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre.By Shaun Inguanzo
THE QUEST to find south-east Melbourne’s best young musicians has ended.
Mission Australia’s Urban Quest took place last weekend at the Drum Theatre and Town Hall, the first time the event has strayed from the Dandenong Plaza.
Local winners included Dandenong group Brothers in Christ, who won the People’s Choice Award, Keysborough resident Kenn Litisonne who took the gong for Most Original Performance, and Dance category winners High Voltage, from Dandenong.
Other winners included 17-year-old Highett resident Rhiannon Bahree in the Vocal category, and Narre Warren resident Paul Ankomah, and Hampton Park resident Dylon Deberara, both in the Rap category.
All-star judging panels were manned by Larry Sebastian, uncle of former Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, Neighbours star Dan O’Connor, and renowned gospel singer Tania G, among others.
Dandenong Plaza Youth Information Centre coordinator and Urban Quest organiser Rosemary Nelson said the Saturday afternoon event was a hit, with the Drum Theatre’s 535 seats filled, the foyer packed, and other people turned away once the venue hit capacity.
“In hindsight, (The Drum) is a bit small but also I think it was because it was a free event,” she said of the demand.
“I think when you have a free event you have a lot of people turn out.”
The competition’s winners will now be exposed to the music industry with free recording time, paid performances and vocal lessons.
