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Ruth, Roving reporter

National Youth Week kicks off!

Birrarung Marr, Melbourne, 10 April 2011.

As National Youth Week 2011 kicked off around Australia in April, young people in Melbourne City celebrated with a free live concert on Saturday 2 April. Nestled in the Birrarung Marr park next to Federation Square, young Melburnians were treated to two stages showcasing a line up of fine home-grown talent. Video Hits co-sponsored the opening event and were filming for their TV show, to be aired on Sunday 10 April.

Leading up to the two stages was a line of marquees with information relevant to young people. In between stage sets you could have a wander around, chat to one of the many friendly workers, laze about on a bean bag or even have a go at the giant Connect Four game and the giant chess board.

A freestyle rapper warmed up the audience on the Push Stage before National Youth Week ambassadors Dylan Lewis and Faustina Agolley (from Video Hits) launched the event on the main stage. They provided charismatic energy, comic relief and free tickets to lucky audience members.

Youth Week was officially declared open by the Federal Minister for Youth, Peter Garrett. The former Midnight Oil frontman applauded young people’s efforts in the community, saying they were greatly valued as one of Australia’s most important resources. He encouraged young people to get involved in the many Youth Week activities being held around the country.

The first act on the Video Hits stage was Sydney indie rockers The Vines, performing "Ride" and "Get Free", which was filmed for Video Hits. Rumours of them destroying the stage never came to fruition, thankfully. Then over at the Push Stage a young rap trio from Melbourne called the Sudo Boiz showcased their latest tunes.

In between acts the Victorian Minister for Youth Affairs, Ryan Smith, said there were over 80 events being held across Victoria for the week. They ranged from sporting competitions, music shows, art festivals, youth forums, and awards nights. "The range of events really reflects the diversity of the young people we have in this country," Mr Smith commented. Then three young representatives of Youth Week were interviewed onstage by Fuzzy and Dylan, explaining their roles in planning the vision for Youth Week and encouraging others to attend events in their area.

Everyone was told to put on their dancing shoes as indie pop duo Tim & Jean were next up on the Video Hits stage, pumping out their hits "I Can Show You", "Come Around" and "Veronica". They were followed on the Push Stage by Amber Lamps, who recently won the Push Start Battle of the Bands Grand Final for 2011.

The final band on the Video Hits stage was Perth rockers Jebediah, proving they’re still making rocking good music by playing songs from their latest album Kosciuszko, including "She’s Like A Comet", as well as old favourite "Leaving Home". Taking out the rest of the afternoon on the Push Stage was electronic Melbourne trio 8 Bit Love, who won the APRA Songwriter’s Award at Push Over in 2010.

This fun and enjoyable Melbourne gig was just one of the many events held across Victoria as thousands of young people celebrated National Youth Week 2011.

4 out of 5, for showcasing some awesome Aussie bands for free!

For more Gig reviews, check out our Reviews archive. For more about National Youth Week, check out www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/nyw.

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