A crowd of more than 300 spectators packed into Club Eastwood recently to witness the next generation of local performers battle it out in the inaugural Bairnsdale Show Battle of the Bands and Singing Competition.
Organised by the Bairnsdale Show Society, the showcase was established to uncover local musical talent to perform on show day later this year.
Eleven-year-old Bairnsdale singer Penny Mills took out top honours in the singing competition with a standout performance that impressed both the audience and the judging panel. Nineteen-year-old local vocalist Kenny Goncharow claimed a hard-fought second place.
In the Battle of the Bands, Nagle College heavy metal outfit Chain Slave captured first place. Performing a high-energy set featuring classic Metallica covers, the schoolboy band had the crowd on their feet and secured the coveted title.
The performances were evaluated by a panel of respected local judges comprising Ant Capobianco, Shahnaz Pendergast, Greg Bradley and Luke Davis.
With strong community turnout and high-calibre performances across all categories, organisers confirmed the talent search will become a key fixture in the lead-up to the annual Bairnsdale Show.
