THE live original music showcase event Fretfest kicked off at the Cage Youth Foundation's premises at Redland Bay on Saturday, with young, local musicians taking their finest performances to the stage.
Held in partnership with The Cage and Redland City Council as part of Council's Community Grants Program, the event was headlined by singer/songwriter Josh Lovegrove.
Fretfest's Al Buchan, who is known in the music industry for having discovered the talents of musicians Pete Murray, Kate Miller-Heidke, Tom Busby and others of similar talent, said the day was well attended, with the teenage musicians delivering "a good scattering across the genres and music potential".
"I'm very happy with the outcome of the day," Al said.
"It's quality over quantity that has kept Fretfest at the head of the race to this point."
Al said offers to enter the Fretfest music mentorship program would be made to some of the day's performers, including singer/songwriter/guitarist Kyle Bryant, 14, of North Stradbroke Island.
"Kyle just gave me 'that feeling'," Al said.
"He has the tick of approval from Fretfest and will perform this weekend at the Fretfest Showcase at Broadwater Parklands at Southport.
"I'm very happy to have met someone like Kyle, who is keen to perform and to enter the mentorship program, which helped (Redlands musician) Kodey Brims, get to the next point.
"She is now studying at Berklee College of Music in the USA."
Kyle's father John Bryant said he was happy with his son's performance at Fretfest.
"He also auditioned for Island Vibe last year and had 20 minutes on the stage there," John said.
"I'm proud of his potential and happy to see where he can go from here."
Al said Fretfest would continue in the Redlands with a series of workshops and recording sessions, and encouraged young local musicians to register for the next workshop at Redland Bay on Sunday, April 12.
For further information, visit www.fretfest.com/cage
Interested parents can also check out the Fretfest mentorship program at www.fretfest.com/ mentorship
For further information about The Cage, located at 882 German Church Road, Redland Bay, visit www.thecage.info
See more photos from Fretfest at www.redlandcitybulletin. com.au .
