The popular emerging music artists’ competition presented by Forte Magazine will be making a return to the 2024 Festival of Sails and the call is now out for aspiring artists to register.

The ‘Forte Presents: Emerging Artist Stage’ was launched at the 2023 event, and according to Festival of Sails Chairman, Paul Buchholz was a very popular addition to the Festival’s waterfront entertainment.

“We’re always proud to support any initiative that showcases our region’s talents and last year’s competition certainly showed we had plenty!” he said. “So, we’re delighted to offer this opportunity again to a new batch of emerging musical artists to hit the stage to entertain a whole new audience.”

Proudly sponsored by Forte Magazine, editor Talia Rinaldo said the magazine was thrilled to once again be teaming up with the crew at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club at the iconic Festival of Sails in January 2024.

“This initiative isn’t just about supporting local artists; it’s about championing them across one of the busiest weekends of summer on the stunning Geelong waterfront and giving up-and-coming performers a stage from which to launch from,” she said.

“The calibre of musical talent in the Geelong region is truly remarkable, and we can't wait for you to join us in sharing it.”

Solo musical artists or duos are invited to take to the stage for the chance to take home $500 for the winner and $250 for two runners up, along with the chance to be featured in Forte Magazine.

2023 winner, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Jacqui Lumsden from Warrnambool, said it had been a fabulous opportunity and one she never expected to win.

“More than the prize money – which was very welcome – was the amazing feature article in Forte magazine which really attracted some interest in my work,” she said.

Less than 12 months later, Jacqui – a barista by day - has just launched her debut EP ‘Enthusiasm’ and has been touring and performing in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, and her hometown Warrnambool.

Jacqui will also be performing on the main stage at the Festival of Sails at 2.30pm on Saturday, January 27.

“To anyone who’s thinking about entering, I’d say just do it. New opportunity, new audience and who knows, you might even win it!” 

The final list of entries will be shortlisted to 8 to 10 artists who will be invited to perform a 20-minute set on the Fairnie Park stage on the Geelong waterfront on Friday, January 26 between 12 noon and 6pm.

Artists can register their interest here. https://www.geelongentertainment.com.au/contact-ges