27/05/2026
GymeaVision
Well, what a fantastic night.
Sixteen songwriters entered our inaugural GymeaVision songwriting comp. Nisch came up with the name, which made us both laugh at the time.
Thank you to all who entered. It was so good to hear your original music. We were thrilled to be able to provide the opportunity for you to perform your own works like this. No matter where you finished on the night, please keep at it.
The range of experience was wonderful to see. Ted is around 80, and has been playing since well before I was born. Another one of our contestants (Candy Kumquat) has only been playing guitar and writing for a few months. She entered the first song she has written. What an epic achievement to write a song and have it performed live.
Our two wonderful judges; Miss B and Martin Cilia. As I mentioned last night when I introduced them, Miss B is one of Sydney’s busiest working vocalists, has a wealth of experience as both an opera and contemporary singer, and is a recommended vocal teacher by NSW University.
Martin is a current member of The Radiators, but was also with Mental as Anything for many years, a member of the legendary surf band The Atlantics, has worked with many other artists, and also has a international career as a solo artist in his own right as a surf music composer and performer.
We were ever so privileged to have you with us for the event. Thank you for your words of advice and encouragement to all who participated.
Thank you to Neville, the publican of Gymea Hotel, for all the encouragement and support he offers our open mic.
Thank you to the staff of Gymea Hotel.
Thank you to our regular audience members who support the night week in, week out. Live music and performance opportunities only exist when they are supported by others. We have seen so many music venues and regular gigs disappear over the past 10 to 15 years…it is very much a case of use it or lose it. If you value all that live music brings (and it is far more than the notes played in a song at one time), support the venues who offer us the opportunity to partake in it.
Apart from our special events such as last night, we have weekly open mic sessions. Lots of great music and friendships have developed over the past few years at Gymea Hotel on a Tuesday night. We’d love to see you there being a part of it.
Nisch was mentioned yesterday by Ted in his song called “Gymea Hotel”. Thanks to Nisch for all he does.
Thank you to Heaps Normal brewing for their support of the night.
Coming back to our performers; fantastic stuff from everyone. In the end, the judges and voting determined we had 4 winners. Rob Entwhistle won $100 and was noted by the judges for his sense of melody, arrangement, and lyrics. Goldfish9 (the only band who entered this time) delivered some great rock tunes. Always good to hear a band playing like that. They also received $100.
Rubi is an a ca****la artist. What impressed us the most was her committed delivery of her lyrics , the tone of her voice in supporting the lyrics, and her ability to stay in key without accompaniment. She also received $100.
Then there is young Oliver Robertson. He performed two songs that musically and lyrically were way beyond his age of just 14. Martin commented that he could picture one of Oliver’s songs on a Billy Joel or Elton John album. High praise indeed, but Martin is a very astute judge of such things. We first saw Oliver at the start of the year, and in the months since, he has really developed as a pianist, vocalist, and performer.
He was also our clear winner on the night, and received $200.
Our next big event will be the second Junior Showcase for 18 years and under only, at the end of June. Register now for that. The last one was very popular.
Regular open mic returns next week. Come and be part of a beautiful community, and if you haven’t already done so, have a go at stepping up to the mic for yourself. Registrations via the pub website.
I honestly believe this is the best open mic in Sydney. We have seen such a huge variety of acts since we started; there have been a lot of smiles, people feeling proud for accomplishing things important to them, overcoming nerves and anxiety, writing their own music, growing as musicians, and developing great friendships.
Let’s keep it going!
