Wednesday, 14 October 2026
The inaugural Amped Up: WAAPA Contemporary Music Festival kicks off this Wednesday for three cutting-edge concerts that celebrate creativity, collaboration and great music.
WAAPA’s 3rd Year Contemporary Music and Music Artist students will each present a creative 15-minute performance with their bands in the SoundHouse at ECU City on 14 and 15 October at 7.00pm and 17 October at 2.00pm.
That’s 29 Music students – singers, artists and instrumentalists – presenting 29 different sets over three concerts. Come to one, come to all, every concert will be a unique celebration of the students’ diverse talents as they get ready to graduate into the professional music scene.
“The performances will feature a mix of original music and covers, with creativity being the underlying requirement,” says Matt Allen, co-Music Director.
Each set will be brought to life by WAAPA’s Lighting, Sound and Arts Management students whose production and design expertise will transform every performance into a fully realised live experience.
While the Lighting and Sound students will create on-stage magic, the Arts Management students are working behind the scenes as band managers, organising schedules, technical requirements and promotion opportunities.
From genre-defying compositions to immersive staging, this is a true multidisciplinary collaboration – a festival where great music meets technical artistry and innovation.
This festival showcases the bold artistry of the amazingly diverse contemporary musicians emerging from WAAPA – don’t miss it!
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday 14 October schedule:
7.00pm Dennis Vagner-Francis: Guitar
7.20pm Lily Richardson: Keys
7.40pm Conor McCormick: Bass
8.00pm Evan Dunne: Bass
8.20pm Patrick Famiano: Drums
8.40pm Jay Roughton: Drums
9.00pm Britt Koens: Vocals
9.20pm Silvan Bennett: Vocals
9.40pm Lauren Marsden: Vocals
Thursday 15 October Schedule:
7.00pm Rose Torrisi: Drums
7.20pm Cameron Fleming: Guitar
7.40pm Chelsea Marsden: Vocals
8.20pm Graciano Gacutno: Guitar
8.40pm Sophia Watkinson: Music Artist
9.20pm Skye Healy: Music Artist
9.40pm Ruby Barton-Taylor: Music Artist
Saturday 17 October Schedule:
2.00pm Holly Harrison: Keys
2.40pm Sara Simpson: Drums
3.20pm Xanthe Bacon: Vocals
3.40pm Owen Loaring: Keys
4.00pm Ryan Herbert: Bass
4.20pm Ethan Hay: Drums
4.40pm Jacinta Thamrin: Drums
5.00pm Toby Keeffe: Drums
5.20pm Amelia (Juliet) De Jager: Vocals
5.40pm Harriet Buckley: Vocals
6.00pm Alex Avery: Vocals
6.20pm Cerys Lolly: Vocals
AMPED UP: WAAPA CONTEMPORARY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Wed 14, Thu 15 October at 7pm, Sat 17 October at 2pm
SoundHouse, WAAPA, ECU City, 500 Wellington St, Perth WA (enter via Roe St)
Music Directors: Matt Allen, Mike Vernau and Ric Eastman
Performed by WAAPA Contemporary Music and Music Artist students
Tickets: $25 Full / $20 Concession / $18 WAAPA Friends
BOOK NOW: Tel (08) 6304 6895 or online at waapa.ecu.edu.au