Festival to Polish Youth In Sabah

 Voice Out' festival to polish youths' talent, raise funds

Youth PREP Centre Alamesra is again organising a "Voice Out 2011" arts festival this year to highlight the artistic achievements of Sabahan youths.

Organising chairperson, Mary Anne Balthazar, said the charity art festival, which is in its second year running, aims to polish the inborn talent of local Sabahan youths in many areas of arts including theatre, vocals and musical music, dance choreography, photography and to raise funds for the Youth PREP Centre Alamesra.

"With the theme 'We Can Change the World with Kindness, Justice and Peace', the activities this year will centre around the topic of justice and peace and how we all can do our part even through artistic expression," she said.

According to Mary, Sabahan youths are talented and have much potential in them.

"They just need support and a place or an event to showcase their abilities and at the same time spread awareness on social realities they face and empower other youths to their full potential through their art and music," she said.

According to her, the previous year's participants found the event to be especially beneficial.

"It was a good event where people were inspired and entertained.

It's a place where talented local people get discovered and a good place to meet new friends," said a past participant named Kaziemah Sariman.

"The event was excellent as it polished and discovered some new local talents among the youths.

"It also exposed youths to current issues besides giving them the opportunity to make new friends and put their time to good use," said another student, Rezanold Taipau.

Mary said the event will culminate on July 30 and 31 with a special arts and photography exhibition, live art demonstration by Cracko Art and Mayuri Art as well as acoustic performances on the first day.

"The launch will take place on the second day with dance, theatre and musical performances by home-grown talents and will be officiated by Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun," she said.

Mary said there will also be special performances by local bands such as Donatello, JADE Sisters, Bring Back the Arcade, Cahaya d'Folk, Dang Bandangs, Orkes Akiuku, Bitter Serenade, The Retrock, Meteor Crates, Nahkota Band, Shooting Day, Ben-G and also performances from Green Leaf Theatre House, No Medic Crew, SM All Saints, Asrama Gereja St. James Tenghilan and Animation Team YPC.

"Eye and Ears Production has also come up with a catchy charity single entitled "Voice Out" which will feature JADE Sisters, Donatello, Bring Back the Arcade and Decipher. All proceeds from the sales will go to the youth centre," she said.

Among the celebrities who will come to support this event are actress, model and former Miss Tourism Queen International Malaysia 2009, Cassandra Patrick, who is the ambassador of Voice out 2011 and DJ Othoe who will be emceeing.

The event is also supported by 1Borneo, Mega Boogie, SuriaFM and MACP.

For more information on Voice Out 2011, contact Mary Anne Balthazar at 088-485371 or visit the official blog at http://voiceout-kk.blogspot.com/

Story Arrangement By: Harry George

Sources: Daily Express 

Picture: Google Image