Territory teenage band Skarlett have secured an all-ages gig at Darwin music venue The Chippo, in support of the 2012 national SLAM Day campaign, on February 23.

The band launched an appeal on February 1st to find a venue that would host an under age event to be registered as part of the national SLAM Day campaign, which is aimed at  protecting the survival of live music at small venues around Australia.

In their initial press release Skarlett said “SLAM (Save Live Australia’s Music), is an opportunity to celebrate and protect the future of the live music industry…  A SLAM gig will be held at the Darwin Railway Club but that’s targeted at adult gig goers. We want to celebrate SLAM at a gig targeted at young people”.

Following up with a further release today, Skarlett said that as a result of their campaign – which also made it to the NT News -  several live venues got in touch with the band, “keen to explore live music opportunities throughout the year aimed at young people”.

Deciding on The Chippo in Coconut Grove – a “band shed” that has grown into a supportive live music venue for local bands and comedians – Skarlett say “now that we have a venue we want to make sure kids are aware that there is a chance for them to come and see live music.  It’s an experience lots of kids wouldn’t normally get until they’re 18”.

“It will be an all-ages gig, but because it’s aimed at young people it will be an alcohol-free event”.

It kicks off at 5.30pm with local 5-piece Chasin’ Aces, followed by Skarlett.

One of the Territory’s most ambitious and energetic young bands, Skarlett is made up of two sets of brothers – all cousins. Jack, Sam, Arran and Lachlan are aged between 11 to 18 years and are focused on wanting to increase young peoples’ access to live music at local venues. “In Darwin, there are limited venue choices for under 18s to go and hear live music, and we want to play a big part in changing that”.

Skarlett regularly perform live at under 18-friendly music venues around Darwin, such as Casuarina Shopping Centre, the Royal Darwin Show, the Katherine Festival, Happy Yess, Darwin Railway Club and many others, supported by their schools Casuarina Secondary and Kormilda Colleges.

“We love it and the kids who come to live gigs love it” they said. They have also just released their debut EP, ‘Skarlett‘.

• Skarlett SLAM Day gig details here.
• Full Territory SLAM Day gigs listed here.
• Read more about SLAM Day here.

And tell us what you’re doing for SLAM Day in the Northern Territory! Email megan@musicnt.com.au or post to the Music NT Facebook page.

Source: Skarlett media release. Words/edit: Megan Spencer