INDIE FANS won't want to miss this: the chance to not only hear good bands perform but also listen to them talk about their music and the issues that move them.
The event is the brainchild of the Young Friends Scheme (YFS), which was established in 1992 as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival to provide unique arts experiences for young audiences.
'The idea is to arouse interest in people towards performing arts, and to develop that community,' says Andrew Chan, outreach co-ordinator for the scheme. 'The Arts Festival is very keen to promote local indie music. Last year, they held a concert with The Pancakes and Ketchup. This year, we've been able to take the next step and involve the audience.'
For the first time, the programme will include a series of performances by prominent local bands that will be open to the public as well as to scheme members.
Sponsored by the Edward Youde Memorial Fund, the scheme runs year-round, offering everything from performances to workshops and field trips. Aimed at 12- to 25-year-olds, it has 5,000 members - and it's still growing.
'The programme will be a mixture of performance and discussions, and in an informal style,' says Chan. 'We want young people to really support new music - not just the commercial songs they usually hear.'