Grass Roots Competition has been running in collaboration with Griffith Regional Theatre for over 5 years. The program has a focus on encouraging original music, and creating networks and collaborations within the music industry.

Contestants are invited to sing an original or a cover song. For those that choose to sing an original song, they are also invited to sing a cover as a second song alongside your original work as a way to showcase artistic interpretation and influence. Due to time constraints, contestants will not be able to sing two cover songs.

Grass Roots features an under 21s section and an open age section. We encourage emerging artists to join the competition and perform on the Griffith Regional Theatre stage and show us what you’ve got! Artists can perform originals or covers, with the chance to win one of the following prizes:

2026 winners:

Best Original Song 

Prize for Under-21 winner: One-on-one mentoring session (may be via Zoom) with a musician / songwriter / producer, provided by SongMakers APRA AMCOS. •

Winner: Marquez and Tommy

Prize for Open category: One-on-one mentoring session (may be via Zoom) with a musician / songwriter / producer, provided by ArtFarm

Winner: Witchan

Performance Award x 2 (one for under 21’s, one for Open category)

Perform a set at Long Lunch at Piccolo Family Farm event on Sunday 25 October 2026 (or another public event organised by ArtFarm) including receipt of payment for the performance.

Winner: Potent

Or;

Perform at Griffith Regional Theatre’s 2027 Season Launch on Monday 14 December 2026 including receipt of payment for the performance.

Winner: Tatum Parsons

Judge’s Choice:

Winner: Noah Echevarria

People’s Choice x 2 (one for under 21’s, one for Open category) • $250 voucher from music supplies retailer.

Winner: Potent