24/11/2025
Growing up in a regional town is weird because there’s so much talent, but barely anywhere to put it.
I’d see open mics around Coffs when I was younger, and they were great — but they weren’t for us.
They were for adults. Or older performers. Or people who already had their s**t together.
Meanwhile, all the young creatives?
We’re writing poems in maths class.
We’re learning guitar in our bedrooms.
We’re singing to no one.
We’re journalling the kind of stuff you’d never actually say out loud.
And there’s no space for any of it.
I kept thinking:
Why isn’t there a space that’s youth-run, youth-led, and actually meant for young people?
So… I made one.
Coffs Coast Youth Open Mic is for the kids who don’t feel like they fit the “proper performer” box.
For the ones who are nervous, or brand new, or messy, or brilliant, or still figuring it out.
For everyone who grew up here and felt like there wasn’t really a place to share anything.
I just wanted a room where young people can show up and be creative without needing permission, or experience, or a résumé.
And the response already has been insane — so thank you.
Every follow, every share, every message… it actually means something.
We’re still getting this off the ground, but trust me:
this is going to be something.
Come be part of it.
-Peyton ❤
