Ryedale Live! is launching a series of performance evenings aimed at teenagers, starting on January 22 at 7.30pm.

“The Ryedale Young and Live! events will give young singers, songwriters and musicians of all levels the opportunity to perform in front of an audience,” says organiser Rob Davies.

“The series will take place in the relaxed and non-threatening environment of the studio bar at Helmsley Arts Centre, where each act will be given up to ten minutes to perform acoustically.”

The launch night also will feature performances by Scarborough youngsters Amaya and Alastair James, who have played at previous Ryedale Live! shows.

Looking forward to the inaugural night, Rob says: “We have felt for some time that there’s little or no opportunity for Ryedale’s talented youngsters to perform, other than at school or at home in their bedrooms. These showcases will allow them to sing or play two or three songs among their peer group and raise their bar a little, gaining valuable performance experience.

“We’ve been using Helmsley Arts Centre for some time now for our Ryedale Live! Songwriters Circle concerts and have decided that the Studio Bar would be the perfect location for this exciting new series.”

Anyone wishing to participate in the first night or any future show should send their details to mail@ryedalelive.co.uk or call Rob Davies on 01653 690503. Participation and entry is free of charge.