TONY HILLIER writes about the Tanks' fourth acoustic showcase of the year.

This month’s Tanks Unplugged presentation, bearing a young and emerging artist theme, truly embraces the ethos of the series.

"When I first conceived Unplugged in conjunction with the Tanks Arts Centre it was with youth and emerging singer-songwriters very much in mind," says event co-ordinator Ray Elias.

"The idea was to provide a stepping stone for up-and-coming local artists, to give them an opportunity to present their songs in a congenial environment.

"With its top quality sound system and stage set-up, the Tanks provides an invaluable link in their development."

Elias cites Emma-Louise, who went on to win a statewide award at last year’s Q-Song contest after strutting her stuff at Tanks Unplugged, as an example.

Sunday’s renewal will also have other potential young female stars in the spotlight.

Jaimee Davidson (pictured), daughter of well-known local drummer "Daisy" Davidson, began following in her father’s footsteps as a drummer at school concerts.

She has only recently taken up the guitar and songwriting and is already turning heads with quirky songs, an expressive voice and unusual phrasing.

Petah Chapman caught the eye of theatregoers earlier this year when she performed in Cairns Choral Society’s blockbuster Cats.

She cut her teeth playing jigs and reels on the violin in jam sessions in the Tablelands, but has more recently enjoyed the versatility of acoustic guitar and penning her own songs.

Heather Angell, Kaylea Boulter and the Lancini sisters, and Yasmin & Danielle are other young Tableland-based performers scheduled to strut their stuff on Sunday.

Another promising teenage singer-songwriter on the bill is Emily Bradley, daughter of Rachel Bradley and Jim Cadman, both of whom have performed at recent Unplugged sessions.

Male participants on Sunday include teenage bands The Medics and Pacmen, and soloists Kaoz and David Zahner.

The Medics (Kahl Wallace, Jhindu Lawrie and Andrew Thomson) will perform acoustic arrangements of their rock songs.

Pacmen (James Elmer, Michael Sheehan and Jarrod Londino) recently represented the Far North in the state final of the Class Clowns competition in Brisbane.

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