Government funded youth organisation FReeZACentral will next week begin a series of State-wide workshops designed to give a leg-up to those passionate about a career in the music industry.

Fresh from selling out four shows at the Corner Hotel, Megan Washington will be among a host of industry representatives lending advice and support for people aged 15-25.

The workshops will canvass a broad range of topics, from performing to technical production, event and stage management.

The two Melbourne-based workshops will also feature Skipping Girl Vinegar’s Mark Lang, Bob Evans and Eskimo Joe’s manager Catherine Haridy and Lindsay Gravina , who has previously produced albums by The Living End and Jet.

They take place at the Melbourne Town Hall and Northcote Town Hall, with those attending the latter gaining access to a free, all-ages gig featuring Washington and The Vasco Era.

All of the workshops are free, with participants standing a chance to be involved in the 2011 FReeZACentral Mentoring Program, which will see “50 successful applicants paired with their dream mentors over a six month period to assist their creative, personal and professional development”.

Tuesday 7 September – Mornington
5.45 – 8.30pm @ Peninsula Community Theatre-Complex

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Jimi Maroudas (Producer, EskimoJoe, Bertie Blackman),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Hayley Wilson (Roadrunner Records), Michae Panetta (Melodic Music, management Angela’s Dish, Stealing O’Neal)

Wednesday 15 September – Geelong
5.45 – 8.30pm @ Pan Studios

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Jimi Maroudas (Producer, Eskimo Joe, Bertie Blackman),
Catherine Haridy (Manager Eskimo Joe, Bob Evans; former A&R Mushroom, Warner),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Candice Walley (Publicist – The Espy)

Saturday 18 September – Northcote
12.45 – 3.00pm @ Northcote Town Hal

w/ Megan Washington (Washington),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Jimi Maroudas (Producer, Eskimo Joe, Bertie Blackman),
Johanna Greenway (Big Day Out),
Catherine Haridy (Manager Eskimo Joe, Bob Evans; former A&R Mushroom, Warner),
Hayley Wilson (Roadrunner Records)

*includes FREE ENTRY to Washington & Vasco Era all ages show presented by Darebin FReeZA

Tuesday 21 September – Ballarat
5.45 – 8.30pm @ Ballarat Learning Exchange

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Candice Walley (Publicist – The Espy),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Natalie Bell (Milefire Management, Oh Mercy, Whitley, Muph & Plutonic, Plutonic Lab),
Sam O’Reilly (Owner/Manager, Samuari AV)

Wednesday 22 September – Mildura
5.45 – 8.30pm @ Sacred Heart Hall

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Candice Walley (Publicist – The Espy),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Natalie Bell (Milefire Management, Oh Mercy, Whitley, Muph & Plutonic, Plutonic Lab),
Sam O’Reilly (Owner/Manager, Samuari AV)

Wednesday 6 October – Gippsland
5.45 – 8.30pm @ East Gippsland Tafe, Bairnsdale

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Candice Walley (Publicist – The Espy),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Natalie Bell (Milefire Management, Oh Mercy, Whitley, Muph & Plutonic, Plutonic Lab),
Sam O’Reilly (Owner/Manager, Samuari AV)

Saturday 9 October – Melbourne
1.15 – 4.00pm @ Melbourne Town Hall

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Catherine Haridy (Manager Eskimo Joe, Bob Evans; former A&R Mushroom, Warner),
Lindsay Gravina (Producer Jet, Living End),
Cameron Chambers (Destroy All Lines),
Hayley Wilson (Roadrunner Records)

Wednesday 13 October – Wangaratta
5.45 – 8.30pm @ Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre

w/ Michael Crafter (Confession),
Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar),
Candice Walley (Publicist – The Espy),
Annie Tetzlaff (Soundwave),
Natalie Bell (Milefire Management, Oh Mercy, Whitley, Muph & Plutonic, Plutonic Lab),
Sam O’Reilly (Owner/Manager, Samuari AV)