It’s a concert by youth, for youth, with a big impact on its participants.

The Show 10.0—Amplify’s ‘battle of the bands’-style showcase of local emerging musical talent—is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It’s an event designed to help young musicians learn the practical skills of seasoned touring pros: each act is given a professional sound check and lighting set up, and get to practice the sort of quick set-up and takedown that is the festival circuit norm. It’s an invaluable experience for musicians looking to reach the next level—and an incredible show for the audience.

Amplify committee member Avalina Zenari knows that from experience: last year she hosted The Show, which saw her posted up in the centre of the action.

“I was right in the middle, with the bands behind me and then the audience right in front of me—it was very interactive for sure,” she recalls. “It was a great night and everyone was super excited. The energy was off the charts. I look forward to it all happening again this year.”

A number of participants from the Show’s previous editions have gone on to see broader acclaim: Sister Ray was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize in 2022 and 2025, while Caelin Rivers has over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Amanda Penner, as part of folk-duo Halfway Home, was a runner-up for Edmonton Folk Fest’s Emerging Artist Award at this year’s festival.

This year, four local acts will be featured: Crushed Velvet, For the Nougat, Pray the Mantis and The Sakes will all take their turn on the stage, with between-band downtime filled by performances from local dance and movement groups like DanceCo, Vive Collective, and more.

The combination of bands and movers keeps every moment lively for the audience, while involving even more young St. Albert artists.

 “We try to intertwine not only youth groups and youth bands, but community groups as well,” Zenari explains. “It's constant entertainment and constant excitement.”

Elevating the young talents of St. Albert and supporting their artistic journeys is what Amplify is all about. Zenari’s been involved since high school, first as a volunteer, and for the past few years as a committee member, helping plan numerous events throughout the year.

“We celebrate artists, all the amazing youth artists specifically that we have here in St. Albert,” Zenari says. “St. Albert is a thriving arts community. There's a lot of arts and culture within the city.”

“It's just an amazing space for youth to be youth and discover their passions and really grow within Amplify,” she continues. “It's a really great way to connect the community and really showcase all that St. Albert youth have to offer.”

Article Written by: Paul Blinov

The Show 10.0 happens on Friday, September 19th from 7pm to 10pm, at #105, 125 Carleton Drive. Tickets are available at tickets.stalbert.ca. Attendees must be between Grade 7 and age 21.

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