Distorsioni Sonore

A contest for the young talents of Gioia del Colle

In the summer of 2026, Distorsioni Sonore debuts in Gioia del Colle, in the province of Bari, as a music contest promoted by the Municipal Department for Youth Policies. The full title, "Distorsioni Sonore – Better out of time than out of place," perfectly captures the spirit of the initiative: providing space for those who experiment, those who are not satisfied, and those who want to find their own path through music. The project was created to showcase local young talent and promote music as a tool for artistic expression, social gathering, and active participation.

Who it is for

The contest is open to young people aged 14 to 30, who can participate as soloists or bands. For individual singers and musicians, residency in the Municipality of Gioia del Colle is required, while for groups, it is sufficient that at least one member resides in the town. It is an opportunity designed primarily for the local scene, to bring out the musical realities that are born and grow within the Gioia community.

How it works

Applications are submitted exclusively online through the dedicated platform managed by the MAST Music Academy, within the window provided by the public call. Once registration closes, a phase of auditions follows, during which a committee selects the musical projects admitted to the live shows. The path rewards the best artistic proposal with access to a professional musical development program, providing concrete support for those who want to turn their passion into a serious and lasting project.

Live shows in the historic center

The heart of the event consists of the two final evenings, scheduled for Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, 2026. The finalists perform live in the historic center of Gioia del Colle, between Piazza Livia and the Teatro comunale Rossini, in a charming setting that combines the open spaces of the old town with the backdrop of the city theater. A weekend of live music that brings the voices and sounds of the new Apulian generation to the square.

Part of the Joha AeStas program

Distorsioni Sonore is one of the musical highlights of the rich Joha AeStas 2026 summer program, the calendar of events promoted by the municipal administration of Gioia del Colle from late June to mid-September. It is a program that weaves together music, literature, outdoor cinema, circus, food festivals, and recreational activities, with the contest representing its closing in a young and contemporary key. For Gioia del Colle, a town in the Bari Murgia known for its Swabian-Norman castle and its tradition of bread and mozzarella, it is a way to give a voice to its youth and enliven the final stretch of summer.