18 September 2012

BENefit - a music spectacular held jointly at the Pot Belly and the Basement!

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One of our close friends, Ben, just suffered a series of strokes over the past week. He is paralysed down his left side and the long term prognosis is still unknown, yet he has a minimum expectation of several months in hospital.

This obviously comes with expenses and massive life changes so after about 30 seconds’ thought it occurred to us: let’s organise a BENefit gig (Ha! See what we did there!?!) to raise funds for any of the myriad things that will come up over the next however long!

Ben is one of the owners of the Pot Belly with Joan Armstrong (who was presented “Canberra’s Biggest Legend award” by 104.7 for her support of local music back in December 2010). Our extended group are active members in the Canberra music community and Ben has obviously played a pivotal role for many years also. Naturally, utilising this network, we have started to organise a benefit gig to cover some of his costs – whatever they may be.

We have most of Canberra’s local music promoters on board and it is shaping up to become one of the coolest and largest local Canberra music festivals in some time, with over 25 bands (and still counting!) over three stages and two venues, with some significant interest from some quite big well-known bands. This is still growing and we’re not sure how big it will end up. There will also be traditional and delicious sausage sizzles, spectacular performances from amazing burlesque girls, giveaways, lucky door prizes, competitions… and this is only for starters!

The event has official endorsement from the National Stroke Foundation and any involvement or assistance from Rioters in any capacity would be greatly appreciated.

Things have been organised very quickly and updates are progressively being posted to http://www.facebook.com/events/261074720679450/ . Even though the programme isn’t finalised, please save the date.

@ The Pot Belly AND The Basement in Belconnen
Huge number of bands and other goodies

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The Feldons said :

It would be wonderful to see a great turn out for a great cause.

Regrettably the Feldons are unavailable to play but have already contributed towards Ben’s rehabilitation. As has Marji Curran, John Lollback and Magic Rob Universe, the latter two who will be playing again at the benefit.

Turn up, donate, drink some beers, listen to some music.

Sounds good to us.

What Thumper said.

There are so, so many elements in this town that have gone above and beyond the cause and donated money, prizes, air time and the precious gift of their own time to our live music culture. Ben and The Pot Belly have been a constant, integral part of that as long as I can remember. I used to undera……. underag…… kids, don’t drink, stay in school.

I have frequented the wonderful Pot for over half of my life…. counts on fingers…..just under two-thirds of my life on and off, or rather, off and on, and it’s an amazing supporter of live original stuff, plus ye olde three chord covers bashers in limited supply.

If I’m upright, er, if I’m allowed back into the well community, I’ll see you if I’m looking at yer.

Rock on.

It would be wonderful to see a great turn out for a great cause.

Regrettably the Feldons are unavailable to play but have already contributed towards Ben’s rehabilitation. As has Marji Curran, John Lollback and Magic Rob Universe, the latter two who will be playing again at the benefit.

Turn up, donate, drink some beers, listen to some music.

Sounds good to us.

Line up…JOHN LOLLBACK – JOHN AND THE BELLY BLACKS – PEKING SHEARS – VINTAGE VULVA – OCUMUS RISING – POINT OF VIEW – KOTSC – BENEATH THE TIDES – HENCE THE TESTBED – DECADENCE OF CAIN – JOHNNY ROADKILL – MAGIC ROB – MUDD PUPPY – CRITICAL MONKEE- THE DEVILZWORK – BURLESQUE – PERPETUAL END- INSIDE THE EXTERIOR – RENEGADE PEACOCK – NA MAZA – PSYNONEMOUS – REIGN OF TERROR.
Reggurgitator autographed guitar. wine by Tool, sydney restaraunt vouchers, vintage upstyles and make overs for $10, and lots lots more!!!

Well done to the Canberra Music scene, a venue that gave many their start. Get well Ben

The canberramusic scene rallies again, well done to all involved

CrocodileGandhi4:09 pm 18 Sep 12

damien haas said :

Great response by mates of Ben to rally like this and PUT ON A SHOW!

Im hoping the rumoured secret band are more than a rumour…

Care to share?

Great response by mates of Ben to rally like this and PUT ON A SHOW!

Im hoping the rumoured secret band are more than a rumour…

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