Musically-minded Bendigonians will be digging deep next weekend for two very worthy causes.
On Saturday, June, 18 the Golden Vine and Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival is hosting Bendigo Blues for the Homeless – a fundraiser supporting Blues for Lost Souls.
Blues for Lost Souls, a blues music charity started by Greg Dodd in 2012 raises money, food and clothing to help the homeless. The charity runs a mid-year fundraiser in Melbourne – last year’s raised over $35,000.
For the first time this year Blues for Lost Souls is going regional with events in Gippsland and Bendigo.
Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival has donated items for raffles and silent auctions in previous years, but this year the Bendigo Blues community is also lending its collective musical talent to the cause.
A stellar line-up includes Bill Barber, Highway 79, Swamp Monsters, Rhythm Kings, Harlem, Bleach, William Alexander, Graciana Holland and more – 12 artists over 12 hours from 12 noon at the Golden Vine.
The Bendigo Blues & Roots volunteer team have put their hands up to take donations of tinned food, blankets and other items on behalf of Blues for Lost Souls.
On Sunday, June, 19 the Shamrock Hotel hosts a benefit for revered local music figure Tony Spizzica who is battling cancer. Spizzica is well-known across Central Victoria – with many years’ service on double bass for a number of bands including The Mockbells and The Cabarettos. He is an inspiration to countless aspiring local musicians.
“I had the good fortune to play as Spizz’s drummer in The Cabarettos,” says Colin Thompson, “It was an honour and a privilege. No matter where we played, Spizz always knew someone. He’s always been that kind of guy – gets along with everyone and makes friends at every turn. Spizz is always quick with a well told joke as well – an art form somewhat lost these days. The other thing about Spizz I appreciate is the support and encouragement he’s given me over the years to keep pushing on with driving the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.”
Spizz’s Gig starts at 2pm at the Shamrock Hotel on Sunday, June, 19 and will feature 10 acts including Alawishus Jones & the Outright Lies.
