Concert for fire victims
Local musicians and choristers will band together to stage the “Bunyip Fires Benefit Concert” at Gumbuya World on Saturday afternoon.
The 1pm concert aims to lift spirits through music and raise funds for people directly impacted by the Bunyip State Park fires in early March.
The audience will be treated to a three-hour concert with performances from “The Dusty Millers”, “The Swamp Dogs” and the Maryknoll Fire Choir.
The idea of the concert was raised after a kind offer by singer-songwriter Tracey Miller and was driven by local Pauline “Bones” Mackinnon. Excited for the project has spread widely.
As well as musical entertainment, the concert will also feature the Maryknoll choir’s trademark old-fashioned, country style afternoon tea spread.
“We are hoping the local community gets behind this great event for an even greater cause,” said Bones Mackinnon. “Be aware that tickets are limited, though, so it’s best to get in quick.”
“What’s really good is that people can make donations through the booking site. This means that they can still support neighbours who are doing it hard, even if you are not able to attend.”
“The Dusty Millers” is a unique and beautiful collaboration of three closely connected and highly respected voices. Together, these gifted musicians create sublime harmonies, giving classic songs a beautiful twist and breathing new life to original songs.
Tracey Miller performs gospel, country, bluegrass, jazz, rhythm and blues and even calypso and Hawaiian music with some of Melbourne's finest players. Tracey also led the Maryknoll Fire Choir for four years.
Lisa Miller, Tracey’s sister-in-law, gives songs a colour and pathos that is utterly distinctive. A widely renowned singer-songwriter, Lisa has been nominated for nine Aria awards.
Loretta Miller, Tracey’s daughter, is a dynamic performer with extraordinary talent. Loretta performed four world tours with Clairy Browne as one of the delicious Bangin’ Rackettes, and now heads up one of Melbourne’s hottest bands, “Jazz Party”.
They will be joined on stage by Melbourne guitarist Sam Lemann.
The six members of The Swamp Dogs all hail from nearby townships. They perform a great eclectic set, from rollicking foot tappers to beautiful ballads.
The Maryknoll Fire Choir, entering its seventh year, boasts 30 members, also drawn from across the district.
Clancye Milne, who performs regularly with a variety of ensembles, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra choir, has directed the choir for the past two years.
The choir rehearses weekly in the Maryknoll Church and enjoy telling the story of how the choir was named. When members gathered to practice one night in 2012, a fire was spotted under the verandah. A speedy response saved the iconic church.
The “Bunyip Fires Benefit Concert” will be held in Gumbuya World’s function room from 1pm to 4pm. Doors open at 12.30pm.
Tickets are $10 per person or $20 for a family of four.
For bookings or to simply donate, visit trybooking.com/521311.
Held in collaboration with the Bushfire Recovery Group in Tonimbuk, all funds collected from the afternoon will go directly to those impacted by the recent fires.
The fires destroyed 29 homes along with numerous sheds and more than 500km of fencing.