Tuning up for music fundraiser
Organisers of a jam-packed weekend of music are hoping to hit the right note when it comes to raising funds for a good cause.
Tonight, The Green Room in Perth will play host to several top local acts as part of a three-day drive to raise crucial cash for the Scottish Huntington’s Association.
The New Madrids, The Curtains, Grand Cane, Cascades and Real Life Entertainment all feature on the bill for the 7.30pm gig.
This will be followed by a day of entertainment laid on by Beats Surrender and special guests at the Fair City’s Salutation Hotel from 2.30pm-late on Sunday.
Sandwiched in between, big-hearted volunteers will also man the checkouts at the city’s Morrison’s supermarket throughout Saturday during a bag pack designed to boost the coffers of the same charity further still.
The events have been planned to continue the momentum built up following the release of a 14-track album by late 1970s’ local punk favourites, The Trendies.
Based on sessions the band played with Capitol Radio in London and Radio Forth, and some material previously recorded at REL Studios in Edinburgh in 1978, proceeds from the CD are being donated to the Scottish Huntington’s Association as band member Colin Thomson – affectionately known as ‘Piece’ – now lives with the degenerative brain condition.
Former Trendies manager Ron Whytock thanked all those who have helped in the lead up to the weekend, and added fans of live music can expect a few surprises along the way.
In addition to raising funds, he also stressed the need to break down stereotypes associated with the condition and generate awareness.
He told the PA: “Piece is one of my oldest friends, I’ve known him since we
The weekend of events begins this evening were schoolboys.
“We want to make people aware of what Huntington’s is about, and doing that through music was an obvious choice for us.
“Sales of the CD have been going well – we’ve had people approaching us from all over the place – and we’re hoping the weekend will kick things on even more.
“The bands that we’ve picked all have a connection to Piece and if people liked the Trendies then they’ll be in for a great weekend.”
Ron added: “Through music, we’ve got tools to put some money in the bank for the Huntington’s Association and say thank you to them for the work that they’re doing – which could help lots of people in a similar situation to Piece in years to come.”
• Tickets for Friday’s gig at the Green Room are priced at £10, with all proceeds going to the Scottish Huntington’s Association.
They are available from the Canal Crescent venue, or Bandwagon Music.