It’s been a rough start to 2020 for Australia. Many people are feeling helpless in the face of so much destruction but Canberra’s creative community has found a creative solution. In a stunning example of community coming together, they have organised a number of concerts and exhibitions being held at venues all over the region to benefit bushfire victims and the Rural Fire Service.
As well as the fundraising events listed below, many performers have been voluntarily donating album sales and tickets from other gigs to the RFS and other charities. The power of art and music to change lives and be a force for good in the world is proven by the huge number of bushfire benefit events being held by Canberra’s generous community.
Riverside Rhythms at The Queanbeyan Hive – 9 January, 4pm
Organisers heard that fire evacuees in Queanbeyan needed some musical therapy, so they’ve joined up with local musicians and poets to raise everyone’s spirits, and much needed funds. Omar Musa hosts performers Lucy Sugarman, Cathy Diver, Chris Endrey, CJ Bowebird and Eden Plenty. All proceeds from tickets and artwork sales go to WIRES.
The Queanbeyan Hive, 274 Crawford St, Queanbeyan
Bushfire Benefit Gig at Pot Belly Bar – 10 Jan, 8pm
Moonhowler, Parrots with Piercings and Ginger Nuts are playing at the Pot Belly on Saturday. Donations for bushfire relief will be taken at the door.
Pot Belly Bar, 26 Weedon Cl, Belconnen
Fire Fight at The Polo – 10 Jan, 7.30pm
Homegrown Sounds is hosting this gig featuring Moaning Lisa, Citizen Kay, Archie and Sesame Girl at the White Eagle Polish Club. Tickets have already sold out, but there’s a waitlist you can join.
Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David St Turner
‘Rock’ For Fire Relief at Vertex Studios – 11 Jan, 4.30pm
Seven of Canberra’s hardest rocking bands including The Pretty Bones and Wesley and The Crushers are performing at this rough and ready fundraising show at the carpark of the Vertex Studios in Hume. Entry is by donation.
Vertex Studios, 13 Sleigh Pl Hume
RFS Charity Show at The Crossroads – 18 Jan, 8pm
For those not ‘in the know’, The Crossroads is a house in Canberra’s North that hosts intimate shows for local bands. Entry is $5 at the door, and the address will be posted in the Facebook event closer to the date.
The Crossroads
Raise The Fun at Captain’s Flat – 24 – 26 Jan
Aussie legend Jeff Lang heads up a huge lineup of local bands for this two day festival. Punters are invited to camp on Friday night or drive out for a full day of music on Saturday. There will be two stages set up at the Captains Flat Hotel with children’s entertainment, and great pub food. Tickets are $35 but camping is free and funds are going to NSW RFS and Wildcare Queanbeyan. You can also choose to purchase a ticket for someone displaced by the fires.
51 Foxlow St, Captains Flat, NSW
2020 Visions at Mr Wolf – 24 Jan
Canberra Rapper Jedbrii has decided to turn their show at Mr Wolf into an RSF fundraiser. They are supported by Groovy Daughter and Pleased to Jive You.
Mr Wolf, 122 Alinga St
Fire Fight Exhibition at a secret location! – 24 Jan, 6pm
Due to an overwhelming response of visual artists, the organisers of the Fire Fight concert have a second fundraiser with an exhibition featuring art from over 30 Canberra region creatives with a silent auction, DJs and drinks. Tickets from $5 with funds going to the RFS.
Secret Location TBA
Climate Crisis Charity Cabaret at Smith’s Alternative – 25 Jan 8pm
Canberra Drag presents this 4 hour Cabaret where attendees can expect an outrageously big show with over 30 performers as well as a silent auction with local art. The night will Feature Drag Kings and Queens, burlesque performers, magicians and musicians! Tickets are $15, or $30 if you are able to give more. Organisers want Canberrans to ‘come out to enjoy a night of art to feed the soul, raise funds for those in need, & create awareness for change.’
Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga St
Harmonie German Club – 26th Jan, 11am
There’s a fundraising concert in the works at the Harmonie German Club for the 26th of January. They’re still ironing out the details but live music will start at 11am with local bands playing throughout the day.
Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
Beyond The Blaze at Lake George Hotel – 16 Feb, 2pm
A little further out of town in Bungendore the Lake George Hotel is putting together a show for the Bush Fire Relief Fund. Details of performers are coming soon, stay up to date by following the event on Facebook.
Lake George Hotel, 20 Gibraltar St Bungendore
Fire Relief (Fun)draiser at Tributary Projects – 17-19 Jan, opening night 6pm
This art exhibition will run from the 17th to 19th of January, with proceeds going to assist First Nations communities who have been effected by the fires. Opening night will have live music and other entertainment. Entry by donation.
Tributary Projects, Unit 9 Molonglo Mall, 105 Newcastle St, Fyshwick
Bushfire Benefit at Transit Bar – 20 Feb, 7pm
Alternative rockers The Narcissists headline a night of local bands at Transit Bar- long a stalwart of Canberra’s live music scene. Tickets are $12 (plus booking fee) online, or $15 at the door if they don’t sell out beforehand and all funds are going directly to the RFS.
Transit Bar, 7 Akuna st,
