Put your money where your mouth is.
Amidst the current national crisis and devastating loss caused by the bushfires ravaging Australia, the generosity and support directed towards both those affected by the bushfires and the people who have worked tirelessly to battle them provides a glimmer of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. From celebrities to small businesses, it seems everyone has been doing their part to help out. Among them, musicians, record labels and live music venues are also encouraging people to donate to fire relief organisations through throwing benefit gigs.
There are no shortage of live music events happening in Melbourne to raise money for organisations like Country Fire Service (CFS), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the Red Cross over the coming weeks, so if you’re looking for a way to help, consider buying tickets to some of these events.
Music That Matters Bushfire Benefit at The Gasometer
Bringing together a huge lineup of local talent, the Music That Matters Bushfire Benefit will see the likes of Julia Jacklin, GL, Good Morning, Romy Vager (RVG), Loose Tooth, Jade Imagine, Elizabeth, Bitch Diesel, Dianas, Leah Senior, Sweet Whirl, The Faculty, Crepes, Batts, Eilish Gilligan, Snowy Band, Chitra, Moonlover, and El Tee taking the stage at The Gaso, with 100 per cent of funds raised to be donated to the RFS, CFA, WIRES and The Fire Relief Fund For First Nations Communities. There will also be DJ sets from Harvey Sutherland, Ara Koufax, Shaad, Sullivan and Nkechi Anele. It’s happening on Tuesday January 14 from 6pm at The Gasometer. Tickets have sold out, but you can still donate here.
Down to Earth – A Fire and Climate Relief Concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Taking place in February, a huge slate of triple j favourites are set to take the stage for Down to Earth – A Fire and Climate Relief Concert. Headed by the likes of Gang of Youths, Tash Sultana, Angus and Julia Stone, Jack River, Thelma Plum, Briggs and Ruby Fields, the benefit gig not only looks to raise money to combat the current bushfires, but will set aside money for organisations looking at long-term solutions for the effects of climate change, including Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation. It’s happening at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on February 26. Tickets are on sale from 10am on Thursday January 9.
Tones And I Bushfire Benefit Concert at 170 Russell
Australian sensation Tones And I is taking advantage of her success and encouraging fans to put their money towards a good cause with her own Bushfire Benefit Concert. With support from Adrian Eagle and more guests to be announced, Tones And I will be sending all proceeds from both ticket and merch sales to the Australian Red Cross, RFS and CFA. It’s happening on Tuesday January 28 at 170 Russell. Tickets sold out in mere minutes this morning, but you can make direct donations to the charities mentioned above here.
Fire Relief at The Retreat
The folks over at The Retreat realise that while we all want to help with the current bushfire crisis sweeping the country, not everyone is in a position to dig deep into their pockets. So for their Fire Relief gig, they’ve devised a sliding scale entry fee of between $5 and $15, with all proceeds going to CFA’s Victorian Bushfire Appeal, Neil Morris’ Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities and Wildlife Victoria’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Fund. Of course, those able to donate more are encouraged to do so. As for the lineup, The Retreat has rallied Sunbeam Sound Machine, Hobsons Bay Coast Guard, Swazi Gold, Field Maps, POPPONGENE, Zoë Fox (Zoë Fox and the Rocket Clocks), SNOWY and Tali Mahoney for the cause. It’s happening on Saturday January 18, grab your tickets on the door. More info here.
Make It Rain: A Bushfire Fundraiser at Stay Gold
Aimed towards aiding Victorian communities affected by the bushfires, Make It Rain will bring Press Club, The Gooch Palms, Columbus, Mid City, Fan Girl, and Teenage Dads to the stage. All proceeds will be donated to the victims of the Victorian bushfires, ensuring your dollars are reaching those who truly need a helping hand. It’s happening at Stay Gold on Friday January 10, grab your tickets here.
Fires Fundraiser at The Spotted Mallard
The Spotted Mallard are hosting not one, but three bushfire fundraiser events between January Thursday 23 and Saturday 25. The final of the three shows will cap things off in mighty force, with the likes of Mick Thomas, The Orbweavers, Angie Hart, Charles Jenkins and loads more set to take the stage on Saturday. All money raised through ticket sales and silent auctions, as well as a percentage from the bar, will be donated to CFA, the Bushfire Disaster Appeal and Red Cross. Grab your tickets and check out The Spotted Mallard’s other fire benefit gigs here.
Band Together at Stay Gold
After raising over $15,000 through its Sydney iteration, Band Together makes its way south. The Melbourne instalment of the charity concert will donate all proceeds to CFA and Wildlife Victoria, with Palace Of The King, Bad Moon Born, Echo Del Tusker, The Radio Sun, El Colosso, Cicadastone, The Credits, Shadowqueen, Atomic Riot, IDunnö, DJ Paul Miles, and DJ Kellin in the Name all hitting the stage for the cause. It’s happening at Stay Gold on Monday January 27. Tickets and more info here.
Never miss a story. Sign up to Beat’s newsletter and you’ll be served fresh music, arts, food and culture stories three times a week.
