Local not-for-profit charity Parents Battle of the Bands (PBOB) is returning to the Sooki Lounge in Belgrave on Thursday, 31 July for their second annual fundraiser.
The 18-plus event will bring together five bands made up of local primary school parents, all hitting the stage to raise much-needed funds for music programs in public primary schools.
The band, founded by Anna Vermooten in 2018, began as a spontaneous idea sparked by a bit of friendly rivalry between school parent bands.
“I was already in the parents band of my primary school,” Ms Vermooten said.
“Someone mentioned another band in a nearby school, and someone else said, ‘We should have a battle…’. Nine months later, we had our first event at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda, with five schools involved.”
Since then, the initiative has grown to include 39 participating schools, and is now a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
At its heart, PBOB is all about getting music into public primary schools, bringing parents together through shared creativity, and keeping local live music venues alive and buzzing.
“Combining community, creativity, and a good cause is the perfect combination for me,” Ms Vermooten said.
“Music brings people together and I know parents have talent and heart to give.”
Last year’s fundraiser at the Sooki Lounge was a crowd favourite, and Ms Vermooten is excited to return.
“The new bands! That’s what I’m most excited about,” she said.
“We got new schools on board, which we love. And the energy, of course. This crowd is awesome and the bands are so good! I think we will sell out, too. Knowing every ticket sold helps kids access music makes it even better.”
The night promises a high-energy mix of classic hits, dancing, and passionate performances, with all musicians being parents from local primary schools.
Ms Vermooten said forming a band is easier than it sounds.
“If you want to form a band within your school, you contact us and we will send you the starting kit to recruit and promote. PBOB encourages all initiatives, we’ve got your back on the admin and resource front.”
But it’s the kids who are the real stars of the show, with all proceeds from the event going directly towards instruments, music programs, and access to creative learning.
“Music builds confidence, connection, and creativity. Every kid deserves that,” Ms Vermooten said.
“There’s also this beautiful inter-generational ripple: kids see their parents performing, parents play in each other’s schools, it’s amazing modelling.”
Since its inception, PBOB has donated over $110,000 to public primary school music programs.
“Come along, it’s the best night out with the best cause,” she said.
“You’ll laugh, dance, connect with people and help get music into classrooms. Even if you can’t make it, your ticket goes a long way.”
