By PETER DOUGLAS
ONE of Australia’s iconic rock musicians is heading to the region to help raise funds for Macclesfield Primary School.
Former front man of rock group Goanna, Shane Howard, is taking his band to the Emerald Town Hall on Saturday, 10 October.
Howard is best known for his 1980s hit song, ‘Solid Ground’, which was the first commercial song to feature a didgeridoo.
The concert has been secured through Red Room Presents, which is an offshoot of the Macclesfield-based Red Room Studios, a recording studio owned and run by Mark Stanley.
Julie Buxton from Red Room said the concert was a coup.
“Mark has always lamented that people living in the Dandenongs often have to leave the mountain to attend gigs with big-name artists, and wondered, why can’t we get artists to come here?” she said.
“So he decided to organise it.
“This will be the first of many gigs in Emerald.
“However, the difference with these gigs is that all proceeds raised will be donated to a local charity, group, school or other needy group.”
Ms Buxton said the support from local business had been pleasing.
“This event will be donating all proceeds to Macclesfield Primary School,” she said.
Howard has an impressive musical CV, having played for prime ministers, Aboriginal elders and environmental campaigners.
He’s been a guest artist for performers such as Neil Young, Carole King, Archie Roach and Bob Dylan.
The event promises to be an intimate evening of amazing music, with an up-close and personal performance.
Opening the concert is Irish singer songwriter, Aine Tyrrell, who will also showcase her debut album.
Tickets are now on sale and are limited (standing only $35, seated $40).
Tickets are available from Macclesfield Primary School (5968 4734) and Emerald Community House (5968 3881).
