By Peter Douglas
Maggie Alley is a young musician on a mission.
The Monbulk College Year 9 student, who has the singing voice of an angel, is determined to tour Bolivia next year with World Challenge, an organisation that sends dedicated students over to developing countries for four weeks of volunteer work in communities.
Previously, Monbulk College has helped facilitate trips to Nepal and Mongolia, and in 2018 is planning a South American sojourn, where Maggie hopes to sing for the people of Bolivia once she hits their shores.
To raise funds for her goal, Alley has been playing a series of house concerts around the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.
She has even performed at the Skylark Room, in the Burrinja Cultural Centre, where she supported local musician Matt Walker.
Maggie has also headlined Melbourne venue Bella Union with her band, The Rosebloods.
The committed student says she’s focused on performing her way to Bolivia, with her target of $9000.
“I need to raise another $4000 by March to get myself to Bolivia with World Challenge. I’ve raised most of my target through busking and gigs so far,” she said.
“House concerts are great, lots of people are forming online groups to host them – like House Concerts Australia on Facebook – and I can play afternoons and early evenings, then get my dad to drive me home … he’s my roadie!”
“World Challenge is an amazing opportunity. It’s great to be doing it through the school, and part of the deal is that I have to sing for the group once we hit South America.”
The young artist plays 45-minute house parties with voice and guitar for $100, with all funds going to her World Challenge campaign.
Concerts can be booked at boliviahouseconcerts@gmail.com.
To visit Maggie’s fundraising page, visit www.gofundme.com/buskingtobolivia.
