74 musicians
4 hours of non-stop music
1 stage
$10,000 raised for Wildlife Victoria
[From the Media Release | Photos: Kevin Peterson]
In what was surely a night for the ages, Melbournes vibrant jazz community took to the stage on Monday 20 January for the Burn Benefit marathon concert at Transit Rooftop Bar.
Located in the heart of the city, at one of the most privileged spots in Federation Square, the popular venue played host to a concert that lasted more than four hours, featuring a dream team of more than 70 musicians, performing in a packed house, in front of more than 200 patrons.
Organised by the acclaimed jazz vocalist and violinist Fem Belling, the event raised more than $10,000 for the Wildlife Victoria bushfire appeal. The organisation is currently rebuilding enclosures and equipment to cope with the enormous number of animals that have been affected by the devastating bushfires and will use the funds towards wildlife shelters and carers.
“What we achieved last night for our planet’s healing was immense,” Fem Belling stated after the concert.
Supported by an enthusiastic audience, a gathering of artists from across the jazz spectrum, gave energised and inspired performances, covering a wide range of styles, from traditional hot jazz and swing to soul-jazz, fusion and modern urban fusion.
The impressive line-up included local luminaries 1/6, Aaron Searle, Adam Rudegeair, Adam Simmons, Alma Zygier and the Commoners, Angela Davis, Anita Quayle, Ben Charnley, Benjamin Attiche, Callum Mintzis, Chelsea Wilson, Chris Cameron, Claire Cross, DJ Showtime, Darryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra, Daniel Mougerman, Daniele Rosa, Danny Fischer, Ellie Lamb, Eric Budd, Felix Meredith, Flora Carbo, Frank DiSario, Gianni Marinucci, Gideon Brazil, Greg Sher, Harry Cook, Helen Catanchin, Henry Manetta, Jack Earle, James Sherlock, Joe Chindamo, Joel Trigg, Joey Amenta, John McAll, Kathleen O’ Halloran, Kieran Rafferty, Kim May, Kimba Grifith, Lewis Pierre, Melbourne Amplified Strings, Maddison Carter, Michael Tortoni, Mina Yu, Mirko Guerinni, Molly Georgia, Monique Di Mattina, Moving Targets, Nat Bartsch, Nick Lester, Niko Schauble, Oscar Neyland, Patrick Danao, Patrick Schmidli, Paul Grabowsky, Paul Van Ross, Rachael Ward, Rico Alma, Rita Satch, Robbie Melville, Rod Gilbert, Ryan Griffith, Sam O’ Halloran, Tamara Kuldin, Tamara Murphy, The Rookies, The Shuffle Club, The Werewolves, Tom Noonan, Tom Sly, Toshi Clinch, Wilbur Wilde, Xani Kolac, Zvi Belling. The event featured one very special guest – New York based sax player, Tim Ries, whose claim to fame is his long-standing association with the Rolling Stones.
“I am so happy to be part of our music family,” Fem Belling said. “We had 74 artists in one stage! We battled noise, space, time and weather! There were a couple of tense moments, but we did it together.”
