Megafauna – Let's Rock for ACRF
The nation’s capital Canberra rocked out to the sounds of a huge benefit concert on Saturday October 24 called Megafauna, all in aid of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
Megafauna ’09 carried on the “rock” tradition of the 2006 and 2008 Megafauna events, which raised in excess of $10,000 for the ACRF.
This action-packed concert, held at ‘The Basement’ in Belconnen Canberra, was the brainchild of young music promoters Ryan Malcolm and partner Lachlan Paine.
The duo presented a glowing array of young and old metal, rock, punk, surf and even flamenco musical acts to entertain a large crowd of Australian Capital Territory enthusiasts.
Ryan, 30, said he has been personally affected by cancer as he lost his mother, Kathy, to the disease in 2005.
“I do this event regularly in honour of Mum and it gives me a good feeling every time,” he said.
“I wanted to find a worthwhile cancer charity, and after surfing the Internet decided that the ACRF was a great place to support with funds.
“Gathered on the night was the cream of Canberra musical talent and we got a really good crowd who seemed to have a great time,” he said.
“Hopefully we will be doing it again next year because we got a great response from both the crowd and bands alike.”
He thanked all the musicians on the bill that had donated their services on the night including:
Looking Class – A psychedelic rock act attracting fans and attention in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Hytest – A young act that are starting to attract praise from more established bands like The Hard Ons, The Mess Hall, The Spazzys and COG. This band are also getting lots of airplay for their catchy new release ‘The Little Band That Could’.
Super Best Friends – A great act getting pushed on JJJ at moment for a new EP “Ready Aim Fire”.
Buttnuggett – Legends of the Canberra scene who formed in 1993 and made an eagerly awaited return at this concert.
Kimbo – Performed the concert as part of an extensive East Coast tour of Victoria, News South Wales and
Queensland – They describe themselves as “good time earnest punk rock”.
Bent Hen – Played the concert on the eve of releasing his debut solo full-length album.
The Chuffs – Described by the promoter as loud, rough, dirty rock and roll at its finest
Inside The Exterior – Avid ACRF supporters that have appeared at every ‘Megafauna’ benefit concert to date.
Radical Surf Ninjas From Hell On Fire – Surfing rocking “nutters” that come complete with two twin drummers Rodney and Lenny Preston known by their stage names “The Prestopus”, whom promoter Ryan said had to be “seen to believed”
Leisure Suit Lenny – Described as an “amazing one-man band who plays at the one-time drums, guitars and sings”.
And last but not least Mexican Macedonia who played dusty spaghetti western style flamenco.
The Canberra concert follows previous musical events in Melbourne that were organized by the late ACRF supporter Martin Mahy.
As many ACRF website readers would recall, Marty had organized two successful fundraiser rock and roll concerts for the organizations over the past year and until his tragic passing in mid 2009.
Thanks Ryan once again this year for a stellar Megafauna 09.
A Big Thanks to Ben Davies at FasterLouder.com for the Megafauna pics.
