Spurred on by host Myf Warhust, a two-course feed and four-hour drinks package, a generation spanning line-up of musicians from the Go-Betweens, The Grates, Sheppard and Violent Soho, will spill all at Fortitude Valley Music Hall about riotous road trips, rambunctious roadies and rummaging through the riders, all in aid of Youngcare, who aim to give young people living with disability choice and control over where they live.
For Powderfinger’s John “JC” Collins, an introduction over a decade ago by front-man Bernard Fanning to the work of Queensland specialist disability accommodation not-for-profit Youngcare has led to an enduring relationship of support. Youngcare was formed in 2005 with the aim of giving young people living with disability and high levels of support needs freedom and choice over where they live; a fundamental human right that is essential to leading s good life.
“I thought young people living in aged care homes when they are 21 didn’t seem to make any sense to me but there were no other options,” JC says.
Patience Hodgson
JC has since reeled in barramundi in the Tiwi Islands on an annual fundraising fishing trip, played benefit gigs at The Triffid, and in 2019, held the first Tales from the Road at his newly opened venue, Fortitude Valley Music Hall. The 2019 event, which featured Kram from Spiderbait, Busby Marou’s Tom Busby, and JC, was a success, despite the customary Kram spontaneity.“Kram, being Kram, decided that morning to do a Beatles song that I’d never heard,” jokes JC.
While the inaugural event was hosted by Big Brother’s Gretel Killeen, this year’s incarnation will be MC’d by beloved ABC personality Myf Warhurst, who, with her endearing and disarming personality, has a knack for loosening tongues.
“I think she’ll get people talking. As Powderfinger, we were happy to divulge too much to her sometimes,” JC says. “I think Myf will be awesome. She’s so great at what she does. She understands musicians.”
Inspired by sporting gala lunches, JC has enlisted a who’s who of Queensland music, the Broncos or Lions of the industry: Lindy Morrison from The Go-Betweens, The Grates’ Patience Hodgson, Sheppard singer George Sheppard and Violent Soho frontman Luke Boerdam. After a pandemic enforced hiatus from the road, JC is grateful for that the industry has returned to support the cause.
DJ Cooper Smith“Having these artists come up and donate their time, I’m really appreciative of that, after their plight for the last three years,” JC says. “Hopefully it will be good for mental health for the artists to be able to talk about their experiences and share it with people. I’m always happy to share how hard it was personally.”
With four hours of Brick Lane Brewing beers and wines from Balancing Heart Vineyard and a post-event DJ set from Cooper Smith, Tales from the Road is a pre-BIGSOUND party starter with heart. Friday 11 August, 2023 at Fortitude Valley Music Hall. Ticket sales close on Sunday at 11:59pm
Main Image: Andrew Duggan lives with profound cerebral palsy. He is the elder son of scenestr publisher, Howard Duggan.
Bottom Image: Melbourne-based DJ and producer, Cooper Smith is an 18-year-old who lives with cerebral palsy.
John 'JC' Collins is long-time active supporter of Youngcare
