With drought continuing its assault on Australian farmers, the good folks at Dashville (the boutique music festival promoter behind events The Gum Ball and Dashville Skyline) are looking to raise funds for drought-stricken farmers with two nights of live music.
Artists who'll be performing at these Make It Rain drought-relief fundraisers, set to take place at The Muswellbrook Hotel (Hunter Valley) 2 November (from 6pm) and The Terminus Hotel in Quirindi 3 November (from 2pm), include Ben Leece, Jason Walker, Adam Young, Lyle Dennis, Magpie Diaries and Katie Brianna.
"Quirindi was a great place to grow up," Ben Leece says, who hails from Quirindi.
"There has always been a strong sense of community and pride of place.
"I knew it was bad, but it probably hadn't really hit home until I saw the faces of the people in the '4 Corners' story. It's easy for those of us living in metropolitan or coastal areas to keep rural problems at arms length, but seeing the hurt in the faces of these men and women, strong, resilient parents of kids I grew up with got me.
"The situation could be nothing short of dire for these guys to even think about putting their hand up," adds Ben.
"'Make It Rain' won't fix the problem, but if we can give a little bit, let folks know that there are people thinking of them and put on a good night without worrying about money, if nothing more than a distraction for a day or so, then hopefully that means something."
Dashville kick-started an initiative in early September called 'Make It Rain', a double CD, 40-song compilation album, full to the brim with alt. country and Americana music including artists such as The Waifs, C.W. Stoneking, The Bushwackers and William Crighton.
All the songs on the album were donated by artists and a lot of other suppliers kicked into make it all happen within an incredible short period of time.
"I'm still surprised that we managed to get clearance from 40 different bands/ labels in just under two weeks to make this all happen," Dashville's Matt Johnston (Magpie Diaries) says.
"Dire times calls for drastic measures and we pulled a rabbit out of a hat with this one. It's a credit to all involved."
All proceeds from 'Make It Rain' are donated to the Country Women's Association of NSW, who are assisting farmers with money for food and other living expenses.
