FRANKIE J. HOLDEN AND 'THE USUAL SUSPECTS' KICK A GOAL FOR THE TATHRA BUSHFIRE RELIEF EFFORT

It is typical of the Bega Valley music community that a call for help for a good cause is answered with an immediate and generous response.

Following the devastating bushfires that ravaged Tathra on March 18, oodles of relief efforts in local communities have sprung to life.

This little story tells of two such efforts that have been organised by the local music community.................a recording for the Tathra Sea Eagles Aussie Rules footy team, and a major fund raising concert scheduled for May 26.

First, the recording...................

Frankie J. Holden is well known across Australia as a singer, actor, TV show host, and more.

In our community he is known for all that, but also as a good bloke who is forever doing something or other to support the community. If it's a good cause, Frank is probably in there helping out !

Following the March 18 fires, Frank agreed to pull together a recording for the Tathra Sea Eagles Aussie Rules Footy Club.  The idea was to record a 'version' of Ross Wilson's stupendously popular song Eagle Rock. This version features lyrics that resonate for the Sea Eagles, and will be put to great use at a gala bushfire fund raising event run by the club.

Frank knows and performs with many of the best local musos,  and very quickly assembled a bunch of the 'usual suspects' to lay down the recording.

PBGB is more than happy to lend a hand to worthy causes, so we quickly  agreed to provide The Shed for the recording, and Neil Porter put his hand up as Producer.

The gang rolled in, set up, had a cuppla beers, a laugh or three, and it was all over in a couple of hours.

THIS is what we ended up with.................the Tathra Sea Eagles Rock.

Our gratitude, and apologies, to Ross Wilson for allowing this to happen. Thanks Ross !

The 'Usual Suspects' are............

Frankie J. Holden             Bastardised lyrics and Lead Vocals, hand clapping and sea eagle imitations

Ken Vatcher                       Drums and backing vocals

Garry Carson Jones         Lead Guitar and backing vocals

Andy O'Donnell                Acoustic Guitar, backing vocals, laughter and handclaps

Mick Potter                        Bass, backing vocals and handclaps

Neil Porter                         Recording and Production

Ken, Garry, and Andy have a fun history with the PBGB Shed................ Frank and Mick have both been in The Shed before, but the Sea Eagle Rock is their first Shed recording. Welcome aboard boys !!

And then, of course, there is 'THE BAND TOGETHER TATHRA BUSHFIRE RELIEF CONCERT'.

Another fund raising effort which has the hands of Frank, Ken, Garry and Andy all over it. They are all closely involved in organising it, pulling in the acts, and performing at this gala event which is going to be a fund raising behemoth.

Featuring some very popular big name acts, including 'The Hoodoo Gurus', 'The Badloves', 'Ol' 55' and '1927', and a stellar line-up of the very best local acts, this show, will be held at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club Racecourse at Kalaru on May 26.

More information, including booking details can be found at

www.sapphirecoast.com.au/event/band-together/

Go there now and book your tickets..............this will be huge !!!!

The Pambula Beach Garage Band is very pleased to be able to contribute to efforts to assist the victims of the Tathra bushfires.

NOTE :  PEOPLE WISHING TO DONATE TO THE TATHRA BUSHFIRE RELIEF FUND CAN DO SO BY DIRECT BANK TRANSFER TO THE BEGA MAYOR'S RELIEF FUND   BSB: 012525,  ACCOUNT NUMBER  837 535 154,   OR BY PHONE USING A CREDIT CARD........PHONE (02) 6499 2345 DURING BUSINESS HOURS.