THIS weekend’s Winter Blues Showcase will be an emotional one for the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival team.
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It will be the first event for the crew since member and musician Liam Thorpe was found in Bendigo Creek last week.
BBRMF director Colin Thompson said Mr Thorpe’s efforts at the showcase would be missed.
“It'll be a particularly tough one for me and the crew as Liam is usually there from set-up to pack-down and puts in all day to make these events run smooth and successfully,” Mr Thompson said.
“It'll be tough getting through the day knowing that he won't be zipping about, checking in with everyone, including the venue management, to make sure everyone's happy and things are running as they should.”
The showcase serves as a fundraiser for the BBRMF but will also have donation tins to help support Mr Thorpe’s family.
A concert to celebrate Mr Thorpe’s life is planned for later in the year.
“I hope that, with the team's help and with additional donations from punters on the day, that we can surprise Liam’s family with a little financial helping hand after the event is over and done with,” Mr Thompson said.
Sunday’s event at the Golden Vine Hotel will see 16 acts playing across two stages.
The line-up is a mix of fresh faces and festival favourites that are donating their time and talents alongside the BBRMF committee and crew as they work to boost the kitty to pay for the November festival itself.
Music starts at noon with the Uke Joint Jumpers, Spiritus, Wayne Jury, Jarrah Thompson, Lily and King, Groove Juice, Alister Turrill and Messin’ Round playing on the Lounge Stage.
In the beer garden, Alex Murphy plays from 12.15pm ahead of William Alexander, Pat Ward, Mariah McCarthy, Dave Diprose, Jarrod Shaw, Ben J Carter and Sons of the Blues.
The Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival’s Winter Showcase is at the Golden Vine Hotel on Sunday, July 15, from noon to 8pm. Entry is $15.
For more information log on to www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au/events