Musicians from around Australia will rock the mountain for J-Fest on May 3 raising money for a much-loved local family battling cancer.
The festival will feature a lineup of 13 bands and soloists, including Russell Smith and fellow Brolga member, Lee Morgan, Haystack Mountain Hermits, Blind Corners, Allan Caswell and Dane Sharp.
Russell, who put the event together, said it was a great opportunity for the community to again come together and rally behind one of their own. With cancer so prevalent it’s an illness that has touched so many.
“Cancer is a big thing, and music is a conduit to bring people together,” Russell said.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and we need to help each other. As a musician this is the best way I can help.
“I know a few musicians who have had cancer and are no longer with us.
The event will raise money for Dane’s wife Jacqui, who was diagnosed with lymphoma 13 months ago and after five months of chemotherapy went into remission but tragically relapsed in January.
Jacqui remains determined to again fight the disease and after radiation treatment to slow the growth. She will begin a new treatment which involves sending her blood to America.
Husband, Dane said he’s touched by the level of support he’s had from locals.
“The community is amazing, and I am totally humbled and honoured,” the musician and father of three said.
“It’s beautiful on the outside but moments like this you see how beautiful it is on the inside.”
Haystack Hermits member Kerrie Gambley was keen to become involved after her own cancer journey in 2022.
“We’d love to raise as much money as we can for the family,” she said.
“But it’s also about general awareness and telling people’s stories. When I talk about my breast cancer journey on stage it always connects with people and I have them come up to me and say I’ve prompted them to have a mammogram.”
She said Jacqui’s story has been devastating and as a teacher having taught all three of the children, she knows the family very well.
“Dane puts so much into the community and there are a lot of people who want to support him,” Kerrie said.
She said the toll cancer takes on a family is enormous.
“Anyone diagnosed with cancer understands the strain on immediate family and close friends as they try to support the family financially and practically,” Kerrie explained.
“There is always an amazing community response up here and I’m sure this is going to be the same,” Kerrie said.
J-Fest is on May 3, kicking off at 3pm at the Knoll Studio. Food and drinks will be available as well as raffles.
