News
Opportunities for people with a disability
April 21, 2011
Music for the masses as Endeavour says 'thank you' for sixty years
An extraordinary line-up of music and dance will take centre stage at the Cultural Forecourt on Brisbane’s South Bank on May 15th as the Big Community Day Out provides six hours of free entertainment for all.
Herb Armstrong and the Royal Street Krewe, No Right Turn, The Marsden Lees, and Hello Africa are among those performing to a potential audience of thousands as Endeavour Foundation says a massive "thank you" to the community for 60 years of incredible support.
The mix of acts will provide “something for everyone” while the street performers include magicians, live statues, face-painting, jumping castles, food and so much more.
Herb Armstrong is none other than Louis Armstrong's grandson and he intends to put on a show of which the legendary jazz singer and trumpeter would be proud.
“I just want to make it like he's still here in the 21st century,” Herb said.
“I can't plan my show, and I go with what I see, so I change things round all the time and the band love it.
“I'm a crowd-pleaser and I want everyone to have a good time.”
Growing up in New Orleans meant Herb could sneak into the bars to watch his grandfather play, and he'd met the infamous Rat Pack – Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, et al – by the time he was fourteen.
Herb's hero is Professor Longhair who had a boogie-woogie and ragtime piano style of his own, and Herb re-creates that New Orleans Funk sound in his show.
At the other end of the musical spectrum the Coolum Beach-based band, The Marsden Lees, are an indie rock trio who must combine study and work with their gigging and recording.
Two of the band are uni students but have found the time to finance and produce their EP 'Vices'.
Hello Africa will bring a wonderful array of African music and culture to the day.
It's a “one stop shop for Africa” said their leader and founder, Sunday Ali.
“It's very important to be African and we try to spread that culture through our show with vibrant music, dance, storytelling, and acrobatics.”
No Right Turn have been building something of a following since enjoying success in the 'Jack Daniels Platform' competition at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow in Fortitude Valley last August.
“It's really taken off since then,” said guitarist, Matt Murtagh.
“We've had loads of exposure and, if it keeps going at this rate, we hope to go full-time and be a big part of the Brisbane music scene, but we love doing these charity gigs and it means a lot to us to support Endeavour Foundation.”
Brett Campbell will play from his songbook to entertain the kids with such popular songs as “Scary Monster”, “Max A Doodle”, and “Honk the Chicken”.
There is also the Cartel Dance Crew, street theatre, face-painters, and it's all free.
The Big Community Day Out is being staged by Endeavour Foundation as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.
Senator Jan McLucas, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, believes it's a fitting tribute to an august organisation.
“For sixty years now, Endeavour Foundation has been part of the local communities throughout Queensland and,latterly, New South Wales,” she said.
“That is sixty years of providing opportunities for people with a disability, and helping them to lead more fulfilling lives.
“The Big Community Day Out is a great chance for the community to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution which Endeavour Foundation has made.”
CEO, David Barbagallo, thinks it's the perfect way for Endeavour Foundation to thank the community for its support.
“We want to be as inclusive as possible because that's what Endeavour Foundation is all about,” he said.
“Endeavour Foundation started because a group of mothers refused to accept that their children with an intellectual disability couldn't be educated, they wanted their kids to be included as part of everyday life, and that's what we're still trying to achieve sixty years on.
“A free event with something for everyone couldn't be better to say 'thank you' for six decades of extraordinary help and support from all sections of the community.”
Note: The Big Community Day Out is a free event at the Cultural Forecourt on Brisbane’s South Bank on 15th May 2011 10am – 4pm.
For more information, contact Endeavour Foundation or look at the website at www.endeavour.com.au
Endeavour Foundation is one of Australia’s largest service providers for people with a disability. It supports more than 3,350 people with a disability from more than 230 locations in Queensland and New South Wales.
Endeavour Foundation is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a variety of events throughout 2011.
CONTACT
David Coles Media and Communications Officer
P (07) 3908 7109
M 0419 248106
F (07) 3253 7271
E d.coles@endeavour.com.au
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