Jamm 4 Genes - 4 August 2006
LEADING MUSICIANS SPEAK OUT FOR JAMM 4 GENES
“It will be a fantastic celebration of live local talent, and the wonderful live music venues we are so lucky to have here in Australia.” - Jade MacRae
“This is what the real spirit of music is. People getting together to entertain and help others.” - Axle Whitehead
“I’ll be singing the praises of Jeans for Genes and I know who deserves the applause.” - Beccy Cole
Musicians around Australia are answering the call to participate in Jamm 4 Genes, the music industry’s campaign in support of Jeans for Genes Day on August 4.
Three of the country’s hottest talents - Jade MacRae, Axle Whitehead and Beccy Cole - have enlisted to be official spokespeople for Jamm 4 Genes, and have been finding out about the vital work of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).
As a parent, multi-Golden Guitar award-winning country artist, Beccy Cole, feels a personal connection with the cause. Last month she attended a Discovery Day at the CMRI at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital, where scientists shared their amazing research innovations with a group of music industry professionals and gave guided tours of the Institute’s laboratories and facilities.
“I am blessed with a healthy seven year-old boy and I can only imagine what a parent might go through when faced with a sick child,” Beccy says. “Being invited to the Children’s Medical Research Institute opened my eyes to the incredible work being done in the treatment and prevention of genetic disease. I met amazing scientists who have dedicated their lives to finding reasons and cures that could ultimately improve and save the lives of children everywhere, and they LOVE their work!
“As musicians, we are often asked to give our time to various charities to raise funds, not always knowing exactly how the money raised might help. I can say now that I’ve seen genetic research in motion. I’ll be singing the praises of Jeans for Genes and I know who deserves the applause.”
Contemporary jazz vocalist Axle Whitehead knows just how lucky he and his peers are to have enjoyed perfect health from childhood through to adulthood. Crossing boundaries from funk to hip hop back to jazz, while spreading his talents across acting and hosting Network Ten’s Video Hits program, Axle is revved up to spread the Jamm 4 Genes message to the young people around Australia that follow his every move.
“This a brilliant project and I am so proud to be a part of it,” Axle says. “I can’t wait to be playing on August 4. So many awesome musos are getting involved. The money raised at these gigs goes to a bunch of people at the Children’s Medical Research Institute who are doing amazing work to help kids and families. So get behind these gigs – you are helping out just by turning up and getting’ down!!”
Australia’s fastest rising soul diva, Jade MacRae, plans to be performing in Victoria on August 4. “Just try to keep me away from this fantastic event!” Jade says. “I am SO excited to be a part of Jamm 4 Genes. Not only is the campaign raising funds and awareness for one of the world’s leading genetic research facilities, but it will also be a fantastic celebration of live local talent, and the wonderful live music venues we are so lucky to have here in Australia.”
While musicians continue to flock to the official Jamm 4 Genes website www.jamm4genes.com.au to register for gigs on August 4, venue owners and managers continue to find ways of committing to the cause. Representatives from Sydney venues including Bar Broadway, The Basement, The Forum, Blacktown RSL, The Bridge Hotel and Vic on the Park attended the recent CMRI Discovery Day and were clearly affected by the enthusiasm of the scientists there.
They, along with many of the top musicians playing gigs around the country on August 4, will be attending a special invitation-only industry launch for Jeans for Genes Day and Jamm 4 Genes in Sydney on July 3.
Meanwhile, Beccy, Axle and Jade have made themselves available, in the weeks leading up to the Jamm 4 Genes event, to talk about the work of the CMRI and the important role the music industry can play in this exciting fundraising and awareness-raising campaign.
About Jamm 4 Genes and the Children’s Medical Research Institute
Jamm 4 Genes was established as an important part of the hugely popular Jeans for Genes Day, which raises funds each year for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. The CMRI investigates the causes of genetic diseases and conducts research to help prevent and develop better treatments for such illnesses as epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, schizophrenia, and many childhood cancers.
On one special night of live music in pubs, clubs and concert halls across the country, in metropolitan and regional centres, performers and venue managements will unite to present today’s music for tomorrow’s children.
Jamm 4 Genes - Today’s music for tomorrow’s children
4 August 2006 in live music venues around Australia
www.jamm4genes.com.au
