The Big Issue

Busk for a Change

Entertainment Extraveganza in Support of The Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup

Melbourne’s hottest young up and coming acts will be busking their hearts out at Queensbridge Square, Southbank this weekend as they Busk for Change – a three day entertainment extravaganza and fundraiser for the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup.

From Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, almost twenty bands and artists will entertain the crowds at Southbank, with a diverse and edgy line-up of entertainment and live art ranging from blues and roots to Aussie hip hop and a former Australia’s Got Talent winner.

Special guests over the weekend will include the Street Socceroos – a team of homeless and marginalised people from across the country who will represent Australia at this year’s Homeless World Cup. Australia is one of 56 countries competing in the week long street soccer tournament, taking place from 1-7 at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.

Busk for Change organisers Casey Welch and Ben McNamara said the busking weekend was a chance for bands to make a difference and help to generate interest for the Homeless World Cup and its mission to change the lives of homeless people worldwide.

“As musos, we want to do our bit to help a great cause, and to raise awareness of homelessness and its surrounding issues,” said Ms Welch. “Busk for Change is all about having a great time for a great cause that can affect us all.”

Ms Welch said all of the artists involved in Busk For Change were donating their time and energy in the hope it would inspire others to dig into their pockets for a little spare change.

Artists performing over the weekend include The Benson Campain, Shaun Kirk, Chris Cavill, Matt Katsis, Broni, The Crooks, The Sunny Puppies, Simon Phillips, Charles Baby, Bonnie Anderson, Alanna Deutrom and many more.

Many of the featured artists will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents as part of the Homeless World Cup Cultural Festival – a dynamic program of performances, art and debate designed to entertain and educate the public on the issues of homelessness.

Queensbridge Square, Southbank, Melbourne

• Friday 31 October 5pm -9pm
• Saturday 1 November 11am -9pm
• Sunday 2 November 11am -7pm

Entry to the event is free.

For a full line up of bands visit www.myspace.com/buskforchange

For more information on the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup visit www.homelessworldcup.org

For media enquiries contact Sandra Del Monaco on 0438 844 328 or email: sdmonaco@bigissue.org.au