Something special happened on Sunday that nearly didn’t, and hopefully it can continue. The day started at about 4.00am in the morning with Brendan O’Rourke’s sound guys setting up, the Rockhampton Grammar School bus arrived around 10.00am with about 15 volunteers, that Stewart Norford had organised to help set up chairs and tables, and members of the Cressy Tennis Club wandered in to lend any help that The Great Western Hotel owner Colin Bowden needed. At 11.00am, a minute silence was held in honour of those who have served and to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. Not long after the first band had arrived along with the ladies from the local QCWA committee that Capricornia Division President, Margaret Laughton had organised. 4RO’s Aaron Stevens arrived wearing a coat, Russell Leonard in a bright shirt wasn’t too far behind, and they started going through the run down for the day. Wade Mann appeared with the additional security personnel he offered at no charge. WIN TV’s Michael Smith positioned to welcome the bands as they arrived during the day. The gates opened at 11.30am, the first of the crowd made their way in. Keith Walters still conducting sound checks with the first band, Eagle Rox, assured everything would be right for a 12noon start. At 12.02pm Aaron introduced Wade to do the Welcome to Country; Stomp the Crack had commenced and for the next nine and a half hours there would be back to back musical performances, mixed with Russell’s charity auctions, which would result in just over $13500 being raised for the QCWA Drought Appeal. What was special about the day is that all these individuals and many more, including some 40 performers, 34 business owners (including naming sponsor, McDonald’s CQ Operators), all genuinely came together with the audience, as one, to support a cause; help those affected by the prolonged drought. The community that is the Beef Capital showed they cared. But it nearly didn’t happen. The night before the venue, Great Western Hotel, had to be evacuated. An electricity pole outside the hotel had caught fire, the jumping flames threatened the hotel, and once put out it was thought it would be 2 days before power could be restored. Fortunately, a local electrician was able to get it fixed before midnight. Thank you Josh Fuller.
Eagle Rox, Velocity, Bordaline, Leonie Wheeler, TnD, Jason and the Mick, Bradley Hall Band, Jag and the Rollers + Chenai, Tony Cook, Aristokatz, Rhonda Janes + friends, and Gravity all gave freely of their time and talent, demonstrating the diversity and richness that the local music scene consists of. Actually, the Bradley Hall Band is from Western Australia, and on hearing about Stomp the Crack asked to be involved and the crowd certainly appreciated their appearance. Again, another special Sunday moment.
It would be a pity if the special moments just ended around 9.30pm last Sunday night. Quite possibly most of these bands would willingly and freely unite again to support a good cause. However, could government funding be made available through Regional Arts Funds to take versions of Stomp the Crack on tour of Central Queensland to not just raise more money for the drought appeal but, also the spirits of those affected by it. Those who attended Sunday’s performance I’m sure would attest to the quality of the performers. Money for food is needed for the body, music can be good for one’s soul. “Dear Music, thanks for always clearing my head, healing my heart, and lifting my spirits.” Imagine a music train from Rockhampton to Longreach, with gig stops along the way, could do to lift spirits. Is there a politician interested in making something like this happen?