Megan Washington, Neil Finn, and Jack Carty Line Up for Music Therapy Fundraiser

Art of Music Live is a unique celebration of Aussie music for a good cause. Jenny Morris will curate the biannual event which brings acclaimed musicians including Megan Washington, Neil Finn, and Jack Carty together to pay tribute to some of our most beloved songs. No two shows will ever be the same, so if you’re not there you’ll miss out.

Proceeds from the event go to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, an organisation that transforms lives through music therapy. The group has helped mute children speak and given others that couldn’t move their arms fine motor skills. It’s also helped elderly Australians struggling with dementia. This is truly an organisation doing good.

Art of Music Live hits the Sydney Opera House on 4 May. Tickets cost $195 and are on sale from the Art of Music website.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Neil Finn talks Pajama Club Album

Pajama Club, the self-titled album from Neil Finn and his wife Sharon’s new musical venture, hits stores today.

The music we’ve heard is a real departure from the works of Split Enz and Crowded House, and that’s rubbed a few folks up the wrong way. However this video gives us a bit more of an insight into what we’re in for.

Neil and Sharon take us through the disc track by track, explaining the stories behind the songs they’ve created. I must admit, these snippets still aren’t floating my boat but I’m intrigued by the creative process behind them.

Are you excited by Neil’s new musical direction?

Neil Finn Tours New Pajama Club

Neil Finn’s latest musical venture is a family affair. He’s teamed up with his wife of 29 years Sharon to create Pajama Club. The idea was born over many nights spent jamming in PJs with a few good wines. Of course only brilliance can come from such laid back beginnings!

Neil and Sharon are joined in the band by Kiwi singer-songwriter Sean Donnelly and Alana Skyring, who you might remember from The Grates. They’ve laid down an album, which will be released digitally, on CD, and on vinyl in August.

Before that though, you can have a little taste with “From A Friend To a Friend,” which is available for free download from the Pajama Club website. If you like what you hear make sure you get out and see the band on their very first tour in June.

11 June 2011 – The Northern, Byron Bay
12 June 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane
13 June 2011 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
15 June 2011 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Neil Finn’s Star-Studded Oxfam Charity Album

Neil Finn will team up with some singing pals to raise money for Oxfam. The charity album is a follow-up to Neil’s star-studded live smash 7 Worlds Collide. Again he’ll pair with Liam Finn, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, and Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg and Lisa Germano. But there’s some new faces too: Jeff Tweedy, Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone, Bic Runga, and Don McGlashan.

“Seven years ago I invited a few friends and fellow musicians to do a special series of concerts in New Zealand under the banner 7 Worlds Collide,” Neil Finn said.

“The concerts were an amazing experience for all of us and we are delighted to have found an opportunity to gather again, this time to expand the concept and the line-up too.

“Everyone is really excited about coming together again with a few new faces and extending the magic we created with 7 Worlds Collide the first time round, and with such an amazing group of people, I’m excited about the music we’ll be making.

“What will make these sessions particularly meaningful is that all the proceeds of this recording will go to support the continuing great work of Oxfam.”

James Ensor of Oxfam Australia is also excited about the awareness and funds the album will generate for his organisation.

“At a time when the number of people living in extreme poverty is growing, funds generated from this project will be vital to those in need, providing opportunities and hope for a better future,” Mr Ensor said. “Oxfam is delighted that artists of this calibre are supporting the work that we do around the world.”

Neil will record the album over the next few months in Auckland’s Roundhead Studios. Expect to see it in stores next year!

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Flickr