What better way to Rock Off a wretched disease than organize a concert with great live music and donate all funds to much-needed research to find a cure?
At the age of 53 local Geelong health worker Jenny Simko was fit, enjoying life, happily married for 30 years and a proud mother of 3 wonderful children. On the 7th of August 2014 Jen was given devastating news that would change her life forever. After ten months of medical tests Jen was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and die.
Jen has been a registered nurse for over 30 years having dedicated her life to helping people, and never expected to be needing care at this stage of her life. It’s hard for those close to her to reconcile why this has happened to someone like Jen, however MND does not discriminate. It is a cruel disease that kills over 100,000 people globally each year.
Rock Off MND is an event inspired by Jen, and together with her family and friends are determined to raise as much money as possible with all funds raised being donated to vital MND research.
The night is a celebration with great live music from Imogen Brough, Revolution and local Geelong party band Madhouse who have all kindly donated their time to support Jen.
The fully licensed event is being held within Deakin University’s Waterfront Courtyard on Saturday 28th. Tickets are $50 and a few local businesses including this publication, have offered their support. Please join Jen for a fantastic night of entertainment or donate generously in support of this great cause. Visit www.rockoffmnd.com.au for more information and all March ticketing.
LIVE MUSIC
Imogen Brough – 2014 has been inspiring for Imogen, with the release of her debut single ‘Heart’ and ‘Love Is Like A Match’. Both of these exciting new tracks got into the Top 100 on the iTunes pop charts within hours of being available. The video clip to ‘Heart’ was filmed up in a mystical forest in Hillsville and helps capture the pure beautiful and passion the song is about.
At home on stage, Imogen and has been playing extensively all around Melbourne and Geelong. She has recently supported the likes of Lisa Mitchell, Michael Paynter, Brian Kennedy and Daryl Braithwaite. In June 2014 Imogen collaborated with the wonderful Damien Leith, writing music together. Her song ‘Heart’ was picked up as the theme music for the new Vidal Sassoon online add in America as well. Imogen will soon release her second EP, with the help of her Pozible Campaign! Due to be released in early April 2015.
Revolution – Revolution are a five piece band formed in Geelong in the twilight of 2012. Last year was a breakout year for the boys having recently won the Barwon South West Regional final of the ‘Freeza / Push Start Battle of the Bands’ and the Emerging Artists award as part of ‘Foot in the Door’ at the Queenscliff Music Festival. Mixing crafty song writing with crisp vocals and tight, beat driven riffs, their indie style perfectly demonstrates the bands unique sound.
Revolution released their first EP in September 2014 which features four original tracks perfected on stage and in the studios and with songs spanning genres from indie rap to festival anthems, the guys are looking forward to rocking out at Rock Off MND.
Madhouse – Madhouse is a brass driven party band that’s been going strong now for over 18 years with a range of sounds from R&B, to early 80’s U.K. influenced music. Added to that, their set includes a wide repertoire of old and new Top 40 disco/dance music that picks up elements of rock for capping off any night of partying. Renowned for their entertaining and energetic live shows, be prepared for a serious work-out on the dance floor (more like a ‘pump class’ at your local gym!) as the Madhouse boys love to party and are looking forward to giving you a dose of Madhouse mayhem
When&Where: Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront – March 28
Photo by Matt Richards