Stand ROCKSTEADY for CHRISTCHURCH benefit gig, and Skinbyrd e-zine

Oi Oi byrds, the Stand ROCKSTEADY for CHRISTCHURCH benefit gig went really well. The atmosphere was awesome - there was a real feeling of unity in the air, which is what reggae, rocksteady and ska is all about. We raised approx. $1400 towards the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the following people:
Atsushi Moisty Ukito (of Auckland rocksteady/reggae band Atsushi and the Moisties) for pulling in all his contacts and putting so much hard work in to getting everybody on board;
Simon from the Thirsty Dog for providing the venue for free;
Profile Plus for giving us $200 worth of free posters and postering;
Michael for designing the poster;
All the bands and Djs Ska Rob and Selecto for volunteering your Sunday evening to play;
Kiwi FM and bFM for hosting us on your shows and promoting the gig, and Nate Taiapa from Go Feet Radio for promoting the gig,
and of course everyone who turned up, donated, enjoyed the music and had a dance in support of the people of Christchurch.

In addition to having a one minute silence for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake half-way through the gig, we also had a one minute silence for the victims of the horrific earthquake and tidal wave in Japan this week. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by these disasters. No words can express the horror and empathy that is felt on seeing the news bulletins and knowing that so many people have lost their homes, friends, family members and even their lives.

Now that the Stand ROCKSTEADY for CHRISTCHURCH benefit gig is over, I'm back to focusing on the e-zine (in between brainstorming for some kind of fundraiser for Japan). The first issue is being collaborated as I type this and will be ready to go out by tomorrow. If you'd like to be on the mailing list, please email us at skinbyrdprideworldwide@gmail.com with "mailing list" in the subject line so that we've got your email address.

We're also looking for content for Issue 2, so please email any content you have to the above email address with "e-zine content" in the subject line. It can be anything you like - photos, an article, art work, anything about your hobbies or interest, something about your band or local scene... This is by the byrds, for the byrds so get emailing!!

Cheers'n'beers. KTF, Oi Oi!!

Update on benefit gig and e-zine

Ok, so my friend and I have successfully organised a reggae/rocksteady benefit gig to raise money for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake. It's called "Stand ROCKSTEADY for CHRISTCHURCH" and the facebook page is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155567957833625 - please share it far and wide.

The e-zine is back up and running. At the moment I am working with my editor and will soon be letting you all know what is coming up in it. I'm waiting back to hear from her at the moment. There will be an interview, photos and articles and I will have more info about those in the next blog post.

If you are a skinbyrd with a hobby, we want to hear about it. This e-zine is by the byrds, for the byrds so no matter how big or small your hobby, business, interests or band might feel, email us anyway at skinbyrdprideworldwide@gmail.com. You just might inspire other byrds. :)

Cheers'n'Beers. KTF Oi Oi!!