Dunedin roots troubadour Julian Temple is spearheading the show, driven by a personal connection.
"About eight weeks ago now, my sister and family, including little baby Isi who is 18 months, and Dara, were travelling to go visit some distant relatives in the UK,'' Temple recalls over coffee.
"While they were travelling Isi got really sick. They took her to the hospital in the UK and right away [they] diagnosed her with AML leukaemia, which is a rare form.
"She basically had to get chemo right away, and now she is getting ready to do a bone marrow transplant at a different hospital. It has just been intense and it's just not fair.
Temple says the family absolutely loves music and is big fans of all of the six bands playing. It's the kind of the show they'd love to attend under different circumstances.
The bands and engineer and soundperson Iain Sweetman will be volunteering their time and efforts, with all proceeds going directly to Isi's family.
"The only thing I could really think of doing was doing something positive to support them. I think when they saw the line-up, they cried. It's just a show of support and a little donation to help them however we can. It's the least I could do. Just the thought of it helps, a group of people sending positive vibes out there.
"She's just so young and it's so hard to watch.''
On a musical note, the show will be the Julian Temple Band's first proper Dunedin show with a new line-up featuring Steve "Seedy'' Marshall, of Left or Right, on bass, and Logan Hampton, of Alizarin Lizard, on keys, with violinist Vaatstra flying down from Wellington specifically for the show.
POST-MARCH CONCERT
Also on Saturday, Rape Crisis Dunedin is holding its annual march and rally to raise awareness of rape and sexual abuse. The march will be followed by a party/gig celebrating 35 years of supporting the Dunedin community.
The post-march event will feature musical performances by German darkwave musician Perry Buoy, Horse Dr, MEEr (Reem from HEAVY performing a solo set), alongside a surprise guest act and accompanying projections from Lady Lazer Light.
The event is all ages and alcohol-free, with koha entry from 7pm.
The gigs
• Isi McCurdy Fundraiser, Saturday, October 1, Plato, Dunedin, featuring performances by Iron Mammoth, Matt Langley, Oleh, Julian Temple Band, The Violet Ohs, and Tahu and the Takahes. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are $20 on the door. Further donations welcome. If people are unable to attend the show and still want to donate, they can visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/gift2isi
• 35 years: ‘‘Live, Thrive and Survive’’ Gig!, Saturday, October 1, Benessere Studios, 67 Princes St, fifth floor (access by lift is available). Koha entry from 7pm.
