Fundraising concert a simple joy.

Anna Beaden’s concert raised money for a bicycle challenge that raises money to help reduce global poverty.
Credit: Ben Beaden.

Not simply an event to share her musical gifts, Manifest alumna Anna Beaden’s concert on the Sunshine Coast, February 1, had a notable purpose: to raise awareness and funds for her family’s team in The Great Ocean Road Challenge.

Anna’s soulful voice and accomplished piano—she received the Young Achiever Prize at Manifest in 2012—were accompanied by a host of talented family and friends. Her natural humour and relaxed approach to performing created a fun and memorable evening. Collaborations featured local and interstate artists including Jane Beaden, Sammy Hoye, Zoe Romero, Kate Strachan and Courtney Tyler with a variety of vocals, guitar, ukelele and piano.

Standout songs included a re-interpretation of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with arrangements by fellow Avondale College of Higher Education student Simon Tagaloa, the JJ Heller song “Only Love Remains” and “Pay Stub” by Scott Kabel, which is included on Anna’s EP Simple Joys.

This Sunday, February 9, Anna and three of her family members, David, Ben and Rachel, otherwise known as TeamB, begin The Great Ocean Road Challenge in Geelong, Victoria, riding over three days to their final destination of Warrnambool. Anna used the concert to contribute to fundraise and to raise awareness of 25000spins—entrepreneur Craig Shipton’s campaign supports efforts to reduce global poverty. Concertgoers had opportunity to purchase Anna’s EP and other items or to make a donation to the charities nominated by the individual riders.

Georgina Hobson
Assistant convenor
Manifest Creative Arts Festival
Nambour, Queensland, Australia