RHYTHMS FOR RESEARCH Q&A
By Crimson Kitten
 
CK:  Jamie and Nadia, straight off the mark, what is the first thing we should know about the Rhythms for Research event?
RR: Rhythms for Research is being held at Red Bennies on the 14th of July and aims to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.  Radio legend Barry Bissell is hosting it, we have some amazing bands playing along with two of the best funk and soul djs in Australia, and there will be some fantastic prizes to win in our raffle and some even better ones up for grabs in our auction! It starts at 7:30pm with a complimentary glass of champagne and on from there we shall go!

CK:  You both share a passion for music, performance, and tragically, the loss of a loved one to breast cancer.   How did you two meet?
RR: We had known each other through some mutual friends for a while but never really said more than the casual hello. We hung out one night, hit it off, and Rhythms For Research was born shortly after that.

CK:  What inspired the event, Rhythms for Research?  Was there a defining moment, or a singular driving force, or was the idea a gradual process?
RR:I had the idea in my mind (or some variation of it) since my mother passed away from breast cancer in 06’ and Nadia had wanted to organise a soccer charity match for some time too. Her mother also unfortunately passed away from breast cancer many years ago. So when we had dinner one night, we decided to combine forces and use our respective contacts to organise what has now become Rhythms For Research. The first of many we hope!

CK:  There is already the 'morning tea' for breast cancer research, but I just could never see that having a great reach.  An event like this at Red Bennies could just be the most ideal thing!  Is that what you were thinking?
RR: We don’t want to knock ANY effort, big or small, that has anything to do with raising money and/or awareness for breast cancer, but we wanted to make as big an impact as possible. Nadia and I have been fortunate enough to make several amazing contacts in many different areas of life, so it made sense that we would utilise as many as possible for the event.

CK:  Radio legend Barry Bissell is set to MC the evening and keep us all entertained.  How keen was he to support this great cause?
RR: Barry has been quite a close friend of my family for several years. I used to serve him when I worked at my dad’s restaurant at age 15 but have known him for years before that as well. Barry is not only a legend of radio and entertainment, but also an absolute gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Barry also knew my mother, so when I originally approached him about the event there was absolutely NO hesitation to be involved in way possible.

CK:  Besides yourself, Jamie (DJ Prequel), and Barry Bissell, what other amazing talents will be showcased at the Rhythms for Research event?  I hear ViveCoolCity are making a special episode to capture the night?
RR:  There is so many!!!! Two of the best funk and soul DJ’s in Australia are kindly donating their time and talents - Miss Goldie and DJ Manchild.  They both have very highly regarded and rated shows on PBS fm (106.7) and organise one of Melbourne’s most successful funk/soul monthly’s called “ Soul a-go-go”. We also have Dani Marie, who is definitely someone to watch. She is working on her EP with Rhyno (True Live and Paris Wells) and has an amazing voice and is a great writer/arranger in her own right. The OMG’s are an extremely tight funk/soul band from Melbourne whom we both fell in love with straight away! After Jamie booked them for a few shows, we decided to add them to the line-up at the very last minute because they were so amazing. We also have an Arial performance piece by highly regarded artist Ikko Tanikawa, whose grace and talent is beautiful. Jamie won’t actually be djing at the event because he will be too busy running around and sipping on cocktails the whole night!
Ryder Sussman, who runs Vive Cool City (VCC), is a friend of mine and kindly agreed to shoot an episode for his website. VCC reaches a vast amount and wide variety of young people about many diverse issues, so we’ll take any extra exposure we can get - not to mention that we are huge fans of their videos! There are a lot of “young” women who know about VCC, and if we can get them to become more aware of things like early detection, then we are doing what we set out to do.

CK:  Some generous people from all kinds of industries have kindly donated items which are up for auction on the evening.  Could you tease us by naming an item or two?
RR:  Again, we have so many! We have a raffle and an auction on the night. There will be everything from restaurant vouchers (to some of Melbourne finest places to dine), to clothing store vouchers, cosmetic packs, complimentary champagne on arrival, Gold Class movie tickets, art work by up and coming artist Pete Kennon, a Geelong football team signed jumper, a Madonna 1992 tour poster, a Lamborghini Joy ride and a signed piece by 2 VERY well known legendary actors.
 
Rhythms for Research will be held at Red Bennies on Wednesday 14th July