The Eurobodalla’s high-energy West African musical group, Djembe Forte, will drum up a storm for a good cause on Saturday.
The group, which performed at the recent Relay for Life and also smashed it at Narooma Rotary’s recent busking competition, has teamed up with Eurobodalla resident Gilly Kearney for the Stars of the Eurobodalla Dance for Cancer.
The NSW Cancer Council is for the second year hosting the event at the Tomakin Sport and Recreation Club to raise funds for Eurobodalla cancer sufferers.
Dance instructors are paired up with novice “stars”, such as Ms Kearney, who learn and perform a dance routine.
Tickets are $60, which includes supper, limited drinks and entertainment, and are available from Tomakin Sports Club.
Ms Kearney was Eurobodalla Relay for Life’s Narooma chairperson in 2017 and is a cancer survivor and carer, currently helping her husband through recovery.
She was delighted to learn an African Dance as her late father, who died of cancer, was a South African. She will dedicate her dance to him.
Ms Kearney is a late addition to the contestant list and has only had short time to perfect her routine with Djembe Forte, who had “been just awesome”.
Drummer Rob Merigan and dancer Tara Moore have supported and mentored her all the way.
Judy Barry-Cotter designed Djembe Forte’s bright costumes and Kay Lawrence – Ms Kearney’s neighbour and friend, made Gilly’s West African themed costume, based on Judy’s design.
“It’s been a real team effort,” Ms Kearney said.
Each contestant tries to raise $2000.
You can also follow her progress and find out more about our own local drumming group on Djembe Forte’s Facebook Page.
Stars of Eurobodalla organiser Kate Brett said fundraising was going well
“We are currently sitting just over $16,500, which is fantastic, but we do still have a bit to go to reach our $25,000 target.”
We are currently sitting just over $16,500, which is fantastic, but we do still have a bit to go to reach our $25,000 target
- Kate Brett
