WHEN Newcastle musician Cody Brougham launched a Facebook fundraising campaign last week to recoup some of the musical equipment he and his mates lost in a house fire, he didn't have high hopes.
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Certainly the financial impact of the COVID-19 lockdown means it's hardly an ideal time to seek charity. But within two days, Brougham's campaign had reached its target of $10,000.
"We were so surprised, we didn't expect to get anywhere near it," Brougham said. "I thought we'd get a couple hundred bucks, but it's just blown up. The generosity of people has been awesome."
Brougham's mother's employer BCS Strata Management, donated $1000, while a host of family, friends and even strangers kicked in donations of up to $200 each. Others have offered to donate music equipment.
Brougham estimates members of local bands Fritz, Oilbaron, Mall Santa and Underlay lost between $20,000 and $25,000 worth of gear in the Warabrook fire on April 5, that also destroyed his parents house.
The $10,000 won't replace all the equipment lost, but it will allow the bands to continue rehearsing and performing once the COVID-10 restrictions are lifted.
A CURIOUS IDEA
HAS home schooling driven you mad? If so, Newcastle theatre company Curious Legends have launched a creative alternative.
From Tuesday to Saturday at 1.30pm each day Curious Legends will deliver free online theatre, music, and arts workshops over Youtube, Facebook and their website aimed at children.
Joining Curious Legends crew in the workshops will be Melbourne songwriter Eva Popov, Berlin-based puppeteer Shani Moffat, local storyteller Karen Eastwood, and Newcastle Aboriginal elder and artist Debbie Dates.
"Everything the artists use in the workshops needs to be found in peoples houses," Curious Legends' artistic director Mitchell Reese said. "This has been a huge challenge, but a lot of fun for us, with our artists rising to the task."
MUSIC TO GET FUNKY TO
IT'S unknown whether the COVID-19 lockdown will lead to a baby boom of "coronials" as more couples are forced to reconnect or whether the bleak financial outlook places a kibosh on family planning.
However, according to UK pelvic floor exerciser company, Kegel8, there's a strong chance couples are getting down to business to Canadian R'n'B superstar The Weeknd.
Yes, the Starboy hit-maker is the world's most listened-to artist on Spotify during sex.
Given The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, is also the world's most popular artist on the streaming service, does that mean there's lots of love-making happening?
The most popular song during sex is apparently Neighbors Know My Name by US R'n'B singer Trey Songz. We can't say it's on Mr and Mrs Topics' playlist.
Anyone for the 1996 hit Pony by Ginuwine? Seriously, anybody?
