The post Lifebridge wins ‘Best Float’ in the Cooly Rocks On™ Street Parade appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

The Cooly Rocks On™ Festival is an annual celebration of everything 50s, 60s and 70s. There is so much to savor from rocking outfits to amazing cars, the atmosphere is electric, the dance floors pumping and the music loud!

The Lifebridge crew will be stepping in their blue suede shoes to the beat of this year’s theme ‘Jailhouse Rock’.  Back by popular demand, Us the Band will once again entertain the thousands of festival goers as they perform their award winning rock ‘n’ roll repertoire.  In the tune of Elvis’ famous song, let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock, everybody at Coolangatta Rocks, will be dancin’ to Us the Band rock.

Our very talented artists from the Murwillumbah Art Hub have also been busy creating decorations for the float and their sights are firmly set on once again securing the title of ‘Best Float’ for this year’s parade as well.  We are looking forward to the unveiling of their creative masterpiece on the day and judging from the quality of previous festivals, we are certain it will be spectacular.

The Music and Dance group have been busy polishing up on their dance moves as they prepare to sashay alongside Us the Band.

Please note, if you are participating in the Cooly Rocks On™ Parade this year, be certain to return your permission slip as soon as possible.   The parade officially starts at 9.30 am but those participating will need to meet at the top end of Chalk Street, Coolangatta by 8.30 am.  For further information contact Roachelle Hewitson on 1800 043 186.

So, don’t be left singing ‘Are you lonesome tonight’ – head down to the Cooly Rocks On™ Street Parade and support the Lifebridge crew.

The post Counting Down to Cooly Rocks On™ appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

The excitement levels were at fever pitch as they set off on their very first road trip. Tunes were played throughout the tour bus and the first three hours of the trip were like a karaoke party on wheels. At one point it was suggested by someone that they should rest their voices or no-one would be able to sing at the gig. That lasted about five minutes before everyone was partying and singing again.

Visions of Marina Mirage style accommodation were soon shattered as they arrived at the Scout Hall to set up their camp beds for the night. Life on the road is not all glitz and glamour as they quickly found out. Many were awakened to the little pitter patter of feet scuttling through the darkness to find a phone charger, the many giggles, snores and other various strange noises that lasted well into the night. Little sleep was had but this did not curb the excitement on the morning of their big performance.

Many hands and team work made for a scrumptious breakfast that provided everyone with a well-deserved energy boost for their 10 am gig. Band members and roadies proudly donned their Us the band t-shirts and made their way to the Festival site where they were greeted by festival volunteers who happily helped them move all the equipment onto the stage for a sound check.

Being the first act of the day the main crowd hadn’t arrived yet but as they rocked it out the crowd soon came. What a thrill for the band members to have such a large crowd dancing and singing along, especially the screaming waving girls!

During their electrifying set, every band member shone and had the opportunity to wow the crowd with a solo performance. Band Manager, Jannah Goodman-Jones said “it was the performance above all performances.”

So much so that support staff from another disability organisation made a point of commenting on how wonderful and inclusive Lifebridge are and how they hoped their organisation would be as open minded and inclusive as we are.

After their performance the band mingled with the crowd, had photos taken with their new-found fans, joined in an Irish jig and met the other musicians. Keyboard player, Patrick was thrilled to meet two media networks and was interviewed by channel 7 with his thoughts on the festival.

The road trip home was a little more subdued with everyone reminiscing about the funny moments of their time away. Someone, who ironically happens to be blonde, conducting a vehicle check and looking for the brake lights at the front of the vehicle, lyrics being confused such as “lock up your donuts” instead of “lock up your daughters, “Fat feet on the ground” instead of “Flat feet on the ground” to name a few.

From humble beginnings come great things certainly rings true when it comes to the story behind Us the Band.

The Band were originally formed in 2006 through the vision and hard work of support worker Vaughan Richards, whose main purpose was to bring people together through the power of music. Sadly, Vaughan is no longer able to play with the band due to health issues but his vision remains with each and every one of the band members today. Us the Band’s motto is it’s not about YOU and ME, it’s about US. Celebrating teamwork, friendship and inclusion they incorporated these values into their original signature song, simply called “Lifebridge”.

All the photos and a full recording of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival gig are available on CD, please contact us on 1800 043 186 for further details.

The post On tour with Us the Band appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.

The Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, with a strong reputation for offering “something for everyone’ is a celebration of the Granite Belt region’s produce and booming wine industry and one of Queensland’s longest running and most successful festivals.  Festival organisers are expecting an average of 60,000 people at the festival with promotions of the event covering a target audience of 3.5 million, a fantastic opportunity for Us the Band.

Who are Us the Band?

Formed in 2006, Us the Band have spent many hours perfecting their award winning musical style which includes a mixture of cover versions and original material.  Playing songs from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Gun’s n Roses, The Beatles and other major rock “n” roll legends, Us the Band certainly know how to get the party started and the audience on their feet.  Not one of the band members let their disability’s or mobility stop them for one second.

The band’s motto is it’s not about YOU or ME, it’s about US.  Celebrating teamwork, friendship and inclusion, they have incorporated these values into their original Lifebridge song.

Us the Band are well known in the local community, with quite a few gigs under their belt. They have performed at Cooly Rocks On, Tweed Banana Festival, Kids in Need Yearly celebrations, Tweed Regional Inclusion Day, Night of Abilities and various school fetes. They also busk in the community from time to time.

Us the Band Biography

Nathan Johnston – Lead Vocals

Nathan is well known for his charismatic onstage presence and stage antics. Nathan, who describes himself as a cross between Jack Black and Liberace has always found comfort in performing.
His love of singing and dancing has led him to host multiple events with the end goal of hosting the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

Jessica Proellochs – Drums

Jess is an energetic powerhouse on the skins and exudes a sense of passion that is infectious when she plays. With music a huge part of her life, Jess is most happy when she is behind the drumkit belting out the hits one after the other.

Jai Gorton – Guitar and Back Up Vocals

Jai rocks it with his dance moves on stage and often joins Nathan at the mic during their emotionally charged performances. Taking inspiration from such musical greats as Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix, Jai is quite the showman on stage and an absolute delight to watch.

Patrick Scott – Keyboards

Musical prodigy Patrick is a master on the keys and is known for his heartfelt performances. Having music as a key part of his life for a long time, Patrick’s rhythm and enthusiam for what he does really shows when he performs.

James Small – Percussion & Guitar

James sense of passion and determination shines through with every performance and you can just tell he is having the time of his life up there on stage.

Jannah Goodman-Jones – Guitar and Vocal

Jannah, who is also the Manager of the Band looks the part with her flowing locks and rock star glamour. Jannah is supported by various other musically minded Lifebridge staff who often join the band for a jam session.

Michael Ownwill & Chris Hudson

Both Michael and Chris have recently joined the band and both are very skilled musicians. They are both important for the set up and the sound quality and both Michael and Chris assist the band members to learn new and exiting material.

The post Us the Band hit the road appeared first on Lifebridge Australia.