There are many ways that people cope with tragedy, but in the end, after the grieving process has been endured, there are two common ways to go. Firstly, there is the anger path where the survivors have to blame someone for their loss, and secondly there’s the proactive path where the family and friends of the ‘victim’ endure their loss by validating the life of their loved one and in doing so make damn sure that the rest of us learn something along the way.
The majority of attendees at Crossy’s Charity Benefit at The Briars in beautiful Mt. Martha would have known, or known of, James Cross. He was a talented musician, lyricist, poet and student, who died as the result of a ‘dooring’, whilst riding his bike to uni. James was knocked into the path of a truck and at just age 22 his life ended and the potential that he showed was extinguished in a split second. This gig, the second Crossy’s benefit, was organised by James’ parents in order to raise funds to form a trust. Such was their loss that they now want to save people from the same fate as James, and save other families from the grief that they have experienced.
The day couldn’t have been better. The organisation from the roadside gate, right through to the stage was superb. The short walk from the car park to the festival space showcased the beautiful Briars homestead and the rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula hinterland. Not uncomfortably hot nor cold, it was as if Crossy himself had ordered the changeable Melbourne weather to behave itself. Picnic rugs spread over the grass, the sizable crowd sipped local wines and nibbled fine peninsula produce as they were entertained by up and coming bands; a number who had been birthed in this special part of the world.
DJ’s Andy Hart and Fantastic Man kicked off the musical side of the day but crowds were thin on the ground early and a little shy about getting into the festival spirit. It wasn’t until Le Fox took the stage that punters began to draw closer to the front. This may have been the effect of the boutique beers on tap, but whatever it was, it was great to see the crowd respond.
Le Fox has a big following in this neck of the woods. Sean (vocals, bass), Angus (drums) and Neil (guitar), produce some pretty mean indie sounds. They exude youthful enthusiasm and energy, and at times it seemed that they were experienced beyond their years. Red Ink also has a loyal following. Again, these boys are locals and on this day it looked as though the members had recruited all their nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters to come forward and dance in that self-conscious teenaged manner.
It was Snowy Belfast and Stonefield that got the biggest response of the day. Snowy Belfast is the band that was once fronted by James Cross. On this day they announced that Crossy’s Charity Benefit would be their last gig, and that they couldn’t think of a better way to end the band. Esther Holt is an amazing performer. She sings lead vocals (having taken over from James Cross), but also dabbles in guitar, piano and banjo. Her voice lends a folksy sound to the music, making us believe that they’d sound right at home in Byron. The variety of instruments that enriches the band’s sound has to be seen to be believed. Jesse plays guitar, accordion, banjo, piano and harmonica, Toby is the drummer and percussionist, Tim plays cello and guitar, Tom Cross plays violin and piano and Daniel plays the upright and electric bass. Unfortunately you can only catch this band on CD now, but they are well worth a listen. It would be unfortunate if any of these musicians decided any time soon that the music business wasn’t for them.
These days Stonefield need no introduction. After winning triple j’s Unearthed High, and having their music on high rotation on that radio station (and others), Stonefield have achieved a level of popularity that has taken the band unawares and has rocketed them skywards. The Findlay sisters are talented musicians all, and rock way harder than many bands with bigger reputations. Listen to “Through The Clover” if you haven’t yet had the pleasure.
This day could so easily have been heartbreaking, but to see the local bands belting it out for Crossy and bike safety, to see the community pull together and to see so many donate their time and money to for the education and safety of others is exceptional and restores faith in the human spirit. Look out for Crossy’s Charity Benefit next year and support a worthy cause.
– Sharon Brookes
