Hope for Homeless Youth: A concert with James Morrison - September 26, 2014

Each year, The Salvation Army has contact with approximately 64,000 at risk and homeless young people in the City of Melbourne. Funds are required to finance the vital support these disadvantaged youths’ needs so, on Friday 26th September, a fund raising concert was held at The Salvation Army City Temple. James Morrison, together with the Salvation Army Youth Band, provided a night of great entertainment and music.

When Lauren put out the call, volunteers from The Couch showed their priceless nature by quickly offering their services to help. Thus, when doors opened to the public, volunteers from The Couch were scattered all over the building assisting in various areas.

Selling and checking tickets

Staffing the candy bars

As well as helping with tickets and selling snacks, volunteers also helped guide the generous patrons around the building and to the various viewing areas. There was soon a lively and friendly atmosphere in the temple as it filled with families, friends and lovers of music - all eager to support a good cause. As I was helping to guide people between the two main seating areas, I was particularly struck by a lovely lady who had brought her grandson along; she was one of the first through the door and was particularly keen to get some a nice seat so her small grandson could get a clear view of the night’s performance.

When Major Brendan Nottle started the night by welcoming everyone, it was hard not to miss the giant red couch by the front of the stage facing the audience. It may have seemed an odd and distracting place to have a couch there, but that was exactly the point. Major Nottle explained that many youth facing the streets manage to survive by 'couch surfing'; that is, by moving from couch to couch. Though they may have a temporary roof over their heads, they don't have a place to call home. However, because they're not on the streets, their problem and issues become invisible to the public. Having a large, imposing, bright red couch facing the audience was to push a sometimes invisible issue out into the open, and remind everyone of the cause they were all generously supporting.

A familiar looking Couch...

Just as the volunteers on the night were doing their best to support the Salvation Army, Lauren was doing her best to thank the supporters. Once everyone was seated, and just before the concert started, the volunteers were all encouraged to find seats of their own so they could also enjoy the night.

Robin, having come directly from the Melbourne Show, generously handed out lollipops to everyone

And enjoy it we did. Mr Morrison proved himself to be a great entertainer, and not only through his music. In between songs, he would delight the audience with endearing anecdotes. He kept the Temple reverberating throughout the night with alternating sounds of music, applause and laughter.

Whether through nature or nurture, it was made clear that musical talent runs in his family when he was joined on stage by his two sons William and Harry who played guitar and double bass respectively. However, it does appear the two boys received more than their fair share of nurture growing up, as they both towered over the relatively diminutive James. He quipped that, when all together, they looked more like his bodyguards than his sons!

It was a great night for all. Thanks to James Morrison and the Salvation Army Youth Band for providing beautiful music in an engaging atmosphere. Thanks to the Salvation Army for working hard to raise funds to help our city’s disadvantaged youth. Thanks to all the volunteers who showed once again that so many people are willing to donate their own time to help support others. And finally, thanks to Lauren for somehow managing to bring all these different elements together and pull off a totally successful night!

More photos in the album.