Perth, Australia, Music Community Unites for Flood Relief Concert

Social media is a powerful tool, with Twitter and Facebook leading the way. Many musicians are waking up to this fact and have added the two to their on-line presence, many using them more than MySpace. They have become a quick way of reaching fans, sharing their music, and communicating to the world where they are playing next. Social media is also becoming a major source of information and news, with people often finding out what's happening in the world and within their communities via Twitter and Facebook. Now these two workhorses of social media are being put to the test.

When Tod Johnston of Perth, Australia, decided he needed to do something to help his fellow Aussies who have been affected by the major floods and fires, he turned to his Twitter community. Tod asked if any musicians would be interested in doing a benefit concert to help raise money for the relief efforts. The rapid response was overwhelming.

The result is the Flood Relief Concert, presented by Burswood Entertainment Complex. Bands that will be performing include Tod Johnston and Peace Love; V-Capri band (reuniting for the event), former "Australian Idol" finalist Courtney Murphy and Murphy's Lore, Magnificent 7, Damien Cripps Band, Groove Night Avenue, Juliet's Diary and Dave Crosby, all high profile acts within Australia's music scene.

The good news is the mainstream media is also discovering the power of social media, through which they discovered the buzz about the Concert and are now reporting it as well.

"Perth has an amazing pool of musical talent and a bunch of people who are very generous with their time when it comes to supporting a good cause," Johnston said. "We also have an incredibly strong on-line community, so I was able to tap into my Twitter contacts to get the ball rolling on this event and source much of the support needed to make it a reality," according in a recent interview with Pepita Smith for Murdoch University News, his alta mater.

Perth Now, WA Today, 6pr Radio, and others have all jumped in with much-needed publicity.

Tod said on Twitter : " ...this is a test for the Power of the Social Media.. News for the people by the people..." I think Mr Johnston is discovering social media does have power.

The concert is Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.-11 p.m., with tickets from $40 on sale Jan. 19 at ticketek.com.au

All funds raised will go 50/50 to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and the West Australian Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund

For More information, visit the Event on Facebook.