Psychedelic concert by local band EXP to bring flower power to the Stirling Club for charity

Local band EXP will bring flower power to the Stirling Club this Friday for a concert to raise money for Albany Youth Support Association.

EXP will cover the psychedelic hits of the 1960s and 1970s as part of LBK Entertainment’s monthly concert series benefiting local charities.

The charity concerts are held on the third Friday of every month at the Stirling Club, with each band choosing which charity will benefit from their performance.

LBK concert organiser Leonie Field said she started the concert series to provide another entertainment option in Albany.

“It started because I felt there was nowhere where people in our generation and younger can go and actually listen to the bands that people are listening to in pubs, if they don’t want to go to a pub,” Ms Field said.

“And also with the bands, I’ve found some that used to play and I’ve dug them up and they’re going to come and play again.”

Ms Field said the fundraising aspects of the concerts allowed local music fans to have a fun night out and give back to the community.

“We’re promoting our local bands and our local communities at the same time,” she said.

“LBK get nothing out of it, we just go along and enjoy the night like everybody else.”

Previous concerts have featured The Numbats, who fundraised for Albany Women’s Centre, and the debut concert from The Wild Bunch, who raised money for Homeless Project Denmark.

Ms Field said so far, the concerts had generated $7600 in donations.

This Friday’s gig by EXP, featuring vocalist and guitarist David Rastrick, guitarist Ross Dwyer and drummer Paul Meyers, will benefit AYSA.

The charity helps young people and their families who are experiencing crisis and at risk of homelessness.

Rastrick said the band chose to support AYSA to help those facing homelessness in Albany.

“I’m kind of aware of a bit of the challenges of homelessness around Albany, and they’re an organisation that helps young people, especially, get enough money for bonds together, and all the things they need to do to have somewhere to live,” Rastrick said.

The band, which has previously played Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin tribute concerts in Albany, will perform a range of classic songs from bands of the 1960s and 1970s, including hits from the Who, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Cream and the Rolling Stones.

Guests are encouraged to dress up in their best hippie gear for the flower-power-themed night.

EXP play the Stirling Club on Friday.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available at the door or from bit.ly/3CcQvHs.