Here we go!

Hi all,

Firstly, for those who don’t know me personally, my name’s Dave and I’m a 28 year old Digital Media Manager from Melbourne, Australia. I’m also a music tragic who needs your help!

In late 1998 one of the most underrated, yet influential bands of the time broke up. That band was Far from Sacramento, California. Led by Jonah Matranga & Shaun Lopez, they have been hailed as one of the most influential band of their era. In 2003, Kerrang magazine voted Water & Solutions (1998) 39th in the 50 Most Influential Albums of All Time, ahead of Helmet’s Meantime, Quicksand’s Manic Compression, Sepultura's Roots and Minor Threat’s self titled release. Some amazing company!

In early September 2008, Far announced that they will reform for two one off shows in LA under the name Hot Little Pony:

- October 15th Pomona, CA @ Glass House
- October 16th Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

10 years ago I made a promise to myself that I would do anything in my power to see the band live if they ever reformed. The time to fulfil that promise has come! I am asking for your help & generosity in contributing to the airfare to get there. The current cost of a return flight to LAX with Qantas is AUD $2,569 inc surcharges, fees and taxes except local airport taxes collected at time of check-in.

The planned flight itinerary is as follows:

Monday 13 October
Flight QF93 Depart Melbourne 11:15 Arrive Los Angeles 07:30

Friday 17 October
Flight QF150 Depart Los Angeles 23:40

Sunday 19 October
Flight QF150 Arrive Sydney 08:30
Flight QF423 Depart Sydney 10:30 Arrive Melbourne 11:30

You can contribute via PayPal at http://www.paypal.com.au (A/C david.campbell AT live DOT com DOT au). All donations will be publicly listed, acknowledged and thanked. My travels will be documented via this blog and via the A Gig Too Far! Facebook group (http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24694043970). I’ll document all developments in the lead-up and whilst I’m there.

If in the event we do not make the target or no flights are available at the time of booking, I will refund you or alternatively, we can donate it to charity. Any money raised above and beyond the cost of the airfare will be donated to Oxfam Australia (www.oxfam.org.au), Australia's leading agency working with communities around the world for solutions to poverty and social injustice.

So, if you could spare a few minutes of your time to spread the word it would be greatly, greatly appreciated! I’m also open to any corporate sponsorship, so if you’re that way inclined or know anyone who might be, get in touch and we can discuss opportunities.

This is not a prank! It’s a serious attempt to raise the return airfare from Melbourne to Los Angeles and to demonstrate the power of community & viral efforts online. If you are in a position to help seed the campaign through the media, please do!

Let’s see how this goes,
David - http://agigtoofar.blogspot.com