Edgy Canberra musicians armed with instruments that pay tribute to the rock gods are amplifying the call for change.
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The Rock for Tara concert on Saturday, July 18, will raise money for the Tara Costigan Foundation established by her family to combat domestic violence after she was killed earlier this year allegedly at the hands of her ex-partner.
Music has been a powerful form of catharsis for Chris Costigan after his niece's death.
He said he thought it was fitting to create a concert so all the feelings of sorrow and anger about the tragedy could be channelled towards something good.
"It's a way in which to be positive about releasing that negative energy," Mr Costigan said.
"Everyone involved in this wants to be here, wants the level of awareness to rise, wants women to be able to walk without fear and be treated the way they should be."
The full bill includes ACT rock acts Symptoms Persist, Metropolis, Detonator, Gravelrash and Melbourne heavy progressive rockers Transience.
The 46-year-old Melba resident is a magnetic frontman.
Clad in bold jewellery with a tattoo on his skull and recent ink addition on his throat, which reads "together we are strong", he performs with both Detonator and Gravelrash.
Detonator bass player Roger Goult said Chris, or Cozza as he is known, may sport a fierce rocker exterior but was really a guy with a heart of gold. "He is a great bloke and we all have a tonne of time for him," he said.
"He'd do whatever is in his means to help you out.
"I'm really proud to be involved and do this as a way to support a friend."
With artists performing pro-bono and The Basement in Belconnen providing the venue at no cost, all proceeds will go towards providing targeted help for survivors of domestic violence through the Tara Costigan Foundation.
Mr Costigan said he had been flabbergasted by the generous support for the foundation's first fundraiser event.
"Organising it has just been about being a conduit for so much giving, kindness and love," he said.
"I hope everyone comes with a smile, smiles the whole time they're here and leaves with an even bigger one."
■ Rock for Tara takes place on Saturday, July 18. Live music from 7pm until midnight. Tickets $20 on the door.
