National day to rock

Upstream members Mathew Weaven, David Bright, Brad Porch and Brent Hall will play in Pakenham on Australia Day.Upstream members Mathew Weaven, David Bright, Brad Porch and Brent Hall will play in Pakenham on Australia Day.

PAKENHAM youth can have a rocking Australia Day with activities at PB Ronald Reserve.
Local band Upstream will play at the Australia Day festivities.
Upstream will play two sets, one at 11.30am and one at 12.20pm.
The highenergy act features Mathew Weaven on lead vocals, David Bright on guitar, Brad Porch on base and Brent Hall on drums and all are prepared for a rocking performance.
The group is also preparing for the launch of their EP, Give it All in the next few months.
Based on actual events, Give it All tells the story of two lovers torn apart by the insurmountable issues of immigration in Australia.
Its composer, Weaven said the song tells how the love of his life was sent back to South Africa recently despite the efforts made to keep her in the country.
“This particular experience may not be familiar to everyone, but love lost is most certainly a topic to which we can all relate.
“ The song touches that nerve of grief and brings to light the absurd order of chance, which sees the pendulum swing in the opposite direction to which we had hoped,” he said.
The group has a sizeable collection of original material.
Upstream has toured Australia and Thailand and the band is hoping to reach fans on a global scale, not only for music appreciation but to bring about social issue awareness and a greater focus on environmental health.
According to Weaven, Upstream is looking forward to playing the all ages gig in Pakenham.
A barbecue will be held at 10.30am and a skate demonstration will take place at 11.30am.
There will also be free skate time on the ramps and a BMX demonstration at noon at the John St ramps.
Giveaways on the day include the first Upstream skateboard.
Cardinia Youth Services coordinator Emma Firth said it was a fantastic lineup of free activities.
The Connections youth caravan will also be on site and there will be a volleyball match to join in.