Sunday Afternoon Vibes : Rhythms for Relief [LATIN - REGGAE - JAZZ]

FREE REGO — please donate at the event itself!

A big Sunday afternoon of Afrobeat, Latin rhythms, ska, reggae, dub and Samba percussion, with three Canberra favourites — Los Chavos, This Way Orkestra and Raio De Sol — live at Poppyfield Commons.

This one is about more than music.

Rather than charging an entry fee, the bands are offering the concert as a gift to the friends, fans and wider Canberra community who have supported live music over the years. In return, we’re asking everyone who can to make a donation to charitable projects, with a particular focus on communities in Venezuela and Colombia.

We’re fortunate to live in a safe, peaceful and beautiful place. This afternoon is our way of sharing some of what we have: our music, our time and our love of live performance. If you’re feeling the love, we hope you’ll share what you can.

QR codes and information will be available on the day so you can donate directly to selected organisations.

THE MUSIC

Los Chavos are one of Canberra’s enduring Latin live bands — an eight-piece explosion of cumbia, ska, reggae, samba and Afro-Latin rhythms. With punchy horns, percussion and years of live performances behind them, their shows are made for the dancefloor.

This Way Orkestra are a Canberra 10-piece combining Afrobeat, ska, reggae, dub and ethio-jazz, powered by big brass, guitars, organ and layered percussion. Their sound brings together musicians from across Canberra’s jazz, reggae and global-music scenes.

Raio De Sol is Canberra’s community samba percussion band, bringing the energy of Brazilian bateria to festivals, parades and community events. For Raio, samba is as much about participation and community as it is about performance.

Supporting Venezuela

On 24 June 2026, two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread destruction, particularly around Caracas and La Guaira. The World Bank has estimated US$19.6 billion in direct physical damage, with homes, infrastructure, schools and other community facilities badly affected.

Our Venezuela fundraising will support LABO, a Venezuelan grassroots organisation working with community-led initiatives.

Funds are intended to assist Luciérnagas de Mar, a project supporting small community schools established by teachers in earthquake-affected areas. The project is helping teachers and children continue learning in tents and other temporary spaces while communities rebuild.

Donations will be collected through a dedicated Australian account. The total raised will be announced afterwards, with documentation provided confirming the transfer and showing how the contribution is being used.

Supporting Colombia

We’ll also be encouraging donations to Cruz Roja Colombiana — Colombian Red Cross, supporting humanitarian programs across Colombia including health, emergency response, community resilience and assistance for people experiencing crisis.

Poppyfield Commons

The concert takes place at Poppyfield Commons, the former Dickson garden centre site now being transformed into a community space for food, markets, workshops, performances and neighbourhood events.

Bring your friends, family, kids and dancing shoes, settle in for the afternoon and enjoy some of Canberra’s best-loved live music.

Instead of buying a ticket, put that money towards something that can make a difference.

Los Chavos + This Way Orkestra + Raio De Sol
Sunday 18 October | 4–8pm
Poppyfield Commons, Dickson
Free entry — donations encouraged

Music for Canberra. Support for Venezuela, Colombia and communities that need it.