THERE are few things Vicki Newman is as passionate about as music – but finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease is one of them.
Newman, a former Ballarat woman who now performs as Medusa, is returning to her home town this weekend with a fundraising gig at Mojo Pool Lounge and Bar.
Influenced by the likes of Pat Benatar, Florence Welch, Pink and the Cranberries, Newman said her performances are inspired by the acceptance of human imperfections and the “divine strength” that comes from surviving love and pain.
The University of Ballarat performing arts academy graduate was formerly the vocalist for local band Jellybean Addiction.
Two of her Jellybean bandmates have joined her in her current incarnation as Medusa, with Geoff Martin on keys and Paul Wilson on guitar. The trio is joined by Mark Belcastro on drums and Darren Steel on bass.
Newman’s mother is living with Alzheimer’s, which the performer describes as “a confusing, torturous entrapment of a disease”.
Medusa’s new album A Sheer Sky, described as indie rock and pop, is dedicated to Newman’s mother.
Medusa will play at Mojo, 122 Armstrong Street, this Saturday night at 9pm. Tickets are $10 on the door.
