Alexander Brown and Brian Ashmore, the two 4-year old boys from Spokane who were burned recently after an accident involving gasoline and a plastic slide, could sure use a little help. The severe burns they sustained in the accident landed them in Seattle's Harborview Medical Center. And those medical treatments aren't cheap. That's why a group of relatives, friends and four Spokane bands are lining up this Friday night at the Big Easy to lend a hand -- and give Spokane concert-goers an earful of live local rock.
The "Notes of Hope Benefit show for Alex and Brian" is the brainchild of Glenn Case of local rock band the Half Racks.
"One of these boys is my cousin's son," he says. "After it happened, a friend approached me and said, 'You're in a band.... Why don't you throw a benefit concert?' Well, she started something pretty big."
The bands scheduled to perform at the show -- the Half Racks, Kite, Vertigo Bliss and10 Minutes Down -- represent a wide diversity of local styles. The management of the Big Easy got involved as well, donating the venue for the evening so that all of the money raised will go to help the kids.
The Half Racks started out in the summer of 2004 as a Seattle-based trio consisting of Case (guitar/vocals), Justin Moran (drums) and William Brock (bass). After moving to Spokane, the band added lead guitarist Tracy Aronson (formerly of local band Dtox). Case describes that band's sound as "fun, danceable rock."
"But we enjoy throwing in a few curveballs every now and then," he says. "Most of us like the Beatles, Wilco, Paul Westerberg and the Pixies. We wouldn't be surprised if people hear some of those influences."
All proceeds from the benefit show will be deposited in bank accounts that have been set up for Alex and Brian. There will also be an 18-song, locally produced CD available at the show (for $10) featuring a mix of local talent.
"I'm glad we are doing something that could actually make a difference for these boys," says Chase. "The feeling of helplessness can be hard to overcome."
The Half Racks, Kite, Vertigo Bliss and 10 Minutes Down at the Big Easy Concert House on Friday, July 15, at 7 pm. Tickets: $10. Call 325-SEAT. For more information, visit glenncase.songhole.org/notes. Make donations at any Washington Mutual Branch.
