Tesla at La Zona Rosa - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer |
When I opened my mail from Janie at
All Things Possible, I saw something that made me remember a night I wish I didn't. The Station Nightclub Fire in 2003 was a horrible night of never ending news bulletins bouncing between CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc. I waited patiently waiting to see if Ty Longley was safe or not. I "knew" him somewhat from his time spent as guitarist for Samantha 7. He was a damned funny and nice guy and, unfortunately, he left us too soon. Along with Ty there were many others that lost their lives or were severely injured and many of those still recovering need your help.
Tom Scholz (Boston), Aaron Lewis (Staind ), Tesla, Twisted Sister, Stryper and others, along with host Dee Snider are scheduled to perform Monday, February 25, 2008 at Dunkin Donut Center in Providence, Rhode Island at the Fifth Anniversary Relief Fund Charity Concert.
The charity event marks the fifth anniversary of Station Nightclub tragedy in Rhode Island, the fourth largest nightclub fire in U.S. history. 100 lives were lost, 200 others were seriously injured and 65 children lost one or both parents. Five years later, funds available for the survivors are woefully inadequate. Only 15 survivors of the fire qualified for Social Security benefits, and many are still unable to meet their monthly needs.
The Station Family Fund, founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the fire and the Wake Up To Love Foundation founded by Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta are event organizers. While one hundred thousand dollars was raised in 2005 from a benefit concert featuring Tesla, Shinedown, Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, those funds are in desperate need of replenishing.
All proceeds from ticket sales and charity auctions benefit the Station Family Fund, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization founded by survivors of the Station Nightclub fire. The Station Family Fund is committed to providing survivor relief, including costs of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Additional artists scheduled to perform on February 25 include Carmine Appice's SLAM, Eric Martin, Gary Hoey, Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine. More bands and artists will be announced over the next few weeks.
Organizers would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of the
Dunkin' Donuts Center for graciously donating the venue free of charge for the charity event, as well as East Coast Lighting, WHJY and the many acts who are donating their time in putting together this event.
Tickets went on sale Friday, January 4, 2008 at Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $41.00 to $61.00.
For further information on the
Station Family Fund and their work, please visit their website.