Perhaps the most pertinent benefit taking place this week is the memorial show for the late Tom Furtaw of Spitting Nickels, who succumbed onstage at Hart Plaza last month when the band was opening for Blue Oyster Cult (see earlier blog item).
In honor of Tom and his family, the musician-lawyer's many friends are holding a fundraiser this Thursday, September 18th, at the Atwater Block Brewery in Detroit, starting at 5 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided and a silent auction will be held between 5 and 9 p.m. Spitting Nickels will take the stage at 8 p.m. followed by Birdgang and the Drinking Problem. The goal of the event is to raise as much money as possible for the education of Tom's children. Donations can be made to the Furtaw Children Education Trust, c/o Papista & Papista PLC, 535 Griswold St., Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48226, directly at any Chase Bank branch in Michigan, or via PayPal.
Our friend Willy Wilson and others have really stepped up to the plate on this one for the silent auction -- a full list of items follow at the end of this post.
It's probably not as worthy of a cause as raising money for someone's kids. Nevertheless, Downtown Brown has informed us that they're throwing a benefit at the Magic Stick this Friday, September 19th, to raise money towards a new van, since their old one broke down during their last tour. Since April 2007, the band has done five self-booked national tours with no monetary or label support. They call themselves "one of the hardest-working bands in Detroit," which means they definitely deserve a new van. OK, then...
Finally, don't forget the Detroit Rocks The Vote event, which takes place this Wednesday, September 17th at the Fillmore. Several local bands and hip-hop artists will be on hand, including Deastro, the Muggs, the Go and Black Bottom Collective...and Public Enemy honcho Chuck D will be the featured speaker. Gee, how many of them do you think are supporting McCain and the hockey mom who has no idea what "the Bush Doctrine" is but can "see Russia" from her Alaska home? It's pretty bad when even Karl Rove -- who should be in fucking prison and not on Fox "News" every day -- calls a campaign out for "going over the line" with lies and deceit, as Rove did today regarding McCain's campaign. So get your asses in gear, folks, There's only a few weeks left to register. I'm a little dismayed by some of the "political" blogs I've seen recently which argue there is no difference between the candidates and it's "uncool" to even vote or care. That's fine, I guess...but who the fuck do these 20-somethings -- who can't be bothered to vote -- think is going to fight those wars in Russia, Iran and the next 100 years in Iraq if the old guy goes in? Hint: It ain't gonna be me...
Oh, and here's that silent auction list:
Silent Auction Items (so far!)
1). Autographed Paul Weller Album – donated by Willy Wilson.
2). Autographed John Entwistle “Who By Numbers” album – donated by Willy Wilson.
3). Two (2) Michigan vs. Wisconsin football tickets, September 27th, Section 8, Row 53, Seats 21 and 22 – donated by the Theros Family.
4). Dayton Bombers hockey game jersey with puck – donated by Papista Family – Dayton Bombers Professional “AA” Hockey Team.
5). Four (4) Michigan State vs. Indiana men’s basketball tickets, Saturday, February 7th, 4:00 p.m., floor seats, second row, with parking pass – donated by Pete Eardley.
6). Four (4) Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals tickets, September 22nd, section 135, row 25 – donated by James McNulty and Fuel Detroit.
7). Vera Bradley messenger bag, Mediterranean blue – donated by Amy Byrne Ray, Vera Bradley.
8). $50.00 gift certificate with Robert, at Edward Nepi Beauty & Cosmetic Salon – donated Edward Nepi Salon.
9). $10.00 gift certificate at Burrito Mundo – donated by Burrito Mundo.
10). Case of Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Chardonnay – donated by Bill Matouk, Woods Wholesale Wine.
11). $50.00 gift certificate, Dylan’s Raw Bar and Grille – donated by Rocco, Dylan’s Raw Bar and Grille.
12). Large Vera Bradley tic tac pinwheel pink tote – donated by Amy Byrne Ray, Vera Bradley.
13). Four (4) Michigan State vs. Wisconsin football tickets with parking, November 1st, section 24 – donated by Steve Tucker, Fox Cable Sports.
14). Lance Armstrong Sports Illustrated Magazine autographed by Lance Armstrong – donated by Scott MacEachern, Nike.
15). Round of golf for three on the South Course at Oakland Hills, lunch and drinks included – donated by Rick Simmons.
16). Atwater Lighted sign, case of beer, and 2 pint glasses – donated by Atwater Block Brewery.
17). Framed black and white autographed 11 x 14 picture of Bob Seger – donated by WCSX.
18). Large Vera Bradley tic tac cambridge tote – donated by Amy Byrne Ray, Vera Bradley.
19). Sangean HD Radio component tuner – donated by WCSX.
20). Sterling silver fresh water pearl necklace and bracelet – donated by George Koueiter and Sons Jewelers.
21). Men’s Helbros watch – donated by Maloofs Jewelry & Gifts.
22). Women’s Helbros watch – donated by Maloofs Jewelry & Gifts.
23). Three eyebrow arches with Tess Nepi – donated by Edward Nepi Salon.
24). Vera Bradley large bow cosmetic, small bow cosmetic, card case Kensington and Crabtree and Evelyn lotion - donated by Amy Byrne Ray, Vera Bradley.
25). Tastefully Simple gift basket – donated by Michelle Heimbuch, Tastefully Simple.
26). Four ground round deluxe dinners at Irish Coffee – donated by Irish Coffee.
27.). Greg Tisdale limited edition print, “Black River" - Port Huron/Mackinaw race – donated by Tim Dinan, Dinan & Associates.
28). $25 gift certificate to Tamara Spa, Farmington Hills – donated by WCSX.
29). Four ground round deluxe dinners at Sunrise Sunset Saloon – donated by Sunrise Sunset Saloon.
30). Rusted Root platinum record - 1,000,000 copy of debut album – donated by Scott Guy of D-PAN.
31). $25 gift certificate to Tamara Spa, Farmington Hills – donated by WCSX.
32). Framed limited edition photo of Comerica Park – donated by Tim Dinan, Dinan & Associates.
33). Round of golf for three plus lunch at Orchard Lake Country Club, good through 10/1/09 - donated by Tim Bearden, Stonebridge financial.
34). $100.00 gift certificate in salon services – donated by LAMIA & LAMIA Salon and Day Spa.
35). Large Patagonia water-resistant messenger bag – donated by Mikes Marine Supply.
36). VIP passes for 2 to the Detroit Jazz Festival, includes back stage pass and personal tour of the festival – donated by Matt Lee.
37). New hard cover rock and roll books - Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, etc. – donated by Melody Baetens, Detroit News.
