Northwest locals were devastated when fires took over the Columbia River Gorge over the summer. Seeing destruction of that magnitude happen to your hometown is simultaneously saddening and numbing, but does sort of strengthen the community. Bearing in mind that many of us moved here from another place anyway, it makes sense that we’d do what we can for those who’ve just experienced this in Northern California.
Last month Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Butte and Solano counties were hit with a series of 21 wildfires that devastated wine country and surrounding NorCal terrain. This slew of fires included one of the most destructive in California wildfire history, the Tubbs Fire, so there’s much about the area that needs to be rebuilt.
A few Portland bands are getting together shortly to help raise some funds, with some raffles taking place in-between sets. A few of the musicians playing tonight have called California (but more specifically, Northern California) their home at one point in time, so this benefit show is a bit more personal. Enjoy some harsh hardcore punk from Worws, Phantom Family and Dead Tropics, along with a bit of a bluegrass twang from the Lonesome Valley Pussyfooters. Art and other fun things from Green Noise Records, Scapegoat Tattoo, Grizzly Tattoo, Oddball Tattoo and Josh McQuary will be raffled away betwixt the bands, and all proceeds will be given to UndocuFund. Seeing as tons of undocumented families and workers have been affected by the fires and won’t be receiving federal aid, they are some of the most vulnerable beings in cases like these.
Music for tonight’s NorCal relief benefit at Tonic Lounge starts at 9pm. Entry is $8 with larger donations being accepted, with raffle tickets running one for $3 or two for $5.