Buzzbox
Since the September 11 attacks, even high-profile musicians have displayed a restored sense of perspective. Everyone from Paul McCartney to Michael Jackson to the now-embattled veteran metal outfit Anthrax has donated services to benefit shows, acting as not-for-profit entertainers. On the local front, heavyweights such as Season to Risk, Shiner and Onward Crispin Glover performed a couple weeks back at a Westport Flea Market show that sent proceeds to the Red Cross, and many other acts have staged smaller-scale efforts to help the cause. More than a month after the initial grieving period, artists continue to pledge their talents. On Thursday, October 25, Chicago’s DJ Rhythm serves a one-night residency at Spark Bar. A veteran spinner who combines disco funk with a smooth, hypnotic groove, Rhythm has more than a dozen releases to his name, including several on French and Belgian record labels. The door take from this event goes to a New York-based disaster-relief fund.
In addition to inspiring performers to rally in support of New York and Washington, D.C.-based victims, recent events might have intensified the focus on area individuals in need. There’s never been a shortage of local benefit shows or good reasons to hold them, but historically, attendance at such concerts has been slight. However, with concertgoers as well as musicians more concerned than ever about what they can do to assist those in need, some upcoming events may fare better than expected. On Friday, October 26, an eclectic lineup at Davey’s Uptown plays a “Victory Benefit” for Shane Kampe, a rock fan and professional painter who suffered massive head trauma as a result of a motorcycle accident on September 5. Kampe has shown remarkable progress so far, battling back to the point where he can speak and carry his own weight, but he still faces a lengthy, costly fight.
The bill to help Kampe pay the bills includes Switchitters, The Last of the V8s and Robico and the Death Ray Angels, who get the show started at around 6 p.m. After an auction, The Victorstands, Sandoval (playing what’s rumored to be its last-ever reunion) and Rex Hobart & the Misery Boys, in that order, work the late shift.
