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Fundraisers help victims By Jason Walker
Buckley sang Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel as "Praha Hotel" to recall the heartache felt by those who lost homes and property Sept. 17. The event was organized by Steve Mitchell, of Harrison, guitarist for the Mannish Boys, Buckley of Fawn, and John Vento, the front man for John Vento and the Nieds Hotel band. The Dam it Festival, at Fawn, was organized by Rick Phillips, a Lower Burrell resident and member of the band Sea of Glass. "It's just doing out part," Mitchell said while listening to James play. He said he doesn't know any of the flood victim's personally, but said it's just a way for them to give back to the community. He said he had no idea how much money the concert would raise. Then he joked that they had a lofty goal. "We want to raise a little more than (Bruce )Springstein when he comes," he said with a laugh. The famous rocker is coming to Pittsburgh soon for a benefit show of his own. Jane Wesolosky of Buffalo was one of the people who decided to come to the show. She said she wanted to support the flood victims and also listen to James. "It's nice to see the community come out and support this," Wesolosky said. Maria Sherer and Lori Hank, both of Harrison also said they wanted to help the flood victims. Hank said her mother, Mildred Spencer, had to be rescued from her home in Buffalo so she knows of all the hard work rescue workers went through as well a some of the struggles flood victims have had to endure. "We're giving back a little bit," Hank said. At the Fawn Tavern, acoustic act Terry McCausland opened up the show with a mix of covers and original songs. He was the first of five acts to play at the tavern. Mike Vasey of New Kensington, and Paul Peterson of Sea of Glass were at the bar awaiting their slot, and also enjoying the other bands. Peterson said his brother Jon Peterson lives in the Kinloch section of Lower Burrell, and flood waters hit his home hard. Paul Peterson said his brother and family have been able to move back in, but the cleanup took a long time, and he lost a lot of stuff. "It was bad," Paul Peterson said. Vasey said he was interested in doing the show because he knows that there's still a lot of people out there that need at lot of help. He also noted that the Holiday season is on its way. "We just want to try to put some food on people's tables," he said. "For Thanksgiving." Jason Walker can be reached at jawalker@tribweb.com or 724-226-4672 |