It seems that the musicians are the ones who respond to the call whenever there’s a big problem that occurs, and sometimes even with a small one.
This is true when it came to local artists of Southeastern Michigan responding to a need this last December. The recent Rock4 Tots event at Freddy in Clinton Township in December, which benefited the Goodfellows’ “No Child Without a Christmas” concert. The event helped raise more than 31,000 dollars and over 1000 toys for deserving children, according to the Facebook posting. It doesn’t matter how far the need is; when there is a call for help, artists will answer.
The fires in California are no exceptions. It’s been in the headlines for some time now. As of this posting, the fires have consumed nearly 40,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Not to mention the countless lives. Turning people and pets to look for alternative shelter because of the loss of their home.
Announce on Elsie Binx Facebook, along with other Facebook accounts of people who are involved, that the Token Lounge in Westland will be hosting a fundraiser concert on January 30, 2025, also known as the “LA Relief Fundraiser Concert.” Erin Accomando, who is the lead singer of Elsie Binx, organized this event. I asked, “Why do you want to help the people in California when you are from Michigan?” Accomando responded by saying, “In ELSIE BINX, we are all very well-connected musicians in this industry. I personally know of at least 5 musician friends who were evacuated and displaced, one of whom lost her entire home; a complete loss. This has been devastating to so many, and we want to help both the humans and animals involved. Kevin [Williams] (our producer, manager [and] engineer) had this idea at our last show, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since… I immediately said “yes” and we got to work. As a group, we figured out who we wanted involved and hit the ground running! Even though we’re far away from the fires geographically, we can’t just sit around and do nothing. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. It takes action to make action, and we want to be a part of that. L.A. has a lot of rebuilding to do, and we’re determined to help them along in that process by doing what we do best.”
“In ELSIE BINX, we are all very well-connected musicians in this industry. I personally know of at least 5 musician friends who were evacuated and displaced, one of whom lost her entire home; a complete loss. This has been devastating to so many and we want to help both the humans and animals involved. Kevin [Williams] (our producer, manager, [and] engineer) had this idea at our last show, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since… I immediately said “yes” and we got to work. As a group, we figured out who we wanted involved and hit the ground running! Even though we’re far away from the fires geographically, we can’t just sit around and do nothing. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. It takes action to make action and we want to be a part of that. L.A. has a lot of rebuilding to do and we’re determined to help them along in that process by doing what we do best.”
The Pasadena Humane and MusicCares will split the proceeds from the benefit concert. Two organizations that are trying to help the people behind the music and animals that are impacted by the fires. The funds will be collected from concertgoers and merchandise sold by the bands, as well as donations. The percentage of the event’s merchandise sales that will be donated to the cause will be decided by each band at the eve.
Michigan’s own Elsie Binx will be headlining the “LA Relief Fundraiser Concert.” Members of Elsie Binx include Erin Accomando (vocalist), Jen Read (vocalist/keys), Phil Steuer (bassist), Jonny Neville (guitarist/vocalist), and Darin Curtis (drummer/vocalist). The band recently released “Disease,” their most recent single. It can be found on some of your favorite streaming services.
Along with Elsie Binx, scheduled to play will be Stereobabe, which includes Ted Lamont [Blasternaut] and Leann Banks [Von Bondies]. Their music can be found on Bandcamp.
Also added to the bill is Ardennes Band from Davison, Michigan; members include Andrew (bass), Leo (guitar), Harrison (guitar), and Ian (drums). Cindee Lish from The Lafayettes will be in the lineup for the concert as well. The bands that are scheduled to be on the bill have been handpicked just for this event.
Hosting the event at the Token Lounge will be local radio host Screamin’ Scott Randall.
Tickets for the event are $15, and it is an all-ages show. Doors are scheduled to open at 6:30 pm. People can also catch the “LA Relief Fundraiser Concert” on the internet as well. A livestream of the concert will be on Twitch.tv/elsiebinx. If you want to make a donation to either of the causes that are being supported, go to either Pasadena Humane or MusicCares.
