After the legend known as Dimebag Darrel died, a handful of dedicated fans put together a memorial show in his honor. The response was amazing, and it evolved into an annual event. They decided to donate the funds earned to different local non-profit organizations. I happened to attended one of these events that was donating to Doernbecher Children's Hospital. At the time, I was involved in my kid's PTA as the raffle and auction coordinator. I'm also a huge Pantera and Dimebag fan, so I thought I could help out with getting donations. The next year, I participated in helping raise funds for Rock For Kids. The year after that, I was asked to coordinate the event. I can't remember what it was called in the beginning, all I knew was that I had never hosted a music event before. I was nervous yet excited to take this on. After all, it was a cause that I believed in, honoring Dimebag while giving back to the community. Dimebag was a great man, not only talented but incredibly humble, he was always giving back to his fans, so I wanted to ensure that his legacy lived on.
The bands and volunteers that I work with feel the same way and donate their time and talent for this event. Usually for this event, the venues will waive the fees or lower them. I don't make any money on these shows. In fact, I spend money out of my own pocket on fliers, stamps, buying merchandise for the silent auction/raffle, gas, tickets to big name shows, not to mention my time standing in line to get autographs. I do all this in order to provide the best show possible. I am learning new things about the music business each and every year and as a result, the show gets bigger and better every year. It is my passion and this year I am expecting the biggest turn out to date.
I believe it's paramount that children are able to have access to music, no matter what. So I decided to donate the money to local non-profit organizations that would help me accomplish this. Since I took on this task, I have worked very hard to keep it going. One of the main organizations that I have had the pleasure to work with is called Prowus. They are a major supporter of local families who cannot afford a well-rounded education in the arts for their children. In the current situation of public-school funding, the art programs are the first to suffer, which forces parents to look for another source for arts education. This outside source is often above the financial range for many Portland families. Therefore, it is our goal to assist in making music education accessible to all who want it. Operated by a volunteer board who have connections to the music community, Prowus builds their grant fund with proceeds from donations and fund raising events such as the one that I will be hosting this year.
Having the show at the Hawthorne Theater is a step up from my previous years of hosting this event. Needless to say, I am a bit nervous but looking forward to a great turn out. The local bands playing this year are Goddamn Acoustic, Strength Keeper, Chronological Injustice, Agnaozia and Stronger Than All. This year, the main auction items that I will be raffling off are: 2 guitars and a bass autographed by Arch Enemy, Kreator, Huntress, Rob Zombie, Revocation, Goatwhore, Witchburn and Fit For An Autopsy. There will also be gift certificates to restaurants, amusement parks, tattoo shops and so much more!
To find out more about this years Annual Dimebag Benefit show and PROWUS, follow the links below. May you always have music in your heart and soul.
https://www.facebook.com/events/416664128518489/
www.prowus.org
http://cascadetickets.com/event/?performer_id=7252244
https://www.facebook.com/katie.PDX