My latest DV Shelter event took place last night. I would like to share with you some of the wonderful people that gave of their time and talent. The event was an amazing success!
Jimmy Lloyd Rea - File photo
People who love the blues and a good cause are in for a rockin good time Saturday night when Shelter From the Storm hosts the second annual Jimmy Lloyd Rea Birthday Bash at the Eagles Lodge.
Not only does the 7 p.m. fundraiser coincide with Rea's birthday, it also comes along at the start of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Shelter board member and event organizer Dawn Schiller said it all fits together very nicely.
This is a wonderful way to launch the observance, and also to let the community know the shelter is available to everyone and working hard to eradicate violence, she said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the agency, which is a domestic violence crisis intervention service. Rea and the local musicians siding him are donating their time and talent to the event. Jimmy is a staunch advocate against violence, and he shows it with his actions and his words, said Schiller. That goes for all the musicians who will be there.
Rea, an ever-popular blues singer and bass guitarist, has been playing the blues since the 1960s.
Though Rea is internationally known and has performed with legends like Pete Karnes, Muddy Waters and the group Canned Heat, he often plays small towns in the Northwest.
His father, county Judge Jimmy Lloyd Rea, often presided over cases involving domestic violence. That gave the son a chance to see the consequences of violence up close.
A lot of times, the cases were about parents beating and abusing their kids. I saw that it turned those kids sideways, Rea said. Its always driven me crazy. I cant stand that abuse stuff. This is my way of helping the people who need it.
Saturday night, Rea will appear with singer-guitarist Al Too Loud MacLeod, keyboardist Matt Cooper, guitarists Larry Robb and Jerry Smith, drummer Tim Erickson and saxophonist Greg Johnson.
Sit-in musicians will include Russell Hunt, Luke McKern, and Dave Yoder.
Hunt is a Navy veteran who played saxophone in the Navy Stage Band. He was once selected to play his instrument on the Tonight Show, but was unable to make it because of his service commitment.
Tickets for the benefit, priced at $10 per person and $15 for families, can be purchased at Shelter From the Storm. We were a packed house last year, Schiller said. The Eagles were pleasantly surprised to find all their chairs filled with people. The event is sponsored by Sorbenots Coffee, Dominos Pizza, Pizza Hut, New York Richies and Coca-Cola.