For most people, going to a bar on a Sunday afternoon isn’t high on the list of priorities. But for a good cause, hundreds of people and more than a dozen local bands made it out to raise money for the American Red Cross Sunday at Trippers in Lansing
“I read about it in the paper,” said Jessica Cain, a Holt-area social worker. “I like a lot of the bands, and it’s for a good cause.”
With the slogan “14 bands... One Cause,” the event was entitled “Give,” a unified effort in which the participants gave up their time and donated time and equipment to benefit the 2001 Terrorist Disaster Relief Fund.
“We all just wanted to do something,” said Kevin Meyer, president of the Meridian Entertainment Group. Meyer helped bring the event together, along with the help of all the bands and the staff and management of Trippers, 354 Frandor Ave.
“You can reach out and touch the TV, but we just wanted to help in any way we could.”
After about three weeks of planning, the people came out to fill up the stage areas at Trippers, which were divided into two areas. With the first band starting at 1 p.m. and the last band taking the stage late in the evening, there were a variety of bands for all tastes of music. From local favorites In Sol to the good times of Rev. Right Time & the 1st Cuzins of Funk, the entertainment kept coming all day.
All the bands were happy for the chance to play, especially given the circumstances. And although the short sets were a big departure for most bands, who spend most of their shows on-stage for much longer sets, everyone was relaxed and having fun with the other bands as they took turns getting their stuff on and off the stages.
“This is our first charity event,” said Chad Hayes, the trombone and stump fiddle player for the band Huckleberry Groove. Hayes was speaking about shows after the Sept. 11 attacks. “Everybody’s trying real hard to make it come together and make it a great event. You need us to play at 7 p.m., we’ll play at seven. They needed us to play at 3:30 p.m., so it’s going to be great.”
While the bands were generous with their time, others participating were just as giving. Meyer said that all of the staff at Trippers agreed to forego all of its tips for the sake of the fund-raising. Tripper’s management also donated all its revenue from the day to the cause.
Other organizations participating were Sound EFX, 1115 N. Washington Ave. in Lansing, which came with a full sound system. Local film production company Our Small Planet Productions 301 M.A.C Ave., was filming the whole thing, possibly for a video or compilation CD.
“I didn’t do a lot, but I donated my time,” said Tommy Foster, guitar player for his band, Foster Kids. Foster also had a hand in organizing the event, helping to coordinate communication between the restaurant and the bands. “All the bands were excited to participate in a good cause.”
While everyone is hopeful about the grand total, Meyer said he’s just happy that it all went well. Whatever the total is, it will go to help the Red Cross continue to maintain the necessary blood supply and aid the families of those lost in the attacks.
Meyer also said every little bit helps, especially when considering the $100 million gift program for families who have not found their lost loved ones.
And with the effort that took place, quite a bit of assistance was raised.
“Everyone’s donating everything,” Meyer said.
