The seven members of Brushfire could pose as poster children for the experiences and talent one can gain from being part of the Spartan Marching Band.
They also could serve as an example of what makes friendships last.
Together, they have seen their way out of some pretty heavy stuff. And although Brushfire is made up of some truly nice guys, tonight's show for the Meningitis Foundation of America isn't just any random act of kindness.
In October 1999, Brushfire's vocalist Adam Busuttil came close to death after contracting the type-Y strain of bacterial meningitis from an unknown source. Busuttil, a music education senior, was hospitalized in Lansing for three weeks and then sent to a hospital in Kentucky, where he underwent amputations because of the disease. Now his life is dedicated to promoting awareness of the disease, which is not only misunderstood, he says, but extremely dangerous.
Gathered in Busuttil's basement Monday night, the good friends stood atop old Oriental rugs, tuning up their instruments for practice. Microphone in hand and seated on a Peavey amplifier, Busuttil spoke frankly about his experience.
"It's an inflammation of the spinal chord to the brain and turns into, like, frostbite, basically. I lost some fingers and toes," Busuttil said. "It has flu-like symptoms and eventually you just lay down, fall asleep and never wake up."
The benefit concert will raise money for the awareness and treatment of all forms of the potentially fatal and disabling disease. Brushfire will perform its Motown, classic rock, soul, funk and contemporary rock tunes as part of the show, of which all proceeds will go directly to the Meningitis Foundation of America.
"I still come across people that don't know about it or that there's a vaccine," he said. "You only hear about meningitis when there's a case in the area."
Busuttil's best friends, his bandmates, have been supportive of him, after witnessing firsthand the intense and devastating effects of the disease.
Jeffrey Phiya Ford, who provides the group's trombone and backing vocals, was in the emergency room with Busuttil. Now, years later, the vision of his friend in an uncertain state of survival still makes him shake his head.
"The best music is what you can relate to your life," the social work graduate student said. "When stuff like this happens to you or someone you know, you get a whole different outlook on life. I think you definitely get more passionate about what you're doing and expressing yourself through music."
Busuttil said he has noticed himself becoming more excited about performing music since he recovered from the disease and does not express any sort of self-pity for the ordeal he lived through. His strong, soulful vocals add to the group's lively sound.
"I would never go back through my college career and change anything, but if I can save someone from getting what I had, it's worth me getting sick," Busuttil said.
Brushfire is made up of musicians who truly care more about having fun than making any money. Just about every band says that, but Brushfire's claim to such innocence and authenticity is genuine.
Check out Brushfire in its hometown of Lansing on April 16 when the band plays a live show at The Dollar Nightclub, 3411 E. Michigan Ave.
