Local bands raise cash for terror victims

by BRANDON WYMER
reporter

Jam-outs and generosity prevailed Oct. 10 as local musicians took the stage at Reliefest 2001. The charity event, which took place at Masquerade Dinner Theater, raised money for the American Red Cross in response to the terrorist attacks Sept. 11.

"Everyone was trying to find a way to help, and we knew some musicians," Eddie "Blue" Dawson, organizer of the event, said.

Windjammer, the Blaine Brothers Blues Band and Maynard Chapman's Blues Band were all on-hand to support the cause.

The Blaine Brothers Blues Band impressed the crowd with their coverage of legendary rock classics like Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child" and the Beatles' "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," but the most impressive aspect of the band was their age. Lead singer and guitarist Jonathan Blaine is 14, while his brother Nick, on drums, celebrated his 16th birthday at the show.

"These guys could play," Jaymz Mynes, a senior computer science major from Hurricane, said. Jonathan Blaine also played the Jimi Hendrix-style national anthem from Woodstock '69.

"I really liked Maynard Chapman's band. They played some nice old-time blues," said Alan Beasley, a junior from Teays Valley.

Maynard Chapman's Blues Band, which originated in 1964, mixed in original songs with covers of classic blues artists like John Hammond.

Reliefest raised money by taking donations, collecting entrance fees and raffling off items such as a Barry Bonds rookie card. The event collected $191.78.