It's now three weeks after the Floods of Irene and her presence is still very close. The initial disaster relief showed an amazing amount of progress, the food shelves are still stocked and the National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers are tirelessly repairing what is left of the roads despite landslides, traffic, and more rain in the forecast. In other words this ain't over yet. In fact, we have a long way to go. For example what used to be a 10 min. drive to get groceries, gas, go to the bank or the interstate now takes over an hour. And that is over temporary roads that require 4-wheel drive at a snail's pace. Daily routine and production has slowed on all fronts. I am sensing major frustration from everyone in the area and there are simply no answers or timeframes for restoration. This is a time when the state prepares for the onslaught of leaf peepers that bring so much income to our small businesses and when locals start bracing for the long winter and thinking about how to pay their property taxes.
Things will be different this year. Killington guitar-madman Joey Leone called me about playing a benefit concert with many local musicians and I jumped at the offer to be on board. I have been approached by at least 14 different people/committees about doing benefit concerts and although I would like to do them all, I want to concentrate on the ones that make most sense or basically can raise the most money. There are sure to be more relief concerts in the months to come but this one in Killington is sure to be a great event. Between Joey, Tweed River Productions, the time and equipment donated by Soundtown, and the energy of local musicians and fans, major funds will be granted to the towns surrounding Killington.
The price for this all-day event on Sunday Oct 2 is only $20. There will be three different stages, auctions and tons of food. Please visit this Facebook page and help spread the word.