HARDSTOCK

One of the beautiful things about the interweb and all of these complex toobs is the potential for community. Among the strengths of community are empathy and care in action. As an artist and entertainer I am often overwhelmed by the impact that my peers have on the world. We (in the larger sense) create the soundtrack to life, the images that become iconic and that encapsulate moments, memory markers on the paths of life. It is little wonder that when people of conscience gather to act, among the first groups that volunteer and are relied upon are members of the artistic and musical communities. Imagine a benefit, a cause or campaign without music, it almost can't be done. All of the people that take such joy in creation and in sharing their work and passion generally ask for little in return.

I got the following in my email from Frank Frink, one of my favourite commenters and a very cool cat. For our friends on the west coast, take the opportunity to celebrate live at the Commodore on April 25th and contribute to the recovery of one of ours. For the rest of our readers, please consider making a donation to help in supporting a fallen friend. Read on...

What you are about to read below concerns a very talented musician and artist who's life has recently been turned upside down. In addition to being a very talented and accomplished musician and artist he is also a cherished colleague of Vancouver's alternative music scene and, more importantly, a friend. Even if you are unable to attend this benefit we have organized we appreciate any donation or contribution you can make. Details and lots of linky goodness follows.
 
Scott Harding is an extremely well-regarded musician and producer from Vancouver who now lives and works in New York City. He spent years in Vancouver’s underground scene, and local hipsters will remember Scott best as a founding member of Bamff, Rhythm Mission and The Jazzmanian Devils.
 
In New York, his list of production credits is simply staggering, and includes Chris Rock (Never Scared), Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Wu-Tang Clan, Tricky, Medeski Martin & Wood, Prince Paul, De La Soul, PM Dawn, Brand New Heavies, Vernon Reid, Material, Soul Crib, and literally dozens of other well-known and influential artists in the jazz, hip-hop and rock scenes.
 
Scott was returning home from a recording session one night this February when the cab in which he was a passenger was T-boned by a stolen car, estimated to be going 90-100 Mph (145-160 km/h) at time of impact. Scott remains paralyzed from the chest down in a hospital in New York with a crushed T5 vertebrae, broken collarbone, broken shoulder blade, no health insurance and whopping medical bills. Although he is slowly recovering and has started rehabilitation, he has been in the hospital since Feb 15, and will be there for quite some time.
 
A benefit was also organized in New York by his friends and colleagues there on March 19th, and included performances from John Medeski, Billy Martin, Bill Laswell, Sex Mob, John Scofield, DJ Logic, DJ Olive, Eric Krasno, Neal Evans, Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Antibalas, John Ellis, Michael Blake, Vijay Iyer, Tommy Hamilton, Kevin Kendrick, and many more. They raised over $30,000 for the trust fund that has been set up for Scott by his friends.
 
Now the gauntlet has been thrown down for Scott’s Vancouver fans and friends, and will be answered with the Hardstock 08 Concert, April 25 at the Commodore. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday April 9, and will sell out fast. In the interest of keeping admin costs down and making the most amount of money possible available for Scott's rehab an recuperation we really have no advertising budget. We are going to strongly rely on word-of-mouth, plus any press we can wheedle out of local media, to make this show happen and work. I ask that you forward this on to as many people as you can. Thanks!
 
Personal donations can be made directly to the Scotty Hard Trust, payable to “The Scotty Hard Trust" and sent c/o
 
Heesok Chang,
970 Kent Ave #401,
Brooklyn NY
11205 USA

More Information at workhardplayhardscottyhard

Hardstock Vancouver Benefit