Words by Erin Wolf
As a musician, imagine picking up a guitar or sitting behind a drum kit and not being able to play or hit in rhythm, no matter how much prior practice. The central nervous system plays an important part in music that most musicians don’t even give a second thought to. Take away basic nervous system functionality, and undoubtedly, it would be the forefront of thought. For several locals, it already is.
Benefit shows are nothing new, but the cause behind each one is what counts. This Friday, four local bands, steered by local musician and event organizer Stephanie Swinney, are taking the stage to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, which devastates the nervous systems of thousands of people, musicians and non-musicians, alike. To raise awareness, in addition to the annual cycling ride, the MS 150, Swinney started organizing shows to garner additional funds. Swinney’s own personal experience with the disease fueled her passion for the cause, her own enthusiasm helping the event to become a growing success. Swinney gives Fan-belt the details of this year’s event, which features music by local pop-punk and pop-rock bands Molitor, The Hussy, Jail and Bored Games.
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