(antiMusic) We had a quick story about this last week but here is the official word with all the details: The seventh annual Layne Staley Tribute And Benefit Concert, honoring musician Layne Staley's life and music, will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008, 8:30pm at Showbox Sodo located at 1700 1st Avenue S., Seattle, WA, one block south of Safeco Field. This year's event will feature the band Hurt, who toured as direct support for Alice In Chains on their 2006 tour. Hurt quickly gained attention and a rabid fanbase of their own among Alice in Chains fans. Band members include; J. Loren – vocals, Evan Johns – drums, Josh Ansley – bass, Paul Spatola – guitar.
The show also features another favorite among Alice in Chains fans, Tantric, who's single 'Down and Out" is currently #20 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and #19 on Radio & Records' Active Rock chart. Band members include; Hugo Ferriera – vocals, Kevin Miller (ex-Fuel) – drums, Joe Pessia – guitar, Eric Leonhardt – bass and Marcus Ratzenboeck – violin.
Tantric and Hurt not only share a strong tie to Layne's fans, they also share the unique coincidence of featuring the violin during their live performances.
As is tradition, the tribute concert will also showcase local Seattle bands, including up and coming band Future Fossils, featuring John Beckman, Peter Marshall and Joseph McDaniel; and returning to the stage for a second year is band on the rise, Riverbend featuring Izzy Gleason, Jesse Kaein, Cody James and Bryan Seeley. The event will also feature many special touches that uniquely honor Layne and his fans, including a special performance by NANCY Mccallum, Layne's mother.
Musicians participating in the benefit over the last five years include Daughtry, Aaron Lewis (Staind/Acoustic Set), Kevin Martin (Candlebox), Second Coming, Soulbender, Riverbend, Tim Branom, Temperedcast, Dc & The Washingtons, Revolve, Fear Itself, Surface Tension, Jar Of Flies And Gary Hoey.
All proceeds benefit Layne Staley Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created in 2002. Seeking to turn the tragedy of Layne's death into hope for those that suffer, Layne Staley Fund uses donated funds and proceeds from the sale of merchandise and tribute revenues to support local chemical dependency facilities, drug education, and outreach programs. We work with fans and musicians to raise funds for community recovery programs. Layne Staley Fund was co-founded by Nancy McCallum and Jamie Richards of Emerald City Musician's Network.
For more information visit www.laynestaleyfund.com or http://www.myspace.com/laynestaleyfundcom