Today, on National First Responders Day, the teams behind the WinterWonderGrass Music & Brew Festival and the Mishawaka Amphitheater (the Mish) announce a benefit concert to aid regional wildfire relief efforts on Friday, November 13 at the Mish.
The concert, billed as “Gratitude - A Benefit for the Poudre and Rist Canyon Volunteer Firefighters” will feature sets of music by the WWG All-Stars featuring Jeremy Garrett (The Infamous Stringdusters), Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon) and Tyler Grant & Adrian Engfer (The Grant Farm).
"I am thrilled to be a part of this all-star cast, bringing you some music and partnering up with local firefighter relief,” shared Jeremy Garret. “I have gained first-hand experience this summer with these very large fires, having been evacuated for weeks now from the Cameron Peak Fire, as well as having seen my neighbor’s house literally burn down. Make plans to be with us as we point towards local relief as well as bringing you fire music, as we all know how to do as best we can!”
As reported nationally, the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires are the first and second wildfires to burn in Colorado state history, burning at +208,000 and 192,000 acres respectively. “We have put a lot of extra miles on our vehicles patrolling the area ahead of the fire front and putting out spot fires,” shared Hugh Collins, Poudre Canyon Fire District Fire Chief. “[We’re] mopping up hot spots in the black, and otherwise supporting the fire crews. We have used a 6-month supply of fuel in 2 months, and a year's supply of foam concentrate.”
The event producers have put forward a fundraising goal via GoFundMe of $50,000, where all proceeds are intended for the Poudre and Rist Canyon Volunteer Firefighters.
Dani Grant, Owner at the Mish, went on to say, “As our fire departments become depleted of material goods and emotional resources and our neighbors’ resolve wears thin, it is my hope we can provide significant funding to resolve the financial deficits and provide cheer to uplift our community and 1st responders by publicly honoring their incredible work and celebrating their achievements in the face of such overwhelming adversity. It's time to show our gratitude with our support and love, Mishawaka and WWG want to provide the platform.”
Tickets and information, including venue COVID-19 protocol and seating details may be found here.
