Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Stellar local bill honors one of its own


The Chop Shop in NoDa will host Oso Grande, a benefit for Rodney Lanier, Friday. Lanier, who works at The Evening Muse and has played in numerous bands including his baby, Sea of Cortez, and Jolene, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer earlier this year.

News of his illness turned this weekend's Sea of Cortez show at Chop Shop (399 E. 35th St.) into a full blown all star benefit. The lineup features some of the best Charlotte acts of the last 15 years including Jolene, Temperance League, Benji Hughes, the Houstons, and Sea of Cortez (who Lanier is seen playing pedal steel with in the above clip). The show marks the first full reunion of Jolene in eight years. Two of its members now reside in Los Angeles.

Other fundraisers are in the works. Another titled "The 1st International Gathering of the Taco Army" was announced earlier this week. It'll take place November 25 at Evening Muse (3227 N. Davidson St.). A multi-venue neighborhood festival is being discussed for 2012 as well. There's obviously no shortage of musicians and venues wanting to contribute to the cause. If you're familiar with Rodney on or off the stage, you know why.

Lanier can still be founding working the bar, the door, and the sound system at the Muse, but proceeds from the benefit will be put in a trust in case there comes a time that he is unable to work. He has gone through a round of radiation already and begins chemotherapy next month.

Tickets to Oso Grande are $10 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., music starts at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds from tickets and merch sales will go to the Rodney Lanier Support Trust and donations can be made directly to The Rodney Lanier Support Trust, 4242 Folkston Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205.

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