Oso Grande efforts continue in support of local musician

The turnout for the Oso Grande benefit for local musician Rodney Lanier (pictured above) the Friday before Halloween was quite astounding. Personally it was like a reunion with almost everyone I'd ever met or worked with in the Charlotte music scene over the past 17 years. Around 600 people showed up at NoDa's Chop Shop throughout the night to lend a financial donation and an ear to Lanier and his bands Sea of Cortez and Jolene, as well as Benji Hughes, the Houstons and Temperance League.

The first event launched the Rodney Lanier Support Trust, which is aimed at helping Lanier, who is being treated for cancer, offset medical expenses and support himself if the time comes when he's unable to work. With the help of a few large private donations the kick-off event for raised $12,000.

The next event, The 1st National Gathering of the Taco Army, will take place November 25 at Evening Muse (3227 N. Davidson St.). Another is tentatively scheduled for December and will feature Charlotte instrumental surf outfit the Aqualads with a bevy of guest vocalists. The concert will be combined with the release of the band's Christmas cd, which they've also recorded to help raise funds for the trust. A multi-venue benefit concert is also being organized for Spring 2012.

You can keep up with upcoming Oso Grande events at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204327279635518.