Musician Eric Krasno, in partnership with the Song Summit Foundation, held a sold-out benefit concert at The Lodge Room in Los Angeles. The event also included a charity auction of signed musical instruments and memorabilia to raise funds for those in need.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 02-27-2024
On Tuesday, February 25th, the first part of Eric Krasno’s vision of how to make a difference after the devastation of the LA Fires happened with great success at The Lodge Room in Los Angeles. After putting together the Help on the Way LA umbrella organization to support his efforts, Krasno partnered with Park City-based Song Summit Foundation. Together, they created a dynamic two-part fundraiser to help those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires.
First, a benefit concert in Los Angeles at The Lodge Room would open the door by raising funds and awareness. Second, a charity auction and sweepstakes of signed instruments and musical memorabilia would help swell the coffers, allowing the group to give even more to those in need. With an array of talented musicians playing and donating, the lineup for the performance was impressive, and the names behind the items donated to the auction were astounding. From one guitar signed by popular performer Dave Matthews to another signed by the legendary Warren Haynes, the ongoing auction is not to be missed.
When asked how and why he generated such effort to make Help On The Way LA happen, Eric Krasno, known as ‘Kraz’ to his friends, family, and fans, explains, “I evacuated from Altadena during the fires. My son’s school burned, and the homes of our friends burned down. I was lucky enough that my house and studio were spared. However, when this happened, I realized I had to do something. Contacting friends in the music world, we put together Help on the Way LA in partnership with Song Summit Foundation. Giving back through music made the most sense for me and my greater community.”
Indeed, at The Lodge Room, his community of talented performers came together to put on a fantastic show. Notable names in the lineup playing with Kraz included trumpeter and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick, an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band, Grahame Lesh, the son of late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, on bass and guitar, and the Dawes, an American folk-rock band composed of brothers Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums. Taylor Goldsmith lost his recording studio in the Altadena fires, and his brother Griffin lost his home. Playing passionately despite these devastating losses, they were perfect examples of the significance of such relief efforts.
When asked why Song Summit Foundation chose to team with Help On The Way LA in this joint effort, founder Paige Anderson explained with evident compassion, “We believe in the power of music to bring people together, heal, and create real impact. The devastation caused by the LA fires has left so many in need, and as a foundation dedicated to using music for wellness and community support, we feel compelled to act. This benefit concert and auction will not only raise critical funds for those affected but also serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience that music can inspire in times of crisis.”
Although the benefit concert is past, the auction and sweepstakes will continue online. Help On The Way LA and the Song Summit Foundation will use the funds raised to benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and local Pasadena Boys and Girls Club chapters. By bidding, people will not only access incredible signed instruments donated by legendary musicians. They will also support the vital work needed to restore Los Angeles communities. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund will help musicians and music industry workers impacted by the calamity, and the Boys and Girls Club will help families and kids displaced from schools and homes by the fires.
