By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
A local cancer benefit will be held for a Bayard resident and musician at the Alliance Eagles Club on March 29.
Powerhouse Entertainment has organized the cancer benefit for Natasha Bre. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with the concert to start at 2 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge with all proceeds going to Bre.
Many local bands will be performing to help raise awareness and funds for Bre including: The Raging Derilicts (Rock, Metal, The Shon Townsend Band (Blues, Rock, The Greendales (Americana, Rock, Country, Kalin Krohe Reference (Folk, Indie Rock, Acoustic, and Gabriel the Brute (Acoustic, Rock).
Don McGhghy is the owner/DJ of Powerhouse Entertainment and said he has known Natasha Bre for a long time since she started playing country music.
"I found out she had cancer, which is stage 3 lymphoma," said McGhghy. "She is in the process right now of going through chemotherapy, and she's having a really rough time. She's staying a trooper, and she's still in the music scene. She's got a beautiful voice, and just got signed to a record label in Scottsbluff. I said I'd do anything that I can to help you out."
McGhghy knows a lot of people in the western Nebraska music scene. He said he called up all his music friends and the benefit show came together.
"It's a wide, wide range of music. A little bit for everybody," McGhghy added.
Don said Natasha Bre might perform as well depending on how she feels.
Derek Johnson is one of the most well known musicians in the panhandle playing in nine bands. On March 29 Johnson will be playing bass for The Raging Derilicts, The Shon Townsend Band, and Kalin Krohe Reference. He has been involved in the western Nebraska music scene for over 12 years.
"I have been donating my time playing music for all kinds of different benefits," said Johnson. "With health care the way it is...I can understand how people really have no choice, but to ask for help...even with good insurance. One's medical bills will consume them fast. I can't always spare change, but I can provide in a different way to help people raise money. It's rewarding for me and it means a lot."
Another well known musician that will be performing is Shon Townsend. He's been playing in the music scene for over 30 years. Townsend currently is the store manager at Crossroads Music in Alliance. He started playing in garage bands and at keg party concerts in the late 1980's.
"It's going to be cool to play with good bands and musicians for a good cause," said Townsend.
Jack Schaaf, guitarist of The Greendales has been involved in the local music community in the Scottsbluff area for 7 years, and before that involved in the Kearney music scene for 10 years starting in 2002.
"We're glad to be able to help with this benefit for sure, said Schaaf. "It's great that the local musical community can come together and support this cause...and hopefully raise some money and awareness."
Gabriel Bruton is a local singer-songwriter from the Scottsbluff/Gering area and performs in three different bands. He'll be playing solo at the benefit as Gabriel the Brute. Bruton has been in the music scene for 10 years.
"I'm happy and honored to be a part of this event for Natasha," said Bruton. "It's great that musicians... and people in general in the panhandle are willing to help and support each other in times of need. I hope this fundraiser can alleviate even a small amount of the pressure and stress that comes with battling cancer."
Don McGhghy said the concert benefit will also have door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing.
"That's what it is all about. It's about helping people in our communities," said McGhghy. "The people that have volunteered and are playing are great people and have really stepped up for this young lady."
Disclosure: Panhandle Post’s Kalin Krohe is a member of Kalin Krohe Reference.