The Boston music community is rallying around Beatings bassist Erin Dalbec, who currently remains hospitalized in Istanbul after suffering a burst artery near her head earlier this week. A GoFundMe campaign to aid Dalbec, whose American insurance is not recognized in Turkey, has generated nearly $25,000 from 375 donors over a single day, and now, several bands are coming together for a benefit show Saturday night at Great Scott, hosted by the Allston rock club and Midriff Records.
The “pay what you can” show features a stripped down performance by Kudgel, sets by Bobby Logan of Vic Firecracker, members of the Beatings, and Sidewalk Driver’s Tad McKitterick and Kate Murdoch, as well as Scott Janovitz, and M.G. Lederman.
Great Scott has donated the room costs for the night, so all money raised at the door will go towards Dalbec’s treatment and recovery. Nearly 15 years ago, the Beatings were among the first bands booked by Great Scott booking agent Carl Lavin, part of a 2002 show at the Upstairs Lounge in North Station also featured the Datsons and the Prostitutes (before they soon changed their name to the Bon Savants). Since that show, the Beatings have played Great Scott countless times. Saturday, two-fifths of the band play perhaps their most important gig there.
Here’s the word from the Facebook event page, created by Midriff Records:
Two days ago The Beatings bassist Erin Dalbec fell gravely ill due to a burst artery near her head while traveling through Turkey. She is currently being hospitalized in Istanbul for a minimum of 10 days for treatment and observation with her husband Rob at her side. Doctors feel its unsafe to move her or allow her to travel in her current condition. Medical and basic needs bills are mounting with every day they stay.
So, we’re gonna throw a party and help defray some of their expenses. Lets get them home as soon, as comfortably and as healthy as can be. Come out, hear some wonderful artists play for you and hopefully you’ll throw a couple shekels in the jar. All proceeds go to help Rob and Erin with their situation and medical bills.
And here is the lineup, listed in order from 9 p.m. doors to last call:
Kudgel (special stripped down performance)
Bobby Logan (of Vic Firecracker)
The Beatings (2/5 members)
Tad and Kate (of Sidewalk Driver)
Scott Janovitz
M.G. Lederman