There are still some details to finalize, but plans are developing for a benefit concert at Aeolian Hall to raise money for the victims of Wednesday's explosion in Old East.
The concert is set for Tuesday, August 20.
Clark Bryan, executive director of Aeolian Hall, said the idea of a benefit concert came quickly after the blast.
"It was actually one of the local musicians, Tara Dunphy, who Facebook'd me the next morning and said, 'do you want to do something?' So, it has come about very organically from the music community itself," he said. "We recognize that there is a very tight interdependent community in our city and they're willing to roll up their sleeves right away and do something about it."
Dunphy will be among the performers at the concert. Other acts that have been confirmed so far include the Rizdales, Helix, and Aaron Allen. Bryan said more artists will be announced in the coming days.
"We've been overwhelmed with requests to perform. That speaks to the generosity of the music community and their understanding of this interdependency that we all have," he said. "It's astonishing to see the amount of people and the amount of ways that help is being offered."
Admission to the show will be by donation. Bryan said the proceeds will be put into the account at Libro Credit Union that has been set up to help people affected by the explosion.
Doors open at 6 p.m., but Bryan suggests getting there early since he expects there will be a big crowd. The show will start at 7.
In addition to the concert, Bryan said there will be a silent auction. He said it has been amazing to see the response from the business community.
"We've been inundated, absolutely inundated, with businesses offering us things to auction off to help raise money. It's remarkable," he said.
