Local bands performing benefit for Grange

Local bands will be performing at Grange Aid next Friday, September 2, to raise money for the Skamokawa Grange.

The Grange is an old building and it's a great building," Erik Friend said. Lots of amazing things have happened here over the years. People who grew up in this town came here for ballroom dances, weddings and gatherings of all sorts. This place needs that energy. It needs a little bit of investment in upkeep. We want to restore the kitchen and dining hall, so we can have dinners and bring food in this place."

They also hope to update the sound system, restore the exterior and improve security.

"We want people to come here and be entertained, have a night of fun, enjoy the music and donate whatever they can," Jillian Raye said.

There are four bands playing on Friday. Seven musicians, shuffled one way or another make up the four bands. Five of the musicians are members of the Grange.

The bands are:

Butterfly Launches From Spar Pole, which features Robert Michael Pyle, Krist Novoselic and Ray Prestegard; Skamokawa Swamp Opera, which features Andrew Emlen, Kyleen Austin, Friend and Raye; The Cliffs of Cathlamet, which features Friend and Raye; and Giants in the Trees, which features Novoselic, Raye, Prestegard, and Friend.

The concert is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. on Friday, September 2. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door. Children under 6 are free. Tickets cost $10 for 18 and up, $5 for 18 and under and 65 and over. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the grange.

Donations can be made to: Skamokawa Grange #425, PO Box 123, Skamokawa WA 98647.

"We want people to bring their families," Raye said. " We want young people, every age group."

"We want the grange to be a community hub again," she added.