By Chris Clemens
CV Weekly has partnered with Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert to hold a benefit to raise money in support of Musician’s Outlet. The event takes place Saturday, August 29 from noon until closing, featuring live entertainment that includes popular local bands and acoustic acts.
Musician’s Outlet, located on San Pablo in Palm Desert, has been in business for 29 years as Coachella Valley’s source for acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, drums, woodwind, brass, amplifiers, PA systems, audio and lighting equipment, and more. In addition, owners Randy and Cindy Hewitson have supported local musicians and donated spectacular prizes for events over the years. In July, Musician’s Outlet burned down with damages and losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, including over 90 percent of their inventory. The Hewitson’s were in the process of relocating the business to a location five doors down from the current one when the fire happened, and now have mounting expenses for keeping the store open and paying employees, with minimal inventory.
“It takes quite some time to recover from a catastrophic fire and to work with an insurance company on processing all the appropriate materials,” said Tracy Dietlin, Publisher of CV Weekly. “Randy and Cindy have been instrumental in supporting the local music scene and musicians, while also supporting various community functions and music events with donations and incredible prizes. People have really expressed an interest in doing what they can to keep Musician’s outlet afloat and we hope the public will join us for a great evening of fun for a good cause.”
The bands currently scheduled to perform include Whiskey & Knives, Aphrodisiac Jacket, Long Duk Dong, 7 Mile High (Randy Hewitson’s band), Waxy, Blasting Echo, Wicked Jed, The Hellions, Blue Ribbon Rooster and Braun Freulein. The acoustic acts include Cat & Larry Pederson, Andy Cahan with Lisa Lynn Morgan, Rick Shelley, Giselle Woo, Alex Antonio & Frank Michel, Derek Jordan Gregg, Ideation, John Stanley King, Alex A & Esther Sanchez, Chris Miller, Machin’, William Randall & Raymond Serrano and Giorg Tierez. All bands are donating their time as are all promoters, media, sound and stage people.
The entry fee of $10 goes directly back to Musician’s Outlet, as will additional donations made that evening. Attendees will receive a paper brick to sign which will be placed on the wall at the new Musician’s Outlet to acknowledge the donation and to commemorate an evening of fun and support. There will also be a raffle of various prizes to raise additional funds.
Schmidy’s Tavern, located at 72286 Highway 111 in Palm Desert, is donating their space for the benefit and ten percent of all proceeds from the evening, as well as covering the cost of the printed bricks, designed by CV Weekly‘s Art Director, Robert Chance. Schmidy’s offers one of the largest selections of craft beer in the entire Coachella Valley. They typically have 10 craft beers on tap at any given time, and offer a full food menu.
For those interested in donating prizes please contact Tracy Dietlin at (760) 501-6228. In addition, donations can be made to support Musician’s Outlet’s recovery at California Bank & Trust at 73-301 Highway 111 in Palm Desert noting “Musician’s Outlet Fire Fund -Account# 5790626674.” A Go Fund Me account is also setup at www.gofundme.com/e7n5pmc5.
Additional Sponsors include: FG Creative, Hard Rock Hotel PS, Skitzo Kitty, Record Alley, Debut European Hair Salon, Tg Tattoo, Chris Miller, Greg Little, Laura Hunt Little and AJ Acosta.
