By Tracy Dietlin
This past Saturday CV Weekly and Schmidy’s Tavern brought the community together to raise over $5,000.00 for Musicians Outlet at the “Brick by Brick” benefit. The outpouring of love, respect and support for owners Randy & Cindy Hewitson was amazing. There were many people who made this happen as it takes a village. A special thank you to FG Creative (Stephanie Greene and Chris Clemens) for sending out the press release that got us on all 3 major TV stations: CBS Local 2, KESQ and KMIR 6. And thank you to our own Lisa Lynn Morgan for dialing in all the radio promotions on 100.5 with Mike Mozingo and Trevor Stone. Also thank you to Todd Marker.
Not only was Schmidy’s Tavern the hosting venue but owners Dennis & Kathy Ford also paid to print the bricks and also donated 10% of the bar’s sales that day. Other sponsors included: Tg Tattoo, Hard Rock Hotel PS, Miramonte Resort, Record Alley, Skitzo Kitty, Babes BBQ & Brewhouse, Jackalope Ranch, Stuft Pizza, TKB Bakery, Royal Treatments Massage, Debut European Hair Salon, New Age Glamour, DOS Salon and BloDry Bar.
A huge thank you to all the acoustic acts and bands that performed: William Randal & Joe, Lisa Lynn Morgan, Andy Cahan, Cat & Larry Pederson, Alex Santana & Esther Sanchez, Blue Ribbon Rooster, Giselle Woo, Chris Miller, John Stanley King, David Macias, Derek Jordan Gregg, Hollace, Rick Shelley, Ideation, Blasting Echo, Waxy, Long Duk Dong, 7 Mile High, Braun Graulein, Whiskey & Knives, Aphrodisiac Jacket, The Hellions and Wicked Jed.
Thank you to CV Weekly’s Art Director, Robert Chance, for designing the bricks, last week’s cover and working the door along with the Fords, Noe Gutierrez, Johnny Sugarbritches, Esther Sanchez and Phil Lacombe who was also our host for the event. The sound was right on point all day and night thanks to AJ Acosta and Greg Little.
And of course our amazing photographers who worked hard: Chris Miller for the photo from last week’s cover, Esther Sanchez and Scott Pam who worked from noon until closing. And of course the biggest thank you to this community who came out and gave their money and support!
You can still donate by purchasing a brick at Musicians Outlet or Schmidy’s Tavern. There is also a GoFundMe account setup at www.gofundme.com/e7n5pmc5. Donations can also 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.”
