Seattle Subsonic

Mike McCready and Flight To Mars – A Benefit for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

March 30th, 2011

(Note: This is a preview. For a review of the actual show, click here: Flight to Mars Show)

For those of you who don’t know, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, in addition to doing a bit of tracking on Kristen Ward albums, has another band, a UFO tribute band, Flight to Mars, that will be playing at the Showbox at the Market on Friday, April 8. Now, before you question the choice of bands deserving of such homage, I have it on very good authority that these guys are great, that they rock, so I’m going even though I couldn’t tell you anything about the music of UFO. Sometimes it’s best just to experience live music new and fresh and see what effect it has on the soul.

And besides, how often can you see a musician like McCready in a place as small as the Showbox? Back in 1986, I did once see Bo Diddly and B.B. King in such a venue, and I must say to see such players not 20 feet away on a smallish stage was nothing short of spectacular. At such times, it almost doesn’t matter what they play just to be able to see them play, actually see the fingers fretting chords and be close enough to discern the difference audibly and visually between a D and a D minor. So I’m going, and I’ll stand up front like a fan and cheer and shout in between the scribblings in my notebook and then in the wee hours of the night put a few words down about the show.

And it’s a benefit show for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Camp Oasis program and Advocacy For Patients With Chronic Illness. McCready himself has battled with Crohn’s and colitis, and to quote from him, “CCFA has played a huge part in helping me get the support and information that I need. I’m grateful that my band mates and friends can support and join me for a night of music and fun that will help us find a cure for these debilitating diseases.”

So I’m going.

Dave

Benefit Details from Mike McCready

Day: Friday, April 8, 2011
Doors open: 8:00 PM
Ages: 21 & Over
Tickets: $20.00 (but for a good cause!)
Extra Cash? Try this: Rock ‘n Royal Backstage / On-Stage On-Air VIP Auction Package VIP Auction Package

Flight to Mars was founded in 2003 and features Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready plus friends and local musicians Tim DiJulio (guitar), Gary Westlake (bass), Kelly Van Camp (drums), Paul Passereli (vocals) and Ty Ballie (keyboards).