Photo courtesy of Joe LeBlanc

WEST SEATTLE, Washington, January 27, 2010 (WSFB) - We’ve asked a few of the musicians playing in the upcoming benefit shows for their thoughts on Haiti.  Memphis Radio Kings are playing the Moore Theater on Thursday.  Front man Charlie Beck took the time to speak with us.

West Seattle Funblog: How has the tragedy in Haiti affected you?

Charlie Beck: My response to that is “not nearly enough”. I don’t have a TV and don’t really read the newspapers. I CAN say that MRK is a pretty well informed and politically savvy and intelligent group of guys and of course our heart and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. People as insulated as me can’t possibly conceive of what it would be like to be without basic necessities and to have our entire city destroyed.

I work with the UW Seismology Lab and other government agencies on GPS mapping (in my day job) and one thing we can track are earthquakes pretty accurately. When the Haiti one registered on our equipment and we saw what it was near, we knew it was going to be devastating and everyone at the lab had a sick feeling long before we saw what had happened.

Want to give a shout out to our friend Angie who is there to lend aid and her expertise as an R.N. Bless you, Angie! Be Safe!

West Seattle Funblog: Why are you donating your time and talent to this effort? How did you become involved?

Charlie Beck: I’ve always tried to lend my talent and the talents of Memphis Radio Kings to various causes. Since I’m broke all the time, that’s about all I can do! So I’m very happy to help in any way I can I can whether it be rescuing animals, Breast Cancer research, MS, you name it, Chachi and MRK are there to help! We were approached by Leslie Johnston and company who were originally putting together the Moore Theater music and auction. We said yes right away, what a great way to help Haiti, doing something we love to do! When the band roster got too full of amazing local and national bands, they decided to have TWO shows in two different venues. What a high class problem! Memphis Radio Kings are playing the Moore.

West Seattle Funblog: Anything you’d like to say to fans out there about this concert?

Charlie Beck: Come to the Moore Show and for a very small cover charge (pretty much what you would pay at a club) you can see an amazing local legend like Sweetwater, KEXP darlings The Maldives, your humble Memphis Radio Kings, Mike Herrera of MXPX, Vince Mira and The Classic Crime, a young local band with a lot of buzz. What an amazing value for your Haiti-Helping Dollar.

Also, Leslie is coordinating a huge auction chock full of wonderful items donated by generous individuals and local business owners, even the hot dog stand is donating its proceeds! Mmmmm, encased meat! Haiti Helpin’ Hot Dogs, dig in people! Good Job, Leslie!

I love seeing this much giving and want to give a huge thanks to local heroes Leslie and all the bands and volunteers for making this event a success already! Yes We Can! See you at the show!

West Seattle Funblog: Thanks Charlie. Now go KICK ASS!!!

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