WEST SEATTLE, Washington, January 29, 2010 (WSFB) - Randy Swanberg plays guitar and sings lead in Tacoma Finish, yet another band with ties to West Seattle that is playing The West Seattle Eagles’ Haiti Aid Benefit Concert on Saturday night. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Randy nicely summarizes the general feel of our region in reference to the tragedy in Haiti.

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

Randy Swanberg: I read an interview with an elderly person in Haiti that said they didn’t think anyone cared that they don’t have food to eat. That really affected me. These people have been devastated emotionally, physically and mentally and to have no hope because they don’t have the support they need to get back on their feet is saddening. I think everyone who reads about the Haiti situation feels it because it touches on basic human need. Living in the Northwest, it is possible that we could be hit similarly by an earthquake. It’s a good reminder to help others like you would hope they would if you were in the same situation.

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

Randy Swanberg: It’s great to feel like you can do something to help impact even a few lives, that someone might get clean water or a meal because of this benefit event. Word of the show came to the band through osmosis and the opportunity came up. Next thing you know there’s five bands, so we’re excited. It’s an honor to be a part of it and we’re thankful for the donation of the venue and that 100% of the proceeds will go to Mercy Corps.

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

Randy Swanberg: Just thanks for joining us to help the cause. How lucky are we that by getting together for a night to rock and have a few drinks with friends that we can help others? Thanks for giving your support and helping to spread the love where it’s needed.

West Seattle Funblog: Thanks Randy. See you on Saturday!

Read more about the event here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265622522205&index=1

(Full disclosure – Pete Seazle plays guitar in Tacoma Finish)