Members of the “Fries Coming Together Committee” continue work to organize the New Year’s Day Festival in Fries, Virginia, to benefit gas explosion victims.
“Our community and region has a resource that has been here for over 250 years - our musical heritage is a resource that brings people together and gives a sense of strength and hope”, says Debbie Robinson Program Director of The Blue Ridge Music Center. “We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous response and support being offered by musicians and community volunteers”. “Since the announcement of the benefit concert was made we’ve received hundreds of calls from folks who wish to help”. “Of course we really would not expect any less from the people of this area, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to the musicians of this region, as they have always been so willing to help out when people are in need”.
There has also been good response from those who want to make monetary contributions. Retired Nascar driver, Morgan Shepherd made a substantial contribution as well as Congressman Rick Boucher and his wife Amy.
Funds are being raised to assist the victims of this horrible tragedy. The money will help with medical bills and other needs that may arise. “We know the families are still grieving and hurting, and will be for a long time, but we hope this Coming Together For Fries will send them a message of hope, and let them know that surrounding communities and neighbors are thinking of them, and do want to help them get through this difficult time”, says Robinson.
The New Year’s Day event will have a stellar lineup of performers to include gospel music beginning at 10 a.m. featuring Common Ground, Laborers of Love, Grace Quartet, Bill & Maggie Anderson, The Singing Gravleys, The Church Sisters, Oldtime and Bluegrass Music in the afternoon with Eddie Bond & Friends, Jessie Lovell & The Fries Jam Session, New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters, Wayne Henderson with Jimmy Edmonds & Friends, Anderson-Strickland , Stevie Barr, Jacob Eller, New River Bluegrass, Houston Caldwell & Friends, Jeannette & Johnny Williams, Big Country Bluegrass and Bill’s Basement Band.
The concert will take place in the school auditorium, and the Fries Jam Session musicians, who usually perform each Thursday evening at The New River Trail Café in Fries will host an all day jam session that will take place in the school cafeteria where musicians can come and go as they wish. Musicians are encouraged to bring an instrument and join in. Staff from the café will be offering a menu of food throughout the day, to include the regular daily specials that are so popular at the New River Trail Café . The New Year’s Day traditional black-eyed peas with ham and cabbage said to bring good luck will also be available.
Area churches will be providing homemade baked goods that will be sold with profits benefiting the families.
Admission is a $10 donation at the door. Volunteers are doing all the work, and funds will be distributed to families harmed by the gas explosion on the basis of need.
Randy Johnson director of God’s Pit Crew will have a truck load of Gatorade, powerade and water available to the community of Fries during the benefit. The Crossroads Christian Counseling organization will also be on hand offering counseling services as needed.
WBRF-FM 98.1 will broadcast informative live cutaways during the morning hours of the event.
Persons who wish to volunteer, make a contribution, or ask questions may call 276-236-5309 or 276-744-2231.
Contributions may be made payable to BB&T –Town of Fries Victims Fund, P. O. Box 441, Fries, VA 24330.
