Written by James Killen
Musicians have a bond not found in communities of other professions and when one of them has a personal need, they tend to gather together in support. The benefit last Saturday night was just such an event. If you are not familiar with Marina Rocks, just check out this YouTube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqraEYG7Uwc . She is a Gulf Coast singer/ songwriter and an amazing guitarist.
A few weeks ago she was waiting at a parking lot exit and, whether someone ignored a traffic signal or failed to yield the right of way, an accident occurred that involved an SUV striking a pickup truck propelling it through the air to land on Marina’s van. Marina sustained a head injury in an accident that was by no means her fault. She was scheduled to perform that night at the Old Quarter in Galveston with Charles Bryant opening up. Charles reported that she showed up complaining about intense headaches, and that even though he offered to cover her set, she insisted on following through with her commitment and played the full show.
Since that time, the headaches have intensified and put her into a condition in which she cannot perform. The insurance company for the driver at fault is delaying responsibility for the medical expenses for the care that she badly needs. Meanwhile, living expenses continue to mount up and she is unable to work. Most musicians live from tip jar to tip jar and when it came to the attention of the Houston area music community, they banded together to get her the immediate care that she so badly needs.
First they set up a PayPal campaign to raise the funds needed immediately for an MRI scan. That account takes contributions at marina@marinarocks.com and is still open for contributions from folks that want to help her through these tribulations. Secondly, through the efforts of singer/ songwriter, T.C. Smythe in conjunction with Mark Zeus, GM of The Americana venue, they organized a fundraising evening at The Americana.
Local musicians came out of the woodworks to offer their talents for this fund raising event. T.C. organized raffles and a silent auction for donated items and coordinated the staff to man the event. Sound engineer, Roger Russell drove down from Dallas to run the sound. Sandy Weinmann of KPFT’s DeadBeat show, volunteered as an emcee. Musicians, Charles Bryant, Larry Sepulvado, Tex Renner, Mike Roberts, Jimmy Pizzatola, Ray Younkin, Wayne Wilkerson and the members of Odd Toddler volunteered their talents for the main event from 8PM to 11PM. After 11, a whole host of other performers, including Mark Zeus and TC Smythe treated the attendees to a series of jam sets. Significant in the after party was Annie Benjamin with her songs and flute playing.
The room was full of fans and fellow musicians, all supporting Marina. Marina made a brief appearance and was awed at the support that she was receiving. Unfortunately, her medical condition prevented her from making any statements, much less a performance.
The event added another $3,500 to the $4,000 collected on PayPal. There is still a way to go to reach monetary goals for Marina’s immediate needs. The total that she will need is still an open question.
Marina’s trek to wellness continues. There will be another event scheduled for September at JP Hops House on the West side of town in September. Anyone that would like to participate or get further information on this event should contact ken@kengaines.com . I would anticipate the same, high quality entertainment support and general fun of the event for that evening. Let’s all get behind this wonderful performer and help her over this hump that life has dealt her.