ALONG COMES MARY

(Editor’s note: Silversun PIckups seem to be becoming the ‘mascot’ band for Along Comes Mary! When the blog first launched, I attended The KROQ Weenie Roast shortly after and SSPU were one of my favorite acts of the evening. Still new to the blogshpere, I thought how cool would it be if I were here to be officially covering SSPU?! Well, folks, fast forward to covering the incredible Love Trumps Hate benefit this past January in LA featuring the band, and, then, a few weeks ago the invite came in to see them once again at Rise from the Fire, a benefit held this month.

While I was un-avavailable, I sent my right hand gal, Melanie, to fill us in. Enjoy! xo, Mary)

A few years ago I visited the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial and found it to be a true hidden gem. Located on Cahuenga in the heart of Hollywood it contains a vast collection of memorabilia representing the history of the LAFD. It’s great local museum but I didn’t realize it also makes a great concert venue! I discovered just that when last week I returned for Rise from the Fire – a benefit concert featuring Silversun Pickups.

Rise from the Fire is an 11 city convert tour featuring surprise artists at various venues across the country. Presented by Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire and iHeart Radio the proceeds from the tour benefit the Fire Family Foundation which assists fire fighters and their families. The LA concert was extra special because not only did it take place at a fantastic venue devoted to fire fighting but it also featured local band made good, Silversun Pickups.

I arrived at the venue a little early which gave me a good chance to grab a bit from the Burnt to a Crisp food truck and sample a little Tennessee Fire.

Several cocktails were offered and I opted for their take on the Moscow Mule – ginger beer, lime, sweet and sour and a bit of Tennessee Fire. Ho boy! They’re not kidding when they say fire! My mule had a quite a kick to it!

Soon it was time for the band to come onstage but before they arrived we were introduced to representatives from Fire Family Foundation and some members of the Rialto Fire Department. They explained how their department had directly benefited from the foundation when one of their own was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout his battle the foundation was there to aid him and his family and the department was very grateful. It was then wonderful to see the foundation presented with a $25.000 check to support their cause.

After the emotional presentation the band came on stage and expressed how happy they were to participate and expressed their gratitude for fire fighters. Then they did what they do best and presented a fantastic show.

Rise From the Fire presented a killer combination of great music and a great cause. Thanks to Jack Daniels and iHeart Radio I was able to experience a popular band in an intimate venue while supporting the wonderful work of the Fire Family Foundation. It was a memorable evening and I’m happy I was a part of it.

(Melanie Kaminski is the Editor of the blog, LA Explorer, where you’ll learn of her explorations around Southern California and beyond. Visit her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.)