MORE DETAILS are set for this year’s edition of beloved local music festival Statts Fest.
Festival organizer Friends of Statts will hold its 10th annual fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 29, at The Rail Pub and The Jinx in downtown Savannah.
Proceeds from the event benefit Jason Statts, 44, a local musician and visual artist who was rendered quadriplegic during a 2008 armed robbery in Ardsley Park after he and a friend were returning from playing.
“Jason has always been an amazing friend, musician and artist,” said John Collenberger. “And it feels only natural for us to keep doing and growing this event. It lets us honor and give back to him.”
The inaugural Friends of Statts event was held at The Jinx in 2009.
Since being shot through the neck and spinal cord, Statts is unable to move except for limited use of his arms or hands. He keeps up with reading, films and music, though, and stays in touch with friends via social media.
“Evolving circumstances require more assistance, and more cash. Event organizers are grateful they can contribute to their friend’s mounting medical expenses, and hope they can make him smile, too,” an event spokesperson says.
This year’s event is held in two parts on the same day: Statts Fest features live outdoor music and a silent auction at The Rail Pub, 405 W. Congress St., from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by Statts After Dark at The Jinx, 127 W. Congress St., from 8 p.m. until closing.
Daytime alt-country performers include Joe Nelson, Damon and the Sh*tkickers, Bottles & Cans, and The Train Wrecks.
The nighttime festival segment features heavier acts SheHeHe, Nancy Druid and the legendary GAM.
Athens-based SheHeHe deal in a raucously catching style of woman-fronted punk. Savannah’s own Nancy Druid offers a unique take on pop-punk.
And the iconic GAM, featuring frontman Kevin Kozel, is arguably the godfather of the Savannah rock scene, with roots going back to the early 1990s.
A decade has passed since the senseless crime, but the 10th annual event demonstrates one thing that tragedy couldn’t change. Jason was shot while walking with a friend, on the way to a friend’s home, after [playing music] with friends, reflects Collenburger, “His friends were with him then, and we are with him now.”
Major sponsors of the Statts Fest include BFG Communications, Green Truck Pub and Kustom Hustle. For sponsorship or information or to donate an item for the silent auction, please visit www.friendsofstatts.com or email [email protected].
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at $15 for each venue; or for $20 at the door.
