John Summerford and his son, Vincent, were watching the news as flames advanced through Ruidoso on June 18, the second day of the Salt and South Fork fires. Vincent turned to his dad and asked, “What can we do to help?”
His question was the catalyst for Summerford’s idea to put together a benefit concert to help those affected by the fires. Summerford, also known by his DJ name “Johnny Crash,” posted announcements on social media asking for help from the El Paso community.
“It took off,” Summerford said. “The bands, volunteers, designs for the logo, it was an outpouring of people who wanted to help.”
Rock for Ruidoso took place at El Paso’s Club 101 on Sunday, July 14, and featured eight bands. Their goal, Summerford said, was to raise at least $3,000 to donate to the Greatest Need Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero.
More than one hundred people attended the event throughout the day, raising approximately $3,300 that will be presented to the Greatest Need Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero. The fund was established by various New Mexican organizations to help victims of the fire.
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The Little Lobos opened the concert, playing covers of popular songs by bands like Credence Clearwater Revival and the Cranberries. The three members of Little Lobos are brothers aged 10, 12, and 14, who volunteered to play after seeing Summerford’s call.
“We were interested in helping, especially the Mescaleros,” said the boys’ manager and father, Oscar Lopez. “We wanted to do something and it was a big deal for them to play at this venue.”
The Lopez family is Apache and has personal connections to residents of the Mescalero reservation.
The benefit also included Ness Daniels, Darling Mikki, Rewind, Jane Like Fire, Fab4Cezz, Funeral Joke, and Lazy Crow.
Summerford was close to tears as he described his motivation for organizing the benefit.
“I know what it’s like to have to fight to get your life back,” Summerford said. “I couldn’t let people feel that anguish. It’s just the right thing to do.”
How to help Salt and South Fire fire victims
Anyone interested in purchasing a Rock for Ruidoso t-shirt or making a donation can visit 101, at 4151 N. Mesa St., or contact John Summerford through Facebook.
Donations can be also made directly to the Greatest Need Impact Fund through the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.
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