News item o' the day: Benefit concert for Rogue Wave's Pat Spurgeon

Having gone through most of this year uninsured, I know the looming fear of getting sick. One visit to the doctor or one prescription alone can be enough to substantially dent your savings. It's a concern hitting most working musicians too, who can't afford or aren't covered by decent insurance plans. For Pat Spurgeon of Rogue Wave, the fear is far worse and the need is far more pressing. Here's a statement from the band, who'll be playing a hometown benefit show with guests at The Independent: SPECIAL BENEFIT - PLEASE READ On September 30th 2006, San Francisco band Rogue Wave will host a benefit concert to raise money for their drummer Pat Spurgeon, who is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. The benefit concert will feature performances by Rogue Wave, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Ryan Miller (Guster), John Vanderslice, and other special guests. Daniel Handler (AKA Lemony Snickett) will MC the event. Pat was born with one kidney and it failed. He had his first transplant in 1993, which served him well until now. After 13 years, it has started to deteriorate. He has been on dialysis since April and is hoping desperately to find a donor. Some of their friends have gotten tested to see if they are a match, but Pat has yet to hear good news. Provided he finds a donor, there will be an enormous amount of costs that both Pat and his donor will incur. In a logical world, medical insurance would cover his donor's and his expenses after the procedure, but it does not; so he and his family must carry the financial burden. The expenses can be huge. We are trying to raise money for costs like: donor's travel, care, bills, lost work wages, etc., as well as Pat's expenses, care, bills, etc. while he is in recovery. If you cannot attend the show, we encourage you to donate whatever you can. Thank you for your love and continued support, Rogue Wave (Zach, Pat, Gram, Evan) 9/30/06 The Independent 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117 Doors: 8:30pm; Show: 9:00pm Tickets available now: click here Do your best to come to the show and support a very necessary cause. If you can't make it, donate directly to help Pat at Rogue Wave's website. * MP3:"California" - Rogue Wave from Descended Like Vultures [Buy it] * MP3: "Debaser" (Live) - Rogue Wave (via Largehearted Boy)