As most of you know or have seen on the news at some point, major flooding has been occurring all along the Mississippi River for the past few weeks. We were supposed to play a show opening for Kenny Loggins about 2 weeks ago but the concert was to be held along the river front in Burlington, Iowa and the night of the show the stage was sitting under about 6 feet of muddy water. A day later one of the main levees broke on the Illinois side and dumped 10+ feet of water, stretching over 5 miles of highways, farm land, and small communities wiping virtually all of it away. Similar things have been happening up and down the Mississippi, leaving thousands homeless, destroying businesses, and disrupting peoples everyday lives. Many people are struggling to find their way to work as well, as roads and bridges are continually closing, and in this particular area there is a high volume of people who commute to work on both sides of the river. I (Mark) personally have many friends who have had their homes, belongings, and memories washed away due to the flooding. Its kind of hard knowing people are going through these kinds of things, and feeling helpless because there isn’t a whole lot you can do when it comes to fighting mother nature.
A good friend of FE, Andy Crowner called last week to ask us if we would be up for being part of a flood relief show at a venue he books in Burlington, Iowa (where Luke and I grew up). We jumped at the chance to help give back. So July 5th Fundamental Elements will join many other artist at “Fun City” (yep, thats what its called) for a full day of music to help bring aid to those who’s lives have been impacted by the flood. We encourage all of you in the area to come to this event, its for a great cause and hey, who knows, you just might have a good time! As we get it, we will put up more information about this show as well as a list of the other bands that will be there. We are all really excited to be a part of this. Please continue to keep those all along the river in your thoughts and prayers as the flooding continues to work its way down the country.
*special thanks to Kendrah Adams for the pictures
Gosh. I’m trying to remember. Somebody left a comment after Kenny Loggins went “belly up” … so to speak … about doing a benefit concert for the flood victims. Dang. I just can’t remember. Who came up with that idea. He or she is an absolute GENIUS. I wish I knew. Maybe I’ll go back in the comments to check and see. Cause I’d just like to, you know, take my hat off to him. :)
Joe’s shy father-in-law