Local band's final concert benefits victims of tragedy

By Jeff Cantwell
Staff Writer

At 2:30 a.m. Saturday, on the sidewalk outside of Pete's, five men stood with their arms wrapped around each other, mourning and rejoicing for the ending of a segment of their lives.

Just four hours earlier the same men were stepping onto a stage with a giant tattered American flag hanging behind them, in what would be the final performance of the Slizzard Kings.

As Henry French struck his first chords on the guitar, and Cracker Soup, the band's horn section, belted out with a trumpet and saxophone, chills ran through the audience. There was a passion in the group members' performances beyond which anyone has ever heard from this popular local band.

The Slizzard Kings' music was perfect on Friday night. Every instrument blended together into the perfect collage of horns, guitar and bass, with a special kick of patriotism.

In their final performance, the members of the Slizzard Kings were playing for something larger than themselves, their fans or Purdue. They played for America.

All of the door proceeds from the show went to the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States. The band raised almost $1000.

French, the band's lead singer and guitarist, was appreciative of the community's turnout and generosity.

"In a town that’s not as receptive of live music, the fact that a cover band could bring in so many people was amazing," said French, who decided to play the show only because it served a good cause. "We had people dropping off $15 to $20 as they were leaving."

Doug VanSlambrook, a senior in the Schools of Engineering and one of the band members, said the whole time he played he was thinking of what he was playing for.

"When I talked about America, I was about to cry," said VanSlambrook. "Not only because it was our last show, but because of the motivation behind it."

Every decibel of passion put out by the band members was reflected in kind by the fans that packed the small bar to see them play. The audience sang along to the favorites like "Build Me Up Buttercup" and "Hooked on a Feeling." Whenever there was a break in the music the crowd would shout in unison, "U- S- A."

After the drummer ripped through a pounding drum solo, he threw his broken drumstick into the audience. It was grabbed by his mother, who drove in from Saint Louis for the show, after she ferociously fought through the mob of college students.

"I think it was the greatest show ever," said Jesse Faulkner, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts. "And I think I've seen every one of their shows."

Tracy Lee, a Purdue alumnus, came back to the campus bar to see the band play.

"It was an emotional performance for more than one reason," said Lee. "It was their final show, but also they were raising money for those in need."

John Vyverberg, another member of the Slizzard Kings, was saddened by the final performance of the band, but sees this as a time to move on in life.

"It's worse than sad," said Vyverberg. "It's been an experience that I could never replace and that I could never manage to put into words."

French said the way that America is responding to the terrorist attacks is beautiful and unprecedented.

"Mourning is important, but only good to a point," said French. "For the people more removed, like us, moving on is just as important. We will not let this keep us down. This was our chance to celebrate and unite for America."

"Five dollars or 5,000, I don't care," said Vanslambrook.

"As long as we did something."

So, after a night of dancing and drinking in the name of America, the Slizzard Kings, like all other good things, have run their course. But they went out with a bang — an emotionally powerful performance to bring together our community and help Americans stand strong.

"It doesn't hurt," added Vyverberg of the final charity concert. "It feels good, but our book is closed and now it's all done."

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