I’m posting this for my friend Joe Lewis, a bass player based in San Francisco and proprietor of the cool space known as Blue Six (Follow the link through to MySpace). Joe has helped me out on many occasions with a variety of projects. Joe is my go-to person when i need to find musicians to work on a project, and he’s helped me with several sampling projects including several of the refills that are free for download here as well as samples on the Power Tools for Reason CD-Roms. If you don’t have these samples yet, please download them here:

Download Peff 021-Live Session 01.rfl

Download Peff 022-Live Session 02.rfl

One night outside of his place, Joe encountered a person who was intoxicated and bleeding. This random guy had just broken up with his girlfriend and was going through some odd emotional turmoil, so Joe, being the considerate guy that he is, took him in and tried to help mend the wounds. The drunkard went out-of-control, and in a daze, smashed Joe’s upright bass. It’s like the old saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.”

Sadly, i know how much Joe loved his bass. I was with him when we picked out his instrument from Alex at The Acoustic Bass Shop. Tonight, Joe’s friends are having a little fundraiser event in an effort to help him “Replace The Bass”.

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From Joe’s Message:

Join us Tonight Sunday , August 31st at Amnesia Bar for the “Replace the Bass“ fundraiser Extravaganza ! Featuring a variety of live music from six incredible local bands – a hip shaking , foot stompin’ Rock & Roll getdown.

This is a fundraiser to replace Joe Lewis’ upright bass , which was sadly destroyed last month . Please come out for an evening with friends , music and drink…. And party for a good cause .

Here is the break down :

Sunday , August 31st 7pm – 2am
@ Amnesia Bar / 853 Valencia st. & 20th
$10-25 door ( no one turned away )

7pm - Craig Ventresco & Meredith Axelrod
8pm – Potholder and the Lid
8:45 – Ed Masuga
9:30 – the Ferocious Few
10:30 – Mark Matos’ Os Beaches
11:30 - the Jelly Roll Souls

P.S. So, enough people have suggested that I open up a Paypal account because they would not be able to come to the fundraiser. I set one up , and if you wont be able to make it to the party but still want to help: see below

Also , the very beautiful man Sergei Varshavski is going to match dollar for dollar what I raise for a new Upright Bass . He has challenged me to raise as much as I can because he wants to see me end up with the nicest Bass I’ve ever had . This info is truly mind-blowing . I am so greatful for all the love I have received.

It really sucked when the random drunk guy I was trying to help destroyed my bass, But through this whole process I have received so much love and support that there is really no room for anger in my heart . I have learned a lot about myself and the wonderful people in my life . It is real and I am thankful for everything that I have.

But , I don’t have a bass now so please come party your ass off with me this Sunday .

Thank you all , this is such a beautiful way to remedy this situation , you all ROCK ! - Joe
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On the off chance that you read this and have nothing to do tonight, please swing by Amnesia and show your support. Joe’s a great guy and fantastic musician.

Update: Joe wanted me send his thanks to everyone who helped him out. He raised enough money to acquire a beautiful new instrument, and he’s back in the swing of things! Yes, I will have to get him down to sample his new baby

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