Asbury Park Rallies For Fallen Soldier

Posts on an online message board lead to a benefit concert to help raise funds for a local soldier severely wounded in Iraq.

(PRWEB) March 6, 2005 -- When singer-songwriter Bobby Strange read a post about Staff Sgt. Maurice Crafts injuries from fighting in Iraq, he suggested setting up a benefit concert to help raise money for the soldier. In the next few days, posts from musicians, club owners and veterans began filling the AsburyMusic.com message board and plans for a benefit concert were underway.

The benefit concert will be held on Friday, March 11th at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Bands scheduled to perform include JoBonanno & the Godsons of Soul, Days Awake, Republic, The Commons, and Los Splenditos. Solo artists include Lance Larson, Ken Shane, Bobby Strange, and Tony Tedesco. Opening the show will be a special performance by the Asbury Park Boys and Girls Club Childrens Choir at 6pm.

Staff Sgt. Maurice Craft is a 1995 graduate of Asbury Park High School. He is the son of Arliss Craft and the grandson of Mattie Davis, both of Asbury Park. Craft was an Avenger crew member with B Battery, 3/4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was riding on Highway 5 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device hit the vehicle he was riding in. Crafts left leg was amputated at the knee and a titanium rod is keeping his right leg connected to his hip, which was shattered in the attack. In addition to his mounting medical injuries, Craft has also been forced to deal with many personal issues since returning home.

Many people talk about supporting the troops," said Gary Wien, publisher of Upstage Magazine. Well, this is a chance to show that you can support the troops and support the soldiers regardless of how you personally feel about the war. Its been remarkable to see the town rally for one of its own. Theres been enough bad stories about Asbury Park, its great to see a positive one emerge."

The show is being sponsored by AsburyMusic.com, Upstage Magazine, Blowupradio.com, and 90.5 The Night radio station. The American Legion and local VFW groups have also been very involved in getting things like tickets and t-shirts printed and setting up a free buffet at the show.

Tickets may be purchased for $10 at Antic Hay Books in Asbury Park, Olive Pit Cds in Bradley Beach, and at the Upstage Magazine office at 601 Bangs Avenue in Asbury Park.

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