Last week, while still processing the death of Freddie Gray and the unrest in Baltimore that followed, Bob Elder and his bandmates in the local quintet Joy Classic felt — like many here — the need to contribute in some way to the city's recovery.
That's when the wheels began to turn for the "Be More Benefit" show, which is set to take place May 20 at Metro Gallery.
All proceeds — including ticket and merchandise sales — will be donated to the Baltimore Community Foundation, Elder, the show's organizer, said. He personally reached out to the Baltimore artists on the lineup — bands Wing Dam and Blacksage, along with rappers Eze Jackson and DDm will join Joy Classic — even though he had only played with one act (Wing Dam) previously.
It was important to Elder to have a bill that represented different genres and audiences, he said.
"I wanted to get a really good mix of what I thought represented the city for music, and would bring out an equally eclectic crowd to support this," Elder said recently. "Everyone was more than happy to help and do anything they could."
Last Wednesday, a Facebook page was created. Since then, close to 1,100 people have indicated they will attend, even though Metro Gallery's capacity is 240. Tickets are $10, and currently on sale here.
Elder said there are not plans to change venues (booking a smaller location "enables us to give more back in the long run") but he is currently considering a second show on a different date. The 26-year-old guitarist has been encouraged by the response to the benefit.
"There's definitely a need and desire for people to come out and share their love for the city, and also have fun," he said. "It's going to make people feel good and also not forget about what work needs to be done."
Elder is also encouraging other artists — "painters, sculptors, potters, anything" — to donate artwork that can be purchased at the show. Those proceeds, too, will be fully donated to the Baltimore Community Foundation as well, he said. Artists interested in donating can email Elder here.