We here at WLA always try to keep things fun and light in our web presence, to highlight the joy of our musical journey and all the great times we have with you guys- our friends, families, and fans. But something terrible happened this past weekend to one of our most beloved brothers in the local scene.
This past Saturday, April 15th, Jason Hladilek of Bedside Alibi was in a terrible motorcycle accident with his wife, Carrie Culler Hladilek, and one of their friends, Michael Kingsley. Unfortunately, Carrie and Michael have passed away, and Jason is still being cared for in the ICU.
As many of you know, we have come to love Bedside as family in the time since we first shared a stage last year, and have developed a great bond with all of them as friends and fellow musicians. I even just got finished working with them on a three song demo. To say that we are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic event would be a severe understatement.
In the wake of this, however, we are finding comfort in how strongly the local scene has come together to provide support and assistance. Two donation pages have been established to assist Jason and Michael's families with any financial burdens that come from this terrible accident.A Silent Truth took the initiative to set up the page for Jason, and will be donating a portion of their merch sales from the upcoming Midwest Springfest directly to the Hladileks. Also, our next show at Cairo Ale House on June 9th is now an all ages benefit with no cover- donations will be accepted at the door. If you can contribute to either fund, any amount (large or small) will go a long way.
We are all shaken by what happened this weekend, but what is most important right now is that we continue to come together with positive energy, love, and support.
The local music scene is made of many bands, but we are all one family. And we will always take care of our family.
~Q
Donations can be made through these links:
Donations for Michael Kingsley's family
Donations for Jason Hladilek and his family