When one goes to a U2 show you are invariably treated to a sermon (or two) from Bono about people of great importance, usually in far away lands, like Mandela or Aung San Suu Kyi. The last time U2 played Buffalo in 2005 the audience at the HSBC Arena however was treated to a loving and beautiful tribute from Bono to WNY’s own Bruce and Mary Moser. It was almost surreal, seeing and hearing the frontman for one of the biggest bands EVER paying heartfelt homage to local folks from our music community from the stage, but if anybody deserved it, it’s the Mosers. Their contributions to Buffalo’s music community is incalculable, and it’s safe to say that the burgeoning scene we’re enjoying today has been built on the foundations they’ve laid by folks following in their footsteps, which is why the benefit being held for Mary Moser tonight at the Town Ballroom is so important.
Mary’s been in a coma since an accident last July, and with medical bills piling up on the family, Buffalo’s music community is coming together to do their part, with the help of Canadian legend and mensch Gord Downie. Kingston Ontario’s Tragically Hip were one of the bands that broke in Buffalo thanks in part to the efforts of the Mosers, and when you consider the intense popularity the Hip have in this region today, it’s no surprise that Gord is in town tonight at the Town Ballroom with a raft of local bands to raise a lot of money for a friend dear to their hearts and pillar of Buffalo’s music scene. You too can do your part and see said raft of bands, for the reasonable price of $20 that includes free food and beer. There will be a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, Chinese and Silent auctions, and door prizes. To read more about Mary and the benefit, check out what Jeff Miers and Cory Perla wrote for their respective publications and the benefit’s website. See you there.