By now, you have probably heard about the recent loss of much loved and respected musician and record label owner Travis Jackson. Travis Jackson, founder of Windian Records and ex-drummer in the DC garage band The Points was tragically killed in a collision almost exactly a month ago on Jan 15th. Travis left behind a wife and child, and a memorial fund has been set up to raise money on their behalf.
This Thursday, Thee Lolitas, End Crimes, and DJ’s Mad Squirrel and Baby Alcatraz have organized a benefit show at The Black Cat to help raise money for the Jackson family. It starts at 8 and tickets are $10. DC’s event is part of a series of Windian Records fundraisers scattered across the country, illustrating that Travis’ reach extended not only locally but across the nation as well.
If you have been thinking about attending Thursday’s fundraising event but are possibly on the fence, allow me to present you with three compelling arguments for why you should definitely do so which includes: honoring his memory, supporting friends and family, and hearing some really great music because he would have wanted you to have the best night ever.
HOLY SHIT, TRAVIS WAS AWESOME.
There are so many funny and endearing Travis Jackson party stories, but that is only a fraction of who he was. What outweighs his legendary craving for a good time was his concupiscent energy about music. He built Windian Records from the ground up in order to disseminate his music and the music he loved to the rest of us. There are few people in DC who will leave as gigantic a mark in the music scene as he did because Travis brought us all together, he united us with sound, and he did so because he cared.
If you knew Travis, you’ll want to show up on Thursday because you knew Travis and there is just no way he didn’t make life better for you in some way at some point. You’ve got that Penetrator’s 7-inch that you love because he made it possible. You broke your wedding ring at a Points show because you were too busy spilling beer and smashing into people to notice. You hung out with him that one time and he made you smile. Or you hung out with him indirectly, at a Windian Showcase or whatever—but he brought a smile to your face and you didn’t have to know him for him to do it.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
Travis is survived by a loving wife, a beautiful son Lincoln (Link) and all of you. If you’re like me, you probably want to throw your arms around Ashley and tell her it’s going to be alright. You probably want to throw your arms around someone, hell, anyone for comfort and this is definitely the place to do it. Showing up is almost like a hug in itself.
Life is weird, unfair, and short and we need to appreciate people who touched our lives. If touching people isn’t your thing and a toast to Travis is a much preferred hug method, fill up those glasses and get in front of that bar. There are likely people you didn’t even know would be at this event and they will want to see you.
OH SHIT, THE BANDS AND DJS ARE TIGHT.
Thee Lolitas will pummel you with Velvet Underground influenced garage rock. They are joined by the mysterious End Crimes along with DJ’s Mad Squirrel (Party Lights) and Baby Alcatraz (all 60’s 45s!)
If you are not able to make it out for whatever reason, you can still donate to the memorial fund. Let’s try to get this thing up and over the $50K mark! So far, $36.5K now has been raised. Please share this information and encourage others to come out as well.
