PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Two months ago, the events during a rock concert at a West Warwick nightclub caused Rhode Islanders to cry, to mourn and in some cases to become angry.
On Tuesday, survivors of the tragedy and others were coming together for another rock concert – only this time it was to remember and heal.
The concert, featuring performances ranging from church groups to Southern rock bands, was to raise money for families of victims and survivors of the fire at The Station nightclub.
The Feb. 20 fire was touched off by pyrotechnics moments after the ’80s hard-rock band Great White kicked off its show. The sparks were followed seconds later by bright orange flames that climbed walls behind the staged lined with foam used as soundproofing.
In moments, the stage was enveloped in a bright yellow haze. Many concertgoers were trapped as they tried to flee the small, wooden building.
Ninety-nine people were killed and nearly 200 others were injured.
Some of the survivors were expected to attend the benefit concert Tuesday night. They were given complimentary tickets.
In announcing the concert earlier this month, Gov. Don Carcieri said all proceeds from ticket sales would go to The Station Nightclub Fire Relief Fund, the main repository for donations to those affected by the fire.
Tickets prices ranged from $35 to $50.
Among those scheduled to perform were heavy metal band Blue Oyster Cult; country music artist and Rhode Islander Billy Gilman; Randy Jackson; the Southern Rock All-Stars (former members of Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and the Rossington Band); Rick Derringer; Phoebe Snow; and Servants and Saints, a church group from West Warwick and Coventry.
American Idol contestants Vanessa Olivarez and A.J. Gil, and Miss Rhode Island Gianine Mari Teti were scheduled to be the concert’s masters of ceremonies.
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On the Net: http://www.nightofhealing.com
AP-ES-04-22-03 1639EDT
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