Christian Artists Rally For 'Dave Aid'

07/30/1998 2:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Lisa Zhito

(7/30/98, 12 p.m. PDT) - A host of contemporary Christian artists and industry types have rallied for Dave Aid '98, a series of benefit concerts nationwide to help concert promoter/ industry veteran Dave Bunker. Bunker is battling lymph and thyroid cancer--and a mountain of medical bills resulting from his treatment, which has included two surgeries and rounds of radiation.

The concerts have been organized at clubs in Chicago and Nashville, Tenn., with other events to follow, according to John Thompson of TrueTunes, a Christian music retail outlet, newsletter and music club in Wheaton, Ill.

Bunker is well-known in the industry for supporting Christian artists and the industry in general. "He has been an amazing support to so many artists, that we all owe him a debt of thanks," states Thompson. "Even if you don't know who Dave is, I guarantee you know many individuals and bands that wouldn't be where they are today without his advice, counsel and support."

Bunker's impact has been felt by such industry icons as the Cornerstone Music Festival, Word Records and R.E.X. Records, as well as such artists as the late Rich Mullins (GMA 1998 Entertainer Of The Year), Petra, Sixpence None The Richer and many others.

The Chicago-area concert takes place Saturday at the Warehouse Church in Aurora, Ill. Bands confirmed include the Wayside, Never Enough, Wally & Sheri Shaw, Not The Joneses and the Autumn War.

The Nashville concert will feature alternative bands the Waiting, Sixpence None The Richer, Smalltown Poets and All Star United, among others. The event will be held August 14 at 328 Performance Hall, with a ticket price of $11 advance, $14 at the door.

Adds Thompson, "His medical prognosis is good, but all of this has happened without any insurance coverage for his costs. We need to come together to help Dave with his medical, therapy and living expenses while he gets back on his feet."

-- Lisa Zhito, Nashville