Big Wish benefit takes over 'Boro

The Copper Coin:

It's nine o'clock on a Saturday, the regular crowd shuffles in, there's an old man sitting next to me, making love to his tonic and gin."

OK, so it was Thursday night at the Copper Coin, and according to Allison Bennett, one of the bar's employees, it was more than just the regular crowd, but who doesn't love a "Piano Man" reference now and then?

And I'm sure that one of the old men who stood near me felt like he was making love to his drink.

Regardless, the crowd that filled the Copper Coin on April 16 had the best intentions at heart when they watched four local bands set stage to benefit the second annual Big Wish Benefit.

For the benefit, several Erie bands gathered in Edinboro to grant a child a wish and to help treat children with terminal illnesses.

"We did it last year and it went over well. It's for a good cause so we just decided to do it again this year," said Bennett.

The evening started at 9 p.m. with Johnny James and the Absolutes and continued until final call.

Other bands featured were Letters to the Dead, Claire Stuczynski and friends and Shotgun Jubilee.

The Copper Coin, located at 205 Waterford St., was one of five venues in Edinboro to take part in the event. Venues charged $2 at the door with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

For more information on how to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit their Web site at www.makeawishfoundation.com.

The Empty Keg:

On Thursday night, energy was high and walking space was limited at the Empty Keg. Well over 60 people had filtered in by 10 p.m. and the Big Wish Benefit went off without a hitch. WFSE Radio host, Jackie Jackson emceed the event, and he entertained and energized his audience.

Root 5th kicked the evening off with their progressive reggae grooves to get the crowd started."Those guys are really good, I approve," said Edinboro University alumna Brittany Bickel.

After Root 5th, Rumble on Promenade took to the stage and helped the crowd shift from reggae to upbeat punk with rock 'n' roll influences. Rumble on Promenade played at The Hangout earlier in the evening and were happy to get exposure during the Big Wish Benefit.

Next in line came The Sound City Saints, whose rock music was as alive as the crowd. This four-member rock band kept the good times rolling. Headliner The Yawn Thieves stepped up to close out the night. The Yawn Thieves' experimental sound was well received as their melodramatic tunes were accompanied by tambourines and other rhythmic noise makers.

All in all, the Big Wish Benefit at The Empty Keg was a success for everyone involved.

Well, everyone except for one over-indulged music fan who decided to make a smash out of the bar's front window. Not to be worried though, the authorities made their presence known and sorted out the mishap.

The Hangout:

Going back to The Hangout was like stepping into ninth grade. I?arrived with a few friends at about 5 and the bands were still setting up, but spirits were high as the familiar green Big Wish shirts were seen all over the premises.

Later, I?found out that both?the ever-popular local The Laundromat and The Midnight Jacks, a band that recently reunited, were not playing.

Nonetheless the crowd showed up as the night went on. A large percentage of that same crowd, one could estimate, was probably not out of high school.

"This is for a good cause,"?said Edinboro sociology/art major Catie Bryant. "More people should support it."?She then skipped away to do her own supporting of said cause.

It was a good night on April 16, but mostly for the kids.