As part of his November House Concert Tour, Indiana indie artist Austin Lucas, best known for his blend of “folk punk,” ventured from Boston, MA to Manahawkin, NJ last night to jam out in front of a small group of local fans. He was originally invited to local musician Pat Sullivan’s apartment in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island before Superstorm Sandy paid a visit to the Jersey coast.
“Most of us have been playing in different bands together for years,” said Sullivan. “We’re all good friends and good musicians. That’s what’s awesome about it.”
Instead, Sullivan’s buddies Glen Bleakley, Kyle Richard, Steve Szymanski and Mike Russell opened up their home to the group of friends who attended, saying they “had to have it somewhere.” Sullivan and local musician John Geoff also sang separately and played acoustic guitar.
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| Photo by Glen Bleakley Austin Lucas gives NJ residents a break from Sandy, by performing some of his oldest and latest songs. |
“It’s sort of a bunch of music, surf and tattoo guys. We help each other out,” added Bleakley.
With Lucas’ blessing, the local residents said they plan to offer half of the money received from the show’s proceeds to Waves For Water, a nonprofit organization that is dedicating its resources to surf-based coastal communities in New York and New Jersey, including Long Beach Island, during its Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative.
Though Lucas claimed he was by no means a rich man, confessing it was “hard” to make a living while touring eight to 10 months out of the year, he said he was honored to donate the money to Sandy’s victims.
“It’s hard, but I’m working hard at hardly working,” Lucas stated. “I complain a lot, but I’m thankful to do what I do and to have gas in my van. Ya’ll are going through some rough stuff, and I’m happy to see ya'll have lights on and are healthy. That’s what’s important. I’m honored to be here, and I’m glad we’re all here together. So thanks for having me,” he added.
This article was published in The SandPaper.
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