On Tuesday, October 29, the band Ghost Cat was part of a tragic accident that left its fans, friends, and family completely devastated. On their way back from a gig at the Speakeasy in Lake Worth, a car carrying three band members and their gear was a part of an accident involving a car driving the wrong way on I-95 North.
That night, we lost 26-year-old bassist Bryan Jackson, who lives on through the EP the band had just recorded and the glowing memories being shared about time spent together. Guitarist Shane O'Brien was able to escape but was emotionally ravished as he watched another vehicle strike the Ford Explorer that held his bandmates.
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Drummer Karsten Andersen was lucky enough to survive and is expected to make a full recovery. His mobility is still an issue, and he is expected to be on the road to recovery for a long while. Also the drummer for Wake Up, Karsten has seen mounting financial debt in the wake of this horrific tragedy. He lost his good friend and bandmate, his car, and his custom drum kit.
The struggle back to basics will not be easy, but as he forages ahead, Karsten needs assistance. After surviving this horrifying experience, Karsten's friends and community are coming together to do something special for him via an online fundraiser. After such a terrible experience, the last thing anyone wants to think about is money -- especially when your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
In honor of Bryan Jackson, there is a memorial show on January 11 to raise funds and remember him through music. As a way to rally the community around Karsten and help him through this terrible accident, a YouCaring has been set up to raise funds that will all go directly to Karsten. If you feel connected to the music scene in this area and want to help others when they need it most, now is the time.
The Bryan Jackson Memorial Show is Saturday, January 11, at Captain Jax Bar & Grill, located at 658 N. Second St., Fort Pierce. Follow the event page as more bands will be added. This show will be all ages with a suggested $5 donation at the door. Click here to donate to Karsten's rising medical costs.
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