On January 23, three American firefighters were killed in New South Wales, Australia while battling the rampant bushfires that have devastated the country’s landscape and depleted its wildlife.
When Phoenix musicians Joey Gutos and Esteban Obregon heard about the firefighter’s fate, they felt compelled to do something. The duo, which founded a music company called RIVIR, immediately jumped into action to plan a benefit show to provide aid to Australia.
Gutos and Obregon have been hosting what they call “RIVIR Picnics” for the last year, where local artists can make music and mingle. They set up instruments so people can come up and play them, host clothing vendors and grill food.
“It was really just kind of a fun way to get to know some people in the area and help artists get to know each other on a more personal basis,” Gutos says.
On Saturday, February 22, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., the pair will host a similar event at Shady Park in Tempe with all proceeds going to The Australian Community Disaster Relief Fund, a New York-based nonprofit that sends resources to places that have been affected by the fires.
“We’re getting to give back to people and organizations that really need the help right now,” Gutos says.
Gutos will be performing at the event alongside other local acts Haley Green, Billy Sutherland, Bob Rabbit and Rachael Plays Guitar.
“It’s a super talented and vibey lineup,” Gutos says. “I’m excited about it.”
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, with prizes donated by Shady Park, Trumbull’s, CASA Tempe and A & P Nursery. Gutos says he reached out to the nursery because he wanted to decorate the stage with different plants.
“It ties into the outdoor, nature feel and reestablishing that idea that we’re sending money to stop these fires, but also help rebuild the wildlife and the landscape that Australia’s lost,” he says.
Gutos spent about three weeks planning the event – “they need help sooner than later” – and hopes to raise at least $1,000. According to Gutos, Shady Park has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Tempe firefighters over the years, so they were quick to hop on board.
Because Shady Park is an outdoor venue, the show will be moved around the corner to Trumbull’s if it rains.
“Rain or shine, the show must go on,” Gutos says.
“Even if we only had 100 people that came through and bought tickets and donated, either way it’s all money that’s going to the bushfire relief,” he says, “We’re going to be sending a decent amount of money to a good cause.”
They’ve also set up a Venmo account (@aus-bushfirerelief) for those that would like to donate but can’t attend the show.
“I would love to get as many people there to just enjoy the afternoon, enjoy the music and feel good about giving to a cause,” he says.
Australian Bushfire Relief Show at Shady Park Tempe
26 E. University Dr., Tempe
Saturday, February 22, 2:30-6:30 p.m.
$10 presale, $15 at the door
eventbrite.com, facebook.com
