DAVENPORT — The first of three Berry family benefits happens tonight at Mary’s on 2nd, with a mix of drag, hip-hop, pop, comedy and spoken word coordinated by local performer Logan Myles Brixton.
“I had an outpouring of support from the community,” says Brixton, whose stage name is Logan Blewz. “We’ll have a lot of different artists, and a lot of different styles.”
Peach Berry, left, and Lexus Berry of Davenport at their wedding (photo courtesy Logan Myles Brixton)
Tonight’s show starts at 7 p.m. with a drag show until 9:30 p.m. and continues another two hours with live music. Brixton and Mary’s owner Bobby Stansberry are friend of Peach and Lexus Berry, who were nearly killed when the Davenport Hotel apartment building where they live collapsed around them May 28.
Peach Berry remains hospitalized, recovering from an on-site amputation of her leg that occurred after she was trapped for six hours beneath rubble. The couple filed suit against the city Wednesday, numerous media outlets reported.
Also coming up: a June 16 show that is also coordinated by Brixton and will take place a few doors down from Mary’s at Newmans’ Nightclub and Lounge. On June 17, Newman’s also plans an EDM show that will also raise money for the couple. If you’d rather donate directly to the couple, you can find their GoFundMe account here.
The Berrys are also selling T-shirts, proceeds of which go directly to the couple. Orders for shirts to benefit the Berrys must be placed no later than June 18
You can donate directly to Lexi and Peach Berry through their T-shirt fundraiser.
Mary’s on 2nd show tonight features at least nine artists
In addition to Logan Blewz, tonight’s show features drag kings Jackson Blewz and Liam Hart, burlesque and diva performer Mona Cyanide, drag queens Nikki Turner and Justine Thyme; and rapper Styles Dim. Spoken word artist Meeks Marie will offer some lines, and stand-up comedian Chris Schlichting will also take the stage. The band Beneath the Surface will provide a live set. Host for the evening will be Mac Deville from Bottoms Up Burlesque.
“I want Peach and Lex to pick up on love,” says Brixton. “On people wanting to be there, and show they are there, too. This happened to our community.” In addition, Brixton said, he hopes the events will contribute to a growing pressure on the city to “take responsibility for what just happened. For what you didn’t do.”
Colvin, Hitchcock and Prien were found to be deceased this week in the building collapse that occurred May 28.
Records show a code enforcement officer had warned the city repeatedly of the building’s apparent unsteadiness. Yet, owner Andrew Wold received only notices and small fines, and no action was taken even after several warning notices to research its structural soundness and the safety of residents living there.
Newman’s to host two benefit shows next weekend
Brixton is still putting finishing touches on a show planned for June 16 at Newman’s, three doors down from Mary’s on 2nd in the former home of Varieties and Connections nightclubs. Watch for details to emerge soon.
On June 17, Newman’s will host an all-day electronic dance music event to raise money for all former residents of the Davenport Hotel at 324 Main St. The event is a collaboration with The Quad City Frequency Collective, team of musicians dedicated to underground music experiences, and is slated to feature at least 12 bands, plus face-painting.
Admission is $10 or a donation of “clothes, towels, hygiene care, etc.” that organizers say will be donated to the Quad Cities and Western Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The day will also feature a 50/50 raffle of items donated by the Coal Creek Inn in Coal Valley, Ill., the event flier says.
(cover photo features, l to r, Jackson Blewz, Nikki Turner, Logan Blewz, Styles Dim, and Mona Cyanide)
