The concert was held at Bombay Bar and Grill in Ventura, CA, on Sunday, November 24, 2013.

Sometimes it just feels good being able to help someone else.  But, it feels even better when you’re giving back to someone who has done so much for others; and that is why the music community came together for Polly Hoganson.  They came because she needed assistance.  They came because they felt indebted for what she and her husband Steve had done for them and for the music community.  They came because they wanted to help.

There were over 100 items donated for the Silent Auction and Raffle. The items were as small as Blenders in the Grass gift certificate, to a custom-made Willing Guitar. We had t-shirts, and CDs as well as house concerts from our local artists (Shane Alexander’s went for $250); we had wine, gift baskets, dinners, artwork, jewelry, drum hardware kits, voice lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, trips to the Channel Islands…we had great stuff!

But more than the stuff? We had the talent in the house.  The White Buffalo was the headlining act and he brought down the house. Surf pro/musician Timmy Curran was amazing; Nathan McEuen was outstanding; and we also had Zoey favorites like Shane Alexander and Justine Bennett. 50 Sticks of Dynamite played, I heard one of their first gigs was at Zoey’s.  Tommy Marsh did a set with Steve “Smokey” Hinojosa. Guy Martin played with longtime friend Lee Koch.  The rest in no particular order were simply fantasitc, there wasn’t a single bad act all day and night; they all shone:   Kyle Hunt, Todd Hannigan, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Boys, Jade Hendrix, Jamie Drake, Shelby Figueroa, Pi Jacobs, Xoc Moraza, Roger Keiaho, Salty Suites, Max Kasch, Seth Petersen, Calico the Band and many of them brought additional talent to back them up!  They all played for free.  They all played for Polly.

And of course there is the back story of those who help to pull this event together, making the callings for auction items and picking them up, putting up posters (thank you Where2Print.com for donating them), gathering all materials for the day, rallying the troops, contacting the media, writing the stories, going on the radio.  And let’s not forget Diego and Bombay’s for offering up the day for the event!  Two sound guys who worked their asses off (Thank you Robin and John), security, and offering up either gratis items (thank you Firestone 805) or seriously reduced items for the bands.

And the volunteers showed up.  Some for a few hours, but others all day long from 10:30 until midnight, plus, there were only a few minor hitches!  No matter what was thrown at us in the middle of trying to get through the day, we did our best to keep smiles on, and keep everything in perspective.

It was truly a night to remember for many reasons. But what I took away from the day was the love and generosity this community showed for one of our own.  Polly feels the love and support and is so very appreciative.

Thank you Ventura Music Community.  It was a great day indeed!

See: previous story about concert (before event).
See: Zoey’s The Heart of Local Music No Longer Beats

Photographers who donated their time and photos:
Amanda Peacock

Bob Muschliz

Cliff Montgomery

Albert Munoz

Gene Dunn