Carlapalooza 2009

I've known Carla Menera in one capacity or another since about 2005 since joining a music message board that she also posts on. It didn't take long for me to learn that she was battling Multiple Sclerosis, or simply MS. She has never been shy about discussing it, and everybody who knows her is very supportive. In fact, her boyfriend has even set up a yearly punk rock benefit called Carlapalooza. Friends of Carla's or supporters of the fight against MS come to donate their time and money and, in return, watch punk rock bands and help a great cause.

I've never been to Carlapalooza, personally. I recall wanting to go in 2006 but not being able to justify missing class for it. This year, however, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I've since met Carla serveral times; yearly at the Insubordination Festival in Baltimore, at the last Ergs! show in New Jersey, we got drunk together at a Ben Weasel show in Chicago, and we've run into each other a lot more times than I can remember, I'm sure. She's always been the nicest person and she deserves all of the support that I can give her, and that's why I'm posting this blog.

This year, Carlapalooza will be in New York City from September 25th-27th. On the 25th, the show will be at Alligator Greenpoint and the Cake Shop on the 26th and 27th. The first show is free and the next two are $10 each. All proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and this year's acts include: mc chris, Short Attention, Psyched to Die, Dead Mechanical, Black Wine, The Hamiltons, Night Birds, Groucho Marxists, and a lore more. I'll be driving down and I hope that some of you might want to come down as well. If I can fit anybody in my car, I'll be more than happy to take you. Email me at music at wunh dot org. I know a couple more people who are coming down from the area that you might be able to drive with as well, so please don't hesistate to e-mail.

Even if you can't attend, you can donate year round to the Carlapalooza Fund here.