>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Jimmy Lloyd Rea - File photo

Not only does the 7 p.m. fundraiser  at 1212 Jefferson Ave. coincide with Rea’s birthday, it also comes along at the start of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Shelter board member and event organizer Dawn Schiller said it all fits together very nicely.

“This is a wonderful way to launch the observance, and also to let the community know the shelter is available to everyone and working hard to eradicate violence,” she said.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the agency, which is Union County’s domestic violence crisis intervention service. Rea and the local musicians siding him are donating their time and talent to the event.

“Jimmy is a staunch advocate against violence, and he shows it with his actions and his words,” said Schiller. “That goes for all the musicians who will be there.”

Rea, an ever-popular blues singer and bass guitarist, lives in Baker City when he isn’t touring. He has been playing the blues since the 1960s.

Though Rea is internationally known and has performed with legends like Pete Karnes, Muddy Waters and the group Canned Heat, he often plays small towns in the Northwest.

He grew up in Baker City. His father, Baker County Judge Jimmy Lloyd Rea, often presided over cases involving domestic violence. That gave the son a chance to see the consequences of violence up close.

“A lot of times, the cases were about parents beating and abusing their kids. I saw that it turned those kids sideways,” Rea said. “It’s always driven me crazy. I can’t stand that abuse stuff. This is my way of helping the people who need it.”

Saturday night, Rea will appear with singer-guitarist Al “Too Loud” MacLeod, keyboardist Matt Cooper, guitarists Larry Robb and Jerry Smith, drummer Tim Erickson and saxophonist Greg Johnson.

Sit-in musicians will include Russell Hunt, David Lundquist, Luke McKern, Michael Beyer and Dave Yoder.

Hunt, of La Grande, is a Navy veteran who played saxophone in the Navy Stage Band. He was once selected to play his instrument on the Tonight Show, but was unable to make it because of his service commitment.

Lundquist, of  Wallowa County, is a flutist who learned the blues at the Boots and Saddle Inn and Apple Jack’s in San Francisco.

He is also a visual artist who created works for the Grateful Dead and Harvey Mandel.

Tickets for the benefit, priced at $10 per person and $15 for families, can be purchased at Shelter From the Storm, Sunflower Books, the Eagles Lodge and at the Saturday Farmers Market in Max Square.

Tickets are also available on from Schiller, 962-3555; Donna Flanagan, 962-3608; April Curtis, 962-3598; and Denie Moses, 962-3004.

Tickets will be sold at the door as well, but event organizers are recommending advance purchase.

“We were a packed house last year,” Schiller said. “The Eagles were pleasantly surprised to find all their chairs filled with people.”

The event is sponsored by Sorbenot’s Coffee, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, New York Richie’s and Coca-Cola.