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Notes on Music

June 26, 2009

Benefits honor slain trooper

Jamie Miller and his cousin Josh had at least one thing in common: They both worked long hours to provide for their families.

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The Improvstars will headline a benefit concert for Trooper Josh Miller tomorrow night. In front are David Romero and Tim Conrad, and in back are Bethany Huh, Tim Huh and Ben Rondina.

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While Josh, a Pennsylvania state trooper killed in the line of duty, didn’t get to go to many concerts, he will be honored at one tomorrow night at Club JAM, an all-ages, alcohol-free music venue in Pittston.

“We say we’re all about the community here,” owner Bill Brennan said. “And he was a vital part of the community.”

That’s why Brennan contacted the Millers to ask if his club could host a benefit show in honor of the late Joshua Miller, of Pittston Township, who was killed June 7 while trying to thwart a kidnapping.

For the past week, Jamie Miller and Brennan have been planning the benefit, at which $5 at-the-door donations will go directly to the Josh Miller Memorial Fund.

“He went to his share of concerts, but mostly he worked and took care of his family,” Jamie Miller, 29, of Pittston Township, said.

Some local businesses already have made special donations, for which the family is grateful, he said, naming Highway Auto Parts, Lispi Brothers Towing & Services, JD Custom Pools & Services Inc., Casey-Kassa Enterprises, Leah’s Oil, Mad Tees and Custom Trim.

“I think they’ll get a good turnout because of the bands,” he said.

With three acts taking the stage tomorrow evening and memorial T-shirts and window decals available for sale, Brennan is hopeful people will make the time to attend.

As an extra pitch, he noted what happens when The Improvstars, a local classic-rock band, plays:

“We have people coming in off the street going, ‘What is that music?’ ” Brennan said.

The Improvstars are a conglomeration of local musicians, Brennan explained. “They do some classic rock, but they also do their own style of stuff.”

The band is made up of Tim Conrad, formerly of the Back Doors; Ben Rondina, formerly of Changes; Tim Huh, formerly of Dayspring; and others.

The evening, however, begins with Lyz Lewis, a country-folk singer playing all original music.

“She said, ‘I want to help out this family any way I can,’” Brennan said, noting she’s opening for Farewell June at the club tonight but agreed to stay an extra night to honor Miller’s memory.

For those not in the mood to hear country or classic rock, 15-year-old blues artist V.E. Paul, who was originally booked to play, will entertain as well.

“He’s a phenomenal guitarist and has won accolades down in Memphis,” Brennan said.

Besides the music, the owner is excited for the Coal City Rollers to show up with some prizes patrons can win.

Doors open at 6 p.m. tomorrow. “We didn’t put a closing time,” Brennan said. “It all depends on when the bands want to finish playing.”