FEEDING HILLS-Patrick Reilly of Westfield sprang into action when a friend and fellow band mate was seriously injured in a head-on car crash the morning after Valentine’s Day.
Billed as The “Broken” Bones Benefit Show, a host of local bands will take the stage on May 7 at The Tank, on the grounds of American Legion Post 185, 478 Springfield St., to present an afternoon and evening of music to raise funds to help Kevin “Bones” Carbone.
Mental Pause members are the driving force behind The “Broken” Bones Benefit Show to support drummer Kevin “Bones” Carbone who was seriously injured in a car accident earlier this year.
Carbone, drummer and back-up vocalist with Mental Pause, said he doesn’t remember the immediate aftermath of the accident that occurred in the vicinity of Bradley Road near Western New England University in Springfield, only a half-mile from his home.
“The report says she lost control and turned straight into me head-on,” said Carbone, who had to be extricated by rescue firefighters with the Jaws-of-Life in the sub-zero cold.
Since that time, Carbone noted he has had four surgeries to repair his crushed nose, broken eye sockets, 23 broken bones, and 13 damaged ribs. From surgery to reconstruct his face to reattaching ribs to his breast plate, Carbone has been out of work and his medical bills have piled up.
Enter Reilly from Mental Pause and a team of volunteers who want to help their friend and fellow musician make a dent in his expenses. In addition to Carbone’s musical background, he works as a physical therapist.
“I did rehab at HealthSouth after the surgeries but after leaving HealthSouth, I was able to build up my stamina quicker since I am a physical therapist,” said Carbone.
Carbone noted that when Reilly first approached him about the fundraiser he thought it was “pretty cool,” adding “it was also very emotional for me since I’m used to doing benefits for others.”
The “Broken” Bones Benefit Show to assist Kevin Carbone, third from left, is being supported by bands including Doug Cotton of Stumpy McToad, second from left, and Mental Pause members Paul Thibault V, Alex Donoghue, in back, and Patrick Reilly. The men reviewed some logistics recently at Whip City Music on Elm Street.
The line-up of bands, starting at 2 p.m., includes Locals Only, a group of “young, very talented, 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds,” according to Reilly. Performers also donating their time are Stumpy McToad of Westfield, playing blues rock; the John Cantalini Band of East Longmeadow, known for their blues and blue rock music; Crazy Alice’s Traveling Show of West Springfield, “a side show vibe to hard rock,” noted Reilly; Rusted Shame of Easthampton, performing 90’s rock; King Kuel from Connecticut, performing hard rock, and Mental Pause closing out the night with their rock music.
“Each set is approximately 30 to 45 minutes,” said Reilly, adding, “We pick up speed as we go along.”
A suggested donation is $3 per person for the 2 p.m. to midnight benefit. During the afternoon, a variety of snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. A spaghetti and meatball dinner for $7 with two sides is planned from 6 to 7 p.m.
“This is a benefit to help our friend, band mate, and brother make ends meet,” said Reilly.
Reilly expects to have multiple 50/50 raffles during the event as well as door prizes and an extensive raffle.
“Raffle items include a generously donated mike stand and high-end microphone from Will Tee, soundman extraordinaire and good friend,” said Reilly. “There are a lot of items including gift certificates from Angelo Mazza of Music Speaks in Feeding Hills and Doug Cotton from Whip City Music in Westfield, as well as T-shirts and CD’s from Mental Pause, housewares and more.”
Reilly also acknowledged the many friends working behind the scenes to ensure that the benefit is a success.
“Jake Torrey and the Tank crew at the Legion have been very helpful, as well as Sheri Fox on marketing and raffle coordination, Suffield Music and Josh Enemy on sound, stage and lighting logistics, Doug Cotton at Whip City Music, all of the incredible entertainment, the many volunteers and, of course, the family and friends of Kevin,” said Reilly.
“When Pat posted on Facebook about the benefit, as soon as I saw it, our band Stumpy McToad was in,” said Cotton. “Pat has always been supportive of our store and we are always looking to give back.” Cotton will be joined on stage by Duane Woody on bass and Joe Desilets on drums.
For businesses or individuals interested in making a donation to the raffle, contact Fox via Facebook.com/SheriFox. For more information on the event, call (413) 786-4806.
Carbone was emotional when he thanked everyone who is working on his behalf.
“It’s great everyone is helping me to help improve my quality of life,” said Carbone. “I’ll be at the benefit and soon I hope to rejoin Mental Pause.”
With Carbone’s will and sheer grit, his friends and family have no doubt he will be back soon entertaining crowds.
