This Thursday evening, May 1st, the Bay Area music community comes together to host a benefit in support of one of its treasured members, Andrew Griffin, who is currently battling cancer both physically and financially. The benefit, known as the Coconut Bangers’ Ball, will be held at the Red Devil Lounge with an impressive line-up of performers including Paul Manousos, Jesse DeNatale, Duff Ferguson, Victor Krummenacher (along with other members of Camper Van Beethoven), Jeff Rolka and The Viv All-Stars. Proceeds will go towards Griffin’s ongoing medical expenses.

In September 2006, Griffin was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer at the age of 36. He has since had two major surgeries as well as several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Griffin is founder of the East Bay Drummers Studio, a rigorous teaching studio that has trained hundreds of rock and jazz drummers of all ages since 1998. He has performed, recorded and toured as an in-demand session drummer with many influential bands and artists, including a summer 2007 tour of Europe with CAKE.

As a producer I’m extremely particular about my taste in drummers. I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the absolute cream of the crop and Andrew Griffin definitely falls into that category. Few drummers are as creative with the groove as Andrew, even fewer exhibit the conceptual sensitivity Andrew brings to the table. A producer in his own right, Andrew is always thinking beyond the drums to the bigger picture a song evokes.

Bay Area legend Jesse DeNatale puts it into words like this: “Time and Music are the two big mysteries. When Andrew Griffin sits down behind the drums, the alchemy begins and something turns into gold.”

I’ve gotten to know Andrew a bit in the last couple of years and I can tell you he’s not one to sport his battle scars on his sleeve. In fact I daresay he tried desperately to keep his health struggles under wraps, which I find hard to imagine myself doing in a similar situation. With such strength of character, it is no surprise that this particular drummer is so beloved among the Bay Area music community. I know the support of those who attend this benefit will not be taken for granted by Andrew and his family.

Griffin lives in Alameda with his wife and one-year-old son. After the toll of nearly two years in his fight against cancer he shares, “Unfortunately, my family’s savings are depleted, as I’ve been able to work only sporadically for the last 18 months. Despite the fact that we have health insurance, we still have to pay a lot of out-of-pocket for various treatment expenses that aren’t covered. I am so grateful to my friends in the music community for generously offering their time, talent and energy to help out.”

Not only will your attendance support one of the Bay Area’s most talented drummers in a time of deep personal need, you will also be in for a genuine night of entertainment as a group of uniquely gifted individuals comes together to weave a wonderful night of music. In addition to the artists listed above you are bound to stumble across other bay area gems filling out the stage as unbilled band members. Andrew’s talent has given much to the Bay Area music community through the years and now there is a whole musical family that wants to come together and give back by performing for your enjoyment in Andrew’s honor.

Thursday, May 1st - Red Devil Lounge, 1695 Polk St, SF - Doors at 7:30pm, show begins at 8pm. Cost: $12

Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased here.

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