MY SISTER'S MACHINE To Reunite For 'Layne Staley Tribute And Benefit Concert'

Emerald City Musician's Network and Darrow Music Productions present this year's Layne Staley Tribute And Benefit Concert — to benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund and honoring musician Layne Staley's life and music — on Saturday, August 21, 2010, 7:30 p.m. at Showbox at the Market located at 1426 1st Ave., Seattle, Washington.

This year's benefit concert will feature the reunion of '90s grunge band MY SISTER'S MACHINE. The Seattle rockers first appeared in the early '90s, riding the wave of grunge into the mainstream. Vocalist Nick Pollock played guitar in ALICE IN CHAINS in the '80s with Staley and remained a close friend. MY SISTER'S MACHINE will perform with its original lineup: Nick Pollock - vocals/guitar, Owen Wright - guitar, Chris Ivanovich - bass, and Chris Gohde - drums.

Nick says of Layne, "He and I grew up together musically, and as best friends as teenagers. I had some of the best times of my life with Layne and miss him very much. It's a privilege to honor his memory and life with MY SISTER'S MACHINE having the opportunity to do this show!"

Shawn Smith is a Seattle-based songwriter, vocalist/solo artist and musician in several bands (BRAD, SATCHEL, PIGEONHED, ALL HAIL THE CROWN). Smith recently showed his versatility during an evening with "Brad & Best Friends" at the Showbox Market in Seattle. That lineup featured the bands BRAD, SATCHEL, the reunion of PIGEONHED, Stone Gossard's HANK KHOIR and the surviving members of MALFUNKSHUN and MOTHER LOVE BONE.

"Part of the excitement of Shawn Smith, is you never know which of his incarnations will perform or who will be gracing the stage with him," states tribute producer Jamie Richards. Upon being invited to perform, Smith stated '"Whatever I do, it will be of the highest order."

Another featured local band this year is VILLAINS OF YESTERDAY, a group of musicians from Seattle's Industrial District. Band members include Terry Houser - vocals, Carl Klein - guitars, Shawn Zellar - drums, and Sean Gephardt - bass.

"Music is the one constant in our lives, so we are thrilled to be part of this great music community event," the group says in a statement. "Everyone in the band has a lot of great musical and personal memories of Layne, and his music still inspires us. We want to help keep the Northwest music scene vibrant."

Also taking the stage this year is GUNN & THE DAMAGE DONE. Band members include: Tommy (the Gunn) McMullin - lead vocals, Cody Black - drums/percussion, Joe (Dredd) Lockett - bass/backing vocals, Mike Schuppe - lead guitar, Charlie (Chachi) Beck - guitar/backing vocals.

"I would like to say how happy the band and I are to be a part of this show. Being asked to perform is a way to honor an old friend that I still miss," says McMullin.

The event will also feature many special touches that uniquely honor Layne and his fans, including participation on stage by Layne's mother, Nancy McCallum.

"The way the music community and fans from all over the world come together to honor Layne is what sets this event apart. It's a very emotional experience that binds those in attendance together in a very tangible way," explains tribute producer Suzanne Darrow.

Proceeds will benefit the Layne Staley Memorial Fund, which is held at Therapeutic Health Services (THS). THS is a nationally recognized non-profit organization offering a wide range of holistic treatment options and services for families affected by alcohol/substance abuse and mental illness.

Advance tickets are $18.00 plus applicable service charges at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Showbox Market box office during business hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The box office is cash only, and there is a $2.00 service charge per ticket. Tickets will be sold at the door day-of-show, if still available, for $20.00.