About 5,600 Americans are diagnosed each year with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal degenerative disease. In 1939, Lou Gehrig was one of them. In 2008, Melinda Whedon was another. Whedon was half of the local electronic music outfit Ebon with her husband, Justin Lake Whedon. The couple moved to California after her diagnosis and, later, to Costa Rica. Justin has returned to the local music scene since Melinda's death, playing DJ nights at local clubs. She'll be with him in the music during
Raising the Bar for ALS 2 (a Fundraiser in Loving Memory of Melinda Whedon) at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207). Starting at 9:30 p.m., expect steady DJ beats, the live bands Appropriate Grammar and Future Kings, hip-hop artist Ace Fadal and more, including Justin remixing Ebon tracks. Comedian and burlesque performer Lucky DeLuxe is master of ceremonies. Admission to the 21-and-older dance party costs $10, and proceeds go to Project ALS. Those who can't attend the event can still make a donation in Melinda's honor at
projectals.org/support-us/contribute-now.html.
— Crystal K. Wiebe
Thu., July 22, 9:30 p.m., 2010
