“They would love this,” said C.T. VanHoose, concert promoter. “They would be right up front right now rocking it out in front of everyone.”
The crowd in Beavercreek remembered the late members of Counterflux, a Dayton rock band. Devin Bachmann, Kyle Canter and Earl Miller were all in Counterflux. They were killed Feb. 12 when 61-year-old James Pohlabeln hit their car. He was driving the wrong way on the highway, and police said he’d been drinking. Nichole Brown also was in the car with band members.
“They were always willing to help out other bands that were up and coming by talking to them and giving them advice,” VanHoose said.
The concert was to benefit the Bachmann, Brown, Canter and Miller families to help cover funeral costs. “Right now … over $2,000,” VanHoose said. After the raffle, for which 67 businesses contributed, organizers hope to be up to $5,000 in donations.
“Everything’s going to families. And they couldn’t be happier for the help with the expenses,” said Alex Clayborn. The Counterflux, the bass player who said he’ll never forget getting the phone call that three of his bandmates were in the crash. “I had heard about it on the news, but I didn’t know anything about who was involved in it … I was in complete disbelief.”
Clayborn and the other surviving member of Counterflux said they’ll keep playing.
“Everything we’ve done so far is about taking negative aspects and making something positive with it. You can’t stay in that negative mindset all the time … They would have wanted everyone out enjoying life and not grieving over them.”