‘We’re Coming Back Better’ concert in Sonoma

Precious things, priceless people and a community celebration|

A new nonprofit called “We’re Coming Back Better” aims to both replace items lost in last October’s wildfires and stage a series of concerts featuring musicians and entertainers who were affected by the fires.

Two music shows at the Sonoma Moose Lodge are set for on Saturday, July 14, and Saturday, Oct. 6 (marking the one-year anniversary of the fires).

Both the July 14 kickoff dance party event (4 to 10 p.m.) and the Oct. 6 main We’re Coming Back Better event (4 to 10 p,m.) will feature musicians, bands and entertainers as well as other local and regional artists affected by the fires.

Beyond the concerts, the organizers aims to “provide 100 precious thing for 100 priceless people.”

“For the people who lost everything – irreplaceable family pictures, videos, artwork, family heirlooms – these things are gone forever,” said co-organizer Johnny Stalcup. “A few of those precious things might be found again, perhaps not exactly, but close enough to restore some lost memories.”

“We’re Coming Back Better!” events, say organizers, are an attempt to ease personal losses by finding or recreating items tied to their memories of “themselves, their families and our community.”

“WCBB is about our neighbors and friends reaching out to locate something dear to us – a small but thoughtful patch for our hearts and souls,” reads an event press release.

“We realize that regaining a personal treasure will never offset the hardship of the devastation; however, it may offer a small bit of semblance to our collective lives that have changed forever,” said co-organizer Jimmy Mona.

Those who lost things in the wildfires are asked to submit their story of what they and their family think about and miss. It could be a favorite book, a piece of jewelry or a painting; an indoor or outdoor plant; a child’s tree house; a piece of furniture, a musical instrument, sewing machine, turntable, or a beloved collection.

“What comes to your mind as you process your loss? Nothing is too small or too large to be considered,” said Mona. “We’ll seek the assistance of local benefactors and artisans (craftspeople, period experts, jewelers, and businesses) to find and reconstruct the personal treasures. You may also submit the story of a friend or loved one on their behalf. Our goal is to replace 100 precious items and we’ll address as many stories as possible.”

Musicians and entertainers affected by the fires are asked to submit their band, duo or solo act (plus genre of music) or other entertainment for inclusion in the WBCC events. They are being asked to let the organizers know whether they are available for the July 14 or Oct. 6 shows, or both dates.

“Your involvement is top priority,” said Stalcup. “And you’ll be compensated for your gig. We’ll accept as many acts as time and funds permit.”

Stories and band information can be submitted at tinyurl.com/wcbbstories.

For help with submissions, email comingbackbetter@gmail.com.

WCBB is a not-for-profit organization with 80 percent of all proceeds going to replace first-lost items and the balance going to event operations.

The website is comingbackbetter.org and tickets are available at Eventbrite under “We’re Coming Back Better!” Email comingbackbetter@gmail.com for more information.

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