Fourth Annual Doug Bashaw Scholarship Benefit Proves Another Shining Success
Cider Magazine August, 2012
BELLOWS FALLS, VT. - The fourth annual Doug Bashaw Scholarship benefit, recently held at the Polish Picnic Grounds in Bellows Falls, was a successful repeat of the first three events, as family, musicians and friends “banded” together to celebrate the life of the late, great Doug Bashaw. A Charlestown, NH-native and 1982 graduate of Fall Mountain Regional High School (FMRHS), Mr. Bashaw tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 6, 2008.
Photos by Joe Milliken 1. Ed Barton of Shine 2. Megan Lemere of Please Dont Tell 3. Carey Lee Rush 4. Josh Mosher of Spectris.
Four years ago, Doug's family created the Douglas Bashaw Scholarship Fund in which each year, a scholarship is given to a FMRHS student interested in continuing their education in the fields of music, theatre or the arts. It is such a worthy and appropriate cause because promoting local music and especially young musicians just starting out, was truly a passion for Doug. He was always there with an encouraging word or piece of advice for a local, aspiring musician.
However, along with being a talented bassist, drummer, vocalist and front-man, Doug was also a sought-after engineer and soundman throughout the region and beyond. If he wasn’t onstage making people dance and laugh, he was rolling up his sleeves behind the scene… doing sound, lugging gear, lending his equipment for other causes and whatever else might be needed for the band to sound as good as they could be.
In fact, whenever there may be a glitch in the live sound and the crew (who always flock to donate their time for this event, mind you) works hard to get it right… I always find myself thinking, “Hmmm, Doug must be looking down with a smile right now and saying – ‘I know what the problem is.’”
But I digress, the sound on this day was fantastic and the bands were tight, a lineup which included Spectris, Please Don’t Tell, Carey Lee Rush, Bill Nolan, Roadhouse, Back To Square 1 and the show-closing Shine, a band for which Doug was a member of for many years. It is a tradition for Shine to close the night out and they without fail, always deliver the goods! Over $2,800 was raised through ticket sales, many donated themed baskets, food, drink and raffles - including a sweet electric guitar, donated by local music promoter Josh Hearne, for one lucky attendee!
Some rain fell on this years’ event, but that didn’t stop well over 100 folks from gathering for this special day and having a great time dancing, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, telling stories and reminiscing about a man and musician who to this day – brings all these people together for a truly great event. Oh – and did I mention the smiling and laughter? Because if you were lucky enough to know and love Doug Bashaw, that is what he did best… making music and making you smile and laugh. See you all next year!
If you would like to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please mail a check to the Doug Bashaw Scholarship Fund, c/o Kelly Bashaw, P. O. Box 486, Charlestown, NH 03603
There will soon be many more photos to enjoy on my Facebook page