FRONT ROW

The Mack Avent Benefit
December Concert Raises Cash and Awareness

By Hal Smith

One of the most unique characteristics of humankind is the sense of community. Reaching out to one’s neighbor, who is in need or in crisis, illuminates the best qualities of the human spirit. No group is called upon more to give of their time and talents than musicians and artists. Almost all fundraising and benefit events are made more successful by the presence of entertainment. Over the years I, like most musicians, have been asked to donate my talents for dozens of worthy causes. The vast majority of those times, I have risen to the occasion and helped out when possible.

So it was a reasonable assumption that a musical fundraiser would be a good way to help offset the snowballing medical expenses of treating injuries sustained by musician Mack Avent during a recent auto accident. For those of us who volunteered to perform, this event had a special significance; Mack is a fellow musician, a brother-in-arms. Mack was the lead singer for the popular regional band Soul Angel. In November of last year, he suffered life-threatening injuries and is presently in Pitt County Memorial Trauma Center. I am told he is a very positive, strong-willed person, but his recovery will be difficult and his prognosis remains unclear.

In December a benefit was organized in Hampstead that featured five bands from North Carolina. The event was held at the Ultra Classic Bar and Billiards, through the generosity of owners Allen and Diane. Most of the heavy lifting to organize and run the event was done by the Southern Eagles, a local motorcycle club. More than $3700 was raised in the effort, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the community and the bands that performed.
Kicking off the concert was Tight Rope from Raleigh. Mack, in years past, had been a member of this successful pop-rock group. In fact, they reformed and worked out a new set solely for the benefit. Bald Fury, a classic rock band from Surf City, played second and received a long ovation and calls for an encore following their high-energy set of rock and roll anthems. Bald Fury’s drummer, Neal Purser, played with Mack in both Tightrope and Soul Angel. The Strangers, a talented trio from Wilmington, entertained the crowd with a mix of original tunes. Goodbye Titan from Raleigh may have stolen the show with their unique instrumental offerings."Pink Floyd" meets "John Tesh" is how I describe their mesmerizing sound. The drummer for Good-bye Titan is Neal Purser’s son. Last, The David Avent Band from Hickory, NC capped off the evening with an unplugged concert featuring popular rock covers and strong original songs. And yes, in case you were wondering, there is a connection beyond the musical brotherhood, as David, is Mack’s son.

The Avent family would like to thank everyone who was involved. Even though the medical bills exceed the financial scope of the concert, the goodwill and love sent Mack’s way was priceless and boosted his spirits. Musicians are good people. They are a kind, caring and very generous lot. Even though most of us do not know Mack personally, the fact that he is a musician/brother made our night even more special. Our prayers are with Mack and his family during his long road to recovery.