[Update, March 29, 8 a.m.: Two more benefit shows in Nathan’s honor were recently announced. Details are listed below.]
This Friday, friends and family of Nathan Alfaro Ortiz will gather to mourn the loss of the 23 year-old Westminster man fatally stabbed during a show in Downtown Santa Ana. Less than two weeks since the incident on March 3, the shock of his death is still fresh. But those who appreciated Alfaro and his love for music know that if there’s anything Alfaro would’ve wanted us to remember him by, it’s a concert and celebration of his life. In Alfaro’s case, it’s not only one show, but two.
Following the memorial service for Alfaro at 2:30 p.m. at Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary on March 18, there will be a benefit show in his honor at Diego’s, next door to Underground DTSA where he lost his life. Appropriately, many of his best friend’s bands will share the stage that evening, several of which were scheduled to play at Underground DTSA the night he was killed. The lineup includes Weekend Bomb, The Jailbirds, The Bonaventures, The West Boys (Alfaro’s former band, which will be a tribute set), and Whorehouse.
The show, organized by John Safari of Orange County Music League, came together quickly with the help of Diego’s which offered up their space to host the event. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starting at 6:30 p.m. The price of admission to the event is a $10 donation which goes directly to the Alfaro family and there will also be a silent auction, a raffle and other ways to Alfaro’s mother and sisters. For full details on the event, click here. The set times for the bands are listed below.
Set Times
6:30-7 Weekend Bomb
7:15-7:45 The Jailbirds
8-8:30 The Bonaventures
8:45-9:15 The West Boys (Nathan’s Tribute Set)
9:30-10 Whorehouse Massacre
On April 3, Top Acid hosts their own tribute to Alfaro at the Yost featuring some of his favorite bands both on stage and behind the decks. Live sets from The Garden, The Sloths, Cat Signs (members of The Growlers, TRMRS, and Tomorrows Tulips), The Hurricanes, and Ghali have been announced so far, along with DJ sets by The Drums and the Growlers. For full info on that show as it develops, click here.
Update:
On April 8 a benefit show for Alfaro and his family will be held at The dA Center For the Arts headlined by OC punk power trio YAAWN (featuring the Weekly’s drummer/writer extraordinaire Candace Hansen!). There are four bands in total, including Frisco Dykes, Layman and little prince xoxo. The show starts at 7 p.m. $5 donation. For full details, click here.
On April 9 Programme HQ in Fullerton will host a second benefit show headlined by Death Hymn Number 9. Supporting acts include Michael Vidal, Moaning and more to be arranged. $5, 7 p.m. For full details, click here.
