Maine country musicians to hold benefit concert for singers who were hit by an SUV
Mike Preston and Kim Curry have played on Maine's country music scene for decades.
Mike Preston and Kim Curry have played on Maine's country music scene for decades.
Mike Preston and Kim Curry have played on Maine's country music scene for decades.
Mike Preston and Kim Curry are professional country music singers from Lewiston and Auburn respectively, and have each been performing for decades. But on July 27, while attending a show in Augusta, their situations changed completely.
"We went next door to the Irving station to get coffee," Curry said. "And we got our coffees and turned around to walk back, and right at the intersection where the light is we were on the sidewalk and someone had rear-ended someone at the light. And then the next thing you know, we were hit."
An SUV hit Preston and Curry along Western Ave. in Augusta, sending both flying what they say was 50 feet. Preston suffered a skull fracture and fractured vertebrae in his neck, while Kim suffered a fractured pelvis, hip and vertebrae in her back.
Their injuries mean that the couple can't play live for the time being, which has led the pair to cancel 65 dates at a cost of what they say is $15,000 to $20,000.
Local musicians have stepped up, however, and are organizing a benefit concert for the pair on August 26 at Lenny's Pub in Westbrook.
"Right away, I called a few musicians, the word got out, and already we have more access than we can even get in the time slot," said Bucky Mitchell, who books live music at Lenny's. "They're always the first ones to come to bat. If you need help, Mike and Kim will be there for you. And now it's our turn to be there for them."
Preston and Curry say that they greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from the Maine music community, and that any money raised could go a long way.
"It's just an enormous amount of love and support from everybody and from all the musicians and friends and everyone in the community," Curry said. "It's unbelievable."