For three days, music flowed from two stages at Humboldt Brews onto the sidewalk, into the street and beyond the corner of H and 10th streets. There, the rubble and charred remains of seven businesses and eight apartments destroyed in a Jan. 2 fire provided stark contrast and a reminder of the losses — though thankfully no human lives — that spurred the Arcata Rising fundraiser.
The festival, assembled with breakneck speed by Humbrews owner Shelley Ruhl, former owner Andy Ardell and musician Brian Swislow, began with a sold-out Friday night show and saw more than 30 acts performing by closing time Sunday. Brett McFarland kicked off the main stage show Friday that also saw Earl Thomas and Piet Dalmolen and the PD Quartet play, followed over the weekend by a host of local favorites — from Object Heavy and Bump Foundation to Claire Bent and Citizen Funk — and Humboldt alumni returning to their roots and the company of old friends, like The California Poppies.
Non-musicians pitched in with donated items for the silent auction at Humbrews as well, including Christopher Dmise and Dre Meza, whose live paintings went up on the block to support fire victims. Meanwhile, Startup Humboldt took bids on donated works of art at a separate fundraiser.
And Humboldt showed up, lining up at the door, giving donations and making bids to help those affected by the fire, to help rebuild the block, the businesses and the lives thrown into chaos. According to Ruhl, she’s working with Pay it Forward Humboldt to ensure the money raised from the weekend’s events is distributed to those impacted. Photographer Alexander Anderson was on hand to capture highlights of the festival.
This article appears in Arcata Rises Up for Fire Victims.