'Rhinoceropolis' Fire Benefit Show Almost Didn't Happen
DENVER (CBS4)- Denver's creative community will come together for a benefit concert at Aztlan Theatre on Saturday night to help the victims of the Ghost Ship Fire in Oakland.
"It was my idea just because I lost a good friend in the fire and I wanted to do everything I could to support them while not actually being there," said musician Luke Thinnes. "It's still something that hits super close to home."
But it almost didn't happen.
"The eviction took place five days after I started setting up the benefit show," said Thinnes.
Thinnes and at least a dozen others artists were forced out of Glob and Rhinoceropolis by Denver Fire Department officials for unsafe living conditions.
The performance and living space planned to host the event but after the event, like any true artist, Thinnes says the show had to go on.
"I didn't want my eviction to take priority over the benefit show because it's still something that hits super close to home for me," said Thinnes.
Thanks to a donation from the Museum of Contemporary Art, Thinnes was able to rent the Aztlan Theatre on Santa Fe. He's since recruited a local artist to perform.
"We're all grieving simultaneously the loss of those in Oakland, and the loss of two tremendous spaces in Denver," said Thinnes.
Thinnes says as creative spaces begin to disappear, Saturday's benefit helps communities like his alive, "We'll always find a way to come together and show love for each other."
LINK: Rhinoceropolis
Andrea Flores is a reporter for CBS4. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @AndreaFloresTV.
