Wasted Space band members and fans celebrate their fundraiser for Maui at Time Out Tavern, Carmichael. Musicians are from left: Michael Capps, Zane Miller, Mike Roser, Linda Ingoglia, Frank McClory and Michelle and Johnny Barnes. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The heart of rock ‘n roll is a big one. One of Carmichael’s most popular bands, Wasted Space, recently staged a fundraiser to help Hawaiians devastated by Maui wildfires.

“Our lead guitarist Frank McClory has a cousin from the island who lost everything,” explained singer Michelle Barnes. “I’ve been there several times and I love the spirit of the island. My friend Lisa McGovern – who worked for The Eagle Radio station – used to live there and her son Ryan Clark (now a drummer living in Carmichael) was born in Maui.

“Between Lisa, Frank and me, we decided it would be awesome to do something to help. We wanted to share Maui’s Aloha spirit among our fans, and to do it in our neighborhood. My daughter Jennifer Holman runs the Time Out Tavern (Fair Oaks Boulevard) and offered the place. We booked a Hawaiian food truck and called our event ‘Mai tais and Tie Dyes for Maui.’”

The benefit brought more than 200 rockers, decked in tie-dyes to echo the band’s beachy brand. Drummer Ryan Clark sat in during the final set. Raffles buoyed admission charges; musicians donated their performance, and the tavern threw in a chunk of bar proceeds.

“Our goal was $5000 but we hit $6,500,” reports Barnes. “We’re so grateful to everybody who participated. We are all a piece of what it will take to rebuild beautiful Maui.”

Event funds have been directed to the Maui Strong Fund, a nonprofit that provides support for those affected by the wildfires.

Fundraiser sponsors included Round Table Pizza (Carmichael); Downtown Dental (Dr Jen Finnerty); Clark’s Snowsports; Brick and Barrel Kitchen and Bar (Lincoln).

To assist Maui fire relief, go to www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org