Patio party supports Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society

Where could one go for a pre-Valentine’s dinner and entertainment? An evening at Party on the Patio was the place to be to celebrate a young man’s passion for music at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on Thursday, February 13, to honor the late Shane Bailey of Fort Smith.

The covered and warm patio made for a comfortable evening for the standing room only crowd. The event benefitted the Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society with hopes of raising $3,000. Shane Bailey passed at the age of 25 from apparent heart failure on June 15, 2013. According to his parents, he left behind a legacy of music, poetry, and creative projects.  In honor of his love for music, The Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society was founded.

Musicians performing at the event included Don Bailey & Friends, Laura Pierson, Bill Flaspohler, Gary Hutchison, Larry B, Tom Ware, Grant Pierson, Deron Freeman, Joe Craine, Mark Steele, Rick Endel, Jonny Verbeten and Bruce Fowler. 

The concert was a way to remember Shane Bailey and to focus on the future.

“The society was formed as a way to remember Shane Bailey and to provide funding, education, and other opportunities to help foster creative music and artistic expression,” said Don Bailey, Shane’s father. “Some of the upcoming activities that the society will be having include clinics, concert, special guest speakers and more.”

“Shane had a deep compassion for young musicians who aspired to excel,” said Don Bailey. “It was Shane’s legacy to embrace young musicians and give them a chance.  The purpose of the foundation is to raise money to help young musicians and artists to be successful in their endeavors and to get them to the place where they need to be because that is what Shane would have done.”

“It was Shane’s desire to help young artists achieve their goals, develop and hone their skills, and this is what Shane would have wanted,” Don explained. “This foundation will help those who don’t have the resources needed to pursue their dreams and goals.”

Following is a quote attributed to Shane: “One of the best days of my life so far was when I was four years old and I discovered that I could play the drums. And it made all the adults react with happy surprise. I’ll remember that ‘til the day I go to Heaven. I guarantee it.”

The event was free, but donations were accepted. Also t-shirts and bracelets could be purchased during the event. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s also donated a portion of the food sales to the society.