FireWorks hosts two nights of music to aid food Bank

"There is always more to the story," said Steve Smith on Sunday evening as he prepared to leave the Southtown Street Party after enjoying the sounds of local musicians and chatting with friends.

The event, which concludes tonight at FireWorks Restaurant in south Corvallis is a benefit for South Corvallis Food Bank.

"There has been times when things have been lean," said Smith, who is now a successful general contractor and owner of Progressive Design Builders.

"I hitchhiked to Corvallis 50 years ago," he said. "I needed the food bank, and I transitioned through Community Outreach."

"I'm now on the board of Community Outreach," Smith said. "If everyone just forgot and just moved on there would be a huge void."

FireWorks co-owner Ocean Liff-Anderson decided to hold the first annual Southtown Street Party after learning of a need for donations to the South Corvallis Food Bank, which is run by friend, Judy Hecht.

"They're in more trouble now than ever with the economy the way it is." Liff-Anderson said.

Liff-Anderson and his wife, Intaba, rounded up volunteers, bands and raffle prizes.

Street-party goers are asked to donate $5 to $10 at the gate, but no one will be turned away from the party; however, food and drink cost extra with part of the proceeds going toward the food bank.

The event is also about promoting community in south Corvallis.

"See, I think Southtown has a connotation that's not all together popular with the people," said Liff-Anderson. "In a way, it's a neglected part of town."

"Some people tell me they never come down here. Or they come as far as the Co-op, but no farther," he added.

"I tell them 'Southtown is great,'" said Liff-Anderson. "There is a large community of artists down here and the CoHo Ecovillage, just to mention a few things."

"We want to show we can have a good party down here," he said.

Tonight the gates will open for the final night of the benefit at 6 p.m. with performances by Soul Smoke Spoken Word Syndicate, Burning Truth Tribe, Cassandra Robertson and Santino Cadiz.

Naomi and the Courteous Rudeboys, fresh off an appearance at the Oregon Country Fair, will headline the festivities at 8:30 p.m.

The event is open to all ages and Brad's World Reptiles will be on hand from 6 to 8 p.m. showing off exotic critters including and an American alligator, African spur thigh tortoise and several snakes.

For more information on the Southtown Street Party, see www.fireworkscuisine.com or call 754-6958.