Living in a mid-sized Midwest city with a thriving, contemporary music scene and a storied past as a center for seminal 1980s punk groups like The Replacements and Hüsker Dü, eventually -- no matter who you are -- you start to hear stories about how someone you really admire, someone in, say, an influential no wave band lives in the same city as you. In this story, for example, that person would be Laura Kennedy, original bassist for the New York post-punk band Bush Tetras and recent liver transplant recipient. To help defray the costs of medical bills and to celebrate some damn good tunes, an extra special benefit is happening this Saturday at Nick & Eddie in Minneapolis.

It's a win-win situation: Ms. Kennedy gets the proceeds, you get to experience a lineup that would be the envy of any ATP attendee and its constant Jesus Lizard/My Bloody Valentine/Etc. reunions. Last fall, New York friends put on an another benefit for the Liver Fund, featuring legends like James Chance, Lenny Kaye, Voidoid Ivan Julian, Tetras drummer Dee Pop's Radio I-Ching, the B-52s' Pat Irwin, and the aforementioned Bush Tetras. Round 2 in Minneapolis features -- in addition to the headliners -- David Thomas of Pere Ubu, Suicide Commandos, and Skoal Kodiak. There's also a raffle, involving tons of fairly awesome prizes and an option to donate at the Laura Kennedy Liver Fund blog.

Tickets are available from First Ave, at local record stores Treehouse Records, The Electric Fetus and Eclipse Records, and at Nick & Eddie. Tickets will also be available at the door

01.17.09 - Minneapolis, MN - Nick & Eddie