When a local band learned a Chehalis business was dealing with a difficult financial situation, they decided to throw a party.
The purpose of Floodstock, which has been organized by The Prohibition Band and will hit Prindle Street in Chehalis Saturday, is to raise money to assist Flood Valley Brewing Craft Taphouse.
The business learned while renovating the former Matrix Coffeehouse property that its current fire suppression infrastructure only allows for a limit of 49 patrons at any given time. The cost of improvements to the system to allow for a higher capacity were daunting.
“The initial estimates for that work came back in excess of $25,000,” said Brittany Voie, a member of The Prohibition Band who also works for The Chronicle. “Since we can’t throw a concert at his business, we decided to have a street concert.”
The event has been dubbed Floodstock, a play on the famous music festival Woodstock and the name of the business, and all money raised will go toward upgrades to the fire suppression system so Flood Valley can welcome more customers in the future.
The street concert is slated for 4 p.m. to midnight in the 400 block of Prindle Street.
The Prohibition Band — a Lewis County-based group that performs rock, classic rock, country, southern rock, blues and outlaw country — is the headlining musical act. They’ll hit the stage at 8 p.m.
Prior to their performance, Harmony Ridge will provide its laid-back acoustic folk, bluegrass and celtic-infused selections from 4 to 6 p.m.
Strait Shot, another band that covers country western standards from a multitude of artists, will play from 6 to 8 p.m.
“If you look at the three bands, I think they’re relatively new to the local music scene, but everyone can enjoy them for different reasons,” said Voie. “It’s different flavors of sounds and musical persuasions.”
All three groups have waived their appearance fees. Voie said assisting a potential venue for local artists such as Flood Valley has benefits for all musicians in Lewis County.
“Every band that performs in Lewis County has a vested interest in helping a business like Flood Valley grow,” Voie said.
Along with the music, attendees of Floodstock will also have a number of craft beer, wine and mead options.
McMenamins Breweries, O-Töwn Brewing, Five Dons' Brewing LLC and the Fish Brewing Co. will be serving their popular offerings for the entirety of the event.
Obviously, Flood Valley Brewing Craft House will also have a large variety of beers on tap for public consumption, and Big T Barbecue will be serving food.
Prohibition Band had to get a permit from the city of Chehalis while working with the Chehalis Renaissance team to close down the 400 block of Northwest Prindle Street in front of Flood Valley Brewing and Craft House.
All of the financial backing was provided by Pacific Sports Spa and Sandrini Construction & Remodeling & Sandrini Restoration. Additional assistance was provided by Express Iron Works and Experience Chehalis. The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce provided a stage for the event.
“I think it’s really awesome to live in an area where local businesses see the value of helping other local businesses expand the offerings of nightlife culture in downtown Chehalis,” Voie said.
The cover charge is $10 per person and $15 per couple. All attendees must be 21 or older.
“If the community response goes over well we hope this will become an annual event,” Voie said.
Organizers recommend attendees bring a camp chair if they want to sit back and enjoy the music. Visit theprohibitionband.com or search for Floodstock on Facebook to learn more about the group.
