Fund-raiser to help family cope after fire

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Go Jimmy Go" has agreed to perform at a fund-raiser for the Dolan family. Advertiser library photo 'Burning Down The House' Benefit for the Dolan family Featuring Country Truck, Go Jimmy Go, Ooklah The Moc, Pimpbot, KTUH-FM DJ Big Bar 6 p.m. Jan. 17 Anna Bannanas 946-5190

"I was setting up the bar when I got a phone call from my neighbor telling me, 'Your house burned down,' " Dolan, a 10-year Anna's bartender, said solemnly. "I asked if it was gone. She said it was totally gone. After that, I just kind of hung up and ran."

Dolan, 33, has been running around town ever since, trying to put the pieces of his young family's lives back together.

Thankfully, the Dolans have a few good friends who want to help out.

Danny's boss, Anna Bannanas co-owner Tom "Piranha" Gierman, has put together "Burning Down The House," a cheekily named Jan. 17 benefit concert/party aimed at raising much-needed cash for the family.

With some help from Country Truck guitarist Jamie Winpenny, Gierman received commitments from that band, Go Jimmy Go, Ooklah The Moc, Pimpbot and KTUH-FM DJ Big Bar to perform free at the event.

"Danny was a bartender during Red Session's heyday at Anna Bannanas," said Winpenny, who also played with ska faves Session. "We've been good friends for a very long time. When I found out what happened to him ... doing this was a no-brainer."

An electrical fire gutted the Dolans' rented Kahala Avenue home on Dec. 31, while Dolan's wife, Michelle, and 4-week-old son Jacob were at a doctor's appointment. Damage was estimated at $35,000 for the family's belongings, which were not insured.

"Well, there's a lot," said Danny, asked about his family's most immediate needs. "The major thing right now though is just finding a place for us to live ... and furnishings."

Michelle and Jacob are temporarily living on the Big Island with family while Danny stays with friends and looks for another home here.

Winpenny mentioned the benefit idea to Gierman and suggested bringing in other bands for what would otherwise have been an already-scheduled paying gig at Anna's for Country Truck.

"I don't have any money," said Winpenny, laughing. "I don't have any material things. So (music) was the way to go on this. It feels good to do it."

Gierman said he was still working with Anna Bannanas vendors on food and drink donations for the benefit, but was sure he would get them.

"Everybody's been very supportive," Gierman said. "That's the beauty about living here. When something like this happens, it seems like people always hui together."

All proceeds collected from the event's $10 cover and sales of donated food and drinks will go to the Dolans, as will all tips collected that evening.

Gierman has already put out donation jars at Anna's for the family.

"Danny's a genuinely nice guy ... honest and hard-working," Gierman said. "And he's just so proud to be a new dad. I mean, he was so excited before (Michelle) even had Jacob. I just feel for him. This is really the least we can do."

Danny, who already has been given "everything we need for a baby" by his Kahala neighbors, is grateful for the assistance.

"They're really going out of their way," said Danny, of the musicians and Anna's. "I mean, this is a money night for them, and they're giving it up for us. I don't know where to begin to thank them for that.

"I'm kind of in awe about it all, to tell you the truth. You learn who your friends are really quick."