By Joslyn Keenan
Jan. 26, 2018

This Sunday,  from 4 to 8 p.m., The Zoo Bar will be holding a special benefit for the Pat Clinch Peace Project in downtown Lincoln.

The family friendly event includes performances by Les Leis, The Inbetweens and special guest Pat Bradley. The Pat Clinch Peace Project has graciously chosen KZUM to receive the funds raised at this event.

Clinch was a well-known and loved musician in the Lincoln community. The bassist and vocalist in the band Strawberry Burns, Clinch was known to have a strong passion for local music. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and passed away shortly after, on May 25, 2015, after fighting with courage and a positive spirit. His spirit is still very much alive and is seen through the various projects and benefits the project now offers in his name.

Quick to extend a helping hand, The Pat Clinch Peace Project describes itself as a flash fundraising group that brings the community together through music, the arts and good food. As a nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, they’re driven to help people in the community and make positive impacts in the lives of others. In their own words, they are simply the “conduit that connects the community to the cause.”

The bands performing, fittingly, are local. All performers have a long-standing connection with Pat Clinch.

The Inbetweens consists of band members Kristen Bailey, Meghan Bailey, Mackenzie Sanford, Patrick Nichols and Ben Armstrong. Forming in May 2013, they describe their genre as primitive cerebral roots and opulent pop that “meanders noticeably into the woods where the wild, slightly off-tune things are.” Setting itself apart from the rest, The Inbetweens have also been known to include the ukulele, accordion, violin, and many other instruments. Seemingly making a lane of their own, they stand apart from the rest all while maintaining an authentic vibe.

Les Leis is a French-pop and Jazz group that showcase a mix of local singers and musicians. Special Bradley, singer-songwriter of “She’s My Girlfriend”, will also be attending and playing the bass..

“We became involved by reaching out to the Pat Clinch Peace Project about this upcoming benefit,” said Chanty Stovall, the group’s manager.”Les Leis has done a few benefits in the past. For this event, we decided on the Pat Clinch Peace Project because there is great community behind that organization, and it’s important to bring people together.”

Chanty also worked with Clinch at The Mill coffee shop, and went on to praise Strawberry Burns and their music, at one point playing a show with the band at Bob’s Tavern. Current Strawberry Burns band members are Brock Beckman on drums, Gregory Joyce on guitar and vocals, and Brandon McKenzie, also guitar and vocals. Music is available on their Bandcamp page.

For more about the Pat Clinch Peace Project, visit the group’s website and Facebook page.

Joslyn Keenan is an editorial intern with KZUM.