Community Rallies with Fundraiser at Altered State

via Facebook Event

Saturday, Feb. 1

Well-loved local artists and businesspeople are rallying for two well-loved local artists and businesspeople as their 16-year-old son continues struggling to recover from critical injuries after being shot by another teen recently.

A bevy of local musicians – all gathered to help support friends Stephen Trohoske and Lena Longvina and raise funds for their son's mounting medical expenses following the Jan. 26 incident – will be featured starting at noon and continuing until 11 p.m. Saturday at Altered State Distillery, 1535 W. 8th St.

The day's lengthy lineup features performances by Chris Ehrich; Paollello and Gone; Monica Lewis; Matt Boland; Justin Moyar; Doug Phillips Quartet with Eric Brewer, Elly Vahey & Jim Dowds; Tyler Smilo & Jassen Wilber; Brooke Surgener; Riff Riders Lite; Jennifer Meyer; Zack Orr; and, to top the evening off, an all-musicians open jam featuring (but not limited to) members of LEC, Liquid Nixon, Big City Hangover and others.

And, in addition to open direct-donation coffers, a portion of all proceeds from the day's sales at the distillery will also benefit the family, according to event organizers. A GoFundMe account has also been established in their name, and can be found here.

^{The event's flyer, showing the lineup and times for musicians}

According to local news reports, Trohoske's and Longvina's 16-year-old – who's remained hospitalized in critical condition at UPMC Hamot in Erie – was shot in the torso by a 17-year-old friend while the two were hanging out at a Millcreek Township residence sometime around 9 p.m. Jan. 26.

The 17-year-old – who'd allegedly purchased the gun off the street just recently, according to police reports – has been charged as an adult in the case, and reportedly remains jailed in lieu of $75,000 bond on felony and misdemeanor charges including aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, simple assault, and reckless endangerment.

Ryan Smith can be reached at rsmith@eriereader.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @ryanmsmithplens.