Brewtal Truth: Champion Brewing Hosts ‘Benefit For Balsac’

Is there anything that beer can’t make better? It improves the mood, refreshes the palate and, in this case, it may well help save a life. That’s what the folks at Virginia’s Champion Brewing and Florida’s Cigar City Brewing are hoping as they combine their forces to host a special benefit show this Saturday, April 7, at Champion, to help Mike Derks, aka Balsac the Jaws of Death of GWAR.

Derks is currently fighting a rare bone marrow disease and both Champion and Cigar City intend to donate 100% of proceeds for the day to help him. In addition to benefitting a very good cause—Derks is a longtime leader and supporter of the Richmond, VA creative scene—the April 7 show will be a helluva fun time with sets from local DJs, live music from BAT, Druglord, Loud Night and Murdersome and some incredible raffle prizes to be won and amazing donated items to be bid on in the silent auction. LoveHopeStrength, the world’s leading music-centric cancer organization, will be on-hand to take swabs for potential donors to help save lives.

The event goes from 1–10 pm this Saturday at Champion Brewing (401 E. Grace St.) in GWAR’s hometown of Richmond, VA. Even if you can’t attend, there are still a myriad of ways you can help out. Please see the event’s Facebook page for additional details. A GoFundMe page has also been set up for those interested in making donations.