FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – Once the state gave the go-ahead for outdoor live music with one musician, the stage was set for a solo return for local musician Matt Mullins at Our House Grill and Pub at Cantrell Rafting.
It was his first on-stage performance since January and then came an unexpected rainstorm.
“It was coming in sideways and I was like, ‘Oh, this isn’t funny. This is just stupid. I’m going to get electrocuted,'” Mullins said. “So I tried to unplug my stuff. I flipped my pedals over, but it was already too late. I mean, guitars were soaking wet. I was soaking wet.”
Around $2,500 worth of equipment was ruined putting Mullins in a bind forcing him to cancel his next gig.
He thought he would have to go through another round of cancellations until the community stepped in.
Kid in the Background let him borrow equipment, Skyline Lodge started a Go Fund Me and Honey Blossom Bake Shop at Cantrell launched a cupcake fundraiser selling his favorite flavor, key lime. It started this week and they’ve already sold 15 orders.
“Our community is always good at coming through for everyone,” Our House’s Food and Beverage Manager Kristen Cantrell said. “And we’ve seen that in the orders. Most of them are local Fayetteville businesses or people who frequent those businesses, so every time our community has someone in need we try to come together and do what we can to help, so hopefully, by the end of the weekend, we might have some new equipment for Matt.”
Mullins is back to performing again and is getting closer to his goal of getting new equipment thanks to the outpouring of support from those in the community.
While the future of live music is still uncertain, the giving spirit in the area still remains.
“Fayetteville and Beckley, we have a crazy arts community,” Mullins said. “Like people support each other so much and I’m so thankful and humbled by the support.”
If you would like to place an order of the key lime cupcakes for $30 from Honey Blossom, you can message either Honey Blossom or Our House Grill and Pub on Facebook. All proceeds will go to help Matt Mullins.
You must place your order by Friday at noon and then all will be available for pickup on Saturday after 2:00 p.m.
