The musicians of local neighborhood Forest Heights are fighting fire with their own type of fire — a warm, charitable flicker.  

Landscaper and Heights resident Perry Johnson, Jr.’s house was gutted in a fire in early January, and, because he had no insurance at the time, he was left with only charred remnants and no reimbursement check.

“Everything I had, I had in my house,” Johnson said, “and now everything I had, I lost.”

Kite to the Moon will be joining several other bands in a benefit to raise money for a Forest Heights resident whose house burned down.

But his musically inclined neighbors have rallied together to help his family start again with a benefit concert featuring local bands with members who reside in Forest Heights, such as The Suex Effect, The Adam Payne Band and Kite to the Moon.

Mike Wilson, a member of The Suex Effect, lives across the street from Johnson’s former place of residence and is the main organizer of the event.

According to Wilson, the authorities believe the fire started in the rafters, near Johnson’s chimney. The chimney was not an original part of the house, and it’s possible that the installation was faulty — leading to the fire.

Whatever the cause, the damage was irreparable. 

“What the fire didn’t get, heat, smoke and water damage got,” Wilson said.

The Forest Heights bands are not the only ones to play in the benefit. 

“As far as the benefit goes, all of us Forest Heights bands are involved in it, as well as JazzChronic,” Wilson said.

Wilson and the other members of the community are determined to gain support for the benefit.

 “The band and I have been going door-to-door, selling tickets and getting the word out,” Wilson said. “Anyone in the neighborhood who has run across [Johnson] before is more than happy to help. I mean, he has been a very positive influence on our community in Forest Heights. We all want to help him out.”

Johnson has been getting involved in the benefit as well, raffling off his services as a landscaper, among other things.

 “I’ve got a set of tickets I’m selling off myself,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson has no doubts about the situation that he is in.

 “I’m starting everything back over,” Johnson said. “I’m in a bit of a bind, and it’s going to take time for things to be right again.” 

But he and his wife are grateful that there are people in his community willing to lend a helping hand and wield a helping guitar.

Featuring The Suex Effect, The Adam Payne Band, Kite to the Moon and JazzChronic

When: 8 tonight

Where: 40 Watt

Price: $6 / $8 underage

More Information:  Donations of clothing and landscaping tools will also be accepted at the event.