Local metalheads united at a show last Saturday to raise funds for childhood cancer research. In partnership with Deathslope Productions, three local metal bands came together to perform at Copeka Coffee on Jan. 18, 2025.
Jakeous Beard, the rhythm guitarist of HAXANSCYTHE, was diagnosed with leukemia at two years old. He decided to host this charity show to raise funds for the Children’s Leukemia Research Association. Coincidentally, the date of the show aligned with Beard’s birthday, who has been in remission since he was six.
Through The Smoke was the opening act, followed by Tighten. Closing out the night was HAXANSCYTHE. The bands brought their shreddiest guitar riffs, thumpiest bass lines, and most howling vocals.
Tighten was invited to play by HAXANSCYTHE after getting to know each other at Tighten’s album release gig at Mesa Theater a couple of months ago. When they were told about the event they immediately wanted to help.
“If there’s an opportunity with a benefit or something like to contribute or do some good then we’re all for it,” said Jeremy Ferber, lead singer and guitarist for Tighten. “We’ve all got good jobs, ya know, we’re not in this for the money by any means. We’re in this to create music, share music.”
Lloyd Anthony, the founder of Deathslope Productions, has been booking events in Grand Junction for the past few years at Mesa Theater, Good Judy’s and Copeka. Anthony specializes in booking DIY punk, metal, psychedelic and alternative bands from out of town.
“If we’re doing a local show, I’d like it to mean something,” said Anthony. He thinks the music scene here is headed in a positive direction but the city needs more all-ages venues that are focused on sharing art instead of selling drinks.
“[Copeka] has been very accommodating for all types of music, doing all sorts of shows,” said Jay Sandstedt, guitarist in the local band Moonfarmer. “I’ve never had a bad vibe here.”
Copeka has been hosting shows like this since they opened. During Covid, things quieted down at the coffee shop but that’s slowly changing. Anthony expects to book around 130 shows this year compared to last year’s 75.
Beard said the metal genre is often stereotyped as satanic or scary, but in reality is quite welcoming and inclusive. Shane Grimsley, who was working the door that evening, echoed this by saying that a fundraiser to benefit pediatric cancer research hosted by metal bands just makes sense.
