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Tuesday, August 7, 2007
A Big Night for Big John
Posted
By Dan Bolles
on Tue, Aug 7, 2007 at 12:28 PM
As many of you already know, local skateboarder and Ridin' High owner, "Big John" Van Hazinga, was critically injured in a crash on Route 108 near Smuggler's Notch, less than a week after Ken Picard's story on Burlington's skate culture ran on the cover of Seven Days.
Big John's progress has been maddeningly slow and he is still in a coma. But his family and friends remain impossibly positive in the face of the tragedy. Reading their accounts of his progress and the ensuing emotional strain is nothing short of heart-wrenching. It's also strangely uplifting.
This Monday, the Higher Ground Ballroom plays host to a benefit show, appropriately titled, "A Benefit For Big John." The evening will feature performances by some of Van Hazinga's favorite local acts, including Turkey Bouillon Mafia, Seth Yacovone, DJ A-Dog, and DJ Nickel B of Itation Sound. The event will also serve as the premier for skateboard filmmaker Travis Card's new short, "Family Tree."
When Ken's story ran, it was paired with a web feature filmed by Stuck In Vermont vlogger, Eva Sollberger and prominently features Big John. Here it is, with tunes by The Cush:
Best wishes to John and his family and friends.
About The Author
Dan Bolles
Bio:
Dan Bolles is Seven Days' assistant arts editor and also edits What's Good, the annual city guide to Burlington. He has received numerous state, regional and national awards for his coverage of the arts, music, sports and culture. He loves dogs, dark beer and the Boston Red Sox.
Dan Bolles is Seven Days' assistant arts editor and also edits What's Good, the annual city guide to Burlington. He has received numerous state, regional and national awards for his coverage of the arts, music, sports and culture. He loves dogs, dark beer and the Boston Red Sox.
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