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.

Dan Bolles is a culture coeditor at Seven Days. He joined the paper in 2007 as its music editor, covering Vermont's robust music, comedy and nightlife scenes for a decade before deciding he was too old to be going to the Monkey House on weeknights to...

One reply on “A Big Night for Big John”

  1. This is the first i’ve heard of John’s injury – that’s really sad; he spent some time working with me when i worked at Recycle North and i always found him to be a really optimistic, friendly guy… i hope he recovers soon 🙁

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