There will be a memorial for Highline High School graduate (1984) Mike Starr, the original bassist for the seminal grunge band ‘Alice In Chains,’ this Sunday, March 20th, from 4pm – 7pm at “The Fountain” at Seattle Center.

This will be a free public gathering in a nice central location, known for previous memorials (John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, etc.). We’re not sure who will be attending, but we imagine that family, friends and perhaps Mike’s co-Chains members will be there.

“Mike Starr’s family requests that all donations made in his memory be directed to MusiCares,” reads a statement on a Facebook Page. “MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance (medical, drug/alcohol treatment, dental, financial) for music people in times of need.”

Donations can be made online or by check to the address below:

www.grammy.org/musicares/donate

Musicares Foundation
3030 Olympic Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90404

As we reported on March 9th:

On Tuesday (March 8), former ‘Alice In Chains’ bass player Mike Starr, 44, was found dead in his Salt Lake City home. Starr, who graduated from Burien’s Highline High School in 1984, was the band’s original bassist from the group’s formation in 1987 to 1993.

He had been battling a drug problem for a number of years, and in January 2010 was featured as a patient on the third season of “Celebrity Rehab,” a VH1 reality show, where he appeared to be unable to overcome his addiction.

WHAT: Public Memorial for ‘Alice In Chains’ bassist Mike Starr.

WHEN: Sunday, March 20 · 4:00pm – 11:30pm

WHERE: “The Fountain” (Seattle Center) at the Seattle Center (305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109) www.seattlecenter.com.

INFO: From a Facebook Event Page:

The official public gathering for Mike Starr’s memorial will be:

• Sunday, March 20, 2011
• “The Fountain” (Seattle Center)
• 4pm -7pm

Please come and celebrate Mike’s life.

Mike Starr’s family requests that all donations made in his memory be directed to MusiCares. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance (medical, drug/alcohol treatment, dental, financial) for music people in times of need.

On Tuesday (March 8), former ‘Alice In Chains’ bass player Mike Starr, 44, was found dead in his Salt Lake City home. Starr, who graduated from Burien’s Highline High School in 1984, was the band’s original bassist from the group’s formation in 1987 to 1993.

He had been battling a drug problem for a number of years, and in January 2010 was featured as a patient on the third season of “Celebrity Rehab,” a VH1 reality show, where he appeared to be unable to overcome his addiction.

According to news reports, Starr was arrested in Salt Lake City three weeks ago on an outstanding warrant related to an earlier drug charge. At the time he was arrested, he was also found carrying unauthorized prescription medications.

He played bass for the albums Facelift, Sap, and Dirt, and left Alice In Chains in the middle of the Dirt tour. He also sang backing vocals on the song “Confusion” on the Alice in Chains album Facelift.

According to numerous sources, Starr’s departure from the band was amicable, and was allegedly due to the rigors of constant touring and the desire to spend more time with his family.

TMZ, which broke the news of Starr’s death Tuesday, quoted his father as saying: “It’s a terrible shock and tragedy.”

The band, which recently re-formed, posted this announcement on their website:

Members of Alice in Chains are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy – and the privacy of the Starr family – during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with the Starr family.

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog sends our deepest sympathies out to Mike’s friends, family and fellow fans.

VIDEOS:

Here’s a pretty cool home video of the band jamming backstage before a concert:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s some of our personal AIC faves – check out the big rock star hair-flingin’ on “Man in the Box”!:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s another angle with far superior audio:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Burien’s own Northwest Symphony Orchestra today announced its 2008 – 2009 season will open this Sunday, Sept. 14th with a special halftime appearance with legendary Seattle band “Alice in Chains” at the Seattle Seahawks opening regular season home game.

You read that right folks – B-Town’s very own Orchestra is going to jam with grunge legends “Alice In Chains” during halftime at Sunday’s Seahawk game!

And it might look/sound something like this (doing Led Zep’s “Kashmir“), which was shot when AIC played w/NW Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya in 2007:

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is the second time the Northwest Symphony and AIC have appeared together, after a sold out Children’s Hospital benefit appearance at Benaroya Hall in November 2007.

The orchestra and legendary grunge band will be under the baton of Hollywood composer and Seattle native Mateo Messina (Juno).

The orchestra’s entire season schedule will include:

• Seattle Seahawks Halftime Special Appearance With Seattle rock band Alice in Chains on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Qwest Field, Seattle
• Concert #1: “Family Concert” – “Dance and the Dueling Violins” on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 7:30pm at Highline Performing Arts Center, Burien
• Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center Benefit Concert: “An American Symphony” — World Premiere, with Mateo Messina, composer, Friday, November 7, 2008 at 7:00pm at Benaroya Hall, Seattle
• Concert #2: “Valentine’s Concert”, Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8:00pm at Highline Performing Arts Center
• Concert #3: “Spotlight on the Orchestra” on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 8:00pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, West Seattle
• Concert #4: “Reflections of the Northwest” on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8:00pm at Highline Performing Arts Center

ABOUT NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Now in its 22nd season, Northwest Symphony Orchestra has performed to local, regional, and national acclaim. The orchestra has performed an unprecedented 100 compositions of Northwest composers and has garnered seven national awards for Programming of Contemporary Music from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, including a first place national award in 2007. The orchestra has been featured repeatedly on National Public Radio and has recorded three compact disks. Dr. Anthony Spain is Music Director.  Northwest Symphony Orchestra makes complimentary tickets available to local school music programs. Teachers may call the orchestra office at (206) 242-6321.

More information about Northwest Symphony Orchestra is available on their website: http://www.northwestsymphonyorchestra.org, or by calling (206) 242-6321.