On Thursday, June 30, 4G, Dova, and Batchelor Girl Productions will host “BRO HYMN” — the first fundraising event for the newly formed charity, Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids.
While paying tribute to the life of professional skateboarder Josh Evin, the Kootenay community will gather at Element Club Bar & Grill to help turn a dream of helping kids into reality.
Josh Evin, known to some as the “Black Russian,” received his first skateboard at the age of seven after deciding he was fed up with team sports and wanted to pursue a sport where he could succeed on his own.
Inspired by local boarders, skateboarding became in Evin’s own words, “the only life he knew.”
Evin was fortunate enough to have family who believed in and supported his dreams of becoming a professional skateboarder, but he knew there were many kids out there who just needed to be given a chance. From child to pro boarder, Evin’s determination was apparent to the entire Kootenay community.
“I watched Josh as he went from a resolute young teenager trying to get a skate park in Castlegar, to becoming a world class professional skate boarder. He always had a smile on his face and never let his fame get in the way of helping other young people,” comments Katrine Conroy, the MLA for West Kootenay Boundary.
As a youngster, Evin was accepted by the older crowd and in turn, he grew to love and believe in other young children.Throughout his professional skateboarding career, Evin made attempts to positively influence kids every chance he got.
He was always the last pro to leave a skate jam because he never wanted to disappoint any child waiting for a signature.
“Josh felt that a pair of skate shoes and a board could change a kid’s life forever,” says Justin Evin, Josh’s brother and founder of Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids, a charity whose mission is to provide children with the equipment they need to begin skateboarding.
“Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids was a dream of Josh’s before he passed away”.
Evin’s death in June 2010 saddened the hearts of friends, family and fans all over the world. He touched the lives of everyone he met in one way or another. Many events have been held in his memory including the original memorial evening held at Element Club Bar and Grill, organized by brothers Kirk and Evan Batchelor, with the help of club manager, Florio Vassilakakis. Evan Batchelor, owner of 4G Productions, was living in Victoria when he heard about the death of his friend Josh Evin.
Like many others, Batchelor felt the importance of returning to his home town to surround himself with the people that he and Josh grew up with.
“Although last year’s memorial event brought hundreds of Josh’s friends and family together, it was planned with only two days notice,” explains Evan Batchelor. “This year’s event has taken months of planning and is sure to be a killer night showcasing artists with a connection to Josh and the Kootenays, including our headliner Subvert.”
Jeremy Bridge, aka DJ Subvert, not only knew Josh but also has strong ties to the Kootenays as the manager of the Village stage at the Shambhala Music Festival.
“Being a memorial celebration for Josh, with proceeds going to Sk8 Shoes 4Kids, BRO HYMN sounded like a great way to commemorate him,” stated Bridge. “I’m happy to give back to the Kootenays in any way I can. It’s a special place for me, full of special people.”
BRO HYMN will take place at Element Club Bar and Grill, in Castlegar on June 30. Performers will include BatchLore, Django, Dion Rego and SUBVERT. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Tickets are available for $15 at clubelement.ca, The Element and Ripping Giraffe Boardshop in Nelson.
Without the support from local community members such as MLA Katrine Conroy, and local businesses such as HTR Designs, Ripping Giraffe Boardshop, Warren Lane Pictures, Bass Skidz, and Hairy Productions Sound and Lighting this fundraising event for Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids would not be possible.
Donations to Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids can be made through PayPal at htrdesigns.com and through Heritage Credit Union under the Sk8 Shoes 4 Kids Society account.
/Submitted by Batchelor Girl Productions