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In Memorium Spooky Dance Band member, Orion Satushek I didn’t know Orion Satushek for very long only, having met him a few short months before he left, however he left an indelible mark on my life. I am thankful for the short time I knew him and only wish it could have been longer. I first met him on a rainy night in front of Disjecta this spring when he approached me saying he knew who I am and we have a similar interest. He told me he was opening an electronic repair shop on Mississippi Avenue and we discussed what types of work he enjoyed. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm and excited by the fact that he worked on all those projects I turn away (and many other repairmen turn away as well!) and said please keep in touch so when you get it together I’ll send you lots of work. When he said his passion was old keyboards that really made me happy as there are so few people who venture into this territory. The next time I saw him he had his shop open. I live in the neighborhood so I stopped by to check it out and was floored by how together it was. I can fix an amp, but I can’t keep a shop that neat looking! We talked about where the best place to buy parts is and I gave him some tips on distributors. He showed me an amp he built and we talked about building amps for instruments and hi-fi etc. It’s always a nice thing when you meet someone who is really doing something as he was. He struck me as a very giving soul that afternoon and had a way of making you feel comfortable and welcome. I got to see he and Caroline Buchalter’s “Spooky Dance Band” soon after and again was happy to see a band I could relate to. Great energy and they smiled a lot (something most bands should try more often!). Actually, I thought they kicked ass and contributed to the feeling that Portland is experiencing a healthy upswing of creative music. Last time I talked with him was on the phone as he was working on a keyboard belonging to the shop I work in. We talked for a while and said he was busier than he imagined he would be. I told him no rush on the keyboard, we in the repair business understand how all that rushing can weigh on us. He put my mind at ease with his knowledge of the keyboard and made it seem that it was all fixable. That’s the last time we spoke. My memories.......here was a fellow who was living his life and loving it. He always seemed to have a smile for you and was completely genuine. He was a beautiful cat and we could all find an example for life through people like him. When I found out someone named Orion was killed by a drunk driver I forced myself to believe it was another Orion until another customer said his shop was closed due to a death in the family. I ran out of work and went to his shop, asked the girl at the coffee shop next door if it was him. She nodded yes and I fell to pieces. When I found out Caroline had been hit too I damn near went into shock and lit candles for her survival. His parents spoke at the memorial and for once I saw where true strength comes from. I saw where his kindness comes from and experienced a beautiful day with beautiful people helping each other out on Mt. Tabor. For such a brief passing of our lives, I feel different these days. I think about him a lot and am forever thankful to have the little time we had. Just wish it could have been longer. Orion Christopher Satushek, 27, and Angela L. Leazenby, 26, died last month after being hit by a drunk driver. Caroline Buchalter, 23, another member of Spooky Dance Band, was also hit. She has recently been released from the hospital. Even with a broken shoulder, she is still able to play violin. The Exploding Hearts On Sunday, July 20th, three members of Portland band, The Exploding Hearts, Adam Cox, 23, Matt Fitzgerald, 20, and Jeremy Gage, 21, were killed in a van accident on I-5. The Hearts were driving back to Portland from a gig at the Bottom of the Hill club in San Francisco. Guitarist, Terry Six, and manager, Rachelle Ramos, survived the accident. The Hearts' first album, Guitar Romantic, has been critically acclaimed and had registered significant airplay on college and alternative radio. The band had been gearing up for a nationwide tour in September and was in negotiations for a recording deal with a major independent label. Our hearts and minds are with the band's families, friends and fans. Thanks to Jef and PVS for making this section possible. Tune in again next month when we return to the letters section. Send mail to letters@musicliberationproject.com |
