Sharks,
A month ago we received some very upsetting news. Jacko Monahan had contracted a serious illness and as a result his leg was amputated. The story broke here in Article 1.
Jacko is a former member of dozens of area bands, including Dirge, Fatal Rage and Mau-Mau Tsunami, but he's perhaps even better known as the long-time booker, doorman and truth seeker of the Brighton Bar in Long Branch. During his tenure at the Brighton, he was the barrel-chested figure at the door who nurtured an army of local and regional bands inside, as well as art and poetry scenes, from the '80s through the '00s.
Upon hearing the news, many in the NJ scene rallied to lend support to Jacko in any way they could. A continuing story broke here in Article 2. As of this writing the Jacko Monahan Medical Fund has reached its goal number but it's a drop in the bucket for Jacko's future needs.
On a personal note, Sharky's Machine would not have prospered to the extent it had without Jacko. Our first shows were at the Brighton over 20 years ago and it is there where we grew our fan base and connections to the area's greatest bands. Jack and The Brighton opened the door for us and kept it open. No matter where we were touring or what we were doing, when Jacko called to say he needed us to play we did.
Sharky's Machine had been on hiatus the last few years but on hearing this news our first thoughts were to reunite and plan a benefit show. The owner of The Brighton Bar and our close friend Greg Macolino has given us the green light to do so with proceeds to benefit Jacko. It's tentatively in the works for Saturday, December 20th. We are working out all the details and will have the official promotions and logistics available soon. We hope to see all of Jacko's friends and bands there to lend some support. Talk soon!
Sharky