Outpouring of musicians fill guitar cases with $30k for Rowena Fire Victims

Mt. Hood looms in the background at the Mt. Hood Winery on Tuesday, July 29, as 20 acts filled the two stages in a fundraiser for those afflicted by the Rowena Fire in June.

Hood River, Ore., July 30, 2025 — A wave of music, community spirit and generosity flowed through the Mt. Hood Winery on Tuesday night, as 20 bands and solo acts came together to raise funds for victims of the Rowena Fire.

The benefit concert generated over $30,000 in donations and auction proceeds, with all funds directed to Columbia Gorge United Way to support those who lost homes and property in the June 11 wildfire.

The outdoor concert, organized by Jan Byrkit Bickford and hosted at her family’s winery near Pine Grove, drew a large crowd despite 95-degree heat. Performers rotated through two stages, playing 10-minute sets between 5 and 10 p.m.

The night ended with a powerful sing-along of Bob Dylan’s I Shall Be Released led by longtime local favorite Moe Dixon.

Moe Dixon on guitar at left leads a sing-a-long of Dylan’s I shall be Released brought an emotional outpouring from local musicians to cap an impressive night of giving.

“Fire season hit our region early this year,” Bickford said. “The Gorge artist community wanted some way to show support for those affected by the fire. And what better way than music.”

Don and Breena Campbell

Musician Don Campbell, 70, who helped coordinate the lineup, said he was overwhelmed by the response. “I can’t say anyone turned me down,” he said. “Some shuffled their gigs to make it work. It was just incredible. That’s the joy of working in a small community—we can have a lot of impact when you can touch your neighbor.”

Campbell, who lost outbuildings and fences in last year’s Microwave Fire and had to evacuate his home in Mosier, said the event was deeply personal. “Our hearts go out to those people affected by the fire,” he said.

The Rowena Fire, which ignited June 11, destroyed 59 homes and damaged 77 others. Donations from Monday’s concert—including bucket collections, QR code scans, and auction sales—will be distributed through Columbia Gorge United Way, which pledged that 100% of proceeds will go directly to impacted residents.

Dennis Morgan

In addition to the live performances, the evening featured a spirited auction led by Dennis Morgan, who was praised for securing top bids during paddle raises of up to $1,000. Items ranged from donated wines and posters to custom T-shirts. Campbell’s daughter, Brenna Campbell, helped run the green room for musicians, while local eatery Four and Twenty Blackbirds provided food. Fourteen Columbia Gorge wineries supported the event.

“The music, the setting, the generosity—it was all beautiful,” said Victor Johnson, a performer who contributed performances of of Woody Guthrie’s Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) and My Oklahoma Home during his set. “It was a night to remember, for a cause that matters.”

Organizers extended heartfelt thanks to the dozens of musicians who donated their time and talent to the benefit concert, helping to create a powerful evening of community and healing. The lineup included Al Hare; Tamara Rogers & Friends; Scot Bergeron; the Mike Grodner Trio with Boyd Becker and Chris Wright; Surf Lords (Tom Chism); Mark Womble; Larry Sawyer; Jess Clemons; Mark Daly and Matthew McCravey; Lesley Saunders and Rebecca Stonestreet; Larry Russ; Ben Bonham & BPT; Juliet Yanko; Chic Preston, John Bunzow, and Ortlieb/Williams; Tess Barr and Alonzo Garbanzo; County Line Acoustic with Larry Wyatt and Kerry Williams; Henry Shifter; Willie & Nelson Trio; and Victor Johnson & Friends. The night culminated with a moving finale from Moe Dixon, whose closing performance brought the crowd together in song and reflection