07/24/2003

The band that used the pyrotechnics that ignited the Feb. 20 fire at The Station nightclub has begun a series of concerts to raise money for the fire survivors and families of those who died in the deadliest fire in Rhode Island history.

The hard-rock band Great White started its 40-city concert schedule on Tuesday in Sterling, Colo. Promoter Todd Allen told the Associated Press that about 900 people attended the 70-minute Colorado show, which paused for 100 seconds of silence in memory of the 100 people who died in the fire.

In February, Great White's pyrotechnics ignited flammable packing foam used as soundproofing in the old wooden nightclub. The fire consumed the building in minutes.

Proceeds from the concerts will benefit the Station Family Fund, an organization run by volunteers. The fund's president is Victoria Potvin, a Station fire survivor.

Potvin said yesterday that the money raised by each show will depend on the venue and ticket sales. It's too soon to know precisely how much the first show raised for the fund, but early estimates are $4,000 to $5,000, she said.

Great White is not touring with another band, though they are using local opening acts in some venues, she said.

The Station Family Fund pays for "basic needs," she said, such as rent, groceries, car payments and insurance.

With reports from the Associated Press.