Back in June, we reported the shocking story of singer/songwriter David Via being randomly attacked at a concert in Burke, NC. The man, believed to have been under the influence of “bath salts,” a synthetic street drug, drove himself into Via, knocking him off the porch where he was standing. Falling, David’s head struck the bumper of a nearby truck, causing serious damage to his face and teeth.
His many friends in the music world have put together a benefit festival, Via Fest, scheduled for August 16-17 in Lawndale, NC. Music will run all day each day, with 15 bands providing entertainment. Proceeds will go to help David with his medical expenses, and the loss of income from being unable to perform for some time.
We caught up with Via yesterday, and he said that he is slowly recovering. The wires that were holding his jaw together have been removed, and he now has several painful dental procedures to look forward to.
“I basically have to wait at least 5 or 6 months to see if the damaged part of my skull will grow back, which the doctors think it will. It’s just a matter of seeing if it grows back thick enough for them to put implants in. If so, they may be able to cap the other teeth. I guess time will tell.
Naturally I’d rather not go the other route, which would be to pull the teeth and get a partial or bridge. I’m already missing two from the incident, and there’s about 6 teeth that are on the fix it list. I may not have a choice but to do that if it doesn’t heal back, but I think it will. At least I hope so.”
Via Fest will be held at Brackett Cedar Park, and the admission price is only $10/day. Rough camping is available at no charge with a two day pass, and RV hookups are $20/night.
Scheduled to perform are:
- Danielle Howle
- The Rev. Jeff Mosier and Friends
- The Sloan Tones with Randy Saxon
- Nothin’ 2 Fancy
- Mama’s Remedy
- Roger Padgett
- The South Mountain Ramblers
- The Wright Family
- Surrounded By Strangers
- The Ya Yas
- Short Bus Love Affair
- High Grass
- Porch Dog Revival
- Ray Allison
- Jason Davis Band
Complete details on Via Fest can be found on Facebook.
Let’s hope to hear more great news as David’s recovery continues.
