Rkcndy Concert Will Benefit Mia Zapata Fund

In memory of Mia Zapata, and in an effort to assist in the capture of the person or persons who murdered her last week, RKCNDY will hold a benefit concert Tuesday to help raise funds for a reward. It's hoped that someone will surface with information about Zapata's tragic slaying and those responsible.

"We're really at a loss," said Barbara Dollarhide, former publicist for CZ Records, the local label Zapata and her band The Gits recorded for. "We just feel we need to do something to help find out who did this to Mia. This is so wrong, so unfair. The rest of the Gits are just, well, they're in shock. They were together for eight years and I think it's just now starting to sink in. It's such a waste."

Zapata was part of a close circle of friends who included not only her band, but other local musicians and fans as well.

"Everyone is taking it really hard," said Dollarhide, "especially the people who had been out with Mia the night she was killed. Everyone just feels helpless and hurt and angry. We need to do something positive."

Performing Tuesday will be Love Battery, Maxi Badd, D.C. Beggars and Sage. The suggested donation is $5 at the door, but anything extra will be greatly appreciated.

Dollarhide added the Crimestoppers organization is assisting in the reward process.

If you know anything about Mia's death, call the police.

She is missed. P.S. (Pioneer Square) I Love You, another benefit - but perhaps one not quite as grave - takes place Sunday at the Fenix Underground at 9:30 p.m. The club is hosting a concert to benefit the Pioneer Square Private Security Fund. The money collected will be used to defer some of the costs incurred by bringing extra security into the Pioneer Square area.

Two months ago there were a series of highly publicized deaths and assaults in the Square. That, along with a perceived increase in panhandling and harassment caused the city and the area businesses to establish a very visible police and private security presence.

"I think the area has gotten a bad rap," says Tina Bueche of the Pioneer Square Community Council. "I think things got blown out of proportion. Still, we want people to feel safe, and that costs money."

Performing will be The Fabulous Duffy Bishop Band and Andy O and the Calypso Symphony. Master of ceremonies for the evening will be John Corbett, best known as Chris from the television series "Northern Exposure" and as one of the hardest working part-time bartenders at the Fenix Underground.

The ticket/donation price is $10. Lighter notes: Comedian Denny Johnston makes his first-ever appearance at Giggles Tuesday through Saturday. Johnston is a seasoned pro with a huge grab bag of songs, props, impressions and general lunacy. He's been a top draw at national clubs for years and has played every major TV show. A very funny comic. Tuesday-night shows are nonsmoking and the second show Friday and Saturday is half price. Call 526-JOKE. Will Durst plays the Improv tonight through Sunday. Durst is a brilliant and brutal political satirist with a strong sense of the absurd. Durst does two shows tonight and tomorrow, one on Sunday. Elsewhere: Tonight at the Lox, Stock and Bagel it's the 8750 Reggae Band from Telluride, Colo. They bill themselves as the "highest reggae band in the land." Something to do with the altitude in Telluride. Funksters Tower of Power are at Parker's tomorrow night (and this evening at the Bite of Seattle). The actual Steve Allen plays Jazz Alley with his sextet through tomorrow night. Nazareth is at Under the Rail tomorrow, Boss Hog from New York is at the Off Ramp Sunday and harmonica man and ex-Fab T Bird is at the Backstage Wednesday.