Detroit bands organize benefit to support recovery of musician Justin Walker

Musician Justin Walker should be gearing up for a soundcheck at any number of Detroit venues with any one of his many projects (J.Walker & the Crossguards, Carjack., Isles of ESP, Ultimate Ovation, to name a few.)

Instead, Walker is focused on recovery. After suffering a debilitating stroke last month, Walker was robbed of complete mobility on his right side. Thankfully, he's not alone.

Strength: A Benefit for Justin Walker is planned for Saturday, March 30 at Hamtramck's Planet Ant with a roster of Detroit talent to raise funds and to exhibit the power of Detroit's musical comradery.

Longtime friend and bandmate, Brian Rozman says that the benefit is more a celebration of Walker's friendship, musicianship, and dedication to Detroit.

"Justin has been such a huge supporter and contributor to the Detroit music scene for over ten plus years, often being in four bands at once around town at any given time," Rozman says. "He lives to play guitar and breathes Detroit music, so the benefit is more of a celebration to show our support and solidarity for our brother and good friend."

Duende, Kommander, OBLISK, ZZvava, and the High Strung are among the artists scheduled for the Ant Hall stage. Dawg Love (Demolition Dollrods), Carjack., Dark Red, EnD, and Isles of ESP will perform at Ghost Light along with DJs Ayinde Zuri, Johnnie Penn, and Zenas 'The Nihilist.'

After spending several weeks at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Walker is now home and gaining more and more mobility each day. According to the GoFundMe, launched by his friends and family to assist in paying for mounting medical expenses, he is now able to climb stairs and his speech is rapidly improving. And as of this writing, the crowdfunding effort has raised $8,109 of its $10,000 goal.

Doors open at 7 p.m. at Planet Ant located at 2357 Caniff St. in Hamtramck with a suggested $10 donation for entry. Anyone looking to donate directly to Walker's recovery and to learn more about his story can do so here.

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