Friends and family of local musician organize benefit concert

A legacy of love will be on display Friday, as friends and family of a Camas man perform at a benefit concert to help support the wife and baby who survive him.

Bryan J. Albrechtson, 32, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Oct. 13 — just a few weeks after his daughter was born. The Camas High School graduate was a member of Christian rock band Hyperstatic Union.

According to his obituary, music was his passion and calling. His friends Ben and Melody Plumb figured a concert would be the perfect opportunity to provide Bryan’s wife of six years Leilani and their child Meilee with some emotional and financial support.

“When Ben brought up this idea of organizing a benefit concert, he said ‘If I died, I would want someone to do this for you.'”

The “Bry’s Legacy of Love” event will begin at 6 p.m., at River Rock Church, 2008 S.E. Eighth Ave., in Camas, where the couple attended church. The emcee will be Bill Smit, of Whipple Creek Church.

Local musicians scheduled to perform include the Plumbs as well as Robert DeLabitoria, Trishella Messer, Mike Jackson, Steve Jackson, Kathy Jackson, Tim Downing, Molly Downing, Kris McGreevey, Laura McGreevey, Natalie Wilson, Andy Bell, Josilyn Bell, David Martschinske, Kyle Mitchell, Erik Sutton, Sean Michael and Micaela Batterberry and Nathan Arnold.

Melody said the concert is free, but there will be an opportunity for those attending to make contributions of cash, gift cards to local stores, or even just offer a hug to Leilani and Meilee, who plan to attend the event.

“In the middle of the concert there will be an opportunity for everyone to give to these amazing girls as they feel led,” Melody said. “We want this new mom and new baby to know that they have a father in heaven that brings strength, heals, encourages them and loves them.”

Melody (Lewis) Plumb attended CHS with Bryan, who in addition to music enjoyed gardening and flowers. She said he was a kind, caring person.

“What I can say about Bryan is he was a gentle encourager,” Melody said. “He had a quiet strength, gentle spirit and a loving way of encouraging people.”

For more information about the event, search “Bry’s Legacy of Love” on Facebook.