Moosestock 2010 is Saturday

15 years ago

Proceeds to benefit Dehahn, Ryan  families
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer

    HOULTON — Two local promoters are staging a heavy metal concert, Moosestock 2010, at the Oakfield Community Center on Saturday with proceeds going to the families of three murder victims.
ImageHoulton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
BENEFIT SATURDAY — James Boyce, left, and Benjamin Ivey of Supporting the Cause, Inc. stand next to the billboard outside the Oakfield Community Center where Moosestock 2010 will be held to benefit the family of Jason Dehahn who was killed last month in Amity. The heavy metal concert, according to the promoters, will be chemical-free.

    Jason Dehahn, 33, Jesse Ryan, 10, and his father Jeffrey Ryan, 55, were killed last month in Amity. Thayne Ormsby, who pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, is being held without bail awaiting trial on three counts of murder following his confession and arrest.
    James Boyce and Benjamin Ivey, both of Houlton, said they knew the Ryan and Dehahn families and changed their plans from a commercial venture to a benefit featuring local bands in a chemical-free event. “The bands are excited to do this and all are on the verge of being signed to record deals,” said Boyce. “We were going to do this event, regardless. But, after what happened, instead of keeping the money for ourselves, we decided to contribute everything we make to help the families,” he added. Later the Ryan family deferred to the Dehahns, according to Boyce who said promotional materials had already been printed with reference to both families as beneficiaries.
    Crystal Dehahn, Jason’s widow and the mother of two young children with him, said: “I am on a small fixed income and truly appreciate all the help from the community and anything people can do for my children.”
    She added that donations have been helping with her husband’s funeral expenses and proceeds from the Moosestock concert will help her and the children. Jason’s father, Robert Dehahn, said “as long as the concert helps Jason’s kids, its OK. People have already shown that they care, they have been wonderful.”
    Shock is how Ivey described his reaction when Jesse Ryan’s aunt called to tell him about the crimes. “Jesse was a sweet little kid. I wondered how this could have happened.”
Community support
    The two young promoters are getting support from the community to help channel as much as possible to the families. Dale Morris, town manager in Oakfield, is making the community center available at no charge. “The town has a policy to waive the fee as it relates to benefit suppers. I looked at the schedule. The night was available. And, we penciled them in,” explained Morris.
    Daniel Tracy, owner of Aroostook Print Shop, produced posters and flyers gratis because he knew “the money was going for a special reason.”
    Water for the bands is being supplied by Andy Marino who owns Andy’s IGA because “we try to support the community as much as we can.”
    Six Maine-based popular bands are scheduled to perform at the concert with the headliners, In The Kingdom of Nightmares, as the big draw. Other bands on the bill are 13 Winters, Salvo, Constant Battle, Blades of Indica and what producers said is “one more surprise band.” Boyce said they are anxious to help out and may only ask for gas money.
    Doors open at 3:30 pm on Saturday with $10 tickets being sold at the door. Tickets are also available at York’s Bookstore in Market Square and Andy’s IGA on North Street.