Five groups turned personal disaster into a good cause.

The Michael Guthrie Band was one of several groups that came together last night at the Melting Point in support of musician Tim White. The evening included musical mixing of several kinds. ALLISON LOVE/Staff

Notable keyboard player Tim White’s house burned down.  And so Michael Guthrie Band, Nathan Sheppard, Rick Fowler Band, Strawberry Flats, Randall Bramblett and Davis Causey put together this benefit concert.

“The turnout here is a testament to how many friends he has,” said Richard LaFleur, retired Classics professor of the University. “This proves the Athens music community sticks together.”

Many musicians mixed with each other’s bands, and even though each band member identified with a specific artist or band, they showed versatility and variety by playing or singing across the groups.

John Keane appeared with Strawberry Flats and Nathan Sheppard and Davis Causey, who typically appears with Randall Bramblett, joined Flats as well.

“He’s one of my favorite guitar players,” Keane said to introduce him to an eager audience.

Causey’s guitar accompaniment and solo prompted the loudest applause and a stunned fan mouthed “wow” to compliment his talent. Bramblett’s saxophone solo and Tim White’s piano solo formed other excellent parts of the show.

“It’s a house full of musicians for sure,” Teresa Massey said to describe the event. “I’m a fan of all the bands. It’s great to see all the buddies you grew up with, and they’re still as talented as ever. It’s gonna be good to see Davis Causey and Randall Bramblett.”

The guitars and drums overpowered the vocals in Michael Guthrie’s band while an organized and talented instrumental background muddied their lyrics. A content audience remained seated until Rick Fowler’s band took the stage.

“We’re waiting for the Rick Fowler Band,” said Judy Carrier, a long-time fan and friend to Michael Doke, a band member.

Rick Fowler Band played a big opening, which roused the audience to dance and cheer. Bill Berry, former drummer for R.E.M., played with the Rick Fowler Band, which intensified many audience members’ interest in the show.

Rachel O’Neal, vocalist in Strawberry Flats, brought more variation to the show; she was the only female vocalist. Strawberry Flats’ song “We can Change the World” brought even more audience members to the front of the stage to stand, listen and dance.

As each band played, the music and instrumentals grew stronger and more vibrant. The audience reflected the show’s progression from warm to hot, contentment to excitement and the plethora of musicians, bands and musical styles created a fresh show and showed the immense, supportive network for the White family.

“A lot of the bands that play tonight are like family,” said Steve Sweetser, local artist. “They’re all Tim White’s family tonight.”