Oso slide inspiring songs, musical benefits

Singer/songwriter Jesse Taylor is an Arlington-native whose single “Out Here in the Country” includes lyrics about skipping rocks on the river and drinking beer at a dive bar.

Taylor is also one of the performers at the “Oso Strong” fundraiser happening Saturday, April 5th at the Rhodes River Ranch in Oso.

“This is a live auction, music, food and beverages. Good time to meet people and see you friends, and put your money towards a good cause,” says Bonnie Rose, the manager of The Ranch’s restaurant.

The event starts at 1:00 PM and lasts until 7:00. All proceeds will go to the Oso Fire Association.

The Ranch is a gathering place for the Oso community, still reeling from the devastating March 22nd mudslide.

“We are actually a breeding and training facility for reining horses, and also a restaurant” Bonnie says. “A lot of our customers and employees have been deeply affected by this. That’s why we want to reach out and help.”

Bonnie says local music acts have written songs inspired by the slide.

“We’re looking forward to being an outlet for those people to get their voices heard. Just get the emotions out their that they want to share with people, and get those hugs that everybody needs so desperately.”

Bonnie says her community is uniting to help their own.

“Anybody that has a craft or a skill, anybody that can do anything wants to be out there helping each other. It’s a beautiful thing.”